Final Day of Training

Today was our final day of training at 4Paws.

I think Mommy will be glad to no longer constantly

smell like a dog, but we're going to miss our new

friends, watching the dogs bond with the kids,

and all of the staff at 4Paws.

They are so friendly and knowledgeable!

It was really, really raining this morning.

That made me really glad that I have an in-home

companion dog rather than a tracking dog.

The families had to track in the rain and mud.

They came in soaked!

But for those families, it's worth every raindrop!

So, Mommy, Daddy, and Ruffey worked on more

obedience skills, specifically off-leash.

That means, Ruffey had to obey commands without

wearing his leash for correction.

He does well, as long as he knows there

are lots of treats ready for his good behavior!

Mommy and Daddy will be stocking up on

pupperoni treats!

This is Ruffey and me before dinner on Thursday.

I like to play with his leash and tags.

All the dogs were practicing "heeling" at

the same time. They were using one another

as distractions. They are all doing well!

You can see Ruffey's friends Fizz (left) and

Mammoth...both golden retrievers.

Mommy is giving Ruffey a treat for good obedience.

4Paws dogs are trained with treats and praise...

never with punishment.

Families have to agree to follow

this type of training in order to

receive a dog.

And this kind of training must work well

as some of these dogs are not even one year

old yet...and they can follow commands, do tricks,

and search and rescue!

My brothers decided to relax with a movie

during training.

At noon, they went back to the hotel to swim

with Grandma.

I stayed at 4Paws to finish training,

and spend some more time with the puppies.

And that's the beginning of our story as best friends.

Stay tuned for updates!