What have I learned?

This week I began teaching Neumann a few new skills. So far he can sit, remain in a sit until released, he can touch my hand with his nose, he knows his name, comes when called, plays appropriate tug games, plays chase me games, will follow me in my training building, walks over the contact trainer, walks over the buja board, and will stand on the perch in his two on two off position. He has walked through a tunnel and chute barrel on his own without me asking him to do it. He plays well with others, he seems to especially like big dogs. He best friend is little Lillee the welsh terrier. It won't be long and Neumann will be bigger than her. Look out Lillee!!

His confidence continues to grow and his shyness is no longer apparent. I may be creating a monster!! His little boy hormones are kicking in and I did see him lift his leg at the end of a potty the other night. I am hoping he just lost his balance.

More soon....

"P" is for puppy

Tuesday, Nemann was an invited guest for the kindergarten classes at one of the schools where I teach. They were celebrating "P" week so what better than a puppy! Other than being extremely cute, Neumann really doesn't have many tricks just yet. He demonstrated his sit and a pretty cute nose touch to my hand. With the kids in a circle, he went from child to child saying "Hi" and then deciding he had enough and jumped out of the circle. Starr showed them all her tricks and did some human agility with the kids as they made jumps for her. It was pretty tiring for him and he needed a nap when they left.

He also met one of the 5th grade classes. Same senario, this time he stayed in the circle and was especially friendly to one child. Neumann jumped up on him and began licking him in the face, he came back to this say child over and over. I wondered why and later it dawned on me that this particular boy was handicapped. Maybe Neumann wants to be a therapy dog someday.

Neumann thinks kids are pretty fun, lets hope it stays that way!!

His first agility trial

Today, Neumann attended his first agility trial. There was much to see and hear. He liked watching all the dogs running the course, especially when they went through the chute. He also thought the banging of the teeter was cool! He even barked a few times at it. He certainly was teh cutest puppy at the show today and was passed around and held by many. This afternoon, he was so tired and everyone laughed at his display of teeth. I had hope to bring home a tired puppy, but he slept all the way home and is now rip roaring ready to go!