Annie began formal training today. She appears to be quite bright, a very quick study. I would not be surprised if she has had some training in her short, checkered past.
Our philosophy at Mia Semuta Dog Training is that we take every new student through the basics to establish a strong foundation on which to build. We started Annie as we do all students: heel and sit. Heel is so much more than walking nicely on a leash. Heel establishes the relationship between the human and the dog. Humans lead, dogs follow. Period. A dog on a leash should walk at the handler’s side, canine shoulder to human heel. When the person stops the dog sits. It’s really quite simple.
I know there is a school of thought out there that advises people to allow their dogs to sniff and explore on their daily walk, to allow them to extend to the end of the leash, to be curious, etc. I disagree. I disagree vehemently! On leash time is work time, off leash time is play time. Annie will learn to be respectful and attentive on leash by heeling. When she is ready to earn off-leash privileges then she can sniff and roam and explore and roll in stinky stuff to her heart’s delight!
She spent some time outside today with my dogs, Pony and Gigi, and then had some free-roam time in the house with them as well. She is quite social and eager to understand the pack rules. She’s not as pleasant when in her crate and approached by the other dogs but that’s totally understandable. Right now, that crate is the only thing that is hers. It is her safest place, her refuge. When the other dogs put their faces up to her door she tells them to back off. (I do the same thing with my neighbors’ bratty kids.)
As I sit here typing this piece, my home is full of loving, calm energy. Two fosters, two of my own and a student are all peacefully lounging in my living room. Three in their crates- two with the doors wide open, one on the couch and one at my feet. They are chewing on bones, snuggling with stuffies and just enjoying the art of doing nothing. Tonight, Little Annie, you are an orphan no more. You have four siblings and a mom who is dedicated to finding the perfect home and family for you. Rest easy, sweet girl, what’s done is done. Your life is now.
Please enjoy the pictures of Annie’s day; follow Annie’s story on this page and visit Char-Wills to complete an application for adoption.
After more than a year of watching the “magic” that happens under the tutelage of Mia, and her trainers, I am still amazed at the transformations that occur with even the most damaged dogs💖