Its amazing how quickly the little puppies become big dogs. I was comparing pictures of Rocky today with pictures of him in Feb, and I'm amazed at how much he's grown. I miss the little cute Rocky, but I don't miss his little "cute" oopsie puddles if I waited just a couple minutes too long to take him outside.

I like the new, bigger Rocky who's been learning things at obedience lessons. I like that when I'm walking I can stop walking and he sits next to me (most of the time) or if I say "down" he lays on the ground. Now, the down command is one that I'm really proud of because it took about 3 weeks for him to learn (at great protest). I actually made him cry for a whole lesson with the trainer (I thought I was killing him, he wants to be the boss, apparently) but no harm, no foul.

It is interesting teaching corgi's "leave it" though. I feel kinda mean, but I am teaching my dog "leave it" with food and treats. I don't want him eating just anything that falls on the ground like a crazy dog, especially if I were to drop something toxic like grapes, chocolate, etc. Its for his own good, it just feels kinda bad at times being the boss. But at the same time, its better than giggling at him doing something bad and then having a monster/crazy dog in your house who does whatever he wants.

I am glad I decided to go the extra and do obedience lessons. The trainer that I'm using is really cool. He trains a lot of service dogs and police dogs. I only have a couple lessons left, but I think I'm going to take a second class with him so that Rocky can get the extra benefit of being around different dogs. I also want him ready to take the CGC. He has a major issue with anyone touching his paws, even though I've been doing it regularly since I've had him. He's taken to mouthing me (not biting, really) when I touch his paws. He bit the trainer a couple times too, but he's getting better. I've started touching his paws at least 2-3 times per day, despite all his negative responses.

Ugh. I hope I don't sound mean. This dog is over-spoiled with playing fetch and attention. I just hope that I'm doing a good job training him. I haven't ever trained a dog by myself before. In fact, I haven't trained a dog in at least 15 years at all. Rocky is the cutest thing. When he heels, he always watches me with his tongue hanging out of his mouth. I know the real reason is because he wants treats, but I like to think its something else =D

I'm so glad I got a dog.