Fifth Day of Class

We are all happy that it is Friday and close to the end of a very long first week of classes, as we have class tomorrow. We are learning a lot. Almost everyone has a cold, so it's been not easy. We are all trying our best and the trainers are really understanding of those of us who aren't feeling 100% including myself. 

I am very impressed with CCI as a whole, and how the trainers adjust the schedules to fit everyone's needs the best, and the wonderful accommodations (the living in these beautiful newly remodeled dorms, but also the trainers understanding that we all have different needs).

Anyway, the dogs were all very excited to work for their partners, and unfortunately I was moving slow today. I really hope we all feel much better tomorrow, but we are fortunate to get Sunday off. I will probably rest on Sunday, and try to regroup for a new week, hopefully where we all are back to our normal health.

I am not a trainer, and this is just IMHO (In My Humble Opinion). The dogs all seem so wonderful, they are such beautiful and handsome, extremely happy dogs, and so excited to work for us all. Even though I have been through two classes before elsewhere, I am so impressed with this program here at CCI, the dogs, the "voluncheers" and all the staff. I leave class each day for the evening feeling confident and empowered, and I think that says a lot for the coursework and how hard the trainers work with us on the material (everything from the textbook to training to dog handling).

Some of us, including myself, were a little bit nervous about our first field trip today, and everyone was talking about it before class started this morning. When class started, the trainers were quick to reassure us about our abilities to do well on the field trip. Everyone and their dogs did well at yesterday's practice lunch, and luckily, today's field trip went well. Kudos to the staff of CCI and to Fresh Choice in Rohnert Park and their staff for ensuring a successful field trip for our September 2012 class!

This morning we worked on timer sound training and also added a new sound, an alarm clock. So that went very well and it was interesting. My pre-match did very well, but was a little hyper. As I didn't feel very well this morning, I didn't walk the dog as far as usual before class like I normally would have. One of the trainers suggested that I throw a ball for the dog and also let it run in the enclosed play yard with other dogs.

After we did the soundwork, we went back to the classroom for the lectures on how to load and unload the dogs into our cars, and also about safety. Then it was time for the dogs to receive their new CCI Working Dog vests! They are beautiful vests, as they are blue with yellow. All of the dogs seemed excited to receive their new vests.

We then went to Fresh Choices and my pre-match did very well in line, and in allowing me to balance a tray with a bowl of steaming hot soup, salad, dessert, and a drink on it. Then we started to find a place to sit down, and two little toddler brothers ran past several times, very closely and brushing up against the dog each time they ran by. I was not appreciative of that, as I had hot food and was worried about holding the dog's leash and wondering if the tray would go flying. Luckily, thanks to the dog, it did very well, and did not even react to the little boys. 

The dog also did very well under the table, as I accidentally dropped a piece of a hard boiled egg, and it did not try to grab it at all, nor did the other dog that was under the table with it. So kudos to both dogs for a job very well done! The dog had a bumpy moment, because a staff member came up to the table with a small portable manual vacuum and went towards the dog with it, so it jumped from a down to a sit, which was totally understandable. I must really commend this dog very highly as it startled, jumped then got right back into a down stay, all on its own! I am so proud of it. So smart, and so well-trained.

After we left the restaurant, we had more soundwork, then we had another lecture, then we ended for the day. So as usual after class, I did the homework and quizzes. Then the dog and I went outside to the play yard so it could run and play with two other dogs, including its friend from lunch today. It was such a beautiful evening that we all hated to go inside. The trainer's suggestion worked out very well, as due to my bad cold, the dog was still able to get its workout in while I was able to not have to do so much. I tried something new in the play yard. It's a stick thingy with a cup for holding a ball inside it, and it makes it easier to throw balls for the dog. It is wonderful, and I will buy one. Below is a short video of my pre-match (Black Lab mix) stealing a ball from a classmate dog (Yellow Lab mix). I hadn't realized she was stealing the ball at the time of filming this, so unfortunately shut the phone off just as she was running off with the ball.

Anyway, the dog and I are off to bed, as we both have a very busy day again tomorrow. Tomorrow we are having a Mexican lunch, as they are apparently having a board meeting here at the CCI campus (as it is the National Headquarters). The Board members requested that they include our class and the trainers at their luncheon, which is very sweet and thoughtful of them. They may regret it later due to our colds, but hopefully not!