Baby Steps

We are making heelwork progress now that I've stopped nagging at him about attention heeling. Moto needs to remember his position - which in the real world of Obedience is far more important than attention - and we're getting back to that very nicely. He's been in some pretty interesting places, too. His biggest challenge was the car wash. First had had to sit with me in the car as we went thru the wash. I was pleased to note that he didn't panic at all the scary noises of the brushes and hoses. I did note he was watching me closely so I simply stared at the windshield and acted as if I was driving. I felt if I said anything to him he'd flip out so doing nothing was the best choice. Once out of the car wash it was detailing time so we went out into the parking lot (empty) to do some heeling. This didn't go so well for the first few minutes but his recovery time is getting quicker and quicker. I try not to use the leash to correct him into position and this too is working out nicely. I want a dog to heel and do just as well off-leash as on-lead. Moto even took food at the carwash and outside which is a huge improvement. He's also greeting people better.
Yesterday we went to the training center as Dee had her Rally signs there. I wanted Moto to get used to a ring with the cones and signs. Some other people with their dogs showed up too so we all three were in the ring doing Rally which was just great for distractions. By the end of that session he looked Novice Obedience ready. I was very proud of him.
Then this morning we trained in our front yard which by now is extremely familiar to him and I had an OTCH dog. Yes everyone's dog works a 200 in their yard but it was still great to see the attitude and drive. And oh, being outside without 3 layers of jackets, hats and gloves was delightful. Those probably can be put away but the weather report says we will need our raincoats for the remainder of the week. Once again, training go-outs and jumps are thwarted. Toto, we're not in California any more.....