Doodle Diary: First Day of Obedience Training

[Nancy Sunderland]

Well, Sable's much anticipated debut in Obedience school was pretty fun actually! I was surprised how much she "wanted to learn" and wanted to please me, even if it was for treats! My instructor was nice, everyone was nice in fact, and inquisitive as to what breed she was. I think the class had a pretty typical slice of Americana: 2 goldens, one collie, one Doberman, and Sable! Sable was the youngest and smallest, by a month, and at least 15 pounds! But she held her own at "recess", I mean "romping time" at the end of class, until that dobe puppy got a little too rough with her and she yelped and cowered behind me. Side bar: what is it with those dogs? I've yet to read a kind word about them here on DK, is it just the breed, or do they get a bad rep because they look so scary?) Anyway, Sable did giving me her attention, sit and down well. The "getting her into the heel position" was a little tricky. Our instructor had us lead her with a treat back, then front, to end up seated on our left side. I almost fell over trying to lead her around back LOL, oh well, we have a week to work on it!

[Kendra K. Rhoton]

My aunt had a doberman and it was the best, most well behaved dog I have ever seen... not all are bad.

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

Glad to hear Sable did great at puppy kindergarden, Dobbies are a joy if you like the breed, they are just a much bigger, more solid dog and puppy so they tend to be rougher when playing. Dobbies like Rotties and PitBulls all get bad raps with their names. Like any dog if trained right from the start, you could have a fantastic dog. Funny how the Golden Retriever ranks up there in the top 5 for dogs that bite, yet some forget that. My brother will be getting 1..maybe 2 Doberman puppies this winter, and Hannah and Honey will have a blast playing with them.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Sounds like Sable did really well....smart puppy. I love the picture of her sitting on your desk. She won't be small enough to do that much longer.

[Nancy Sunderland]

I forgot to mention: I used my new martingale-clip/chain collar from "Cozy Critters", http://www.cozycritter.com/martingaleclipchain.htm that I got a tip on from Adrianne M. Mine is RED BANDANNA print and the lead was 2 feet long. It was perfect for keeping her close! I didn't have to bundle up the leash in my had, awesome, I totally recommend this length leash/lead!!
P.S. Jane: This dobe still had the surgical ear-casts in place from being cropped...