We have another beautiful group of photos of Kiba (formerly Barry) shared by Sophie & Thibault in Montreal. They are taking him to classes now and finding far better success and progress than their previous individual 1:1 training sessions. They had difficulty finding classes over the summer so now that classes have picked up again in the fall, they are having a fabulous time!
Australian Cattle Dogs are very smart and often are over-achievers in the group class environment. Though this sounds like a 1:1 training experience would be more ideal, there is HUGE value in the group environment as it is only in this scenario that we can teach the busy-body puppy ACD brain to consistently pick the handler in the presence of all that distraction. It is important to remember that classes are not just about learning to “SIT” and “DOWN”. It is about manners and learning to be a good canine citizen in all kinds of places in the presence of all kinds of tempting opportunities to choose poorly. This requires practice. And there is no better place to practice than with other puppies and dogs who are learning the same skills and might make some mistakes on their side of the room or park and you and your dog need to respond to it with good choices. Way to go Sophie and Thibault! You are doing awesome!!
