As I mentioned Feb 29, Lilly shutdown doing agility at home with our new pal Pitsch watching. I waited a couple of days to take her out on her home course for fear of solidifying the negative association with her home equipment. I’m happy to report no problems. She continues to happily run agility at home, as long as no one is watching. Or, perhaps, I should say as long as no DOGS are watching.
I experimented last week when an opportunity presented itself. I’ve mentioned before that the people on the large ranch behind us run both cattle and horses on their land. Well, when the horses graze, they make a predictable circuit of the fence line.
When 8 or so of them were right behind the house, and I mean mere feet from our home agility spot, I took Lilly and her most favorite ball out to play. Remember, Lilly also won’t play in front of other dogs.
But horses? No problemo.
She played fetch. They watched. She ran a few jumps and weaves. They watched. She did not care.
So, I’m beginning to wonder if her performance anxiety is species specific?
Considering we ARE talking about a dog sport, the potential discovery of species that don’t shut her down seems like a silly thing. But it’s all I’ve got.
I might try tugging next time the horses come by and see if I can get her to tug with them right there.
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