Slow Down

Well the training has slowed a bit. I've been trying to study more and finish up my commissions but i'm still training her every day at least a little. She will almost always sit for me but her touch isn't all the way there. I've started teaching "lay down" and if I work it a bit she lays down quickly but I always have to use a food lure or she won't. Oh well, practice makes perfect.

I found some obedience classes only 15 minutes from me called South Paw Training School. I want to train her in basic obedience, which is $80. Very cheap compared to Petco/Petsmart's training classes. As soon as I round up enough commissions to pay for the class i'm going to try and sign up :)

Holly got away from the yard yesterday. Our back door swings open sometimes so she runs for it. I was warned about this. Border collies are known to roam in new situations. Their chase drive can take over and Holly has a high chase drive. Rabbits, squirrels, you name it. I've had to give her two baths in the past two days. I don't like to bathe her often because with cats their skin becomes irritated. I don't know if it's the same with dogs but don't want to take the chance. Her skin was irritated when I adopted her. She has sores on her rump, near her tail, and on the base of her tail. She bites the sores so they bleed. It's horrible. I'm thinking of buying her a cone to stop it. Up till now i've tied cloth around her tail to hide the wound. It always comes off though.

As soon as my next check comes she goes in for her rabies shot as well :)

Question for my followers: How do you get your dog to smell nice? I've given her multiple baths since I adopted her and she still smells strongly of...well, dog. I've been bathing her in an oatmeal and vanilla shampoo and spritzing her with doggy cologne. Still my family complains of her smell. I don't mind animal smells as much as them but I don't want her to be miss stinky either. Any help would be terrific.