Good dog!

 I started working with a dog trainer last month to train my sheltie, Mindy Lou so she can earn the Canine Good Citizenship certification. My hope is that she will be able to become a therapy dog and we would be able to visit hospitals and nursing homes. The first lesson with Holly the  trainer went well, although I did have my concerns about actually accomplishing my goal. The trainer has been very helpful! We corresponded by email and she even made a couple of YouTube videos to help us.
However, as Holly had indicated Mindy Lou is very respectful of my personal space. So much so that it has been difficult to train her when it comes to "On". This is where [I'm sitting down] I ask her to put her front paws up on my leg with the command, "On."
Which leads me to this, email I sent her...

I was so excited this afternoon, because Mindy finally got it! All this time whenever I tried to get her to put her front paws on me with the command "on" she would circle me or sit sweetly in front of me or go from one side or the other side of me. I had even stopped trying because it seemed to start causing her anxiety, and appeared to look like she thought I was upset with her, (she even tried hiding from me at one point so that's why I stopped). But today the other 2 pups went to bed with my husband so it was just her and I, so I gave it another try. Success! After about a minute of giving the command "on" (over and over!) she did it and I was so happy and told her what a good girl she was as I scratched her ears; she got so happy herself (I'm sure the hotdog helped, lol) at least that's how she appeared. She did it 5 - 6 more times. I did have to tell her more then once "on" but at least she is doing it! She seemed so happy, she followed me all around even after we were done and sat next to me on the sofa and gave me kisses (she loves giving me kisses, lol)

I'm excited about this new adventure and look forward to the good things that the Lord will do as the training continues. And even if we don't actually accomplish the goal of being a therapy dog (not all dogs have the disposition to accomplish it) the time Mindy and I spend together and the closer bond that is developing between us is well worth it.