I was going to chalk up Marleigh’s antics during her first day of class to pure excitement. Thus I had high hopes going into day two. I should have known better.

Things started off much the same. Attempting loose-leash walking means having to stop every time Marleigh pulled me. When you put five dogs in front of her, she will practically hang herself to get to them. Like a bad teacher, I ignored the first lesson because if I didn’t I never would have made it to class.

Once seated, we were asked to get our dogs into a ‘settle’ - or laying on their side, completely relaxed. Maizie hated this when she was in class, so I didn’t even bother trying this again with her. Instead, I focused my ‘settle’ on Marleigh. She wouldn’t have any of it. All she wanted to do was get up and introduce herself to the other dogs.

Finally, I simply put her on her side and held her there (which you aren’t supposed to do). While we were attempting to settle, Maizie was on a mission. She had made it over to the trainers treat stash and was going to town.

I jumped up to get her and salvage whatever treats she may have left behind, which weren’t many. I apologized profusely, dusted off Maizie’s mouth and turned to go back to Marleigh, but she was no longer in her settle. Honestly, I wasn’t the least bit surprised.

Instead, Marleigh had taken a liking to a 6 month old Collie puppy and was barking in his face trying to get him to play with her. Again, embarrassed, I went to pick her up with Maizie still tucked under my arm.

Marleigh took off across the training area, getting all of her classmates excited. Like a really uncomfortable game of chase, I follow Marleigh around the training area as she darted under the chairs, over her classmates (many of which were now following suit), all along Maizie bouncing along on my hip.

Finally, the trainer snatched Marleigh up and gave me a very concerned look.

And, this was only day two.

-- Chloe Ochse --