Mothers Day evening we were having a lovely dinner, cooked by my Hubby, at my Mother-in-Law's house. We even brought out the birthday cake we got for my hubby earlier in the week for dessert.
There Herkimer was, laying down, minding his own business. He was even off to the side, just like he was supposed to be... when what did I decide to do?? Walk over him to get to my seat and a piece of cake.
As I brought my second foot (the right one) over Herkimer, the toe of my sock got caught in the zipper of his vest pocket. I lost my balance (which I don't have much of to begin with) and went down. Herkimer didn't attempt to try to get up while I was stepping over him -- again, exactly what he was supposed to do.
So today, after a bunch of x-rays - I have an avulsion fracture of my right big toe! No wonder it hurt! And turned a lovely shade of purple! AND I tore my favorite "Woof" socks! Sheesh....
I'm just VERY glad Herkimer didn't try to stand up - I don't want to think how THAT would have ended...
Dog = 1; Klutzy Owner = 0
Despite the broken toe, our obedience class went extremely well tonight! My son joined me and helped work with him -- he did okay (my son that is). Herk on the other hand was wonderful. I think he really understood the corrections that the trainer made last week, because we didn't have a single problem with the other dogs. He would alert to them, but a "Leave it" brought him right back. Herkimer breezed past the greeting a person with a dog and the loose leash activity. We even walked out together (him and I), past the dogs from class and the ones waiting in the store front - without an incident! Whoo Hoo!
By no means is this problem fixed. But he knows what he is supposed to do, so that makes it easier to move up to stronger distractions and meeting dogs outside class. And that is what I'm doing later in the week. I'm taking Herk to the puppy class (by the same trainer) during the socialization part. And I have a couple friends lined up to work on the meeting part with different dogs.
It really is amazing how much difference a structured obedience class makes! The progress, not only Herkimer has made, but the other dogs as well!
Before the toe incident, we also started taking him out to public places (where dogs are not likely to be) and started practicing. He was overly distracted but followed commands very well. His biggest problem came when we stopped to talk to someone, look at merchandise or pay at the register. He lost his focus and roamed around too much. But what do they say??? Practice, practice, practice. He will never relax in a new place if I don't keep taking him out.
Progress is a beautiful thing!
Oh -- and he didn't eat anything in the house today! (granted, I was home by 12:30 because of my toe - but I'll take any progress in THAT department).
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