Puppy Class, Part Deux

Well, we've once again survivied another puppy headstart with Frankie.

Based on the recommendations from the trainer, we not only walked Frankie before we left for class (to our mail box and back, including an uphill climb, which, if you're familiar with my lack of fitness coupled with my 8 months of pregnancy, means he's pulling me uphill most of the way) plus Chris played fetch with him in the pet store parking lot just before class. And...damn that dog has a ton of energy. He was still a spaz.

Actually, I think of Frankie as a gifted child with ADD. He gets the lessons; he's just way too easily distracted by the world around him. We're reminded that this hyperactivity is common with border collies but holy smokes! I can hear the frustration in Chris' voice. Frankie does everything perfectly at home but when it comes to demonstrating his awesomeness to others...well, he just comes across as a spaz.

This week we learned two more lessons -- walking nicely on a leash (not heal -- that's an advanced lesson for another class -- but rather don't drag your owner down the hill when you're on a walk to the mailbox) and "Down". True to form, you can tell Frankie gets both commands...he just needs more focus. Plus, walking him back and forth down the dog food aisle to practice the "walk nicely" lesson probably didn't help in the concerntration department either. Not to mention, the customers and other dogs he'd see when ever we got to the end of an aisle.

On the bright side, he did, once again, excell at puppy playtime. Mamma's little social butterfly.