Cowboy gets the 1st day of school jitters

OK, so I've actually had Cowboy, my border collie/Australian shepherd mix for more than a year and a half now. But we've never gone through training classes.

Shortly after I'd adopted him from Border Collies in Need, my resident dog, Ellie (14 years old) was diagnosed with lymphoma. Needless to say, that became the focus for the next month or so as I tried to keep Ellie comfortable in her waning days.

After losing her, there was the usual mourning period, but I did let BC's in Need know that I'd be interested in adopting a female at some point. Little did I know they'd find almost the perfect fit just weeks later. A little sooner than I'd anticipated, but Tess did seem like such a good fit so home she came.

So then I had 2 essentially new dogs at almost the same time. They fast became inseparable. Tess immediately had a couple medical issues -- a bout of accute pancreatitis that landed her in the animal ER for a few days, followed by a broken toe that kept her in casts for the next few months, so that occupied all my attention for the first months.  

Training would just have to wait.

But they were both such good dogs, really, that there didn't seem to be an urgency for the classes. I've gone through the drill before with other dogs, so I knew enough about the basics to keep things managable.

But now, life has settled down and I decided to take them through (one at a time) Barbara Millman's dog obedience classes at Kritter Korral in Harbor City. I chose him to go first because I actually think we need more one-on-one bonding time together. Tess is so outgoing that it's hard to keep her out of the way when I'm trying to give Cowboy some attention at home or at the park.

Cowboy already sits well on command at home, he's very motivated by treats and food. But he generally lacks confidence and can be a "quietly" nervous dog. He's fearful of having his picture taken, he's fearful of lots of odd things.

So on the first day of class, he was easily outshined by Betty and Barney and all the other

dogs in class. Cowboy's response to it all: Passive resistance.

Meaning, he stood there, tail down, ears back, with a very worried look on his face. He literally stood frozen in place for most of the entire hour-long class.

"Cowboy, SIT," I said in a firm but happy voice, treat held over his nose.

Nothing.

"Cowboy, LIE DOWN."

No response. No movement. No nothing.

"He looks anxious," Barbara concluded. "Bring some 'high-end' treats next time."

So we'll go back this weekend to see if we can't get a little more enthusiasm and cooperation (or at least some movement?) going.

Any advice on the best treats to use for motivation? (We tried cheese and moist dog bits, but he really showed no interest even though he hadn't been fed yet that day).

Cowboy (or "Cowwws" as I sometimes call him) seems intent on being the class Conscientious Objector. Who knows, maybe he really is standing on principle.

Wonder if there's a class ribbon for that?