Down for the count...

Clicker training is going very well!  Despite Cody falling asleep during class, he's really enjoying it!  =)  I was so proud of him yesterday, because he was doing SO good with his down-stay.  I was able to walk across a room full of dogs and their owners and he stayed down.  Towards the end of class, I was even able to tug on his leash and he STILL stayed down!  Here's a photo of him practicing earlier this week in the kitchen...he was down for a full 8 minutes before I released him.  He got a little comfortable with this one, but at least he couldn't spring up easily from this position.  ;)  I just love the expression... "Mom, I'm laying down.  Where's my treat?!"

Last night, this new technique came in VERY handy.  I was making dinner, and as usual, my 'food-hound' (Cody) was right up underneath my feet.  After yelling "OUT!" numerous times, I decided to try the down-stay.  I put him in the down position just outside of the kitchen.  I then proceeded with making dinner, putting things back in the fridge, walking into the laundry room to throw things away, etc. all the while giving him a click and treat every couple minutes. Amazingly, IT WORKED!  He's generally right there the minute I open the fridge, but he actually STAYED PUT!  This was great practice for him and I was incredibly pleased.  We will continue to work on this as well as the release command so he knows that I control when he gets up and not him.

The rest of the family is doing well.  My husband's on the mend and will be able to start putting a little pressure on his foot mid-next week.  Callie and Tiny are just doing their thing.  I can't resist including this photo because it just cracks me up.  Callie fell asleep with her tongue sticking out, but she had it rolled...so cute!