View Full Version : You Are Cordially Invited
Otto'sMom
08-20-2007, 06:50 PM
To the Gulfport Petsmart 26 Aug, at 4:45PM to see Darwin probably graduate from the "Beginner's" Class.
He's improved, but he still has a way to go. He was meeting more dogs in the store, but is still scared of people with darker skin. He was also fascinated with a girl with long hair like mine so that was funny to watch: his wanting to follow her and looking back at me confused. He did "shake" two times in a row, and he will sit with me just doing a hand signal. He went up and met a Great Dane (puppy who was as scared as he is) and was a good boy. I was just bursting with pride. He even sniffed the gerbil cage, which he'd never done before.
I think I might continue the training for him. It's so good for his brain and he loves his special Mommy times.
Lee Anne
08-20-2007, 06:52 PM
Are you good about doing the homework? :scratch: That's where I stink. Usually because everybody else wants to get in on the action.
Either way, I really hope he does it and I'm glad he's making progress. Are you walking him with the pack or by himself still?
lotsadox
08-20-2007, 06:52 PM
:awww: Mommy and me time :hearts: :hearts: It sounds like Darwin has made real progress. Congrats! :banana: :banana:
:way2go: Darwin!!!!! And mom too!!!!
Sadly, we will be unable to attend, but what type of graduation present could we send to the excited graduate? (we know to send cookies to da mama!)
Otto'sMom
08-20-2007, 07:05 PM
After the great cookie weight gain of 2006, I will not be requesting cookies again. :sosad:
Darwin still has to be walked on his own, but with the temps ranging to the 110 degree mark (heat index) we have not walked in a week, as I was tired of dripping from sweat.
I wasn't so good with the homework either, but every time I dole out treats (which means every day and 3 times on weekends) I'd make him at least sit. I've got to really practice this week with the stay command since he just wants to stay by me at all costs. I'm going to try "puppy push ups" making him sit and lie down over and over.
Mama S.
08-20-2007, 07:59 PM
Yeeaaa!!!! Gooood boy!!!!
Mama
Claudine
08-20-2007, 08:00 PM
Good boy, Darwin! I had a really great moment yesterday. I've been trying to teach Hooch to sit & give me the paw forever & yesterday HE DID IT!!! Of course he wouldn't repeat it today, but I had almost decided that Hooch just couldn't learn ANYthing & then he DOES IT!!! Doesn't it just make your day when you see real progress?:appl: :appl: :appl:
:way2go: Darwin AND Andrea!
The homework is the hardest part! Going to class is easy. But it's so worth it in the end. It is especially hard with more then one dog around because they (at least my 2) try to compete to see who can do the command the fastest and get the treat. Usually we end up switching off and Dan holds one of them.
Keep up the training! I am going to get B&R in the advanced class in the fall.
Linus
08-20-2007, 09:23 PM
:congrats: Darwin and Andrea!!!
Teddysmom
08-20-2007, 10:40 PM
WOW, congrats! Sadly I will be unable to attend :sosad: ; however I wish you and Darwin all the best with the graduation test. Let us know how it goes. Will say a :pray: er for you that morning.
I know with Teddy he used to really stress me out at the class by being stubborn and continuing that stubborness at home during training; but when it came time for the graduation test....he was perfect, first time all the time! I think he really liked "showin' off" for everyone. I hope Darwin does the same for you. Good luck!
Otto'sMom
08-20-2007, 10:54 PM
He has trouble with "stay" and he's forgotten down. We practiced tonight, and will continue to practice all week. There will be pictures.
catstamm
08-20-2007, 10:59 PM
Woo Hooo Good Boy!!!! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:
That is awesome and I know you are SOOOO proud...who wouldn't be :appl:
Frzframe
08-20-2007, 11:03 PM
see Darwin probably graduate from the "Beginner's" Class.
Then I'll just wish him and you a maybe congrats!! :rotfl:
oceangirls
08-20-2007, 11:05 PM
I just :hearts: Darwin. If he were at the Gulfport, FLORIDA Petsmart, I'd be there!
michelehbc
08-20-2007, 11:50 PM
After the great cookie weight gain of 2006, I will not be requesting cookies again. :sosad:
All cookies are to be forwarded to Greenville, SC. Addressed to Michele Hammill. :rotfl:
samandissy
08-21-2007, 12:06 AM
I think it would be a kick to go to his graduation and big party afterward. None of mine ever made it that far. Congratulations!!!
Michele, now, what type of cookies are you thinking of???
michelehbc
08-21-2007, 12:10 AM
I think it would be a kick to go to his graduation and big party afterward. None of mine ever made it that far. Congratulations!!!
Michele, now, what type of cookies are you thinking of???
Hmmmm choco chip with walnuts...mmmm
Jacqueline
08-21-2007, 12:24 AM
Well Darwin, we are so proud of you. Tell mommy that it too bad about no cookies for her. I was thinking of including toasted oatmeal with raisins the next time I took a notion to send goodies....but okay......
Is someone going to video tape the ceremony for you (and us)?
michelehbc
08-21-2007, 01:35 AM
too bad about no cookies for her. I was thinking of including toasted oatmeal with raisins the next time I took a notion to send goodies....but okay......
Please see post #15 :rotfl:
Otto'sMom
08-21-2007, 07:09 AM
Is someone going to video tape the ceremony for you (and us)?
Nah, just photos. It won't be like those retarded kindergarten graduation ceremonies. I'm not that kind of dog mom. Close, but not.
quavec
08-21-2007, 09:46 AM
Hey, Andrea - how was the whole Petsmart training experience?
We need to put Ree (and ourselves) in one but are hesitant about Petsmart (haven't heard great reviews re: the staff). We are on a long list for a local gal but the course doesn't begin for a few months. We aren't in desperate need for one, which is why we are waiting.
LexieLuvr
08-21-2007, 11:11 AM
Early congrats to both of you! Practicing at home is very important, as I found out. Once a week, or twice a week even, just isn't enough to get into their little furheads; practice is very important, every day. I took one to obedience, then came home and used what I learned on the other. Got double my money! But again - congrats, albeit early!! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:
Otto'sMom
08-21-2007, 12:40 PM
I was pleased with the instructor, but what was most important is to practice. I'm SO into dog behavior, studying and reading everything I can get my paws on that I kinda know a lot of the stuff she was teaching, I just needed to be in a structured environment to get it done. I needed it to socialize Darwin, and that's what it's doing for us. I don't think 8 weeks is enough, so that's why we're going to do the next level.
Hey, Andrea - how was the whole Petsmart training experience?
We need to put Ree (and ourselves) in one but are hesitant about Petsmart (haven't heard great reviews re: the staff). We are on a long list for a local gal but the course doesn't begin for a few months. We aren't in desperate need for one, which is why we are waiting.
Go in and meet the trainer(s) first! They should be available for you to meet. We have been very lucky with the trainers at our store.
LexieLuvr
08-21-2007, 02:06 PM
I understand the instructors at some Petco/PetSmart stores are very good; others have learned their "instructing" from the internet, and really have had no training whatsoever. You'll be able to determine the capability of your instructor by watching them, as mentioned. And I agree that although we may know what to do and how to do it, the interaction and socialization in the structured environment is VERY helpful! And we are more motivated to practice, if we attend regular lessons and put out $$$ for them!
Rileybugg
08-26-2007, 03:34 AM
:cheer1: Congratulations to the both of you in advance. It sounds like he is really coming along and how fun for him to have you all to himself for a little while. Looking foreward to seeing the pictures! :hug99: :hug99:
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