It’s been a very busy week. I’ve been working Glimmer on the DPT (Deep Pressure Therapy) task as well as her basics, and working with Lacey to get her ready for her first CGN trial, and I’ve been fielding messages and phone calls from people all over the city who want me to work with them and their dogs. It’s been an awesome week.
The weather is not conducive to working outside today – it’s cold and it’s starting to snow – so we’ll be working indoors.
With the arrival of these colder temperatures, it’s time, once again, to set up the working arena in my basement. Tables, chairs, and other items are set up to simulate environments the dogs live and will work in. This is a very effective teaching method that helps the dogs learn how to behave – especially those dogs who tend to help themselves to accessible food. I use a variety of tools in the working arena, ranging from (empty) medication bottles to TV remotes and water bottles. I also include Glimmer and my cat, Violet – who loves to participate in the exercises. They both are wonderful teachers who help new dogs learn what to do and how to do it correctly. They are also excellent distractions for dogs that lose focus easily when other animals are present.
Have a great day, everyone. Remember to stay calm and lead on…