Daz can also make it up onto Fada's table with her in the yard now!

We have been really busy lately! Daz went to her first conformation fun match over the weekend. I was very pleased with her. She trotted around the ring very nicely, self stacked decently and behaved herself on the table. We start handling lessons tomorrow evening.

We have also started out "teeter" training. It might not LOOK like teeter training, to the casual observer, but is to get her used to making things move. I have taught her to paw at a cabinet door and slam it closed. I'll move on to Fada's skateboard, but not sure if we'll get to it this week.

Continuing with the "recall to heel" practice, adding motion. When we are doing it outside, I run forward a few steps as she gets into position. I want to be able to reward her in motion and teach her to move fast from the beginning.

I am also continuing to take advantage of various distracting situations to have her engage in play with me. I ask her for tugging, focus, etc. while dogs are working agility around us, the big dogs are playing in the yard, anywhere I can.

New toy box

Daz is too short to get toys out of our previous doggie toy box, so we bought a new one.

She's not ALWAYS on the go!

"Daz the Spaz" has her quiet moments too

Learning

Earlier I wrote about (human) mealtime manners for Daz. Progress! Last evening at dinner Mike finally convinced her that she did NOT belong on his lap while there was a plate there, but beside him was acceptable. She did eventually "get it". This morning when I had breakfast, she quit trying for my lap much more quickly and settled beside me ,like her mother does while we're eating.

I do sporadic recalls throughout the day with Daz. I keep a bunch of the tiny little freeze dried turkey bites (perfect little PPod size!) in my pocket for this purpose. Last week I started easing Daz into "heel position" (RTH, a la APHS) on these recalls. Hey, never too early, right? <g> So now she comes running into heel from all directions, with guidance from a treat. Reward happens once she is in RTH position.

Time outside

Wednesday night brought more dreadful storms, but we had a beautiful day! Dogs and I spent a good bit of time out playing. More photos on the Picasa site and a new video of Daz on YouTube.

A lesson for a Wednesday

Oh, our Little Miss is becoming independent! If she does NOT see me reach for my pocket before calling her inside, she not only does NOT come, she runs away! If this is more than a one day phase, someone will be dragging a long line outdoors soon!