The benefits of teaching "place" and an excuse to brag a bit

[BG and Gavin]

We have been teaching "place" to Gavin since he was a wee pup. In particular he has had to lie on his bed while we are having supper each night in the adjacent room. Today my student was doing a presentation to our College Program Advisory Committee (a very big deal for her) about her work with Gavin and me this semester. The lunch meeting portion took place first. We were in a huge boardroom with 30 people or so. The "lunch" was a very aromatic, full on Indian Chicken dinner. I brought a small blanket to represent "place" and set it up in the corner of the room, put Gavin in a down stay on it and for half an hour of people passing by him, talking to him, carrying plates of chicken, he did not move. Loud voices talking over each other, mild debates...he stretched right out on his side. Eveyone marvelled and I was so proud of him. He hung out more casually for the remainder of the 1.5 hour meeting and made everyone laugh because whenever they applauded for a speaker he jumped up seeming to think it was for him.
It is so true that these foundational commands like "place" pay off over and over.

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Jane, we definitely need to celebrate our successes!

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

It shows all the love and caring you put into Gavin. Truly special.

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Diane. I had to hold my self back from hesitating and looking back to be sure he was obeying...my student wanted to stay and watch him while I got my food but I confidently went forward and told her to do the same and it worked.

[Pam & Trixie]

Awe, what a great story!

[BG and Gavin]

Thank you Pam!

[DJ & Chance]

What a great story. Gavin, you make all of us proud!

[BG and Gavin]

Aw thanks DJ!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

This is such a great testimonial to what patience, persistence and love can do! You two (3) have done a lot of work to help Gav integrate into the human world and look at the doors it has opened for him.  Congrats to both of you!

BTW. I'm not sure I could have stayed in "place" with all that yummy food passing by...LOL

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Ricki. It sounds so great the way YOU put it lol.

[sandy]

What a great story!  The "place" command has really helped us with our nearly 5 yr old f1 (Micky) to help him calm down.

We put him in place before the walk and it has been amazing!  And when we are out walking with both of the dogs my husband puts Micky in place, drops the leash and can do the poo pick up with Micky in place the whole time.  3 months ago we would not have thought this possible!

[BG and Gavin]

Great success Sandy! The "poo pick" lol.