Today the little wildman started school.  He was in desperate need for some obedience training, and, more than that....just being around so many other dogs in that environment without Toby, and being made to behave.  I was very nervous about going and worried about the big dogs and worried about him not doing a thing I said, but I had completely worried for nothing! We got there and all the dogs were line up with their owners all around the fencing that enclosed a big area behind the vet's office that, ironically, was the vet I just happened to choose about a month ago when I had to take Toby in.  I didn't find out about this obedience class through that vet, so it was funny to me that it was behind his office.  Santa Barbara has SO many vets and pet hospitals.  When I first came, I wondered how they could all stay in business.  There are literally 2 or 3 per block in many parts of town.  There are obviously lots of pets here.  You do see many, many people walking dogs downtown, even going in the stores.  I take Toby and Elvis in all the stores down there. So....class was beginning.... Everyone in class was very nice, and many of the dogs were very sweet, although most were really in need of training.  Most were close to a year old, so still very much puppy. I was dreading it when we started to do the rounds, but my Elvie was perfect.  He has always stayed close to my side when we walk...not too far ahead or too far behind...but I never realized how well behaved he was being.  He looked like a show dog strutting around and he just kept looking up at me, so obviously wanting to see if I was proud of him. Well, I was!  We have never done a sit, or many of the other commands, and he sat right away.  After just a few times around, he would sit as soon as I stopped.   It was really fun, and not at all the chore I thought it woud be.  I wanted to cancel so badly, I just wasn't up to fighting with him and keeping him from going off on someone. But, he didn't bark at anyone, didn't pull his wildman thing on anyone, and actually let many pet him, and a few hold him. I was reminded of all the big dogs I have taken to obedience over the years, watching these other dogs wearing out their owners.  I was happy that I didn't have that struggle with Elvis.  But, I've been there ! Training an unruly big dog is tough, but so necessary. Obedience is such a good thing to do for your dog, but you have to do the homework, and you have to practice.  It is a lot of work, but the rewards are well worth it.   I'm anxious to see if Elvis continues to do so well, and if he does, we may continue on with advanced classes and maybe compete.  Now, THAT is something I never thought I'd say! This same club has open agility on Saturdays, and I am going to try to take Toby to that.  I think he'd be great at it, once he knows what to do.  We will see, with both of them! Here are a few pictures from the evening.  Elvis was decked out in his backpack (which I have on my DoggieArt site) and a St. Paddy's day bow. He really is such a sweet boy, I'm just so happy he's mine... We will keep updating you with Elvis' progress.   He wasn't happy about going.  He knew something was up, and sensed that it wasn't something fun. Such a sweet boy, all ready with his backpack Elvie quickly made friends and stole hearts The classmates... Quite a mixture Bouvier des Flandres A Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu mix - we got a dance from her Lined up listening to the rules and regulations This was a Yorkie mix, very sweet, very much all puppy ! Boston Terrier German Shephard - can you believe only 6 months old !? Trying to get ourselves in order This was a very pretty dog, and gentle.  Reminded me of a Staffordshire Terrier, but I'm not sure. This is the Yorkie mix.  They were told Yorkie/Poodle, but I don't see it.  This was from some "designer" breeder and although these people were given the dog, the people who gave her to them paid over $1000 for a 'designer dog'.  BUYER BEWARE!  Check out your breeders!   Mixed breeds aren't 'designer' anything !  Go to your local shelter and rescue a dog if you want a mixed breed :) Sweet little Gracie.  Chi/Dachshund mix.  She was precious. Stay tuned!   With Elvis getting all this education, you never know what he may end up doing.... We will be expecting all your finished homework tomorrow !