After a great trainig session with Shelby Semel Positive Reinforcement Training, Havi set herself back...our most popular feature:
I'm sad to report that we've had better days, the Havster and I :(
I got her to sit and stay in her crate until I released her with an "ok!" but then I had a difficult (although hilarious) time getting her harnessed up. She was more excited than I think I've ever seen! Finally she did her roly-poly and I got her clipped.
We had a fantastic walk to the park in the shining sun- no pulling as she just trotted along beside me, not very distracted by anything. When we got there, a little Schnauzer mix was there alone. As I unhooked Hav and had her sit between the gates, they started barking nastily at each other. I told the other owner I was going to take Havi out but she insisted they would be fine once inside. I hesitated but figured it was worth a shot if she was willing. No go. Hav beelined it for the Schnauzer and although no real physical contact, it was clearly not going to be a friendly situation. It was a big bummer because I knew Jax and Sophie were on their way!
We walked back down toward the apartment so she could at least see Jaxi on their way and say hello to him and Kellie. She figured we were going home so she gave me the dopey slow walk ;) She perked right up when she spotted Jax though! Then we turned West and took a very long walk around the hood. She was angelic on the leash for the most part, with just a few bouts of unnecessary planter curiosity. But she finally pooped in one- a typically soft mudpie!
We finished the walk strong though and refilled her water back inside and I gave her her milkbone in the crate before a snuggly goodbye
Have you guys noticed a shift in her behavior towards other dogs? How did the training go yesterday (thanks for the card!)? And how does she do on the pack walks with the other pittie babies? I'm slightly worried about how she reacted today, but I've seen her at her best and we've all had these days before! Any thoughts or recent revelations would be much appreciated!
Have a great weekend- hoping for a better adventure with the Havster next week!
-Heather, RuffCity Dogwalking
Unfortunately, that sounds all too familiar! But glad that we have great dogwalkers in our lives who are willing to deal with the ups and downs.
ReplyDeleteHey... don't worry Havi, I don't like every pup I meet either! Mom says it's okay, because she doesn't like every human she meets BOL! I bet that yippy pup just had a bad attitude.
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Your dog walker sounds AMAZING! I love her reports! I think I've mentioned before that we had to stay taking Zoe to the dog park because there were just some dogs she didn't get along with... she's fine with most of them too, which is frustrating. Now we mostly do socialization through our SociaBulls walks. I also hope to do individual play dates with dogs I know she likes.
ReplyDeleteMaisie is the same way, when on leash sometimes she's friendly and sometimes she's not. I always say she's like a box of chocolates..
ReplyDeleteI love that your dog walker is knowledgeable enough to take Havi out of a potentially bad situation. I wouldn't trust Skye at a dog park without me because she can get easily worked up if you don't know her early warning signs. Maybe Havi and Jax can do mini pack walks instead of park trips?
ReplyDeleteHavi - no worries, you don't have to love every dog you meet! Can't wait to see your sweet face next week! :)
ReplyDeletei'm sorry to hear you guys are having some difficulties, but it really is just a setback--havi will prevail! it sounds like you got her some excellent training. i wish you much luck. leash reactivity and leash aggression are some of toughest, longest training roads you can take. everyone involved with havi cares about her a lot, now all you need is patience.
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