Hayes has done well over the past two days. He has now been introduced to, and he has proven to have a basic understanding of, all of his commands. His sticky points are the Implied Stay and Place. His issue with both of these commands is rooted in the same wonderful character flaw of being friendly to a fault. He is absolutely positive that he should follow a person everywhere. He also seems convinced that a persons own happiness depends on his presence in their lap. So I don't get very far before he pops up and happily follows me. He is getting better, however. On day one I could not take one step away from him without him scooting after me. Today I was able to walk to the end of his leash and walk all the way around him. I can't crouch down to his level yet without him requiring a correction but he is getting better and better.
We are now proofing and practicing hard every day to make sure he really understands what he is supposed to do.
He reminds me so much of my wonderful Goldens. Always happy to be with a person and happy to do whatever is asked of them...unless there is something really fun to do.
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