OMG - He Pranced!

I had a sense, even tho Tuesday's obedience lesson was dismal, that we were on the edge of a major breakthrough. I dare not jinx it by putting it into words. Yesterday, there it was - a puppy with attitude! Was it where we were training? We were in the "front yard" (three acres in front of the house) and the other four dogs were at the fence watching. Whatever the reason Moto is getting it! During heeling his mouth parted in a smile and out puffed his chest and he pranced as he heeled. Oh you bet I rewarded that behavior. I even had a puppy that was forging. Now that is a problem I love! Even pivots were good and no combativeness. I was absolutely thrilled with this.
Just to make sure it wasn't a fluke I put the dogs in the basement this morning and we worked in the fenced back yard. Yup I have a puppy with attitude! He is enjoying his training now and I cannot say how thrilling that is. I hope this keeps up as we made huge strides today. He's coming into the dumbbell now and can hold it for several seconds without me hovering around him. He is very proud he can hold the dumbbell. I offer the sit or down command unexpectedly and the sit is a bit slow but the down....WOW it is beautiful. Fronts are lovely. Even finishes are making progress. I might actually have an obedience dog! One thing I did differently just to break things up is offer Moto "brains in a can" (Cheez Whiz) during pivots. This is the piggiest dog I've ever owned and he literally turns inside out for spray cheese. When he pivoted nicely and worked hard at sitting correct he got some cheese. He really loved that game this morning.
Blitz begged and cried to work so we did a little bit of heeling and a recall. This set Shiloh off so we did some articles and go-outs. Even old Dusty then wanted a turn so we did a short track and he adored hunting for the hot dogs in my footsteps.
To end all the training I gathered all dogs up for a sit and down drill - what a hoot! Whomever sat or downed first got a treat first. Even Daisy who shuns work came in and worked for treats. Their morning ended with the usual game of fetch so I left five tired and happy pups at home with Dad who is working from home today. I'm pretty happy too!