Gunner and I played an abbreviated intermediate course tonight without food reinforcements. Gunner did a great job, we are now working on polishing the details with an emphasis on reinforcing tight heel position in walking heel work and sits especially. I’m very proud of Gunner, and for sure he meets the criterion of enthusiasm over sheer military precision.
Gunner is already registered with the AKC in the Canine Partners Program, which means he is considered an “All American Dog.” Looking forward to video recording our first courses, I’ve been reading and reviewing the AKC Virtual Rally handbook:
Pearls:
- Homework includes continuing to reinforce enthusiastic, brisk heel work, and reinforcing tight heel position especially for sits
- Take off sooner as I ask Gunner to finish left and walk forward for “Call Front Finish Left Forward” sign, so Gunner has to catch up to me
- Enthusiasm is high, and I’m grateful for the gift in my life that is GUNNER
