June Day Three -- It's Never the Same Old Thing

Sia went with me to pick up a service puppy at the airport. I thought she'd like to see the planes up close since she's so facinated by then as they fly through the sky. Instead we found new distractions to work around and another nice place to practice leash skills.

There were new things she probably has not been exposed to on this walk...like MAX. It's really helpful to expose her to new things like this at a distance. Being right up close to the MAX line as it went by would be a little overwhelming to her. But way back here she can handle it. I also had her sit as it went by. It's sometimes easier for dogs when you take movement out of the equation when exposing them to something new. It also helps to give her something to do that she can easily accomplish and feel confident about.

And, of course, with the new puppy arriving, Sia had a new playmate for a bit. But first, time to practice keeping her feet on the ground while I held something really exciting in my arms. She needed one reminder and then did great! Tomorrow we'll try the cat...

Sia was so cute with the puppy, Odon. She followed him around all over the yard.

They had their own little dance going on with Odon weaving in and out of Sia's legs. She's so good with the little puppies...

With the exception of squishing them. We're working on that though and she responds really well when I redirect her.

We spend a lot of time burning off energy so I'm always grateful for some help. Sinbad and Chase are happy to oblige. They can tug for much longer periods of time with her. Thanks boys!

Sia thought we were done for the day but no rest for us. Time for our night socialization combined with another training walk. Getting dogs out after dusk is something that easily gets overlooked but some dogs actually get quite fearful in the dark. It's important to have good, positive exposures to the night time just like she would have during the day. Sia did really well. I can sure tell the difference in her leash skills when there fewer distractions. Less traffic tonight made for really, really sharp skills.