Training

 We have Dieter enrolled in a number of classes right now. We made up the Manners classes we missed this Summer (and not to brag, but Dieter is one of the best-mannered dogs there), are taking a basic obedience class at a place called Smack-Dabs Obedience Training, and are enrolled in a Nose Works (tracking/scent-training) class.

What? It's time for class? Woo hoo!!!

At the Nose Works class, the trainer works with one dog at a time ("one dog at a time..." Wasn't that some sitcom and an annoying song from the 70s?).  Anyway, there were three German Shepherds (including his cousin Tessa), a Leonberger, a Sheltie, and an "other." No offense to the other, I'm just not sure what she is.

The way it works: The dog comes in and the trainer puts a smelly treat in a box and then keeps moving the boxes around, while putting the treat in the same box, just in a different spot every time. The trainer said this is to gauge the dog's tracking drive. Also to see if they're afraid of the boxes, as apparently some dogs in the past freaked out over the boxes. SCARY!!! Dieter did well, but also seemed interested in checking out the bathroom just off of the training room. Oh, and there's no talking or correcting the dog. Occasionally if the dog seems to be getting distracted or off track, the trainer will instruct the owner to move the dog back toward the boxes.

We are currently on week 3 of 4, and they're adding more boxes into the mix and spreading them out over a larger area. Also, Dieter is getting the reputation of being the class clown. He's sort of like the little boy in class who's always talking or trying to get into something. During the course of the class this week he:

• Stole a bag with a squeaky toy in it and proceeded to squeak the toy
• Tried to go up a flight of stairs
• Decided to check out the open closet
• Walked up onto a stage that's in the training area
• Checked out his reflection in a big mirror that spans the back wall

 His interaction with his reflection in the mirror made everyone watching--including the instructor--erupt into laughter. We all tried to stifle the laughs as much as possible, but watching Dieter admiring himself was almost too much. "That is one good-looking dog that keeps looking at me," said Dieter.

As we were leaving, the instructor said: "I just love Dieter. He's such a funny dog."

It could work.
(from http://www.youtube.com
/watch?v=QkjD3D5FgmE)

Yup, he's a laugh riot, that one is. We keep repeating that to ourselves as he does stuff like taking the remote control and changing the channel or carrying the watering can around the deck. But at least the obedience class seems to be working wonders with Dieter. He still has these adolescent moments, but it's getting easier to get him to stop some juvenile antics and behave. To quote one of my favorite actors (Gene Wilder) in one of my favorite movies ("Young Frankenstein"): It. Could. Work!