November 30, 2007 – Cool, dry. Taught Lenore to lie down yesterday, and it was a bit shocking. I put a leash on her, put my foot on it and dropped a liver treat a couple of feet in front of her. She pulled forward, but was restrained by the leash. She lowered her head to get the treat, and when she got close, she lay down and inched her nose forward and then, by dint of her movement, lay down. I praised her and nosed the treat forward. Did this twice, and then she lay down. She’s an unusual dog that way, although with many Labs and liver treats, miracles can occur.
    It makes me a bit sad when so many Lab owners come up to me, and say that Lenore is unusually calm, that their dogs aren’t. Labs are bred to work with people, to be calm. They need calming direction, consistent clear direction, and to not be turned into ball-obsessed crazies or play freaks. Lenore is a great dog from a great breeder – breeding temperament sure helps in training – and she now sits, stays, avoids the street and lies down. Pretty good for 14 weeks.