Thank you f0r all the lovely comments about Lemon in the last post – they are really appreciated. I’m terribly sorry – I’m still so busy with ‘settling-in’ stuff and have just been away the whole weekend with Honey at a “dog dancing camp” on the Gold Coast (with no internet access!) – so I have not had time to visit any of your blogs. Will do my best to come and visit as soon as I can. ~ Hsin-Yi
Even though I have already done lots of training and am generally well-behaved, my human, Hsin-Yi, likes to continue taking me to training classes regularly – just as something for us to spend time working on together as a team and to remind me of my manners and keep me on my toes! 
So she has been looking for a training class for us to join in Brisbane and she found some very nice classes at the Animal Training Centre run by the Queensland RSPCA. These are good because they welcome all types of doggies and are not very competitive ( not like some Obedience clubs!) – because Hsin-Yi doesn’t really care about winning ribbons or putting letters after my name (- sometimes humans can get very nasty when they care a lot about those things and then it is not very nice to be around them). She just wants to do stuff with me for fun. And rather than paying money to another dog trainer, this way the money paper for our classes would be going to help the RSPCA.
Now, a lot of people think my human is crazy to keep taking me to training because I already know a lot of advanced stuff and she can already control me very well – they think training classes is only for dogs with problems…but Hsin-Yi thinks that it is always good to keep learning and challenging our brains. She says it is like Human Pups learning to read: they don’t just stop going to school after they learn their ABC’s – they keep reading new books and magazines and newspapers, etc …
Also, many humans think of doing training with us doggies as a BIG CHORE – like something yucky that has to be got over with as quickly as possible. But actually, it is much better to think of it as part of life with us doggies – just like grooming and cuddling and taking walks – training is just another way to spend time with us. All through our lives. Not just once.
Just like you would not read a Human Pup ONE book once – instead, it is a nice way to enjoy spending time together with Human Pups by reading them a book at bedtime every day. So it is the same with training us doggies. It is a nice way to spend time with us. We love doing training with our humans and it makes us trust them more and listen to them more, so we become better behaved and can go more places and get involved in more things.
When Hsin-Yi called and asked about joining, the RSPCA trainers told her that new doggies are not allowed to join the advanced classes unless they have done the basic ones first…but Hsin-Yi explained that we have already done lots and lots of training so in the end, they were nice and said that we could join the Intermediate class, which is at 9am on Sun mornings.
Well, actually, I already know how to do all the things in this class too but Hsin-Yi says it is always good to go over things again – even the basics! – and to practise in different places and with new distractions like new dogs. (Hmm…I don’t know…I still think it’s a bit boring… )
Well, anyway, so we started with practising having all the different parts of our bodies handled by a stranger… (easy! 
)
And then we did some Sits… (even easier!)
And then we went into a big field to practise some Heeling and Sitting beside our humans… (yawn…)
We also got to practise walking over steps – ‘coz some doggies that have never been socialised to stairs can get really scared if they have to go on them…(OK, this was a bit more interesting!)
And then we practised some Down Stays…(OK, I got to do a Sit Stay and Stand Stay instead, to make it a bit harder and more interesting for me. Also, the other doggies kept their leashes on and their humans only walked a few steps away but Hsin-Yi took my leash off and walked far away to test me more…but I was really good – I never broke my Stay! 
)
And then the last thing we practised was the Recall: to go to our humans when called. Well, this is easy too but I was a bit slow – I trotted slowly over to Hsin-Yi instead of zooming over like the other smaller dogs. Well – you know us giant breeds – why do something quickly when you can do it slowly? (And why stand up when you can lie down?) 
I heard Hsin-Yi asking the Trainer Lady for tips on how to get me to move faster…Really! Doesn’t she understand the giant breed philosophy in life, by now? You can’t expect us to zoom around like a small cracker dog! 
We’ll do it but at a much more dignified, stately pace, thank you.
