Question: What are the two best Training Opportunities of The Day

I didn’t originate this idea, but saw it working today and thought I’d mention it.

Question: What are the two absolute BEST training opportunities of the day?

Answer: Breakfast and Dinner

Now I understand that you can quibble with that answer, there are other great opportunities like sitting at my feet while I watch Animal Planet and eat popcorn, or when I first come home, but let’s not quibble.

I took Sophie to Waggin Tails this afternoon, for her first introduction to obedience (we had done some Rally, so she wasn’t completely green). While I was delighted with her performance, I had to constantly remind her that “Halt means sit”.

As I walked her to her dinner spot, I asked her to heel, which she did just fine, and then “halt”. Without my reminder, it included a sit. And what a sit. It was straight, it was on cue, and it was snappy.

So I was reminded of the countless opportunities in everyday life around the home. Carpe diem.

Video: Newfoundland Breed Judging at 2009 Westminster

http://video.westminsterkennelclub.org/player/?id=1008401

Please note that a 30-second commercial precedes the actual show video.

We bronze-lovers will be entertained when we notice that the camera pauses on the bronze Newfie and zooms in to be sure it’s obvious that this one “ain’t black”. And, even at Westminster, one of the dogs just refuses to break into a trot, so take heart those of you who have had a disappointing run at some point in your history with your dog. It can happen to anyone.

The musical background is repetitious, you may be tempted to turn that off after the lead-in narrative.

The entire video is 10 minutes in length.

Enjoy

Did you ever notice how .....

I’m not trying to sound like Andy Rooney here, but twice now I’ve noticed the same thing:

On the weekend Livvy and I do a Novice Trial in pursuit of a CD. The following Monday evening we go to Obedience Training at Waggin Tails. Sandy and I both notice that Livvy is having a particularly good session on Monday: halts are quicker and straighter, attention is better, and she’s anticipating the turns in the figure 8 (although I’d rather she watch me on those).

Has anyone else noticed that? It brings home to my why show and go would be such a good idea for my dog.

Abbey's Name Says it All

We just got back from a show in NJ, and I have some bragging news. Abbey won Best Opposite on Friday, and Winners Bitch today.

So for 15 minutes, her real name is:

"Haytee's Abigail's Journey On A Perfect Day"