Making Connections

Yesterday, Ben spent some time with the couple who may be adopting him. The weather was chilly and wet, so we worked inside and practiced recall, “sit”, and “wait”.  Ben did a fantastic job, and so did Stacy and Joel. Because he’s still getting to know them and his trust in them is only just starting to grow, Ben kept running away after being given treat rewards. But, they both were patient and they both remained calm, and eventually, Ben gave them what they were asking of him. In fact, by the end of the session, not only was Ben smiling, but he was also accepting Joel’s arm over his back in affection and giving both him and Stacy kisses.  I would say the three of them are connecting quite nicely:

Stacy and Joel are committed to Ben and they’re doing their best to get their ducks in a row. They do understand that unless or until they claim him, Ben is still available for adoption. They also understand that unless or until that happens, I have to allow Ben to meet other people who are interested in him and meet the criteria he comes with. I do hope things will work out for this young couple; they have really connected with Ben, and Ben is connecting with them, too.

The weather is cold and damp today, and Ben’s foot is bothering him, so we won’t be doing any outdoor work today. He’s been doing a great job practicing “place”, “mat”, “wait”, and other basics, so I’m going to put on my thinking cap and come up with some fun things for him to learn. Ben really loves to work – he loves it more than he loves to play (and believe me, he loves to play!) – and I want to encourage that. It’s good for his confidence when he knows he’s truly earning his rewards.

Have a great day, everyone, and remember to stay calm and lead on…