Someone has some homework

We've been assigned some homework the past few weeks. Some of us have a hard time lying down all the way (ahem, Jax). So after work I spend some time getting him to lie down as fast as can. I want him to drop all four in an instant. 

In Jax's racing mind, lying down means its going to take that much longer to get up if the sheep move. However, as a handler you need a solid lie down, and it cant be an afterthought. We will not be doing so hot in a trial if I say, "lie down" and Jax says, "how about hover?" Not going to cut it buddy. I don't do yoga, neither do I want my dog doing a 'downward dog' while we are in the field.

"Close enough, right?"

He literally has is little dog toes scrunched and digging into the grass, ready to take off like a rocket. The trainer thinks it's pretty funny, though needs to be fixed, "Look at that little shit!" As he grips the dirt with a cheating lie down. And don't get me wrong or think I skipped a beat in puppy training. This guy knows the difference between dogs at the dog park and will chase after each individually if you tell him "Go get Axel" vs "Go get TJ". He knows what's being asked of him. Yet another hard-headed move so typical of this spry young man,  always figuring out how can he manage the situation and call the shots. If you asked him to solve a puzzle he will do it, if you tell him how he'll tell you his way is better. He'll still solve the puzzle, but not the way you asked him to. 

"This lie down is soooo hard.... shoulders up is ok, right?"

But sometimes even the most intelligent students aren't interested in practicing (even if it will make them top of the class in the next training session). We got a little practice time in, started to have some teenager melt downs until I called it quits for the evening. When you start getting your maneuvers mixed up, it's time to end on an upswing as the temper tantrums start to build. One thing I've learned about my dog, sometimes pushing for results is only going to get you into trouble. A couple solid "downs" mixed in with a few "roll overs" to keep things from getting too boring.

Ugh, enough already!