Today I had a good example of how important it is to vary your training so dogs generalize their training. Sia has been in her crate while I'm in the same room and when I am out of the room and does really well. But I hadn't had her behind a barrier where she could still see me. When I went to another part of the yard and she was still gated on the dog side, she was a little worried.
She whined and bit at the gate in frustration even though she was with her friends on the other side of the gate.
This is something we will need to work on so she is more comfortable by herself in this situation. We can do this by making it really pleasant for her on her side of the gate and practicing for short increments and building up until she is more comfortable. I'm also not going to make a big fuss when I cross the barrier and keep everything low key.
I still expect a sit when I open the gate.
Lots of distractions because she's anxious for me to be on the same side of the gate so she needs a little help with a hand signal to follow through.
It was good we had some time for a last romp before Sia leaves. We know she will be back but it won't be long before her friend, Kravitz, goes on to Canine Companions for Independence to work with someone who is disabled.
And we also like to see Sia showing signs of being well exercised. That's a good kind of pant!
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