Many of us take our best pals to a variety of classes
such as obedience, good manners or how to walk on a leash. Our dogs participate
in activities including agility, rally and fly ball. They become service dogs,
working dogs and audiences for young readers.
We teach our dogs to sit, weave and retrieve. We reward
them for listening attentively and following directions. We enjoy their company
and sometimes even depend upon them for our health or our very lives.
I recently enrolled in a Canine Freestyle Dog Dancing
class with my 12 pound, 5 year old Rat Terrier. My intention is to spend time
with him and have fun. I also like that his intense energy and quick mind are
being channeled into an activity at which he seems to be naturally talented. My
observation is that he is in complete harmony. Shadow is learning to circle, jump,
wiggle and bow on cue. I am considering entering a competition if it suits us
as a team.
Sometimes we lose sight of what has meaning for our dogs at
‘graduation’. Mine have made me aware of the following:
·
To learn how to learn so I can please my human.
·
To communicate my needs.
·
To learn to live well in the human world.
·
To be allowed to follow my natural instincts as
much as possible.
·
To experience love, safety, joy and appreciation.
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