Today was graduation for Zoni's puppy socialization class. The nice little surprize was that the teachers gave Zoni the "most improved" medal right at the beginning of the class. :p It wasn't because she was the most well-trained puppy (totally not), but because she came the most of her shell since the beginning of class. Early on, I would say she was one of the more stressed puppies (there are about 20+ dogs in the class) and wasn't very responsive in class, wouldn't really even eat treats until it was almost over. Now, she's able to concentrate after about 5-10 minutes once she gets used to everything going on. Of course, when we went up to get her medal, she jumped up on the teacher. :rolleyes: The teacher said she was actually happy Zoni did that because she really wouldn't have been that outgoing with a stranger earlier on in class. There was a little rally fun test after that and of course Zoni was in full basenji mode. Her down was extremely dramatic, with both front paws going way in the air and slamming down on the ground right after the other before her butt fully hit the ground. We start the next class in a few weeks but we're going to hang out in the next session of the puppy class too so she can continue to get more comfortable in larger groups. I think she'll continue to get better after another month or so. I'm definitely proud of my little girl. Go Zoni! :D:D
That is really good to hear. Good for Zoni. We are starting our puppy classes next week and I am excited and nervous at the same time. We will see.
petra
Three cheers for Zoni! Keep up the great work.
That's great!! And you should be proud!! 
Go Zoni!!
Great to hear Zoni's success! Shaye starts classes on June 2, and at 5 mo. she is really needing them! We're scared she'll be told to leave, but if Zoni can do it, maybe Shaye can.
@Shaye's:
Great to hear Zoni's success! Shaye starts classes on June 2, and at 5 mo. she is really needing them! We're scared she'll be told to leave, but if Zoni can do it, maybe Shaye can.
Why would she be told to leave? Puppies aren't perfect, they are expected to misbehave.
Congratulations on graduating puppy class!
Her down was extremely dramatic, with both front paws going way in the air and slamming down on the ground right after the other before her butt fully hit the ground.
My instructors think this is the funniest thing about our dogs. Their big dramatic downs.
Congratulations to you and Zoni! I love the description of the down, I remember Topper in puppy & adult obedience class, doing the same thing. The instructor would laugh and say that "down" was supposed to be a submissive posture, but he "attacked the earth" and was definitely NOT submissiveā¦but got the job done HIS way!
Basenjis need instructors with a sense of humor! Good thing Zoni had one like that too.
Anne
"down" was supposed to be a submissive posture, but he "attacked the earth" and was definitely NOT submissiveā¦but got the job done HIS way!
Anne
That is so funny. Hey however he interprets "Down", at least he listened and did it with B style..
Petra
Congratulations to you and Zoni! I love the description of the down, I remember Topper in puppy & adult obedience class, doing the same thing. The instructor would laugh and say that "down" was supposed to be a submissive posture, but he "attacked the earth" and was definitely NOT submissiveā¦but got the job done HIS way!
Basenjis need instructors with a sense of humor! Good thing Zoni had one like that too.
Anne
Thanksā¦and yes they have a good sense of humor and love Zoni too. I wish the conformation class teacher did though, but then I'm just not going to that one for now....
