Recently in training Category

Tess and I have gone through a couple of beginning and intermediate obedience classes together, most recently trying beginning rally (twice; we were bad. I suspect we may have over-shot our potential with that class, but we're going to try it a 3rd time anyway -- both classes are through the Lomita Dog Training Club). 

In the meantime, I gave Cowboy a break, figuring he just didn't like "school" all that much.

But I decided this month to give it another go around with Cowboy. Maybe it was me, maybe I just never found the right way to communicate with him in class.

Cowboy's a sweet and mellow dog.

But in the obedience class setting, that translates to his being generally distracted and unattentive. He stands staring off in random directions (rarely looking at me). He hardly ever obeys a direct command.

Taking a chance (since he's had repeated beginning classes, though not real recently), I signed us up for intermediate obedience.

The first class this week started out well with heeling pattern exercises. Cowboy actually is much better than Tess, a puller, when it comes to walking on a loose lead.

But sit? Uh-uh.

"Sit," I said each time we came to a halt.

"Sit," I said, reaching over to dangle a treat in front of his nose pointing off somewhere to the northeast of us.

Cowboy stood.

 "Cowboy, Sit."

He stared off in another direction. Then, looking entirely bored and disinterested, he decided to just lie down.
 
Cowboy is healthy and not really "old" (he's around 6). He runs and romps and plays at the dog park.

His hearing is fine.