Puppy preschool

Josie went to puppy preschool last night. Thank goodness. I left feeling like I have direction and guidelines to follow. So I am more optimistic. The class was overload for me. We walk in and there are a circle of owners and pets. The owners are sitting on chairs and the pups are calmly laying or sitting at their feet. Miss Kathie tells me to grab a seat and step on Josie's leash so she only has enough room to comfortably stand. I am to drop a treat when she calms down and looks at me. Oh boy. I follow the instructions and end up with a demon dog twisting and struggling and panting and freaking out. Everyone must have looked at me and said a silent prayer of thanks that they don't have a dog like Jo. I was mortified. She totally didn't calm down for the longest time - and then, never for more than a few seconds.

We worked on walking with a leash and Josie actually did pretty well - provided she was guided by the treats. The instructor asked me if Jo is a Stafford. When I said yes, she raised her eyebrows and asked if I have dog experience. My heart sank. Crap, even the instructor thinks I am in for a world of pain. I feebly said that Jim has had dogs his whole life. Miss Kathie gave me the old, "Uh-huh." Towards the end of the class we played "pass the puppy." We all sat in a circle on the floor and held our puppy facing out in a position that is supposed to calm them. Then when all the dogs were calm, we passed to the left. I held every puppy in the class. I could almost see the other owners cringing when it was their turn to hold Josie. Fortunately, she was not the worst. I held two other pups that were not pleased with this exercise.

Then we got a whole list of instructions and homework for next week. It reminds me a lot of having to be tough when sleep training Eve. It's hard work and you feel mean - but the rewards are priceless. I also bent the ear of the instructor a bit after class and she gave me some encouragement and specific advice. If I use the spray bottle to correct Jo, I need to say "No" first, then spray 2-3 times at her head, and then look away. Apparently with a Stafford, if I keep looking at her it is a threat and a challenge. That explains a lot. We are also going to make Josie work for her food. I am to feed her out of my hand, but only if she is polite and doesn't maul me. If she bites or scratches 3 times in a feeding, then the meal is over - hungry or not. Apparently the dogs won't miss more than 2 meals before they figure it out. Our little sausage will be fine. So. I am feeling better about being an owner. I will certainly keep you posted. I have some cute pics of Eve petting Josie that I need to post.

Other news about Eve - we have an appt in the beginning of July for a consult with a geneticist who will do the DNA sequencing for Eve. I am very much looking forward to that.