Some hope for our obedience career

Yesterday we went to rally class.

 And Joey did really well. His stand is really improving and He has no problem with the "sit down sit" sign now.

 But the thing that was encouraging was that I got our instructor to examine Joey and Joey did very well! I was able to walk about 3 feet in front of him while he was examined and Joey did not even move a foot. Joey probably did very well at our training club because he knew the place and the people there, but this is still progress for him. Last time he kept shying away from the person examining him. I guess will will go back to Petco or Petsmart again and see how he does there.

Here are some pictures of Joey at the SCOC (our training club).

And a picture of Joey with the "Finish" rally sign.

Agility time

 I have not been very faithful  about training Joey lately. And he was letting me know that he did not enjoy doing nothing, by barking at every single thing that might be a sound with his annoying hysterical howl/bark. I did do a quick run though of some of the rally signs that Joey had trouble with, but apparently that was not enough.When he finally started jumping all over me ever time I got up from my chair, and pouting at me reproachfully from the couch, I decided to wear Joey out with some agility. Joey can do the weave poles accurately 90% of the time now, and is almost fully over his teeter paranoia. He really likes the chute, but his favorite obstacle is defiantly the table.

Watching me set up the agility course

The "you owe me a treat" look

 Downing on the table

Finally content

While the big dogs are away.....

While the German shepherds (Ginger and Ranger) are away, Joey is enjoying acting like a big dog. Ginger and Ranger are in Florida for a Schutzhund seminar and trial, and since Joey is a little taller than Ian, Joey is now the biggest dog in the house. Being the biggest dog, Joey has promoted himself to guarding the house from trespassing squirrels and pigeons with evil intentions. And of course, such hard work deserves the big comfortable bed that is usually reserved for the German shepherds.

Hair cut

Yesterday Joey got a hair cut.

 He was starting to look really shaggy and the weather in Memphis looked like it was warming up so I gave him his hair cut. Of course now that he has his hair trimmed the weather is all cold again. Oh well, he will just have to wear a sweater.

Here are some pictures. 

 

 Side view

It is not the best hair cut, but it is better than the last one he got from me.

Just when you think that you're getting somewhere.

A few days before Christmas me and Joey went to Petsmart for some socialization. Joey did very well there he let people pet him and I was able to make him stand and stay while I stood in front of him. I thought that we were coming along and began to imagine me and Joey competing in Obedience some time soon. Today however, we tried again and Joey was a total mess. He gave everyone at Petco a wide berth, and when anyone bent down to pet him he would slink away as far as his leash would let him. Treats could not persuade him to go forward, and if I pushed him forward he would literally collapse. The most frustrating thing about this experience is the fact that I have no idea why Joey acted like this. He has not had any bad experiences with people since his last socializing, and he seemed to be doing very well before Christmas.  Joey has never really been comfortable around strangers, but he has never been this bad before. We will defiantly be haunting all the nearby  pet stores until Joey's new paranoia is over.

Wet Tracking

Yesterday it rained, and since wet ground is supposed to be good for tracking (because it magnifies the scent) today we went tracking. The ground was very wet, like mud puddle/swamp wet and Joey hates water and mud. With those facts combined you can bet I did not get the best performance from Joey, but over all it wasn't that bad. Except for the article. Whenever the dog sees an article the dog is supposed to lie down and stay there until the handler comes and picks up the article, then the dog can go back to tracking. However, Joey always gets very scared when he sees the article and he usually does not want to down (especially on cold or wet ground). So we are going to start practicing articles in the house where Joey is more relaxed. I hope that helps Joey.

 A wet, muddy Joey after tracking

After tracking photo shoot

Today we went tracking. Joey was not to good today but I think that it was because the terrain was so frozen and stiff I could barely make an impression on the it. After the tracking we went for a walk and I was able to snap a few pictures of Joey.

Joey licking his chops after consuming all the tracking hot dogs.

 Finally thirsty from all those hot dogs.

Running though the leaves.

And the scenic pond picture.

Target Training

Today we played with the target. 

Joey already had some ideas about the target, but he had not seen it for a while so we just did a review.

Tomorrow we will start add more distance.

My rules for the target - If Joey touches the target with his nose, paw or both, he will get a treat. 

 Joey touching the target

 Joey's personalized, special target. It was very fun to make.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone!

Since everyone seems to list their plans for the new year on New Year's Day I am going to list mine.

1. Get Joey's RA title.

2. Start competing in obedience.

3. Get the CD title

4. Get our NAJ title.

5. Get the TR1 title.

6. Go to the NJOC with Joey.

Of course it is highly improbable that I will accomplish all of my goals (especially #6), but it does not hurt to aim high.