Thursday 2 February 2012

Dexter goes training (for the first time)

A few weeks after we adopted Dexter from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, I thought it would be good for him to go to some dog classes. In his previous home, Dexter had never worn a lead or collar, and never been for a walk.  Considering his limited his experience of the outside world, Dexter loved to meet new people and go to new places. At home I had already taught him a sit and wait which he learnt fast, so I thought he would love dog classes.

 If Dexter was human, he would be the type of character Owen Wilson tends to play in films like "You, Me and Dupree". Dexter likes to walk into a room and shout "Hey everyone let's party". He knows all the ladies find him very handsome, doesn't want to take things too seriously, and loves attention.

I had signed Dexter up for a class, and the first time I took him along I quickly realised that the whole dog class idea of sitting nicely, and being calm didn't appeal to Dexter at all.  He barked and barked and... barked, desperate to run round the room and play with the other dogs.  Who knew a dog could bark constantly for an hour.

From super barker to superstar 
Every week it was the same Dexter would bark all lesson.  I am not ashamed to say, some times I cried before I went in to that class dreading another hour of barking. Some of the other dog owners, and (some of the other dogs) did not look kindly on Dexter's behaviour, which made things harder.   But as time went on, with lots of praise and lots of rewards Dexter concentrated for a little bit longer. The first time Dexter sat for 1 whole minute, I was the one running round the room, completely over excited.  Dexter even won a rosette in an obedience test.

 A year later- Dexter will be taking part in his first obedience competition this month. He also does agility classes too now, which actually much better suit Dexter's personality, he can run round and go a little crazy.  For some  dogs like Dexter it can take a little bit of patience to get them used to dog classes, and some weeks are like going back to square one,  but its so rewarding when he does well, and he really loves all the praise (especially from the ladies).

15 comments:

  1. Aww! That's wonderful, and proves all it takes is one humans love, time, and patience. I think its great he seems to be very social, despite the fact it seems it was not socialized. To me that's a bigger problem, because Yuki my white schnauzer has big socialization problem. She's good at the obedience, but I think its much harder to get over anti social behavior. Dexter looks so cute and proud of his yellow ribbon!!

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  2. Congratulations Dexter - and make sure you give all those ladies lots of slobbery kisses.

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  3. You go Dexter!! Congratulations!

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  4. Hey Dexter, I've been having trouble clicking over to your blog when you comment on mine. My person did a search and found you - and found out the blogspot part of your web address is missing in the info we get when you leave a comment. You probably don't get my info either because I haven't been able to comment using my Wordpress account on blogspot lately.

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    1. Hey Bongo, thanks for letting us know. Mum will check that out. Sometimes we do have trouble commenting on Wordpress blogs too. It can take a few goes.

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  5. Dexter is super cute. I am glad he is doing well in his classes, a dog with a really friendly attitude is a natural for obedience once they have focus. I think its tougher if the dog is a bit fearful, like our Bob (an english bulldog) is

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    1. I agree we also have a Labrador who is very fearful of humans. Even though we socialised her well as a puppy.

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  6. that's really cool! all the hard work pays off. I think it's the people need to read this blog because PATIENCE is everything in training! Way to go Dexter!

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    1. Thank you Kootenai, it's a real shame because sometimes I see people give up class after one bad lesson or just trying for a few weeks, and no one has told them with patience their dogs will be great!

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  7. Excellent Job Dexter!!! We are very proud of you!!! LadyBug is a rescue as well. We have had her for a few years now and she is still a little afraid sometimes...of noises..like the fridge or the washer / dryer. She is a little love though!!
    xo
    Jeanne with Chloe and LadyBug

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  8. Hello Jeanne,

    Yes Dexter is afraid of hoovers and hair dryers. But he is getting better all the time.

    High Five to Chloe and Ladybug

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  9. Congratulations Dexter! And to you for not giving up!

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  10. Hi Y'all!

    Dexter, you are certainly a beautiful boy! So glad your human came by and I got to meet y'all!

    I'll be back!

    Y'all come back now,
    Hawk aka BrownDog

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  11. Howdy there Dexter,
    We're always happy to meet new furiends! Love your doggie bloggie!
    Wrooo wrooo,
    Zack, Sassy and Buddy

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