A Smart Doggo

Cy graduated his first obedience class!

I put Cy into PetSmart’s beginner obedience class to start his training with us. It was one of few classes that I was able to find on a last-minute notice that allowed multiple dogs in one class during quarantine. I had plans to get him extensive training, perhaps even agility training. We had two classes left and graduation when we found out his diagnosis and each class after that seemed so pointless. I even let up on at-home training. But I realized, he enjoys learning challenging tricks and seeing his classmates.

Cy’s 6-week class began with six dogs. One dog we only saw in his first class. On graduation day, a few of his classmates weren’t there so we didn’t get the fun group shot but Cy was able to snap a photo with his trainer who he loves. The hat… not so much.

As we were leaving she gave him some good pats and said, “Don’t let anyone tell you you’re sick.” And, of course, I cried.

Luckily, his trainer is also a groomer and Cy can still see her here and there.

After graduation, we had plans to run some errands and meet some friends, but Cy didn’t want to leave the store. He sat outside on the grass patch and watched as I pulled, begged and even walked away from him. Nothing worked. Eventually, I picked him up and carried his full 45 lbs across the parking lot to my car. He’s half my weight and was still pouting as he slowly accepted his treat.

In hindsight, I realized, I had broken routine. After class, we usually take a stroll around the store so Cy can pretend to like treats that he would never and now can never eat, sniff some willing dogs’ butts, get some loving pats from the store employees and stroll happily out of the store until next time.

Cy likes structure… So, training now has meaning again.