We had a very successful puppy class this morning, in spite of a power outage and me forgetting the camera. Not that I would have been able to take pictures anyway, because my hands were completely full with Rockwell.

I had picked up the car yesterday so this morning, it was merely a matter of loading him into the passenger seat, after I covered it with layers of towels, and heading out. Because of the power outage, the traffic lights were out and I had to do a four way stop manoeuver at every light between here and there. But we made it without incident. The power was out at the little barn where the puppy class was held but we had light if not heat and we were enthusiastic.

There were three other dogs and their puppywalkers there - Rockwell’s sister, another female yellow Lab and a little black Lab female. Rockwell’s sister barked the most and the little black Lab had been to the most classes and acted very grown up. Rockwell initially was ballistic and I let him off the leash for a few minutes. Then we had to start work. He lunged at everything that went by him, including the instructor. There were some children there too and they served as great distractions for the dogs. I noticed that Rockwell’s sister was the same in terms of being easily distracted, so I didn’t feel so bad about Rockwell.

Once he settled down a little, he showed some of the benefits of our work together. In fact, he was the best on the class at “stay”, of all things. I had to make him sit at one end of the little arena and wait while I walked to the other end and then call him to come. I left him there and he looked off to the side at the other dogs but stayed in his spot. When I got to the other end I said his name to get his attention and asked him to wait some more. The tension grew appreciably and then I called him to me and he ran down the carpet and into my arms! Practically Hollywood.

I am most encouraged by this class and it shows that the baby steps are paying off. I expect by the summer, Rockwell will be a wonder dog. Sometimes.