The first day of school had finally arrived for Edgar Allan. After basically being quarantined for several weeks due to his kennel cough, we finally got the ok to have him around other dogs. I remember being both excited and extremely nervous. I imagine this is how parents feel when they want their child accepted into a fancy private school. I woke up and took him for a nice walk. I hoped that it would tire him out just a bit. Edgar Allan may appear crazy at times when I take him on walks due to his excitability but, he is actually an extremely calm dog when we are home. One of the things I love about him. Although, Edgar Allan and Poe do have their silly moments. 
I had met the trainers prior to our first class. They completed a “dog evaluation” to help us place Edgar Allan in appropriate classes and form a plan for his training. Upon meeting him, they could tell that Edgar Allan loved other dogs. He just needed to learn to slow down and learn how to politely “dog”. Our first class was a private socialization. Edgar Allan would have the opportunity to finally just play with another dog or two. The trainers used control dogs that were well socialized and approved to help with these socialization’s. I was curious to see how he would behave.
We’ve made so many friends through training, but the first dog Edgar Allan attempted to be friends with was Yogi. Yogi is a fabulous older, rescue pit. He has this awesome calm, cool, and collected personality with other dogs. You may have noticed I used the word “attempted”. After being introduced to Yogi, we learned that Edgar Allan was a firecracker! He zoomed all over the play yard. Jumping like a bunny and basically being a hyper child. This was not his best first impression. At least not with Yogi. Edgar Allan’s high energy left Yogi exhausted and uninterested in playing with him. You would think that I would be unhappy with Edgar Allan for behaving crazy, but I was very happy. It was obvious that he loved other dogs. It was also obvious that we had a long road ahead of us too. Edgar Allan had lots to learn.
I will never expect Edgar Allan to be “perfect”. Is there really such thing as perfect? The first class helped me to form realistic expectations for him. Freshman year of training hasn’t always been easy, but Edgar Allan continues to make me proud. Moral of this story: When your dog begins training, it may feel like some goals are impossible to reach, but I promise you given time and dedication, those goals will be met. Celebrate the baby steps, as much as the huge accomplishments. This class was just the beginning of many celebrations to be had.
Until next time, paw prints and tail wags from Edgar Allan and Poe :)
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