Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Hard Work Pays Off

What a difference a week can make.Today was dog school. I didn't want to go. I knew we were going to be at the bottom of the class again. As I mentioned before, Norma Jean just wasn't putting it all together. The words I was saying didn't have any meaning to her. Sometimes she'd follow my hands, other times she would spin or wander off or just tune out. Rob, the big meanie, said we had to go to class and couldn't play hookie.

 We got to school, walked into the classroom and took our seats. The teacher asked "Whose dog will go down by voice only with no hand signals and no bending down?" No one raised their hand, so I don't know why, but I raised mine. She had never done it.
We walked to the front of the class, I stood straight with my hands at my sides and said, "Norma Jean, down." She did it. She dropped to the floor and stayed there. She didn't bounce back as soon as she hit the floor. She stayed till I said OK. Then she did it again and a third time. She sat on command and when we walked in a circle, she trotted along close to me, not pulling on the leash.
Last week we were the worst kids in class. Today we deserved a gold star. I wonder what happened?

When we got home, Norma Jean was happy to see the rest of the pack and they seemed happy to see her. She told Morgan all about her experience in school.

The weather is nice today, so everybody played outside for a while. Bailey brought Monkey out with her. I wouldn't let him come out yesterday when it threatened rain. No one wants a soggy monkey.
A couple times Fudge, our practical jokester, tried to grab Monkey away from her, but she chased him away. Last year, you might remember, Fudge stole Monkey and hid him. We searched for days for the little fellow.
Well, Bailey isn't going to let that happen again. She's protecting her friend from Big, Bad Fudge.

She is fiercely protective of her best friend and Fudge will get a nip on the nose if her tries any monkey business this time.
So now Norma Jean and I have to really practice this week to keep up our grades. This school stuff is hard work.

19 comments:

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Congrats to you and Norma Jean. We think she heard you tell us all about what happened last time and decided to surprise you. Maybe she has some sibe in her too, and does what she wants when she wants:)

Nice day here too, but the Momster has been too busy for us to get out for a walk. We are still hopeful it will happen.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Jan said...

I have a friend whose Poodle is perfect in class, but refuses to do any homework.

It's like she doesn't want to embarrass them in public, but has no use for learning all that stuff.

Lapdog Creations said...

Congrats! Love the pics...

rottrover said...

Horray for Norma Jean!!

Asta said...

Nowma Jean
I just knew it!!!!! you awe a staw!!!!
Congwatulations! you showed them all.

I bet , Bailey, Fudge,and Mowgan wewe pwoud of you. I hope Bailey can keep monkey safe fwom Fudgie's paws.
Happy pwacticing
smoochie kisses
ASTA

Tracy said...

Oh good for Norma Jean! She certainly is cute as well as a good student :)

SissySees said...

Sis STILL won't down on command. Gretchen pretends she doesn't understand what I'm asking, but the trainer had told us - Sis went to school with her tiny friend Abby - that bassets and tiny dogs don't believe in down...

So, CONGRATS!! Awesome for both of you.

And MJ had a suggestion... Since Gretchen really doesn't NEED school (except for down?) but needs socialization, Gretchen is going to visit her obnoxious cousins (my inlaws pets) and if that proves helpful, Sis will be the one going to school.

Stella said...

Oh, Norma Jean, I am so proud of you! School was sounding just a little bleak for you and Mom and now look, head of the class! Spread the word among the rest of the family and practice, practice!

Kisses,
Stella

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

Great work Norma Jean.....and you. She really came through!

We love Bailey and her Monkey friend.

XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

the teacher's pets said...

What a surprising relief that Norma Jean "got her act together" for all of her classmates to see! Maybe she performed well because she knew she couldn't deal with being embarrassed AGAIN? Or maybe she wanted to show you that she could perform correctly this time? Who knows what goes on in the mind of a dog?
I love that Bailey is so protective of the monkey. Too adorable!

♥ Sallie said...

You always deserve a gold star to us!

Hugs,

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

I had a feeling Norma Jean was just testing you to see if YOU knew what she could do! :-))

Lola and also Franklin, too said...

Wow. Great job in school! Norma Jean sounds pretty smart.

Two French Bulldogs said...

Great job Norma Jean.
Benny & Lily

Wyatt said...

Heehee Norma Jean, you knew how to do that stuff all along!! You were just bored and needed a good reason.

Wyatt

gMarie said...

I'm so glad she showed off for you. Doesn't it feel good when they get it - and show you that they know?

Maybe Beau needs a monkey......

g

Beyond the Dog Dish said...

Glad you pulled through and showed those pups what your made of! Downs are not a favourite for any dog. Extra cookies for you for a great job.

Molly the Airedale said...

yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, Norma Jean! We are so proud of you! Keep up the good work!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

Nicki said...

Sometimes I think they think about it overnight. Great job.