Good thing they can’t read
Our annual check up at CareFur vet. She’s not a huge fan of the handling but she knows how to relax, stay calm and settle down during all other portions of our visit. It allows a much more controlled situation that even though she may have brief moments of being uncomfortable, she’s able to stay calm up to that point and settle down right afterwards. She will be 11 next month and this is something we work on every time at the vet so we can keep it as positive as possible. At one point she fell asleep waiting, even though she could hear other dogs, people, noises. This is much better than her pacing, panting and otherwise being stressed the whole visit. We also enjoyed a walk downtown too, to make the outing more fun as well.
Say hello to Winston! If you’ve been following me for a few years, you’ve seen this little face before. But he is trying his first day at Playschool!
There is something about working with a dog that has a lot of fears, lack of confidence with people and dogs and seeing them become more confident and comfortable with our group. Josie has come such a long way. She started here and was super nervous of me and now she tries to sit in my lap and snuggle all over me. She’s grown comfortable with the group and my family. And what was hard for her to come here has turned into a time she enjoys. Having a dog open up to me and trust me and what I am asking of them is probably the most rewarding thing about my job. Many of the dogs that come to be start off very nervous and timid and end up being a part of our play family in no time. We love you Josie!
When it’s the end of the day and your energy is dwindling but you still want to play
Josie hasn’t been here since the fall and is just getting back into getting comfortable here. Josie is an anxious dog, so while she had made progress back in the fall it was small. I recently suggested talking with her vet about behavioral medicine that may help her with her anxiety. It hasn’t even been the full 6 weeks it takes to build up and I’m seeing HUGE progress at play group. She’s initiating play herself. This video as shows the importance of recall. Sebastian wanted to join in, I could tell it was a little too much with two in her space and Sebastian did exactly what I needed him to do. If I didn’t have good recall, likely she would have become a little overwhelmed. This is why you can’t do this type of training at dog parks.
We had one of the most amazing experiences today watching and learning all about border collies and sheepherding in Ireland. I loved watching my kids completely amazed at these working dogs and what their capabilities are. Dogs are amazing! 🐑🇮🇪
This is how I start a new dogs recall in group play. Stupid easy and by shaping and capturing any behavior where he happens to “check-in” with me. I start with reinforcing glances my way, eye contact, very short minor play recalls, etc. this is only day 2 of Walter’s Play School, so I am not going to expect him to recall off full play yet. But I’m happy with how he’s already getting the idea!