Day 8: Puppy Social

Party time for Sage! Today was a day of group activities - a Puppy Social in the morning and a Reactive Dog Practice Group  in the afternoon.

The fun began at 11am, after Sage had done her training practice drills with breakfast and squeaky squirrels as rewards as usual.

There were lots of dogs for Sage to meet - each dog was introduced to every other dog, one by one, to make sure there were no interpersonal glitches before they were allowed to play in a group.

Sage meets Quinn, a baby Irish Wolfhound.

Another new friend, Toby

Sage and Lickety Split, an 18 month old Eurasia

Sage helped me introduce the class.

Sage watched calmly in a nice Sit-Stay as other dogs met each other 

As it turned out, Lickety Split's testosterone just kicked in - and guess who was the object of his amorous intentions?!

Sage liked baby Quinn

Finn, now an old friend from yesterday, was also at the social today.

Quinn and Star, a mini-Aussie puppy - believe it or not, they are  about the same age!

 After introductions and some training exercises in the meadow we went for a ramble by Helms Creek, where the skunk cabbage are in bloom, the sun shone through the alders, and everything was  especially beautiful. The dogs had fun running and paddling, playing with each other, and sniffing to their heart's content.

Teacher's pet. 

You can see from Sage's cheery expression that she was enjoying herself!

 Sage spent some time with my assistant, Jordan, climbing on fallen trees

 Puppy Socials are fun for everyone, especially puppies!

A really good time was had by all! We took a lunch break and Sage had a good nap. Then it was time for the next class. At first Sage stayed in the house, while I taught the Reactive Dog Practice Group. I wanted to make sure all the dogs were well-managed and safe, so this was a good moment for Sage to practice being alone in the house. She did great - just watched out of the window. I love how she doesn't bark at anything outside - elk, dogs, anything!  

Later, Sage came out to help with the class, and practiced being attentive on leash around other dogs. 

Doing a U Turn away from another dog, and getting a reward.

Sage's training partners might have been distantly related to her ancestors - one was a Standard Poodle, and the other a Yellow Labrador.

Annabella

Lizzy

The dogs practiced being relaxed and calm around other dogs, and everyone did very well. Sage was excellent in her demo dog role! 

For her trouble, I rewarded her with a Life is Good cap. 

How ridiculous can a human be?

Sage is so good natured, she is the kind of dog that kids dress in up in a tutu! I just couldn't help myself. Apparently she forgave me pretty soon!

Sage was part of the after class de-brief with me and my training assistants

All in all, it was a fabulous day and Sage was her fabulous self all the way through. She had the chance to practice leash walking around a lot of distractions, as well as hang out with a variety of dogs and puppies.  

She is now profoundly asleep!