Obedience Training for Mom

Duff here. Again, a story from my days of puppyhood. I was born with unlimited energy. Curious about everything, I wanted to investigate the entire world. My Doggy Parents (especially my Mom), decided it a good idea for me to get some obedience training. I was obedient when I felt like it. Not so much otherwise. I was a Wild Child, living unstuck.

So Mom and I went to the school. Oh, my! So many other puppies. And dogs. And Big Dogs. It was hard to keep track of them all. I was not used to being around so many others just like Me. To say it was exciting is an understatement.

On the last day, one of the exercises we did was to weave between other dogs and their owners who were spaced about 8 feet apart. The object was to keep my focus and not be distracted by other dogs. (Please note: I was not even passable in this area when we began the class).

Mom and I started out, and I was doing a stellar job. I looked straight ahead and was at her side. No problem. After the first few turns, the instructor’s voice rang out loud and clear. “Joan, that dog’s front feet haven’t been on the ground since you started.” Talk about a tight leash. We all had a good laugh about that. Then we relaxed and lived unstuck.

I’m curious; Do you say “please” and “thank you”? Do you follow rules and let someone in as they try to enter the flow of traffic? Do you let someone in a hurry get ahead of you in line at the checkout counter? I say: Go ahead and loosen up. Be kind. Make someone’s day. You’ll find it pays dividends. I have. Live unstuck. #UnstuckLiving

Take your dog to obedience school. You’ll both learn a lot.

—H. Jackson Brown, Jr.