I took the advice of one of my vets early on and went to obedience class..as my boy was very full of attitude. The class helped me teach him necessary commands and tricks (so fun) and also exposed him to other dogs and strangers. Most important (as he is my first dog and chi) it taught me how to teach him myself and how to protect him around larger animals. One well meaning swat from a lab pup could knock out an eye. At the end of class when it was time for all the "kids" to run around together I stayed close by and taught him if it got too scary or rough as prey drive kicks in in large groups, he could run to me and I'd pick him up (this was important as they got bigger and bigger in this ten week class and though he grew it was not much). He is a very well socialized boy as a result. We went on to agility and he LOVES it. It tuckers him out in winter when he cannot get to run around the yard and it made our bond stronger. As school may not be necessary for all more knowledgable folk, it sure was fun and the exposure to others and their dogs invaluable but I am sure a good book can also help. Just try to do it everyday for a few minutes and make it fun. The best piece of advice I got from the school was if he was not into the training one day or I was impatient (or not feeling it) it was best to just skip it. I hope this helps. best, michelle and henry in the beautiful Catskill Mountains, NY ________________________________________________________________________ AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.
