Which Way is Right Again?

This week we were walking Crokell (our Newfie). I am working on training him because I want to title him in a few dog obedience events (rally, trick dog, and water dog, hopefully).  So, during the walks Tod calls which directions to turn but doesn’t turn until I and Crokell do because it is “training” for obedience.

Cue first call for a turn. Tod calls out “right.” I look down at my hands and trying to remember which direction that is. Crokell turns right…

My dog is now officially acknowledged as knowing directions better than me.

FYI. This isn’t the only trick that this happens with. Crokell knows spin and twirl. In spin, he goes one direction (counterclock-wise, I had to ask Tod). In twirl, he is to turn the other direction in a full circle (clock-wise). Crokell knows the directions, I never can remember. So, I don’t use hand signals and verbal at the same time because I cannot remember which one is which is which!  You would think that with all the training I have had I would know directions.

 I think I need to go back to school. My only defense is lack of direction seems to run in my family.

~Anna