GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!
This is a long, photographic post...dedicated to the grade 3 learners at
(Above: Lexi is bathed, brushed, focussed and ready for her big day)
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THE CHILDREN:
Lexi says a big "THANK YOU!"
Thanks to the graciousness of one of the teachers, Lexi was invited to visit a class of 35 grade 3 learners today. We arrived at the school at about 10.30.
We were welcomed by a sea of excited faces.
In this post, I am going to allow the pictures to tell the story via their captions.
(A special thank you to Nadia Michas for taking the photographs)
Lexi is introduced to the learners.
She is accompanied by her water-bowl, her toy piggy and lots of treats!
Hello everyone!
I had prepared a talk for the children - focussing on "Responsible Pet ownership".
I asked the children how many of them had been bitten by dogs.
One of the questions from the children was "Does Lexi have thumbs?"
I showed them her Dew claws and explained the importance of keeping nails nicely trimmed.
We chatted about:
1. An introduction to Golden Retrievers in general.
2. What is a dog? (Anatomy,Uses, unique abilities)
3. Responsible pet ownership
4. Things NOT to feed your dog!
5. Some interesting facts.
1. An introduction to Golden Retrievers in general.
2. What is a dog? (Anatomy,Uses, unique abilities)
3. Responsible pet ownership
4. Things NOT to feed your dog!
5. Some interesting facts.
Lexi commenced some 'one-on-one' time with the children.
The children were asked to form two rows, so that Lexi could meet them personally.
For some reason, Lexi took a great liking to Jason.
More 'Hellos'.
I practice Lexi's 'Down' command along the way.
Lexi decides she wants to sit between these two little boys.
I do some focus-work while Lexi is touched by the children.
Even pups need a short break to play.
This can be daunting work for a young dog...she knows that her safe place is behind me.
...but not for long: Lexi prefers to listen to the talk...
I demonstrate the "Heel" command.
...and then the "Sit at Heel' command.
In between commands...
...settling down while I talk some more.
Now we demonstrate the recall with the assistance of a volunteer...
Lexi performs the recall perfectly
In between all this work, Lexi gets lots of rewards.
Explaining to the children how to greet a dog:
1. ASK THE OWNER FIRST!
2. Approach from the side
3. Offering your hand to smell
1. ASK THE OWNER FIRST!
2. Approach from the side
3. Offering your hand to smell
Demonstrating how to give a dog a treat.
More happy cuddles.
Lexi says a special Hello...
Children are asked to form a full circle while Lexi weaves in and out... perfect for 'one-on'one' demands.
"Please come here, Lexi."
The Grade 3 Class, me and Lexi:
MANY THANKS TO Nadia Michas for taking the photos for me and for inviting us to your class. Our goal of meeting 200 people before Lexi is 4 months old has been achieved!
MANY THANKS TO Nadia Michas for taking the photos for me and for inviting us to your class. Our goal of meeting 200 people before Lexi is 4 months old has been achieved!
A special thank you to Marycke Ackhurst
QUILLQUEST GOLDEN RETRIEVERS for breeding this beautiful dog!
Lexi at 14 weeks of age is a dream doggie!
We look forward to visiting all of you again soon.
Sending lotsaluv
12 comments:
Hi Maxmom....I must be such a sap as I had tears in my eyes reading through this entire post. What can be better than children and dogs!! I mean really, these photos are so beautiful. congrats on your 200 peeps for Miss Lexi Sunbeam. She's going to be an amazing dog.
How fun! ...and what valuable lesson's to teach children. I very seldom meet kids who know how to approach dogs. I'm always so thankful that Sam is well balanced and I can use him to help show them.
Lexi is cute!
Sam
What a lovely day for both Lexi and all those beautiful children. I confess that when looking at such pictures, because of South Africa's history, I do always think about the different races represented. You photos show a true rainbow today. To my mind, there could be no better way of working towards a harmonious future than for the children of all colours to mix from an early age in school. And share in having fun with a well loved dog!
Cheers, Gail (too idealistic, probably).
Hi there, Great job Lexi and Caryl! I know a lot of hard work has gone into her training and speaking from one who has a 15 mos old pup, Lexi is a fast learner. She is amazing! I just took Hunter out on a walk, it has been almost three weeks since I worked him due to his being sick, and it showed. Got to get back on track.
I loved your email my friend. Sending big Colorado hugs to you from Avril & me and Hunter.
Noreen
Great job Lexi. Bet you were showing off for all the little ones
Snorts,
Benny & Lily
A very lovely post. I loved seeing all the happy children so enjoying the time with the gentle dogs. training for all I think and a joy to see.. Hugs GJ xx
What a happy post. We can never get enough of watching Lexi as she learns all that she needs to know.
love
tweedles
You and Lexi are so lucky to have such wonderful experiences. Thanks for sharing.
Cindy
This was a wonderful experience for Lexi and for the children!
I still can't get over how fast she's growing!
Caryl, it's no wonder your dogs are so great. What a fabulous idea to meet the class and socialise as well as train. Great for Lexi and great for the kids. Loved this post. No worries, and love, Carol and Stella and Rory
We can see the love in your eyes for your mom, Lexi! Look at all of those kids loving on you! What a fun day for you!
Love ya lots,
Mitch and Molly
MAXMOM....
How neat!! You're good with children!! You could be a teacher, Friend!! ;op
Love, Raelyn.... Plus Rose, my BEAUTIFULLY UNIQUE "Mystery Dog"!!
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