I wanted to share something really amazing that happened at Delilah (and my) training class last Tuesday.
The class is held in a smallish size gymnasium. I’m very grateful the class is small because it gives us a bit of room to spread out and not be too close to another dog.
It was our next to the last class and Jackie, our instructor had a little Rally ring set up. Just to give people a small taste of what Rally is all about.
Before we had the opportunity to do Rally, Jackie stated she was going to test us with our leave it command. (Coincidentally this is also the class where I had my light bulb moment of everything I’ve been doing wrong, but that is a post for another day.)
I watched as Jackie, armed with a squeaky toy and a handful of treats approached each team in turn. For whatever reason Delilah and I were last. I stood facing Delilah, waiting anxiously, worried that I would fail Delilah and myself.
Finally it was our turn. From the corner of my eye I saw Jackie approaching from my right, I can’t tell you how close she actually came but I would guess it was within three to four feet.
I had Delilah focused on me, by having a treat in my right hand, with my right fore-finger resting on the tip of my nose. Our gaze was intent, there is no other way to describe it, I didn’t dare look away.
Squeak.
Delilah’s head shifted slightly to her left.
Eck! Look, I said.
Snap her head turned back to me.
Squeak, squeak.
Look. That’s right, stay focused on me. Good girl, you’re doing fantastic.
I heard the handful of treats drop, but neither Delilah nor I looked, or even flinched.
Our eyes were locked and Team Delilah rocked.
So impressed! Go Team Delilah!!!!!! Good for you. (We sure have a lot of training to do here at the zoo to get to that Gold medal).
Score one for the home team. I think she is at the point at which you can expect only good behavior from her…self-fulfilling prophecy.
Wow – that IS awesome Jodi. Can’t wait to hear all about your lightbulb moment!
BRAVO TEAM DELILAH!!
You must be so proud, all your hard work has payed off 🙂
Light bulb story…sounds interesting!
Woohoo!! It’s so exciting when they “get it”! Can’t wait to hear about the lightbulb moment. 🙂
You have worked for this. Kudos to you and Delilah.
Way to go! Team Delilah rocks!
Yay!
Woo hoo hurray for you Team Delilah you rock!!!
Great post! A zen moment of being truly tuned in to each other 🙂
Brilliant – well done!!!
Hey Sampson, Hey Delilah, Jet here. Hi Miss Jodi.
Mom read this a few days back on her phone, so, commenting was delayed! She asked me to share how much she admires the dedicated work you both are putting in. Look at your accomplishments! A big whoo hoo!
Wow! Congratulations Delilah!
Excellent! It sounds like this was a great class for both of you.
Go Team Delilah! Bring on that steak! Well, maybe not. 🙂
Kudos to you and Delilah!!!! When you said you were “worried that [you] would fail Delilah and [your]self,” it really hit home. I’ve done so much work with Mazzie and whenever she has issues, I always think I’ve failed her!!!!