The Good
Last Saturday we had CGC class, Luke did fairly well once he settled down. We then went to a safety day event and he did so good. We got to meet a policeman in full uniform and wearing blue latex gloves. Luke did not mind him at all and was great while the policeman bent down to talk to Ara. He did a great job of not being distracted by all the children running around and walked great next to Ara. We then went to stand in line for the fire truck. Ara got scared of the crowd and was very uncomfortable so lead by Ara we started a new task. "Block" (see pic below) this gives Ara a barrier between herself and the crowd, which helps her feel more secure. One of the kids hit the trucks air horn and Luke did not even flinch, just took it in stride. After we waited in line we got to meet a fireman and Ara and sissy climbed up into the big truck. It was a great day.
Tuesday we did a quick run into Target (I made sure to exercise Luke before going) he did wonderful. He ignored all the other shoppers and store workers. He walked in a good position to Ara and followed all his cues.
I tested some of Luke's skills this week and he is ready to move on in Sit, Down, Stand, sit stay, down, stay, come at 10ft, nose touch, paw touch, drop it and watch me. So now we will move on to longer duration, adding in specific cues and increase distance/distractions.
The Bad
Barking is still an issue, however it is getting better with all the work we are doing. It is mostly in class when around other dogs or at home when people in our building make noises in the hall ect.
The things Luke did not pass on his test (a score of anything less than 10 of 10 was a fail) Loose leash walking (so close on this one), Take, Give it, Stand Stay (he keeps sitting) and leave it (in regards to not barking at something or sniffing something)
Luke chewed the nose off one of Ara's stuffed animals. We always try to make sure the kids dont leave toys laying around but we missed one. Luke is still a puppy after all and they love to chew. Ara handled it pretty well and now makes sure all her stuffies are cleaned up.
The Ugly
The girls went to get their hair cut today and usually when we go in it is very quiet as it is a small place. I thought Luke would be able to handle it. I was wrong, there was a little baby that had a raspy cry and Luke just did not know what to do so he barked and would not stop. I had to take him outside until the baby was done. Once they left I brought him back in and it was Ara's and sissy's turn. Ara's anxiety gets a little high when she get her hair cut and Luke did not want to hold his down stay because he wanted to be with her. By the time we were all done another family came in and he was more settled and ignored them. I am so thankful that the salon owner is a dog person. Even on a bad day I try to look at the positives and just make a list of what we need to work on.
So how do I condition him to different baby cries? That is were youtube and sound clips will come into play. I will play them at different times and give lots of praise when he does not bark and correction if he does (leave it). His down stays and such will get better as we continue to do the Protocol for Relaxation and practice, practice, practice for everything else.
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