Day 2 Second Visit -- The Great Outdoors

We tried to spend most of the day today outside since we know the rain is suppose to be back soon. Lots of play outside and most of our training sessions were outside. It always comes with built in distractions of different smells, sounds, and sights to peak Sia's interest.

When we are practicing her loose leash walking, I always do it on a flat collar. I want her to really learn what it means when I say "let's go" (to walk on a loose leash beside me) and, if I have other training equipment on, I can't tell if she is responding to the equipment or if she really understands what I am asking of her. If I just need to get from point A to point B and I don't have time to really focus in on her leash skills, I will use training equipment like a head halter. I also use the training equipment when it is a super high distraction situation or environment just to give her a little help.

Regardless of whether she has her training equipment on or not, any time she gets ahead of me I will either stop or turn the opposite direction. I will encourage her to return to me but I won't reward her until she is back walking with me for several feet. If she pulls, I'm going to resist the urge to pull her back. Anytime you are pulling on the leash it increases the pulling behavior because she's automatically going to pull in the opposite direction. And, besides, we want her to do the work instead have all the work fall on our shoulders. Instead, I'm going to encourage her to return to me or move in a different direction. Another things to note, she's much more distracted at the very beginning of her practice session so reward more often and with a high value treat to get her to check in with you. Keep the training sessions short (5 minutes or so) but do several throughout the day if possible.

And do something fun with her or allow her to go play after a training session. It will make her more enthusiastic about her work and help to relieve stress.

Tag, you're it!

She has most definitely entered adolescence, a time period when they sometimes seem like they can't hear you well. When she does blow you off, make sure to follow through with her. She tried to play keep away with a toy with me. Instead of chasing her, which would be engaging her in this game, I turned away from her and talked to her in a happy voice. Pretty soon she wanted to see what I was doing and I was able to get her to approach me so I could work with her on the drop command.

So that just reminds me that even though she has a beautiful recall most times, it's something we still need to practice a lot throughout this developmental period.

And, as always, work on attention.