Graduation

Chloe graduated from Basic Obedience I class this past Saturday. Our instructor set up six stations around the room for us to complete. We had as much time to practice as we wanted, then we had to call him over to evaluate us when we were "ready". She completed every station (amazingly). We did not win the "competition" (the highest score got 20% off the next round of classes) but we had fun. We're not quite sure whether to sign up for the next seven week class quite yet because our Saturday mornings are going to be busy the next few months, but we definitely felt this session was well worth the money.

I have turned into one of those "people" who buy Halloween costumes for their dog. I swore I wouldn't, but I did. I just couldn't resist the $10 Bumble Bee outfit they had at Target the other week. I showed my students the picture on the right and they told me she looks "humiliated" in the picture. I can't really argue with that.

The training class we took was held at at a place called Paws Resort and Spa for pets. They hold "doggie daycare" there, as well as grooming and boarding for dogs. We talked to them about boarding since we have to leave Chloe for the first time this weekend. I thought their prices were really high for boarding but then we learned that it's not conventional boarding at all. There are no crates/kennels. All the dogs are "evaluated" prior to being kept there to make sure they are sociable with other dogs. All day long the dogs are kept together and are supervised by the staff there. It's really like summer camp for pets. To make sure that the dogs aren't upset or "traumatized" about being left there for the first time, you have to bring them in for a day of regular "playtime" just to get them used to it. Chloe goes on Thursday for her first day. Can you tell we don't have kids???