Graduation... Again

Today Panda graduated his level 2 class. I am SO proud of him and how far we have come. I can't believe he is the same dog I had a few short months ago. We are a great "team" now and this has been pointed out to me by many people, some I know and even some strangers. I love my little man even more than I thought I ever could. Today there were even a few tears shed by this proud doggie mommy! He won and / or tied all todays companions: Pop-sits, sit-stay while I walked to the other side of the room, down-stay while I walked to the other side of the room again and sit-stay then come when called from the 10 yards away, all of which we did off leash!

In these classes we have also worked on off leash commands, (this terrified me!) commands with just hand movements no sound, and more temptations. We also started agility! Panda can now do high and long jumps, weave, figure eight, and slalom among other things. He did the same agility course and the big dogs with no modifications.

Our instructor has decided to close the current center for many reasons and is going to open a new center. I am looking forward to taking more classes with her wherever she moves to. We just love her and her firm but loving approach. She told us today that the next class we should take is tricks! I am very excited for that class. “Tricks” is more about fun and showing off. She said his obedience skills are past advanced so there is no point in continuing in those classes! (What? My dog!?!) She also said she would like to test him soon for his therapy dog license. She is sure he could pass today if I wanted, but I would like a little more practice just to be sure.

Panda is such a wonderful dog and I am so proud to have him in my life. Can you believe he has come this far and he isn't even two yet? This was the little puppy that was severely abuse and almost didn't make it through his first week home.