Things went waaaayyy better than yesterday. I felt like Duncan wanted me happy and he had really great ball drive to make things even better.

We got two sessions at the box. The first time we went at it, I had the fleeting feeling Duncan had forgotten everything we had learned previously because it had been two weeks since we had been to actual practice. A few 'good boys' later and it seemed to click. We worked him further and further back from the box. Every time, I had to get the ball from him, have a happy dance, then reset up for the next run - and toss the ball back. If Duncan doesn't see the ball go from me to the box, he doesn't want it. Definitely something to work on next round.

And we did. We did a couple 'fake-out' throws to get him going. Eventually, I want him to learn that the box has a never-ending supply of balls. The first time I did it, Duncan took a step, turned around, and barked his head off calling foul. It brought up a few issues like going ofter balls not on the box and such, but I think we did great for our second class.

I need to remember to tug with Duncan or at least offer it to him. The first couple go's, he didn't seem to want to do it so I just tossed it aside. I think I would have gotten more out of him if I had redirected some of his over-the-top energy with the tug.

Without further ado, a video of a few runs.


A side note:
We took Pierre to see if he had any natural talent or inclination to do Flyball. He is really smart, but man is he stubborn. He was not afraid of the box. In fact, he go right up on it, trying to get to the box loader for some love. He did not want to touch the ball, smell the ball, look at the ball. I started talking for a moment and looked away and Duncan strutted down the running aisle and took every jump at his own sweet little pace. If only we could get him ball motivated AND have him listen... he would make a great sporting dog. But alas, we have a Toy.