Actually, I think I could have been faster but it was just so hot that I was exhausted from all the panting. Even though the class is early in the morning, the sun is already very strong at that time and even in the shade, it was really hot! My humans tried to keep me cool by putting a wet towel on me… (hmm…not my best look…)
…and they also got me a “cooling bandana” (you can see me wearing it in the pictures – it’s the dark blue thing around my neck) but that got warm very quickly, coz it’s so little against the rest of my body. Really! I would need to wear 6 cooling bandanas around my body, I think, to really feel cooler!
(Hsin-Yi has just heard about a “cool coat” made especially for doggies so she is going to get one for me.)
But don’t worry- when we got home, my humans gave me something that really cooled me down: my very 1st ice lolly!
It was just some fruit juice mixed with water, then frozen in a plastic takeaway container but it was YUMMY!
In fact, I went into a sort of trance licking it…! Mmm-mm!
Looks like you had a great time Honey! That ice pop looks very yummy (although right now we have 8 inches of snow on the ground so we don’t need any more cold stuff
Every time Mom comes to your blog and reads tne entries since you’ve moved to Brisbane, she squeeees! One of the field trips they took was to the RSPCA adn she really enjoyed everyone there. She also loved the Gold Coast!
Hugs and Tail Wags,
Dixie
Looks like a fun sort of place Honey! (even though you were a bit bored at times)
Good news about the cool coat, Emily has some wonderful iced cooling boots and rug for her horses (and a vest for herself!) and they are fab so she is sure you will enjoy the coat that Hsin-Yi is getting you.
Licks
Pep
ah! iced lollies! too cool! sapphire only had ice cubes ;( for such a small dog, even a little juice will probably make her poop runny ;p
seeing u licking that juice cube is making my mouth water ;p
Hi Honey
We’re starting back with classes again this Friday night -- I’m very excited!
We’re doing Delta Canine Good Citizen Level 2. It’s supposed to build on the stuff we learned for Level 1, but I hope we do some refresher exercises… I’m kind of a bit selective in how much I remember -- last night we were practicing sit-stays, and I decided I preferred sit-follow. And when we do outdoor practice, it’s a bit distracting when there are flocks of parrots just sitting around waiting to be chased!
But I’m very good at focusing on which trick my human’s “magic hand” is going to ask me to do … will it be a high-five, or a shake-paw, or a down, or a crawl, or a sit…
I thought you looked very regal and elegant with that towel on your head -- even a bit sphinxish.
Puppy kisses
Sasha
Hi Honey! It’s great to see you being so good, Mom says she’s jealous but she doesn’t really mean it. She loves me, even if she DOES call me her ADHD dog! Just cuz I don’t do long stays, doesn’t mean I’m dumb right?heehee.
Have fun at your new training class Honey,even though you’re way smarter and much better at this stuff than most any other dog there probably 
I’m gonna tell Mom that I want one of those ice lollys too! I love eating snow and ice…these would be even better
honey!
those lolly’s looks great
Sanne wil send some snow from here
it’s nice and cool hope it wont melt
it’s great to see you training again! look like fun!!
oh check out our blog we got an award for your
kissslobbers
El’bow & hauwii
I LOVE ice lollies! But my best favourite treat -- when it’s hot -- is when my mommy gives me a peace of frozen meat. I can lick it forever!
Even if your class is too easy for you, you still get to meet some new dogs and maybe make some new friends! It looks very hot -- at least you have that ice lollies to help you cool off! It looks yummy!
Hi Honey!
Tell your mum that she can buy a really “cool” belly wrap here:
http://www.inthecompanyofdogs.com/itemdy00.asp?c=07&SKW=health+cooling&SKW2=&TKW=&Scat=Y&GEN1=Dog+Cooling&OR=&parent=&pagelen=&Sort=p&T1=D14168+RB+S&PageNo=1&pos=9
This is a really nice company with lots of interesting things!
