intermediate obedience

[Jeni D]

Hey Everyone
Dudley starts intermediate obedience class this Thursday. It's a six week course and they teach heal...thank goodness because I stink at it and I don't get it what-so-ever. I can't even figure out how to hold the leash and give a treat...hey, I never claimed to be coordinated
It's going to be a very small class--only four or five so they can devote time to making sure all of the dogs (and their trainers) get everything. I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I was a little nervous. I'm afraid that Dudley will be the only terrible leash walker and that will just be plain embarrassing. He's just got so much uncontrolled spunk!
Anywho, I thought I would share my excitement/nervousness with everyone. I am also interested to know what others have learned at intermediate obedience.

[Chip's Mom]

Jeni - It is so much fun. I am anxiously waiting for Dale to start and I have been working with the two of them together at home. The first time I took Chip to his basic obedience class, I was a nervous wreck and only about half paid attention because I was so busy worrying about looking stupid or making mistakes. After a time or two, I relaxed and Chip and I just had fun. You & Dudley will do fine and you will be so surprised at how little the other ones know too and you will both learn alot. Good luck and keep us posted on how you are doing.

[manymuddypaws]

Jeni,

You will do just fine! I am sure that everyone else in the class is just as nervous! Have fun- and keep focused on your dog. It is never a good idea to compare your dog to other dogs in the class- dogs learn at different rates- and some dogs are more "wild" than others- (corgis fall into that group) ;p
-amanda

[Jespah]

We just finished intermediate Jeni - that is Jemma and I, and I thought we were in big trouble, but there were some dogs and owners there that you'd never know had done any training at all!

I think intermediate means different things depending on where you take the training. This trainer we went through focussed more on learing things for safety more than leash work. She firmly believes in the "stay at a distance" and "down at a distance" as, if your dog is offleash, and calling them back could get them hurt - like hit by a car - you need them to stay where they are so you can get to them.

Have fun, relax, you'll both be fine!!

[Fluffypants]

Good luck Jeni & Dudley. And here is a valuable thing I have learned about dog training classes . . . . EVERYONE looks silly at some point, so don't worry about it. You are there to LEARN, so no one will be looking down their nose at you. You guys will do GREAT!!!!

[Dillydoodle]

Jeni, I was the same way in the begining, i had issues with holding a leash, treating, and making sure i was in the proper position. I think that it takes practice, and that everyone feels a little akward in the begining, so no worries. I am sure you will have fun, and Dudley will learn a lot. I think classes are a great way to bond with your dog while learning how to train a dog and while your dog is learning new skills... have a great time!

Emilie

[Jeni D]

Thanks guys! We did basic obedience when he was much younger, and although he was one of the wilder ones, he always knew his stuff when it was time to work. Hopefully, this will be the case again.
I just hate how he has to annouce his presence when he walks into a room

[Chip's Mom]

Chip does the same thing when he goes into obedience class. It's like ok I am here now we can start. So funny.

[Fluffypants]

Yeah - Jackie too - I'm here! The party can start!!
There are no inconspicuous entrances when you have a corgi!

Dudley will be the star of the class, I just know it! Can't wait to hear all about how he dazzled everyone!!