Mack seemed to be happier than I have ever seen him on Saturday. He really loves going to training class. His body was more wiggly than usual, and his tail never stopped going. He even got a little overzealous and jumped on us once or twice. We, of course, did not encourage that behavior, but it was interesting to see. We started class in the parking lot. It is a really small group this time! There were only three dogs, Mack, a toy poodle, and a shepherd mix. Betty came around and offered us different exercises that will help with our particular dogs. We would have Mack "place" on his mat and then, without a command, sit and eventually lay down for a treat, which we would throw away from the mat so that he would have to get back up, and we could start over again. We would tell him to "place," he would sit and then lay down, and then be rewarded. He seemed to like all the movement and thought involved. This exercise was not only a good use of his mind, but it also teachs him to sit when he meets someone.
Afterwards, we went on a short walk to a small park with a pond. We stopped along the way at a garage to a condo. The noise of the garage doors opening and the suprise of cars coming out caught some of the dogs and people off guard, but Mack was a pro. He was able to remain calm for the most part and continue his training exercises. In the park, we had him place on a bench and did some more movement focused work before walking back to the car.
