Lesson One.....

As I pulled into the trainers driveway - I heard NOTHING!  There were NO dogs barking, yet,  I knew he had a kennel in his back yard.  Had he lied??

Soon after ... out walks Alex.  I had Lila waiting in the back seat of the car w/ the door open - let me tell you - her nose was going 100 miles per hour!  When he approached, I let her out.  She was donning the halti collar & he asked that we leisurely stroll down his block w/ her @ a heel.  She did fine UNTIL an unsuspecting neighbor ventured out to get his mail w/ his off lead dachshund - what nerve!  It took Lila a nano second to spot them &  her true colors of being in the " hi - I want to meet you now " zone were in full swing.

  I have since learned - the gentle leader type collars are to prevent pulling BUT are for a forward motion only.  They  aren't really a correction device.  I asked Alex immediately if he staged this magic moment & he said , " Annie I'm not that good "!  He then watched us walk/heel & decided my torture lasted long enough.  From his truck, he emerged w/ the dreaded prong collar ( Bru & I said we were not going to go that route as all it did was make Bella's eyes all bloodshot ).  So o o o .....  he correctly fitted her w/ it & proceeded to take her for a stroll.   She was everywhere w/ him & he corrected & corrected & corrected......you get the drift :)   He finally got her to listen & she actually stayed @ his side......til he had another trainer bring out a beautiful 9 mos old German Shepherd pup.  She went ballistic again & he corrected & corrected & corrected..........at one point he looked down @ her & said - " I once knew a woman like you & she really hurt me !".  

He deduced that she had a case of dogie ADD & had absolutely no focus.  Also added that he has not seen such a stubborn dog for almost 3 years & was anxious to begin training.  That's when he suggested his dogie day care aka boot camp for a few days to see what she is like w/ other dogs in a pack.

I noticed him rubbing his left arm after he returned her to me - he was nice enough to share that he was in pain & asked how I did it?  I looked @ him & smiled saying  .....THAT......my friend is why we are here :)

I readily agreed to the boot camp & asked when....when he gave me the day to drop her off - I asked if it was okay if  I would drive by - let her out & say ......Lila  - find Alex!!!