Beginner class #5

Today we learned the last of the novice-level signs (some of which are advanced in CARO, but novice in CKC):

• Moving side step right
  
• Halt - 1, 2, 3 steps forward
  
• Moving down - Forward (CARO advanced)
  
• Call front - 1, 2, 3 steps backward (CARO advanced)
  
• Halt - Fast forward from sit (CARO advanced)

Lucy was flat today, not her usual perky self, slow and lagging on some of the turns and overall not as engaged as she has been in the previous rally classes. After class we went to the dog park and she didn't even flirt with a tall, handsome, intact male german shepherd which is exactly the type of dog she would normally go head over heels for. And on Valentine's Day no less! What's up with poor Lucy!

At the end of the walk she shook her head in that ear infection way I've come to know so well, so I took a look and sure enough, her left ear seems to be infected, though only mildly at this point. In an effort to find out if food allergies might be the cause of her recurring ear infections and foot-licking, she's eaten nothing but a particular brand of hypoallergenic kibble since December 1st (with a few minor "OOPS" moments along the way). The vet said to give her three months on the new kibble and see if her symptoms cease. Well, we're now almost at the end of the three months, and this current ear infection is the second one she's had while on this kibble, plus she still licks at her feet. So, time to try something else. A couple of friends with allergic dogs have had success with different types of kibble so we'll give one of those a try. Ear infections are no fun, and she gets them bad, poor dog. :-(

Oh, how can I forget, Lucy gave us all a good laugh in class today! We were doing a course and arrived at a station which had us directly facing the row of chairs on which I had put my coat and extra treats (kibble). After completing the station, I asked her to heel and all of a sudden she charged forward and dragged me to the chair. Caught me TOTALLY off guard, a humbling moment. :-)