Week 1-2
We spotted an obedience class at PetsMart for puppies that was starting around that time, and our friend Linda had strongly recommended that we give Droopy some doggy training. Well, we weren't sure what to expect but it was quite cheap for an 8 week course. When we picked Droopy up from the pound, he had an unidentified skin condition that took a while to clear up (no, no, not puppy acne!), so although we wanted to enroll him in the class, he missed out on the first couple of weeks.

Week 3
When he finally showed up, he had missed the 'focus' command and the start of the 'sit' command. The sit command was quite challenging for Droopy, because apparently in the past he had been taught that 'sit' meant flatten down on the ground and cower. This of course wasn't exactly what we had in mind. However, being the smart dog that he is, he eventually was quite relieved to find out that what we really meant was sit up and get a dog treat.

Week 4
Next came the 'down' command. We were in a quandry how to go about getting Droopy to do this, because of his previous association of 'down' with the 'sit' command. We were supposed to help ease his front paws into the 'down' position, but of course when Droopy saw what we were trying to do he was convinced he was being punished again. What eventually did the trick was rolling around on the ground (indoors!) with him and showing him that 'down' could be fun.

Week 5
As dog owners know, the 'stay' command is very important for dog safety, allowing us to keep him from moving when he might be in danger. The 'stay' command took a lot of work, because let's face it Droopy is a hyperspaz dog. But we are happy to report that not only will he keep a good stay (ok fine, it's only really good when he's in the house), but also he is used to having his treat placed within visual distance, and will actually wait (staring at the treat, yes we know, how mean of us!) until he is released from the 'stay' before snagging the treat. Unfortunately for him, Shadow has learned that the words, "Down. Droopy STAY," means that there is something tasty in the kitchen. Even after Droopy is released from his stay, he (beta dog) won't touch the food if Shadow (alpha cat) is still eating. Hmm, 9 pound cat versus 40 pound dog.

Week 6
Ahh, the dreaded 'heel.' Let's just say that if Droopy has run full speed chasing balls and other dogs for one hour straight with no rest, then he does a great heel.

Week 7
The last command for the beginner course was the 'come' command. Now, you're taught that when using the command you should always follow-up on it if you expect the dog to listen to you. That is, if you call 'come' and the dog doesn't, you must go get the dog and bring him to you to show that you mean it. Thus, if he's outside and you're lounging on the couch and use the 'come' command, you had better be prepared to go outside and get him if he doesn't listen to you the first time. Um, in theory. At least we're confident that Droopy knows what we mean when we say 'come!' It's not perfect but it gets the job done when we need him.

Week 8
Exam time! Droopy performed like the show-off that he is. Sit, down, stay, heel (albeit with a tight rein on the collar), and a great one minute down-stay from across the room then calling him back. Next stop, agility training!

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