Day 271

2/11/23

Going to classes with this boy has been an experience!

On our first night, he was frightened by all the other dogs! (Gus, with sight in only one eye, has become tentative and somewhat of a coward.) Growling, while tucked behind Mama's legs, was his initial reaction! At that point, I suddenly wondered if this was going to be a success.

Fast forward two weeks. Gus entered the school with only a rumble or two deep in his throat and then went on to accept all of his classmates with only an attempted sniff once or twice.

To be fair, when Gus was only about five months old, we attended an obedience class with only four members. He was such a "beast" as a puppy and I knew enough to get help! That deteriorated into private lessons due to Gus and his Zoomies, along with his inability to focus. The instructor, who has tutored the likes of Arthur, Ranger and Lilly, even commented on what a incorrigible rascal he was. Now, he is ready to learn and has ALMOST mastered sit, down, heel and come...with a few failed attempts here and there.

I remember when I was training Lilly and Ranger almost nine years ago. The same incredible instructor was the most alpha person I had ever met, but she knew her stuff! There were many pit bulls and rottweilers among the ranks and then there were these Goldens. I will never forget the night our teacher was trying to get sweet Ranger to be successful with "down." She squatted in front of our boy and that's when it happened. He took one look at her, turned tail and literally leaped over my bent figure. Peering out from behind my legs, this poor Golden was waiting for a strong reaction from the teacher...as was I! All of a sudden, she started to laugh and, looking at me saying, "You've wussified him!" She was probably right!

Being part of a team that is training for obedience, I realize that it is truly me who is the student. Gus learns by praise and repetition, but I am the one who must attend, comprehend and act. I hope I am up to the challenge, but I do have precious Gus to work with. He tries to please me at every juncture and it almost makes me feel bad. I just want to sit down, hug him and tell him that he is ALWAYS the best boy ever!

We will get through this course and a couple more classes after this one is completed. Gus will make an amazing Therapy Dog within a few months and I will love to share that experience with him.

Now our Sammy starts next week...Zoomies and all! "Hold on to your hats, it's going to be a wild ride!"