I started with Louie. I've been thinking of something I could do that might possibly help him with his teeter "bang" phobia. I pulled out our old wobble board: a square piece of plywood painted with a yellow paint + sand - similar to a non-rubberized contact obstacle surface. I used to put a toy under it and have the dogs play on it so that they would become comfortable with a surface that moves.
I took that idea one step further. I also had a plastic pegboard (which I have used in the past to help train obedience scent articles) that I put underneath the wobble board, as my basement has carpet. I encouraged Louie to "hit it" so that the wobble board would make a sound. He was fine with this noise; it is not nearly as loud or sharp as the teeter board at club makes. I will continue to work with him on the wobble board on plastic and then graduate to other surfaces: wobble board on wood and then wobble board on metal (like a cookie sheet.)
We also worked on off-side weaves (since that was an issue on last Sunday's standard course) and played "ready - set - go" with the plank.
I had to take several breaks during Louie's training session to get Annie off of the back of the couch, which she kept jumping up on so that she could get a better view of Louie's training session. She was so up and excited today. We worked on heeling, stand for exam, recalls, and down/stay. Annie enjoyed everything EXCEPT the down/stay. She wasn't interested in doing a down or a stay. Something to work on in different places.
Teddy went last. We worked weaves and ready - set - go. He is really enjoying practice. I have him entered in a trial next month (if we get in). It will be good to see how his training will translate to a trial situation.
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