One of the ideas in Leslie McDevitt’s book, “Control Unleashed,” is to allow dogs to look at things they might react to. It’s something I wanted to try shaping in a low-stimuli
setting, so as recommended I placed an X of duct tape on the wall. I closed the door, got out some treats, manned my clicker and waited to see what would happen. …
As suggested by frequent blog readers, I got myself a copy of Leslie McDevitt’s book, “Control Unleashed.” I read it once straight through, and now I’m going back to re-read, highlight
key things and mark sections that explain how to teach certain core behaviors to the program. On first read, I must admit that I rode quite an emotional roller coaster. Then again, it’s not not
uncommon for me to bounce from hope to despair in my work with Lilly. …
Well, it’s already winter here at altitude in Colorado. Snow, crazy wind, the whole bit. We missed our usual Sunday class due to weather, but Lilly had a private lesson on Wednesday at
Gigi’s new indoor facility. We wanted to wait until Lilly’s brain was duly soaked with serotonin to introduce her to the new space. We wanted her to have full run of the place and see what happens.
…
You know you’re one of those crazy dog moms when shopping for nice clothes seems weird. OK, part of that also comes from working at home. Unless I have a meeting with a client or a
face-to-face interview, I never get out of sweats or jeans. But, I found this cute coat at Old Navy last Saturday. I imagined how darling it would look when we’re training outside, but then I
wondered — Is Lilly going to get it dirty? …
When they are outside alone, I often watch Lilly and Ginko from various windows in the house. I particularly like to watch when they don’t think I’m looking. I like the unaffected way
they explore the yard or just hang out. I love watching them pal around, usually with Ginko in the lead and Lilly tagging along. In particularly, I enjoy seeing Lilly be relaxed and confident at
home. And, I hope someday she’ll be like that elsewhere too. …
It started snowing Saturday night and didn’t stop until early Monday morning. It was warm enough, though, that much of it melted as it fell. Plus, I took these pictures late Monday
afternoon, so a lot was already gone. But, it means it’s time to adjust my dog management plan for winter. Otherwise, these two knuckleheads are going to drive me batty. …
Sometimes Ginko does it to Lilly. He’ll just walk up and start nibbling on her like an ear of corn, tiny bites in a row on her neck or shoulder or side. She seems to like it. Often, if
she’s just been bossy to him, then she’ll race up and lick him like crazy, but she rarely nibbles on him. She also doesn’t nibble on Tom, but I think it’s because when she tried early on, he yelled
“ouch.” And, then there’s me. Lilly likes to nibble on my head. And, I have no idea why. …
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Pardon our dust during redesign. I promise to write a new e-book soon. ;o)
