Gone to the Dogs

[Finnie]

In hindsight, I'm glad that I chose a relatively easy breed!

What breed is your dog?

 

[heirloomgal]

What breed is your dog?

He's a beagle. I probably shouldn't call him 'easy' because his nose is a formidable opponent to training! Lol

 

[Finnie]

He's a beagle. I probably shouldn't call him 'easy' because his nose is a formidable opponent to training! Lol

Ha ha when you said easy, my mind went to retrievers and herding dogs.

I have a dachshund. He made #9 on that list. I think dachshunds are sniffer dogs like beagles.

I do have a preference for long haired dachshunds over smooth. Because they used spaniel to bring in the long hair way back when, and the theory is that it makes them a little more obedient. But they are still hard to housebreak.

 

[heirloomgal]

Ha ha when you said easy, my mind went to retrievers and herding dogs.

I have a dachshund. He made #9 on that list. I think dachshunds are sniffer dogs like beagles.

I do have a preference for long haired dachshunds over smooth. Because they used spaniel to bring in the long hair way back when, and the theory is that it makes them a little more obedient. But they are still hard to housebreak.

That's interesting, I had no idea that was how they bred in the long hair! It's funny, I've always noticed that the long haired dachshunds seem a bit softer natured than the smooth coated, this would certainly explain that. Wow, that's pretty neat!

 

[heirloomgal]

Finished my last beginner obedience class tonight. It was so much fun, and I really did learn so much. I'm so impressed with the progress of that class! That first evening the chorus of barking was a bit crazy, you could barely hear the instructor. By tonight it was complete silence, dogs learning to walk in a polite heel and maintain position as they introduce distractions & pressures to the dogs while in position.

I have a new respect for the instructors as well because they aren't just navigating unruly or even dangerous dogs, but so much human emotion. I really have come to believe dogs are our shadow selves. Instructors have to walk a tightrope in regards to that, not easy for them I'm sure.

There was a heartwarming moment at the end of class when we had a secret vote on most improved handler and dog set. It was hard to pick! Everybody had really improved. There was one man with a pitt mix that went through the classes in full gear, basket muzzle, prong. He's very fearful, tail between his legs most of the time, and very dangerous. That first class I could hear him growling from the other end of the building. By tonight he walked in the most perfect heel of all the dogs, doesn't growl and was able to be in a proper down with all the other dogs and pressures without getting up and trying to escape/terminate the threats. As much as I'm not a fan of the breed I give them both a lot of credit. Lots of work for this man and not a small financial expense, but the dog is improving.

I voted for him. Turned out every single person in the class voted for him! Was so nice to see him feel the encouragement and recognition. They got their photo taken, with graduate gear on, so sweet. I really hope they do well together in life.

 

[baymule]

@heirloomgal this is for you. Enjoy!

https://m.youtube.com/results?sp=mAEA&search_query=Cooking+with+beagles