Congratulations to Charlie

Congratulations are in order for one Charlemagne T. Dog, who has just graduated from beginner-level obedience school. This obedience training was probably the best money I've spent all year. It totally changed the dynamics of our relationship.

Dogs, and especially hunting dogs like Charlie, want to work. They've been bred to do things for people, and get a reward. So now, instead of marching up to me and demanding affection (which worked okay, I suppose), she marches up to me and demands orders. And I give her those orders and she performs whatever it was she was supposed to perform. Simple stuff like sitting down, staying there, and playing dead, the latter of which is about the most adorable thing you've ever seen.

But however simple it is, it's a real sense of accomplishment for her, and she takes real pride in her work and in doing a good job and getting rewarded.

So, three cheers for the puppy dog!