Abigail Graduates
This week Abigail graduated from Obedience
Training. She was a wonderful pupil. Abigail loved her classes - getting
excited each Thursday evening as we approached her "school". I think
her weekly outings made her feel special.
I've noticed a huge change in her over the
past eight weeks. Abigail listens to me now. When I say her name she stops and
waits for the next command. These classes have given me the confidence to know
that I control the situation - that I really am Alpha in our relationship.
Last week I needed to go to Motor Vehicle Registration. I took
Abigail - walked along the Corner Brook Stream Trail for 20 minutes, then
stood in line with her for over 1/2 hour and I was confident that this little
10 month old pup would be ok. And she was. She can sit and stay, or lie down
and stay for long periods of time. People in line commented how well behaved
she was. That wouldn't have happened 8 weeks earlier!
Obedience training is going to be a
continuing process. Everything she has learned will have to be periodically
reinforced, relearned. But I know the method, the strategy now, and this will
help me in my interaction with my other two dogs and with all the dogs I meet
in my work at the S.P.C.A. shelter. If you are interested in Obedience
Training for your dog, contact Janice and Ray Berkshire at 634-5219. The next
class begins in the fall. And in the fall Abigail and I will be looking into
Pet Therapy training...
ps. the photo shows Abigail looking fondly
at her "school chum" Bailey