Last week was a big one for Kasey.
On Wednesday, Kasey took his Canine Good Citizen test. He was a bit cautious with the examiner, but that was his only rough spot among the ten test items (sit/stay, down/stay, come, heel, accept a stranger in a friendly way, don't freak out when owner leaves the room, etc.), so he passed the test. It's kind of cool now to have letters after his name to validate his education.
We also started beginner's agility last Thursday. It was the first time that he has gotten to interact with the equipment, and we were curious to see how he would like it. Well, after seeing how he easily took to the jumps, and also to the tunnel and the dog walk after a little coaxing, we think that he'll love it and do well.
Since we brought this little dude home, we've been watching to see what his particular talents and favored activities would be (e.g., he'll fetch, but doesn't seem to love it). I believe, as does Patricia McConnell, that a dog's happiness depends upon whether he gets to spend time doing what he loves (whatever that is....agility, herding, chasing a ball, etc.), and not just upon pleasing his owner by performing arbitrary tasks. So, in the weeks to come, we'll see if agility keeps his boat afloat.
I hope if dogs ever take over the world, and they choose a king, they don't just go by size, because I bet there are some Chihuahuas with some good ideas.
- Jack Handey
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4 comments:
Congrats on CGC title!!! How exciting that you are starting agility...Sophie loves it!! I'm with you...dogs need to do what they love. We tried Dock Dogs too and she was so fearful and afraid...the instructor said stick with it, she'll come around. And I thought, I don't want her "come around" if she's not loving it, then why would we stick with it? Looking forward to hearing how the agility goes! :)
Congratulations to Kasey. He sounds like a very bright fellow. I know my sister was interested in doing agility, but she's also the one who wanted a Shar Pei. I think that's kind of mutually exclusive. It's all good though. I love watching the agility trials on TV, but you're right. It should be something that the dog wants to do, too.
Congrats on the CGC!!! A very nice accomplishment. And so great your doing some agility! We absolute love it, don't know what we'd do without it. Hope you enjoy it too, woofs, Johann
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