Another Semester Down!

I finished my first year at school a few weeks ago. Final grades came through this past Friday and I am happy to say I got straight A's again. This semester I had Canine Training (so much fun!) Canine & Feline Nutrition, and my first non Animal Care class, Principles of Management.

I've been working with Dexter on some of the things I've learned in canine training and he is doing really well. He came to class with me a lot and I've definitely seen an improvement. I've also taught him using the clicker training method and I've taught him how to spin (he doesn't have it down yet but is doing really well) along with "leave it" and we've done some target training. As most of you know I love Dexter so much, he's my first "child", and I'm so glad I have him to be a part of something that is so very important to me. Here are some pictures of my little furry dude:

First day of training. He had no idea what was going on, but was his usual over excited self.

Passed OUT after his first day of training. It is mentally exhausting for the dogs, especially when they are so new to clicker training. Also, he had so many treats that let's just say the house did not smell so great for a few days..

Here he is with my teacher Professor Watkins, showing everyone how awesome he is.

This is Schultz, he's a Leonberger, was about the size of a horse, and totally mellow and awesome.

We were trying to teach him how to get on a towel up on a bench without saying a word (clicker training, google it if you are not familiar...) Here he's giving us a look letting us know he knows what we want, but he just doesn't feel like doing it.

Principles of Management was a class I didn't think I was going to enjoy nearly as much as I did. I really liked the teacher and his teaching style, and actually feel like I learned a lot. On my last day of classes the Professor said to me "Crystal, you did excellent this semester, nice job." I said "Thanks, I really enjoyed the class." He gave me a look and I said "No, I'm not being sarcastic, I really did!" And he laughed and said thank you.

Canine & Feline Nutrition was taught by my favorite Professor, Professor Shaw, and I learned a lot about how what we feed our pets and how it can affect them. I switched Dexter's dog food and he's done really well, and when friends ask me questions now I try to help them as best as I can.

I've said it before and I'll continue to say it, leaving my job was the best decision I could have ever made and I've never been happier.

xoxo