23 May 2009

Today we started DOG TRAINING again!  I'm a happy dog - a happy happy dog!!!!  I get to go to dog training again.  I love dog training.  But this class is different.  Dad is still working with me, but mom is the Alpha-Human and trainer for this class.  There were only three other dogs in the class.  One was a German Shepherd that barks too much.  Another was one of those Corgi dogs with no legs.  The third was a baby Corgi.  The baby wasn't really training, just watching.  Daisy didn't get to come to class either.  That is kinda sad, poor Daisy could really come out and play some too.

I overheard talk, this class is called the STAR PUPPY PROGRAM.  S.T.A.R stands for Socialization-Training-Activity-Responsibility.  I think my dad and I already qualify for all of that.  We passed the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test a few weeks ago, and mom says the CGC is more difficult.  But dad says if I am going to earn more letters after my name than Uncle Parker did, I need to take every opportunity.  Well - I don't care about that so much.  But if I can train with dad, then I am all for it.  Dog training is fun.  I learn new things and I earn treats when I do it right.  What better way to have a good time?

So far the first class was easy.  It was easier than my puppy training, and that was easier than my Basic Obedience Training.  I expect it will become more difficult as the class progresses.  But Like Uncle Parker told me, if I pay attention to dad, I will learn what I need to know.  It seems this class is set up more for the puppy's owner than the puppy.  The owner must sign an agreement that says they will do some things.  You can see the whole brochure here.
http://www.akc.org/pdfs/starpuppy/brochure.pdf

#1.  Owner will be responsible for the dog's health needs.
#2.  Owner will be responsible for the dog's safety.
#3.  Owner will not allow the dog to infringe on the rights of others.
#4.  Owner will be responsible for the dog's quality of life.

I can tell you for sure my dad is qualified.  Some of the requirements are things my dad has been doing since I was a pup.  Probably since Uncle Parker was a pup too.  For my health needs, dad takes me to Dr. Julie.  I get all my shots, and I learned that dad had Dr. Julie give me something called a micro-chip.  If I get lost someone can read the micro-chip and get me back to my home.  I get plenty of food and water, and lots of exercise too.  For my safety, my yard has a fence and my dad doesn't let me run loose.  I have a collar with ID tags and that micro-chip thing, and dad never lets me out alone.  I don't bother other people, I am a Canine Good Citizen.  When we walk, dad carries poopie bags on the leash and he always cleans up after me too.  Anyone who has read my blog knows I am a lucky dog.  A very lucky dog.

I am looking forward to more dog training classes.  If you want to know where the classes are available, you can look here.
http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/cgc_bystate.cfm  And now I am going to go out and play. 

See you next time.