Pee Ess: That ice treat sure looked super nommy!!
hmmmm—our entire country is covered with ice lollies right now… we prefer all the flavors--except the yellow ones--heheheh!
Fun! I’m with you on continuing training with your dog. I take a dog or two to training class every week. Sometimes it’s advanced stays, heeling, or going out in the real world. Sometimes it’s CGC (Duke is the test dog for that class), sometimes it’s Rally. But they love the one on one time, and they love the treats.
And my dogs get lots of ice lollies in the summer! I usually grab some random fruit, usually berries (but no grapes!), smash them in a bowl, add some water, and freeze.
Looks like you had a GREAT time!
We really enjoyed all the pictures, you looked really good:)
Toby loves ice cubs, especially meat flavored ones!
Toby’s Raiser
I’m glad you found a new class! Why didn’t you go to the local obedience clubs though? Even if you don’t want to compete you could still push yourself and Honey to the next level. She knows all her basics really really well but there’s a whole world beyond that! To me, even if I weren’t planning on competing I would enjoy the challenge of trying to get that perfect finish, or great retrieve.
I do agree that some people at the clubs might not be very welcoming, but that’s not true for the majority of people I’ve met who are very very helpful.
Just my thoughts! But I’m glad you had fun and I cant wait to hear about the camp!!!
Don’t you just love school Honey? I do! It’s the only place right now I get to see my friends like Big Lucy, Little Lucy and Willow. I am the very best at the “Come” recall in class! Momma thinks you look like the Great Sphinx of Giza with the wet towel on your head. I’ve never had a frozen lolly but I do get ice cubes to play with in my water bowl.
~Juneau~
Honey you are such a lucky girl! I’ve been testing Darwin more lately by making her practice her sit stays at the dog park!
The heat and big dogs… ooohhh. This past summer we had record highs in Seattle (100+F) and we used cold wet towels to help cool Darwin off. I’ve made her mini popsicles (ice lollies) with blended frozen fruits and nonfat frozen yogurt. She loves it!
BTW We have an award for you on the blog! Check it out!
http://evolutionofdarwin.blogspot.com/2010/02/02feb2010-award.html
Stairs are super challenging. I got stuck once at a cabin we visited. I went up but was to scared to come down, I cried and cried. The stairs were super slippery and didn’t have a back or railing. Dad had to carry my big body down.
woof -- Tucker
That is so nice that you and Hsin-Yi are attending classes together! I think it’s good for your bonding and having special time together is just wonderful, isn’t it? I’ll bet you can help inspire the other pups and peeps, too!
I LOVE ice! Just plain ICE! Yummy!!! I’ve never tried it flavored. I’ll have to ask my mom to do that for me!
Love,
Ammy
Honey, you lead such an interesting life!
Too bad you were bored but you did great Honey! You’re so smart. From the sound of it at least the trainer was open to the things Hsin Yi was explaining to him/her. How long until you get to join the advanced class?
Jackal
That training class looked like fun, Honey! Sorry to hear you were a little bored but just think of the bonding you and your humans go to do! Plus it’s a great way to make new friends.
I’ve never given my dogs an ice lolly before, I may just have to do that this summer!
Hi Honey,
Obedience training looks like fun, although it seems the class you attended was too easy for you! But, how can you put up with a strange person touching all parts of your body? That is the hardest thing for me!
That ice lolly looks yummy, much better than just a chunk of ice that my humans often bring for me when we go to Hound Racing in summer.
Love,
Cinnamon
Maybe you will make some new friends at this training. Or maybe some of them will know some good dog friendly beaches to go to. We know it gets very earm there so we are glad you are getting a cooling coat. There are also cooling pads, but Meowm doesn’t remember the website for them. We don’t think Meowm would give us ice lollies like that…..not with fruity flavors. We might get some regular ole water flavored ones though.
