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October 5, 2007

We do not have class the last weekend of the month, so no formal training venue updates to report. However, as I mentioned earlier in the week, Lilly and I took a few adventures into public settings instead, and we have a new training challenge at home … mules.

I did not notice any huge change this week. Lilly did full-on growl at a couple dogs who passed us on a walking path near the farmer’s market. I pulled her off trail, got her facing and focused on me, but she still broke contact and growled. These were 2 big, fluffy, artic-type dogs, which tend so freak her out, but I did not see any clear triggers otherwise.

And, she did freak out at a little girl on wheelie shoes as noted in my earlier Zoom Zone post.

Otherwise, she did fine at the feed store when we stopped to buy dog food. She did really well outside the mall, working on being close to the automatic sliding doors and staying calm.

I even got her to howl (one of her tricks) at the farmer’s market while we visited our favorite local dog biscuit vendor. I’m happy to say that we asked for (and got) the vendor to start making training-sized treats. I usually make my own, but it’s nice to have options.

We’ve been using these small bacon flavored treats as special food to help Lilly adjust to the new mules next door. If she watches them without being on guard, if she does not react to them, then she gets special treats, and so far, it’s working.

Maybe it’s because they are as smart as horses but not as high strung. Maybe it’s because they are mellow like cows, but don’t really seem to care if Lilly is nearby. The cows always seem a bit wary of Lilly, which I think she understands and uses.

I’m happy to say that even though I climbed the fence to take these photos. Lilly just watched without a peep, while I fussed on the mules, who just came to our valley last weekend from Iowa. They are both 8 years old.

So, I’m pleased to introduce Junior to you.

mules 001

And, this is Molly.

mules 002

She’s a bit happier to be petted, so I also took this great shot of her pretty face. They seem much larger close up. Seriously, her head is HUGE.

mules 003

And, finally, here is my neighbor Katy, who is doing a great job taking care of her first large-animal pets. (Katy is also the one we hiked with a while back who helped me block Lilly from a couple of maurading bassets.)

mules 004

So, there you go. Lilly’s new animal friends … the mules.

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.

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