Last Class with Mr. Dinosaur

Tonight was the last class of the CGC class and not surprisingly, none of the students felt they were ready for a shot at getting their CGC. 

Also tonight the instructor forbade me to use the clicker in class.  So I asked if I'd be able to use it in the rally class and he said "no, no clicker, I hate clickers".  So I just said that I wouldn't be joining the rally class and he said, very loudly, "good!"  This exchange took place in front of the whole class, while we were heeling as a group - I thought he was very unprofessional. 

In any case, thus ends the quandary about whether I will take any of his rally classes.  Chip's next rally class won't be until January.  I may have to check with another local instructor and see if she is still holding classes.  I could also see if there are other classes where Chip holds his classes that might work for us.  Gimme really needs to work around other dogs.

I am considering approaching the recreation director and offering a different dog training program.  My friend Chris and I are discussing the best way to present the idea.  I wouldn't do it until after the first of the year.

Tonight all the dogs seemed worse (except Gimme who excelled).  The poor little Sheltie that is so afraid of the other dogs really lost it time and time again.  His owner said last week that he thought he was better, but admitted the dog was still afraid.  Hopefully tonight's experience will give him reason to contact Ursula.

For the graduation party, I made up little doggie goodie packages, including a business card directing them to where You Can Get Something For Nothing.  The card gave them the address for our new training blog that is geared toward pet owners.  I've been working to put all my dog training handouts on line and am about half done.  I'd taken each one and broken it into smaller chunks and added examples and detail.  I'm also hoping people will ask questions and I can answer those and give advice.  Plus, Gimme has been expressing her thoughts throughout.  As you know, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink.  I listen to these students and they really drank the koolaid.  Hopefully they will go to my blog and learn something. 

In all your copious spare time, you are certainly welcome to peruse the Gimme A Break From Mean Training blog.  I welcome your comments.

Gimme hopes I find another class to go to, she likes all the peanut butter and other cookies.  BTW she is coming into season as we speak about a month early.  I hope that doesn't mess us up for the freestyle seminar we signed up for.