Aw, I hadn’t thought of dog training as being a way for dogs to spend time with their owners! From your pics you two sure do look like you’re having fun!
yummers! I will have to try that for Moose when Summer comes again. Training looks fun but kinda easy for you. Looks like where Moose needs to be! At least they didn’t stick you with the beginers
We are glad that you found a nice training school. It’s always good to review and if you get nice treats and praise and petting, who cares if you know it already? Barbara always thinks it is important to build our reinforcement history too. We like that iced treat and when it gets warmer here we will have to try it.
The Train Your Dog entries are up on our blog so stop by and vote. Our Grandma said that she voted for you.
Your friends,
Niamh & Ambrose
What a nice assortment of new pals!
We got warm just looking at woo!
I bet I would like one of those kind of ice lollies -- I’ve nevFUR gotten into ice khubes but maybe these would work fur me!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
Awesome honey! We have a HUGE Airedale in our advanced class and she is the SLOWEST recall, but she does it. i say if you do it and don’t go anywhere else, who’s judging?
We are using a new trainer for Loki too, we still use our old trainer as well. Our new trainer is breaking stuff down for advanced off leash stuff, like sending him out to a target then having him jump a hurdle. kinda cool. not obedience, just training.
but we agree: training is a GREAT way to build a beautiful relationship with your dog. it’s communication after all and dogs sure like to communicate with humans! Juno was very afraid of Mr. Wild Dingo. All the treats and food in the world he gave her and she was still frightened. So he started taking her to training instead of me. Guess what? she’s not afraid of him anymore! and tho he doesn’t take her to training now, he still “works” her and “plays” with her in training around the house. so we say, even working the basics again is GOOD!
also, my late dingo Maggie, she never really responded to me or boneded to me UNTIL I took her to training. When I did that, our relationship bloomed.
I say, why have a dog if you can’t torture, err…. I mean, TRAIN him or her?
we have a video on our blog that you may enjoy. we mentioned your video list too on the post:
http://www.wilddingo.com/2010/02/01/fun-with-a-box/
keep prancin’ honey!
wags-n-wiggles,
wild dingo
Honey
Great photos at the training session. I guess a little more practise is always a good idea even if you have done it all before!
That ice lolly looks delicious! The gang here have been thinking of a move to Oz but that heat looks hard to cope with!
take care
Clive
You have such a smart human there, Honey. Ongoing training is wonderful plus you get opportunities for socialization too. We can’t believe that after that first session they didn’t move you up right away to the Advanced class -- we bet you could even teach the Advanced class:)
Woos, Phantom and Thunder
Hi Honey,
Your mom thinks like my mom…you are never to old to go to training classes…I know I’m not a rocket scientist but mom and I have fun going to training classes and training on our own. We’ve learned so much from the two of you. But I do have to say that people do give us strange looks when we take group classes….as if to say what are you doing here with that old dog?? Mom and I just ignore them. It seems most people that I know think that if you take your dog to one training class that poof their dog is trained and we both know that’s not true.
No ice lollies for me….brrrrr it’s too cold here right now. Maybe mom will make me some in the summer.
AARF Kasha the Dainty Great Dane
How fun even if the expectations were a bit boring for you. I agree with Hsin-Yi that it is still important to continue doing stuff with your doggies and plus it’s FUN!
Also, I can run really fast but when my Mom calls me I tend to take it at a more leisurely pace myslef. 
That ice lollie sure looks good. I get frozen yogurt cubes myself…sometimes mixed with peanut butter and mashed banana. YUM!!
Kisses,
Nala
Looks like you are the star pupil of that class Honey!
Oreo and Misty have never had a flavored lolly, just plain. They are so deprived
They do have “chilly buddy” coats though, for hot, sunny days. We certainly don’t need them now. They still are wearing their snow boots.
How clever you are Honey. Mmm, my doggies loved ice lollies too. They also had a children’s play pool that they could play and lie in whenever they got extra hot. Lucky things!
Ice lollies, or as we call them popcicles are very tasty when it is hot outside!