Weekly Training Update (May 29)

Scent Work & Clicker Training
I had a little time to resume our scent work (using a whiskey-soaked cotton ball in an empty yogurt cup, along with some no-whiskey decoy cups). And, here is my trouble. Sometimes, Lilly pokes all the cups before she picks the right one. I have been clicking for correct pick no matter when it comes in the sequence, but now I’m doubting myself.

Should I click ONLY for the right choice on the first try? (which I suspect will make her discouraged)

OR, can she learn if I click any right choice, even if she made 1-3 wrong ones first?

My best guess at this point is to go back to just 1 cup, then 2 for a while … rather than 4, but I wanted to clear up my criteria first. Help?

More Possible Vaccine Reaction + Fear News
One evening this week, I found Lilly hiding in her crate. I plopped down on the floor nearby to see if she would come out on her own, but when I glanced her way, she was worming around inside, which is her super-submissive + fear behavior.

I didn’t bother her. I let her stay put, but later we made a big fuss about putting peanut butter in some toys, and she came out.

Our Kingdom for a Training Class
My work schedule and family obligations have kept me from our usual training class since mid-March. I finally had a minute to breathe and the outside location for last Sunday’s class (it changes weekly) was a good one for Lilly. We were all set to GO, when a monster thunderstorm rolled over the mountain. I called our trainer (Gigi), and she said it was rumbling there too (about an hour away from us), so we stayed home. So disappointing.

We’re waiting to see the locations for June, but we have high hopes. Plus, the Sunday class moves to the morning in the summer, so it doesn’t eat up the middle of the day (and it’s cooler).