Piper just turned two, and last spring (March 5, 2025) she had both eyes removed after a long, exhausting battle trying to save her vision. Six weeks later, we were back at beginner class. In between, I worked with her one-on-one at home, teaching new commands, building confidence, and helping her learn to navigate the world through sound and touch.

I heel trained before she lost her sight (thank goodness), and that foundation has paid off in ways I never imagined. We repeated beginner, did a summer class called Mindful Mutts (obstacles, wobble boards, noisy surfaces and she LOVED it), then intermediate in the fall. Now we’re back again. I like doing things twice for reinforcement and structure (it’s just me and her), and Piper thrives on it. I also purchased an agility set, invited the neighbours and taught dogs all summer. She did so well and we added additional elements by fall.

She’s always the little ace in class. They use her as the example dog because she’s so attentive. PI work hard on focus with her, and nothing rattles her. Loud noises, barking, dropped buckets, she doesn’t flinch. She just stays locked on me.

Piper came to me at 7 months old as a rescue, severely malnourished, likely from a puppy mill situation. Her eyes never formed properly and she had complicated juvenile cataracts, a hopeless situation. Training was the best thing I did, and it gave her so much confidence, and independence. She’s a little superhero. Friendly, social, fearless, and living a really full life.

With a longer term training plan in place, I am excited to see what Piper learns next. ❤️🐶🎓

Piper is back in class🐶🎓