GOLDEN GENTLENESS PAWSONIFIED

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

Hello there to all our fur-buddies around the world.

I thought I'd show you a few pictures of Toby's interaction with

 "Schnapps"

(Miss "R"s hamster)

The poor little creature was rather nervous with all the big black noses around, but the poochies were on their best behaviour and exibited all the Golden gentleness they could muster.

And now for a picture (taken by my friend "Margie") of Toby and myself, from this past Sunday's Open Breed show. Since I was doing the 'showing', photographs were limited.

Thank you Margie.

Without you, I would not have had such a picture!

TOBY'S TRAINING PROGRESS:

Toby's training is progressing nicely. In the next couple of weeks I'll be concentrating on reinforcing his basic obedience commands but, most importantly, exposing him to as many 'new' situations and environments as possible.  I am also trying to teach him the "AWAY" command at the moment. 

The increased number of short obedience sessions which I am spending with him has fuelled his general alertness.  I am sure that he is fully aware that something is up and that there are new things to learn.  He willingly stays by my side constantly and when I pick up the car keys, he's ready for action.

 

This morning we had a real breakthrough with the

"AWAY!" command.

For the first time during one of our mini-practice sessions, Toby recognised the link between his reward and the little blue mat on which we have been practicing this command.  My heart lept for joy as he bounded to the mat on my command and sat on it without too much prompting.  This might sound a small feat, but it is pivotal to getting him to eventualy go onto stage on his own in one scene. 

I have spent 4 days practicing this command with him and he's already getting it.  I am thrilled.

I hope that by the practice session this afternoon he hasn't forgotten it....we'll see.

I took Toby on another short school visit this morning.  The ambience around the school was one of applied studiousness.

The children were in their classrooms having their lessons when we arrived, so it was much quieter than yesterday's swimming gala.  We strolled around the school, up the steps, down the steps, practicing his 'sits', 'downs' and 'stays'.  Occasionally we stopped to greet teachers and explain why we were there. Music was billowing from the music room at the time and there were lots of unfamiliar noises for Toby. 

This is his second visit (after yesterday) and he has been very comfortable so far.  He's curious yes, but he's well behaved and very gentle with the children.  Tomorrow we'll be at the school again where we will attend a 'Music Class' with the music teacher and her students.  It should be interesting to see his reaction to all the instruments as well as the sealed off music room.

This evening we go back to McKaynine Training Centre for his weekly obedience class.

The countdown clock says:

118 Days to "ANNIE"!

Sending lotsaluv to you all