Friday, March 7, 2008

Jackson Goes to Boot Camp -Part XV


SUCCESS!!! I PROMISED YOU BOLD CAPS WHEN JACKSON AUTOMATICALLY SAT AS WE HALTED AT AN INTERSECTION WHILE HEELING…WELL HERE THEY ARE!

We started our training session right after lunch today in a new development where there are a number of city blocks but no houses yet. Streets, sidewalks, fire hydrants, curbs, crosswalks…but no houses. After letting him out of the car, we started a heeling session immediately. We walked for one block, then abruptly stopped on the sidewalk at the 1st intersection. ♫♪ BUTT DOWN! ♪♫ -just like that! After lots of praise and treats, we proceeded to heel across the street. We turned and headed down the sidewalk. Again, we stopped at the next intersection and BUTT DOWN again –without a word from me!

We continued this pattern for about 20 minutes, always stopping at each intersection. Only on a couple of occasions did he not sit automatically –probably momentarily distracted by a bird, scent, or a sound in the distance. Each time, just a slight push downward on his hindquarters reminded him to sit.

GOOD BOY, JACKSON! We’ll practice some more tomorrow!

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