Private Lesson #2 & Socialization

She's almost 6 months old!!  I absolutely adore this girl <3

 

Private Lesson #2

This past Sunday we had our second private lesson.  It was MUCH more challenging for Jazmyn.  Instead of being inside the training hall, we had our lesson outdoors (agility trials were going on inside).  This mean she was exposed to cars pulling in and out of the driveway, the dogs barking in the daycare/boarding, owners & dogs walking by as well as the trainer and her dog. 

Jazmyn was almost impossible to control in the beginning.  She was extremely excited to see the trainer, and would not listen to either of us until she got her greeting.  She really didn’t even notice the trainer’s dog until after her people greeting.  Let the barking begin.  Walking away did nothing.  Our trainer showed us how to get her into a sit, hold her collar, and use a calming touch to bring Jazmyn back down to a calmer level versus a Level 10.  After that, it went better.

However, a man and his GSD decided they’d like to be helpful towards our session.  At first they were watching from a distance, but kept moving closer.  Jazmyn completely lost interest in the trainer’s dog and was focused on the GSD.  It was going well initially, and we were working on our walking away and she was responding.  However, unlike the trainer’s dog, the man’s GSD wasn’t 100% non-reactive.  It began to whine, which ramped up Jazmyn’s reactions.  Our trainer had him remove the GSD, but the man was welcome to watch.  As soon as the GSD left, it was much easier to gain Jazmyn’s focus with just the 1 dog around.

After she was getting the walking away method, we began to use the same method but behind a moving dog.  We’d walk towards the trainer & her dog, and when Jazmyn was calm we’d follow them as they moved forwards.  The end goal was to have her calmly walking behind another dog, but focusing on me for direction.  Much more difficult given the environment, but she was able to complete the task successfully a few times.

We allowed Jazmyn to go for an intro sniff, and really, she’s not even interested in meeting the other dog, it’s almost just the excitement to get there.  She gave a quick sniff but was done, and her interest in the dog after each approach decreased.  She really just wants to go where she wants to go, and the leash prevents her from doing so.

We have a lot of practicing to do on our own, and its helping on our daily walks.  Paul had a walk one morning this week that was VERY successful, only 2 minor reactions:

• Jazmyn ignored barking dogs in the distance
• 2 people were talking on their driveway and Jazmyn didn't react.  The lady commented on Jazmyn's appearance, and Paul brought her over for an introduction.  She was hesitant about meeting the man, and looked to Paul for direction.  She got over it in a few seconds and went in for a very nice greeting and received treats from them.
• Had a great loose leash walk towards the elementary school
• Exposure to cars in the kiss&ride at the school, kids getting off two school buses
• Construction workers were on the other side of the street, past the school, she heard & saw them, but no reaction

We have learned that Jazmyn is nervous of large, running vehicles, including our SUV.  She does not like to approach with the engines running.  Paul had to walk past a running construction truck and she reacted.  He had her sit, and they went past the truck 2-3 times until she completely ignored it.  We are practicing having her go in and out of our SUV, as well as pass it, while it is running.  Will take some time but she'll get there.

She also has a pretty strong reaction to kids on skateboards.  They move fast & random, so I can see how this would excite her.  Exposure is the key and hopefully the nice weather brings out more kids and we can work on this further.

Jazmyn now LOVES the water, including the hose.  What a mess lol