Used Kessel as a demo dog for an Officer Safety/Canine Behaviour class that we put on for some of the Park Rangers. She was fan-freakin-tastic! She befriended everyone, and proceeded to do several "herd-enclosing" laps around the group, as well as follow individuals if they left the group to do something, then escort them back to the fold. Her herding mannerisms are so subtle, and few/far between, that it cracks me up when I notice them.

She was friendly, but not excessively so, and very polite with all the Rangers. I used her to demonstrate how to put a muzzle on a dog, and then safely lift that dog to load it onto a truck. Of course, that was kind of cheating, considering I taught her to wear a tight nylon muzzle when she was just a wee munchkin. I taught her to muzzle on command just in case I ever pursued French Ring, and because I think it's a valuable skill for any dog to have. doG forbid anything ever happen where she either has to wear one, such as a serious injury, or some natural disaster situation where I would feel better with her wearing one at an evacuation shelter, etc. I started working with the close-fitting nylon muzzle because they are more uncomfortable than the basket-style, and because they are what you'll find at veterinary clinics.

Still, I haven't worked on that behaviour in over a year (I busted the clasp on my muzzle by slamming it in a car door, and I never replaced it). I'm used to dogs/horses that have trouble recalling behaviours if I don't work on them regularly. I constantly forget that is not the case, with Kessel. I put the muzzle in front of her, said muzzle, and she shoved her face into it with gusto. Sat quietly while I took ages to adjust it, as the nylon was super-stiff and didn't want to budge. Then, she stood calmly while I talked about muzzles, picked her up, and put her back down. She acted as though she wore one every single day. She amazes me.

I also used her to demonstrate using a catchpole. She's never seen one in her life, but tolerated being "caught" and then led around on one, and even led up the ramp to one of my kennels. I say "tolerated" because she didn't think it was awesome, but she accepted it. She also let a few of the Rangers walk up and put her on the pole, too, which I thought was great!

There were 3 other dogs there she had never met, and she was (of course) very good with them, too.

I got lots of compliments on her general behaviour and her obedience. Also stirred up some interest in Mondioring, which is always cool.

So very pleased with the Wild Child. Never thought the psychopuppy would grow into such a lovely dog.