Planning ahead creates focus for the sheltie

Tonight was another Monday night class in the big building near the noisy airport with all the other big dogs.  We got there an hour early and I let her sniff all the scary corners of all the rings and watch all the other dogs arrive.  About 10 minutes before class she accepted a treat from me without spitting it out.  So I knew she’d focus on me because now she was interested in the chicken!

I lost count of how many dogs were in the class, I think 16 or so, lots of shepherds, a roti, one other sheltie, a few irish setters, lots of goldens…and an afghan puppy which was the cutest gangly thing!  During the long sit and down the afghan kept getting the young shepherd next to Katie to move.  Katie watched the two of them closely but didn’t break either her sit or her down!  GOOD DOG KATIE!

We spent a lot of time doing heeling tonight, which is exactly what Katie and I need to do.  She was focused about 50% of the time, which is about 49% more of the time than in recent weeks, so I was pleased.  We were practicing corners; 90 degree and about turns.  We got advice on footwork that really made a difference for me.  Especially since Katie is a dog that watches feet for direction.

But on her recalls..well, again I had trouble.  This time every time I walked away she followed.  She NEVER does this!  I think she is still unsure in the big noisy building and wants to stick with me.  I am going to have to take her to some new big places to get her used to sitting and waiting.  I never got to call her because she was always already there!    This is such an odd thing to have issues with, because it’s always been her strongest skill.  Silly girl.

She’s taking a well deserved rest now.