Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Jackson Goes to Boot Camp -Part XII


Same Boot Camp, New (temporary) Barracks.

Jackson’s stay on Loco Lane is not only good for all his human friends involved, but is also good “socialization” training, i.e., he is expected to be good and obedient around someone other than his owners on a 24/7 basis (actually 24/11).

After thoroughly inspecting his new surroundings, Jackson settled in and was an ideal companion for the evening and night. He followed me around and slept at my feet whether I was watching TV in the family room or at my computer in my office. He happily went into his crate at bedtime and slept throughout the night without a sound.

Today we concentrated on the sit-stay and heel exercises again. He showed a remarkable improvement in the stay: actually sitting up and alert, watching me as I backed up as much as 6 feet –then not moving until I gave the “Jackson. Come” command. I should be able to back away a little further each day while he remains motionless.

He still does not automatically sit when we are heeling and halt at a curb. But, he responds very well when I push him into the sit position, and very importantly, sits still and faces forward until I give the heel command.

A little improvement each day, that’s all we expect.

4 comments:

not2brightGRAM said...

What are you doing to that dog?! Honestly, he looks like he's lost weight!!!

(Can I join your boot camp?)

johnna said...

I don't think he has lost weight...he's gained length and height -something we can't do.

Four peas in a pod said...

A pretty impressive transformation in the making!

not2brightGRAM said...

Oh, yeah, I forgot he is a puppy and still growing! ;-)