Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Back to Class

Yesterday, while the neighborhood children were trooping back to school, Fudge and I decided it was time to start brushing up on our moves for the upcoming Rally trial.


This is Fudgie's school bag. You can see from the dust on the bag that we haven't used it in months. During the winter and spring I occasionally tested him with a command thrown out. He likes doing this stuff and always tried to do whatever I told him to do.


Inside his bag are his training collar, his short leash, a treat bag and some designer poop bags. I usually carry a few other things such as my cell phone, my rally cards with the explanation of all the moves and whatever else I might need.


When he saw that I had his bag, he got all excited. I set up a course in the garage and we did a trial run. I was impressed how much he remembered. He knew all the difficult moves and did them perfectly. He was a little too bouncy on his 'heel', but that was first day of class excitement.

Then we tried the move where we messed up so badly last year. It's a simple move, a 'down-stay' while I walk around him. Each time we tried it, he did the same thing. He rolled over, then jumped up in the air. That's exactly what he did in front of the judge last year to get us disqualified. I guess I know what we have to work on.

17 comments:

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

So we guess he really did remember everything, just some of the not so good:) Bet you get that corrected very quickly too. Sounds like fun. Hope your ankle is up to the challenge.

Woos, the OP Pack

Sam said...

Hey, not bad for his first time out! Looking forward to successful runs at the trial coming up. I know you guys can do it.

Sally Ann and Andy said...

Wow, that sounds like fun.
Sally Ann

Unknown said...

How cute! Can you get Rob to video his bad behavior? That's what I want to see - roll over and jump.

Have fun going back to school. I hope you enjoy it. g

Life With Dogs said...

At least he was kind enough to let you know what you're up against. Better now than when it really counts. :)

LizzieJane said...

How smart is he to remember some of the things. I am sure in no time he will be just perfect...I will keep my fingers crossed!
x

Martha said...

We loved the school bag! Now we know that we shouldn't laugh but we did find that amusing and cute. A roll over is so appealling!
You have to understand that we bassets are completely hopeless at this sort of thing - so you must excuse us finding it funny.
We wish you well with your training - we all wondered what was 'designer' about the poop bags - the mind boggles!
love
Martha & Bailey xxx

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

We remember more than you humans give us credit for.

XOXO
Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Java

SissySees said...

That's why I'll never be a judge. I'd be giggling and grinning... I think that's absolutely precious, but I guess that explains why Sissy still doesn't do "down" 100% of the time either?

Marjie said...

Funny how they remember and distinguish some items from everything else, isn't it? Love Fudge's bad - the fabric is adorable. It's funny that he doesn't do the down-stay so well. He's so energetic I understand his wanting to keep moving. Good luck learning new tricks, Fudge!

Dawn said...

Love Fudge's bag! I haven't tried the down stay walk around yet...I have done the down stay where I leave her for fifteen minutes and come back and she's still in the same spot (which breaks my heart to do). I'll have to practice that with Fuji though!:)

Astrid Keel said...

wow! that is some amazing memory! I hope this run goes perfectly for you!

Lapdog Creations said...

Love his bag! I have straight and circular needle holders made from that fabric. :)

Scrabblequeen said...

LOL....sounds just like kids to me! They remember some of what we want them to, and some of what we don't. Guess fur-kids are really just kids?

Rufus and Indie said...

Sounds like you will have fun! :)
We are positive you will get everything just right!
Kisses
Rufus and Indie

Eddy said...

Personally, whenever I am in doubt I spin around in circles. You can't win doing that, but I just love a good laugh. And as good laugh trumps all.

i said...

What a cute bag Fudgie has there! And so smart too!