 I've been home from camp for 4 days, and the magic of Glen Highland Farm is still very much with us. I've been working on impulse control with Darcy and Lizzy, and I barely recognize the 3 of us! I'm so much calmer when we go on walks; I think of it as a training opportunity when other dogs approach, not as a dreaded encounter like I used to.
And they are SO much better around other dogs. I got Lizzy the premier sensation harness you suggested, and the difference is night and day. I got a tug for Darcy to play with, and he can't get enough of it. Controlled play--a welcome, new concept :)
What else? Well, I'm giving the cod liver oil supplements, and got some dehydrated raw food to mix in with their kibble to give them a healthier, well-balanced diet.
I cannot thank you enough for your generosity. My training sessions with you were a highlight of the Camp and helped me develop a new attitude. I'm having way more fun, and I'm sure the dogs are, too.
Hope to see you back at Camp,
Linda, Darcy & Lizzy |
Just got back from cross-country skiing with friends on their property. Aspen went too. Thought I'd share a "real life" benefit of the kinds of things we have been learning/practicing in class. Our friend, Bill took a fall and needed some help disentangling himself from his skis (at first we weren't sure if Bill was hurt). My husband, Warren, was behind Bill, but had a concern that if he tended to Bill, he would have Aspen in the "mix." Although I was somewhat behind the men with Bill's wife, I knew that I needed to take charge of Aspen. As I am so used to doing in agility class when Aspen separates herself from me, I turned in the opposite direction. I called to Aspen. Since I was the one moving, and she is used to this "drill," she came to me. I had Aspen's peanut butter-filled food tube with me which kept Aspen happily focused on me until Bill was safely back on his feet.