Day 2 attempt at play with Cleo. Cleo is a 2 year old mixed breed who upon my own observation lacks confidence in herself therefore is reactive to most things, especially when shes not expecting someone or something to to happen. Shes also extremely interested in other dogs and will react on leash towards them out of frustration for her desire to get to them to play.
After watching her interact with my dogs, although she wants to play she doesn’t really know how to approach it and will bark in their faces to try and get something going.. but this will turn most dogs away.
Now for play with her owners, she has never taken interest in toys. Shes showing that to be true upon our first few attempts at play.
Despite dogs being a huge competing motivator for Cleo, I thought lets try teaching her by observation. A dog who takes intense interest in play with me, teaching her the ropes.
I am the worst at actually recording myself with dogs. So most of the good stuff wasn’t recorded of course. But in this session not only did Cleo watch Elroy enjoy play with me, but she was able to be goofy with me. This is a big change from when its just her and I trying to play. She also started the session just barking in Elroy’s face but he said “no thanks lady this is how you play” and they wrestled around a bit.
We’re creating something here. I l’m not scared to let loose and have genuine fun with the dogs. Yes, i am tired and I wish she was really playing with me but I don’t show that. I show shes welcome to the party. Slowly but surely she will see I am part of the fun too.
#trainingwithoutconflict #playbasedtraining #twc #ivanbalabanov