Hi Marc,

I wanted to give you an update. The dogs are doing great!  We went for a 2 mile walk and it was wonderful. We encountered squirrels, ducks, kids playing and even a baggie of Cheerios on the ground and I was able to completely handle them.
 
We also spent some good time running around the backyard. I know that part of their problems were that they weren't getting enough exercise, but I couldn't control them to give them exercise. I know this will be much better now.

I also got Erie a ball to put his food in. He has to paw it and roll it around to get the food to come out. It takes him at least a half hour to eat. Not only does it challenge him, but I'm sure it's better for his
digestion to eat slower!

I put their collars on this morning to let them run around outside and work a bit on not charging the door. I had Erie sitting in front of the door (open enough so he could get out), and he waited for me to say "let's go."

I left their bed downstairs last night and my bedroom door open. They came up about 1:30 to say goodnight and then went back downstairs and slept until they heard my alarm this morning.

No questions yet, but thank you. We have a lot of learning left to do, but I feel like I have a connection with them to teach them. I will keep you
updated.

Deb

Zoey is one of the cutest, sweetest little dogs I have ever seen, but she sure was naughty. She used to lunge and back on the leash, run away off leash, and was the pickiest eater ever. Here’s a nice letter from her family after training and a little nutritional counseling.

Wow - I have never seen her gobble up ALL her food before!

We did as you said when we got home.  Out of the car and Zoey's nap, we set out for a walk with lots of turning.  A pair of neighbors across the street got just a little "woof", we turned and headed out in the opposite direction.  She sat at every stop and corner and seemed to just "beam" in delight.  She was wonderful and seemed terribly proud of herself.  Once back to her yard, we played.

She discovered chairs and couches were not to jump on unless requested - and Diane did call her up on the couch to snuggle and get pets.  And she discovered that good food existed in our house too!

She slept through the night and was very excited when it was time to come out.  And then we were off on a walk and then practicing sits and down (she does not like that ..but finally complied). In the grassy back yard I took her leash off for some running and play.  She was very good with the "come" command bounding at full speed across the yard, ears perked straight up ... she looked like she was laughing with delight ....... and :) she sat immediately when she arrived at my feet knowing she was going to get lots of praise and pets.  We did that several times with great success - only once did I have to remind her after the command "come" as she had found some good stuff to smell.

And then she ATE breakfast, all of it.

Now she is curled up sleeping in her little bed by my feet as I sit at the computer.

She is a very happy little dog ... and of course has had her nose kissed quite often!

Thank you so much for the care, love, and education we all received.  (Diane also thinks you are wonderful!)  I wish I had trained a dog with you "before" I raised a child - but Diane has lots of lessons to remember when dealing with pre-school children and in the future with her own kids and dogs who will be part of her life.

Love from all of us,

     Anne, Diane, and Zoey