Hopefully Sinbad didn't notice too much but Sia made some new friends today.
New friends provide a level of distraction that helps us proof some of our work. It's going to be considerably more distracting for Sia to meet a new dog rather as opposed to playing with the same dogs every day.
Yes, Sia, you still have to sit when your new friend is here. Just a little reminder of what she is suppose to be doing and lots of reinforcement when she does follow through.
There are more than just new friends to distract us today. There are sounds in the distance that are reminding us that the holiday is just around the corner. Dogs are use to the loud sounds of fireworks and, even if they seem ok with them now, they can develop a sound phobia later on in life. Best to avoid the fireworks as much as possible. The TV is on at my house all the time right now to muffle the sounds from outside. We're also practicing some of our coping skills if we are out and about.
It's ideal to start working with Sia when she is first noticing the sounds.
If she's already started her nervous pacing and/or barking, you can still manage things and she is responsive but at that point she is already aroused and she's more easily startled and reactive. It's just a little bit harder work at this level and you are less likely to be successful.
Working on her down stays gives her something to do to keep her mind off of things and it teaches her some self-control. It helps also when a dog is a little nervous to give them something easy to do to help build up their confidence.
And, if any more loud noises happen, Sia's got the duck and cover thing down pat.
Let's not forget a little bit of play to take the edge off.
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