Good reminders about the distance, duration, and distraction philosophy.

Looks like rain for the next week or so. Guessing training is back in the house and basement. Downside to rain with a Poodle is they have to be dried off every time they come in. That soft, fluffy coat holds a lot of water. I think tomorrow will start with clipping him down fairly close.

I have resorted to a blow dryer and a whisk by the door. It’s been a long snowball season with two that love the snow. ????

We keep a big beach towel by the door and he's learning to stand there while we give him a good rub down. He's starting to like it.

We had our first class today with Quincy. It was made up with only three young dogs and handlers. All of us had at lease some experience in dog training so it wasn't crowed at all. The idea is you can go once a week or go when you needed help with your dog.
Because it was all young dogs we did a lot of attention work. Walked our dogs around the room and rewarded as often as we could when the pups were paying attention.
Quincy's first experience seeing more then just family dogs. He was very excited and focused on the other dogs and we did recalls with our 6ft leashes. Even pets need to get it solid.
All did pretty nice and because it is something I work as often as possible. Before the class was over we worked the recall on long lines and let our dogs almost get to the end and we recalled. Again Quincy's recall didn't fail me. Just before the long line would tighten less then 5-6 ft from one of the other dogs I called "Quincy come" and he turned and came in like a rocket. The recall is INMHO is the absolutely necessary for ANY dog regardless of it being a competition or pet.
I was very happy with our first night. ALL no corrections but our instructor Lyndsey Fuegner of "Infinite Pawsibilities" Has no issues using corrections when and if needed but not with puppies. Lynsey and I were on the same working dog club together several yrs ago and were the first two to put the SCH III on or dogs at that club. Lynsey has moved on and has trained, titled and now teaches dogs in just about any dog venues you can think of. Obedience for pets or competition dogs. Agility, Barn hunt, Rally events, Dock diving, etc, etc.

That sounds like a perfect class to be in, a small number of dogs/handlers and a super-well-qualified instructor! I agree about the importance of basic obedience training for all dogs, whether they will end up doing some kind of canine performance sport or as family pets/companions. I'm glad to hear Quincy is doing well and enjoying his training.

Yes, it does sound perfect ... good size class and excellent teacher.

And it sounds like Quincy is doing great! There's nothing better than seeing your recall in flawless action!

His recall is definitely the best of his learned behaviors. I try and work him a while "before" his first meal. His sit, down and stand can be a bit slow at times but for now I'm looking for consistency in just doing it. Damn dog is also smarter then I am and the looks he sometimes gives me says so.
I really like how the teacher is starting from scratch with ignoring distractions.

 Quote: Bob Scott

... I really like how the teacher is starting from scratch with ignoring distractions.

As I absorbed from you, it's NEVER a bad thing to back up in training!

And never a bad thing to review the fundamentals.

Definitely good to review. So many things to think about. I'm finding out that helping guide someone else is lots easier then trying to remember while I'm actually doing the training. Its coming back though.