First Day At Skool

Grendel didn't have to stand in the corner and wear the dunce cap after all. By the end of the first hour, he was walking on his lead and almost staying in heel position. Not bad for his first time on a leash. I was concerned because he's gotten used to a harness, but the leash was only introduced today.

He was greeted by Dorothy and her two assistants, and by Kooka, a 6 and a half month old British Bulldog. Kooka had a face only a mother could love, but Grendel didn't hold that against her. She was friendly and wanted to meet all the other dogs, and Grendel didn't mind the idea. He backed up under a chair for a few minutes and gingerly approached her until they could give each other a whiff. After that, Kooka and Grendel got along just fine.

There were puppies from 3 or 4 months of age like Grendel, and an old German Shepherd who was over 10 years in the class. The old man, as I called him, carried himself with a great deal of dignity compared to most of the dogs. He even went nose to nose with Grendel by the end of the night. The largest dog in the class got along with the smallest. It was all good.

There were a few young knuckleheads in the group, but I suppose when you get a room full of over a dozen puppies, there's bound to be a bit of friction. Despite that, all of the dogs were heeling, walking and sitting properly by the end of it. It was a little hard to keep Grendel sitting, because the trick to it involves manipulating the collar and the dog's arse end. Grendel, being the shortest dog around is a little hard to reach. But, he's smart enough to get the hang of it with a little practice.

We've got homework this week, and I have to pass the lessons on to PJ so that we keep on track. Dorothy will be proud of the little fugger I hope.