The Terror

I'm used to seeing Shelties who shut down on the course from stress. I feel badly for those handlers because I know how disappointing it is. I remember Woody just froze at a NADAC trial for no apparent reason. The only thing I could think of was the huge air conditioners that were running. It was so bad that someone came up to me and commented on his stress, like I was unaware. Duh. Sure we were in Novice, but this boy had his MX and MXJ in AKC. He was not a Novice.

Now Shane shows his stress in the completely opposite way. He runs like a maniac. Initially, I was pleased that he was so fast, but now I know it's because he is terrified. I was able to finally see his terror at class on Tuesday. We had to put our dog in sit stay next to two other dogs and call them to us one at a time down an aisle of people and dogs. Like in Soul Train. The instructor had her foot on Shane's leash when the first dog was called. Shane jumped and looked like he didn't know what to do. Next was my turn. I called him to me and he looked so scared. He glanced at all the other dogs. Scooted at first and then ran to me. He was terrified. I had never seen that reaction front on before. We have a lot of work to do.

The goal of this class is to make the dog and handler comfortable in different situations. I too am terrified and this class is really helping. We do a lot of stressful things, but we are always having fun. A giant doberman lunged at Shane last week. It's not a big deal. No reaction from me. Shane did great. No matter what happens, it's no big deal. Can't wait for Tuesday night!