Kirby's last beginner obedience class

Kirby's Mom here-

Well last night was Kirby's last beginner's obedience class. There were only three dogs there, Kirby, Monty (Mary's golden retriever) and Lilly a labradoodle. When we walked in Monty greeted us and Kirby backed up a little but didn't bark or growl (yeah!). We proceeded in and Mary said to let Kirby off his leash so he and Monty could mingle. Monty is a very non threatening, well behaved dog so this would be very good for Kirby. Kirby did so well! Monty let Kirby smell him and such and Monty just looked at him like, "okay little dude go ahead." Then Lilly came in and Mary said to keep them off the leash for class. So for the last class, the dogs socialized and so did we. This was so good for Kirby, his confidence was built up so much last night and I am SO PROUD of him! He played a little bit with Lilly who is just a pup herself really, although a big pup! Kirby and Lilly played follow the leader sometimes, Lilly following Kirby and Kirby didn't growl or turn around and bark. It was funny when Kirby went walking behind the chairs and he went under the chair to get out and Lilly got stuck because she was too big! At times Kirby did hide behind the chairs, but he never growled or barked. Mary and her assistant were amazed at his bravery!

I was so encouraged by this. Mary has playgroup for the dogs on Saturdays at the training center and although the next two Saturdays I can't take Kirby, we will go soon. She said that it's a great time to practice training, socializing and she even pulls out the agility equipment for us to play on. I can't wait!!!!!

Mary told me that next Tuesday for advanced obedience there is a dachsund coming in with an attitude like Kirby's. I don't know why but I'm excited for this. I'm hoping in some way that maybe the two dogs can help each other, but I would also love to talk to the owner.

Anyways, I am feeling so encouraged today for Kirby. I feel like we are having little breakthroughs with him and step by step we are getting there!

I love you Kirby-dude!

Kirby's Mom

Kirby here-

Well last night was my last beginner class, so let's hear it from my point of view, okay... I got hardly any treats!!!!! Okay, I did get to show off my tricks. I did rollover, paw (shake), and my crawl. I got rave reviews! But otherwise all we did was play, which, okay, was fun. I got to meet Monty, a nice "big" guy who let me smell him and he just looked at me. Lilly was very rambuctious but fun, we tried to play together too, running around the room!! Lilly and I also took turns trying to catch a fly that was truly annoying us. The adults, including my mom, were getting a kick out of watching us do this. Mom did give me treats when we got home, apparently she was very proud of me for behaving so well! Last night I just had a good time with the other dogs, I guess that was worthy of treats!

Woof!

Kirby