We have recntly taken on a young German Shepherd, Susie, in need of some training. Here is a quick synopsis of how it's going so far! Week 1 - we have an appointment to see the behaviour consultant because Susie appears to have problems with strange men and other dogs. She promptly proves me a complete liar by laying down for the trainer to tickle her tummy and then flirting with every male dog in sight. Later that class - she redeems my reputation by snarling at a completely inoffensive little terrier that gets in her way and offering to fight any dog who says she was in the wrong. Trainer takes her lead to show me how to correct her when she does this, she promptly pees all over his shoes. Despite this we are allowed back next week. Week 2. Trainer decides we will work the other side of the fence from the main class to get her used to working close to other dogs. After about 10 minutes of this Susie gets completely bored. As she is off the lead allegedly doing recall work she decides to jump the fence and join the main class. 20 minutes later we recapture her. At least two other dogs and their handlers are having quiet nervous breakdowns. Trainer decides she isn't quite ready for off the lead work yet. Week 3 - It's raining, but a little rain doesn't stop us. Susie does exemplary heel work exercise. Does perfect sit and stay exercise. Does perfect recall. Is nice to the other dogs and people in the class. I feel this is too good to last. I am right. During second set of recall exercises she makes a break for it, finds the compost heap from the horses, rolls in it, comes back to the class and encourages all the other dogs to join her in a roll in the mud. Follows this up by coming to me when called and jumping at me joyfully. My jacket now covered in horse poo, straw, mud and gawd knows what else. Trainer points out that at least she came when called, which is an improvement. Amazingly we are still allowed to attend classes. Week 4 (this week). Trainer has decided that Susie gets too bored in a one hour class and she is better of with two half hours. Strangely the rest of the class seem to agree with this. For twenty minutes of the half hour she acts like a well trained dog before deciding that the agility equipment looks like fun. She fits through the tyre that she makes a run for, I don't. Trainer finally stops laughing long enough to suggest some tips on how to stop her suddenly making a break for it with me on the other end of the lead. I pick myself up out of the mud (it's raining again), thank him and say we'll see him again next week (twice) That wipes the smile off his face.