Sep. 11, 2008 - A Homeschool Kid In Class
Today was the first day of the dog training class Levi and I are taking. I thought it was going to be more of an agility training class, but it appears it's more of a basic training class. We're learning how to "clicker" train - using a little clicker device to let your dog know he has done something you like.
Since it was the first day, no dogs were allowed. I know Levi loves dogs, and loves working with Truman, but I was unsure of how he'd handle a classroom setting - since he hasn't been in one for over 2 years now. (Of course it wasn't a traditional classroom setting, since we were outside in a field, but there was a teacher and handouts and other students).
I was pleasantly surprised and very proud of him. Levi saw the teacher and gave her a hearty welcome from across the field. We were there early and she was still setting up. Levi jumped in and started helping her put her equipment together.
The class consisted of Levi, me, the teacher, and six other adults. Levi was very attentive while the teacher talked and we went over the handouts. Several times when she asked a question, he quickly and confidently spoke up and answered her question. He was not at all intimidated by the fact that everyone there was AT LEAST three times his age.
It also interests me to see the total and sincere attraction Levi has to dogs. It makes me happy to see him so in tune with, so intutive with and so kind and compassionate to another living creature. He is kind to humans, but he's especially sensitive to dogs.
Comments
Sep. 11, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
That's awesome! Maybe this will be the niche he needs. And I love watching my boys interact. Homeschooled kids seem to do much better interracting with pepole of varied ages.
KUDOS!
~~Keeter
Sep. 11, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by smallworldathome.blogspot.com
I wish he'd come and train our dog! ;-)
Sep. 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by neverathomemom
That's so great that Levi is not intimidated by an "adult" class. I wish her were here to take my dog!
Sep. 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Michelle122161
Levi is a wonderful example of homeschool children.
Sounds like a great class.
Blessings,
Michelle
Sep. 12, 2008 - Yeah for Levi!
Posted by PlainJane
Sounds like both Levi and you should be congratulated - you're doing good mom! Sounds like a fun class. I know that some equestrian olympic pros also use the clicker with horse training & I checked out a video on it from the library, but didn't esp. want to use it on our horses. Our dog goes a little psycho about beeps. It started with our ear-piercing smoke detectors that go off any time a bug crosses the sensor and now also includes the beep of the camara - when I turn on the camara she shakes so hard that her teeth chatter and she will follow the girls around the house the rest of the day for protection - poor dear lol
