I had some work to do at the office, so I drove separate from Doug. When I got there, there was another couple with their dog. Our classes were going to overlap. When Doug arrived with Spur, Spur gave his normal, loud, aggressive “Hello” to the other students.
We introduced “place” to Spur. We tried to work in the garage, but Spur was still too interested in telling the others to stay away. We worked just outside the garage, still within earshot of the others that were inside the garage. About mid-way through the class, we tried entering the garage again. By now, Spur was hot and tired enough, and more used to the other people that he didn’t seem to mind them in his space. We worked place, getting closer and closer to the other people. At one point, the others were standing, talking and their large dog was lying down relaxed. Courtney took Spur’s leash and remote and tried getting Spur to go “Place” on the place board right next to the relaxing dog. A little tiff ensued, but Courtney got Spur to settle pretty quick. And she tried again. This time with much better results. Then, it was my turn. He did pretty well. We also practiced “come.” Courtney and I would try to distract him and Doug had to call Spur to him. Everything was going pretty well. The other couple left with their dog so Courtney had Sam come over and take Spur’s leash and work with him. Spur had absolutely no problem whatsoever with this “new” person. Courtney had Sam go ask one of the vet tech’s at the animal hospital (where we have classes) to come over and work with Spur some. Spur did great with this “new” person, too! We were told that this vet tech was awesome with all types of dogs and had a way to read them. She agreed that Spur has a “look” in his eye that says, “I’m still not too sure about you. You need to keep it under control, lady, or I might eat your face.” Not what you want your dog to demonstrate. We were given a “Place” board to take home and practice with.
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