Pieka and I will be finishing our Intermediate Obedience class this week. The next class in the series is very cool. My trainer calls it “Taking it to the Streets.” It’s only open to 5 dogs and we will meet in various locations throughout Columbus – a coffee shop that is dog-friendly, a children’s soccer game, a park, etc. The idea, of course, is to practice skills in “real life” settings.
I like Amy’s classes in general, as I think they lay a wonderful “good pet” foundation…which is more important than high scores in the obedience ring for the majority of people out there. I think this class is especially useful for that purpose. While I work Pieka under lots of distractions, many dog owners don’t. This class kind of forces that….which is good!
I also plan to start dropping in on a competition-oriented class soon…which means I really need to start working on heel!
That sounds like such a neat class! It’s great that you found such a wonderful trainer!
This class sounds ingenius. Is it held only in warmer months? Even more interesting is the dog-friendly coffee shop. Are the dogs allowed inside the coffee shop or just at outside seating?
Jamie, all of that “good pet foundation work” will also lead to higher scores in the obedience ring. It sounds like you have found a really good trainer.
That really does sound like a neat class!! Dog friendly coffee shop? Jaime I spoke with Tasha’s dog trainer at Doggie Resident Boot Camp and she has picked up the dog barking like your Pieka..
The class is only held in warmer months. I think she hold it three times per year – spring,summer, fall. It’s 6 weeks in duration. It’s a fantastic idea.
The coffee shop has a dog friendly patio, but they come outside to take orders, according to Amy. There are actually quite a few places around here that are pretty dog friendly. Pieka and I have been in the local dog bakery, a candle shop, and a clothing boutique on Grandview avenue. They are all dog friendly and keep water behind the counter (and a clean bowl) for visitors. Nice!
Amy is a really good trainer. I was a leeetle frustrated at first, because I felt like Pieka and I could move a lot faster…but I know that’s just my impatience. We’re building a strong foundation and Pieka is very comfortable and confident with our work.
She has started some “typical teenager” dog barking. It’s not aggressive in the slightest, she’s just really excited and figured out she has perfectly good vocal cords. We’re working on self-control, re-orienting to me…..and using a LOT of tug to give her an acceptable outlet for that drive and excitement. We’ll get there….;)
You are doing a great job! Thank you for sharing the info on the “taking to the streets” class.
julie