Sheila's Got a Trainer

[DeeDee and Sheila]

Oh my gosh. At the suggestion of another Dker, I decided to try a trainer for Sheila at our house. Sheila was just so excited and unfocused at puppy classes that I felt we were getting nowhere fast. Pam, the trainer, had her doing stuff I never thought a five month old puppy could do. The trainer made it so interesting for Sheila that she was sitting, downing, then would play a game, then look, then on and on. I realized how much I was the one lacking. I had all I could do just to watch and take notes. Training a smaller, more excitable dog was just beyond what I was used to doing. Now I really feel hope that with a little practice, maybe I can get Sheila to get the idea of minding me so we can eventually go to classes and have her attend. This girl was a pro and worth every penny. And she only charged $20/hr. I just wish I had started sooner, although Pam did say that Sheila could do alot for her young age (just to make me feel better, I'm sure).

Now if I can just get coordinated enough to do the training maybe we really will be on our way to eventually having Sheila be a therapy dog. Sheila's brain is more agile than mine, that is the problem!

[DeeDee and Sheila]

You guys are right. It is more about an education for me than for her. Today was bath day. She actually did her"stand" pretty well. Wow, now I'm hot and could use a shower!!

[Debbie and Thomas]

This is so great! They can cover a lot in a hour can't they. Now with your notes you can have regular training sessions to practice what YOU and Sheila are learning together. I feel the training is for us too. Sounds like you are on the right track. Good girl Sheila.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Wow! I am very impressed and at that price you can have her come again and again for specifics.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

$20 an hour seems pretty cheap to me for someone to come to your home! I could use her for a few hours (ok probably days). Glad to hear you found a solution that is working for you. I've always said that I learned just as much if not more in training than our girls. It is so worth it!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This is great news. For some of our puppies the class is just too overwhelming for them to focus. There are two or three dogs in Murphy's class who are just so excited about the other puppies that they have a really hard time learning. I think that first class is more about socialization anyway. It's wonderful that you've found someone who can work with you and Sheila at home. That will give you a good, solid base to build upon as you progress in your training. Guinness is still what I would consider an "excitable" dog. He has to work really hard not to jump and just be a goof, even though he's a year. He does it, but it really doesn't come easy to him. He's just learned over time that there is just no "reward" for crazy behavior. Sheila sounds like such a smart little girl. It may be challenging at first, but once she "gets it" think of how great she's going to be. Have Fun!

[Ann Kendig]

It is a relief when you can see that your dog can actually learn something!! I had a Australian Shepherd years ago and I always told people she was born without a brain. I had a heck of a time with her. I would have loved to had a trainer help me with her! Hang in there DeeDee, it'll get better!