Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Graduation Day

We passed!! Norma Jean is an obedience school graduate.



When we went to class this morning we knew we were facing the big exam, but Norma Jean was excited to be heading for school. It was a tough exam. First we had to walk on a loose leash across the room, turn and come back. Then we had to sit on command, then stand.

Norma Jean had to show how nicely she stands to let me brush her and lets me handle her ears, teeth and feet.

Then came the really hard part. we had to hold a sit stay for one minute. She got up at 30 seconds, but went right back into her sit and held it for the rest of the minute.

She held her down stay for a full minute and even wagged her tail at me to let me know she was OK with it. I thought that was so sweet.

Finally she did a wonderful come recall from across the room and sat in front of me. PASS!

A very nice thing that happened was that she approached a couple people and accepted treats from them. At the beginning of school, she would hide behind me if anyone spoke to her.


We have a lot more practice to do before we move on to the next class, but she's made enormous progress and I'm very proud of her. Apparently Rob is too, because he stopped at the ice cream shop on the way home and Norma Jean had her very own whole scoop of vanilla ice cream. Yum!!

14 comments:

Lapdog Creations said...

Way to go Norma Jean!

SissySees said...

Bravo! Congrats to both of you. That makes me think that Gretchen Greer DOES need her own class time, even if she already has nice manners. Socialization beyond one's own pack is lovely.

Marjie said...

What a good girl! We're proud of you, Norma Jean!

Jan said...

Congratulations. Have another virtual ice cream on us, Norma Jean!

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

Brilliant, Norma Jean! We KNEW you could do it!

XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

The Life of Riley said...

Well done - you deserved that icecream.

Zona said...

YAY! Congrats, Norma Jean!!!! Great news!

Wags,
Zona

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Congrats to Norma Jean and to Mom too!!! She did very well - bet you are proud of her. Now on to the next round.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Molly the Airedale said...

Whooooooohooooooooo - can you hear all of the applause coming from our house, Norma Jean? We are so very proud of you and we are thrilled that you got ice cream for a job well done!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

Dexter said...

Oh that sitting still for one hole minute is so hard! Congratulations.

Slobbers,
Mango

Scrabblequeen said...

Congrats to both Sue and Norma Jean! We've got our mom convinced we're too old for tricks...or even obedience school. :-)

Woofs...Sasha and Misty

gMarie said...

Yea Norma Jean! That was a tough class - glad you did so well. I bet you fly through the next class too - especially if the reward is vanilla ice cream. g

Two French Bulldogs said...

Congratulations Norma Jean, good job
Snuggles and snorts,
Benny & Lily

Rose said...

Thumbs up Norma Jean!