Boon Distractions

Saturday was the perfect day for a training session: overcast with a pleasant breeze. When we arrived, the pavilion was full -- 7 other dogs and their handlers awaited the start of class. Somewhere within that sweet doggy brain, Boon seemed to think that everyone was waiting to play with him. To Boon, there is no such thing as foe, he has not met a person or dog that he doesn't like. His sentiments are much like Dug (from the movie "UP"), "I have just met you, and I love you." Where there is love, play is close behind...needless to say, from the moment we arrived at class, Boon was distracted with thoughts of play.

Also like Dug, who loses focus at the thought of a squirrel, Boon's focus is easily diverted. If a possible playing partner hits his peripheral, focus is lost. Once Boon loses focus, it is somewhat of a challenge to bring him back to task. Challenging -- that is the best way to describe our last training session.

Boon is chock-full-of-charm and brimming with sweetness; this adds up to great therapy-dog material. The focus part is going to take a little more time...