Join Our Community of Dog Lovers!

Subscribe now so that you get email alerts about all new content and/or updates from Champion of My Heart!  +

FREE e-book "8 Things to Know About Veterinary Care"

July 18, 2007

Lilly slunk her way onto the training field and took up her position under the shade netting, against the fence. Her body, her face, her mouth looked fairly relaxed … at least from a distance. Up close, however, a different story . Her pupils dilated. Tiny, uncontrolled tremors. Heart racing. I pretty much knew she wouldn’t run any of the exercises, but I thought she might settle in and just watch. I was wrong.

I sat with her and used accupressure points to get her breathing pattern to slow somewhat, but once the exercises turned to teeter performance, Lilly went into a full panic. Her gums looked nearly white.

I took her back to the car and watched the rest of the course alone.

Of the many strategies we discussed, one in particular seems perfect for Lilly … at least for those times when I can get her on the training field alone.

Our trainer called one exercise “Lighten Up,” where you simply run around the course, dog at your side, and any time the dog takes an obstacle, you have a big party. No cues, no set pattern, just run around and celebrate anything the dog does.

I think Lilly would like that game. I think she’d be good at it, when she’s calm enough to get up off the ground, that is.

I’m happy to say that Lilly doesn’t seem upset with me for taking her to the class. Unfortunately, she’s still pretty pissed about the bath from a couple weeks ago.

About the Author Roxanne Hawn

Trained as a traditional journalist and based in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA, I'm a full-time freelance writer for magazines, websites, and private clients. My areas of specialty include everything in the lifestyles arena, including health and home, personal finance and other consumer interests, relationships and trends, people and business profiles ... and, of course, all things pet related.

I don't just love dogs. I need them in my life. Seriously.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

Free!

Stay Tuned for Something New!

big things in the works ... promise

Success message!
Warning message!
Error message!