It’s probably still too early to tell if the meds are making a difference. But, other than Lilly showing some disinterest in playing this week, here’s a report on how she did in different settings.
Last Saturday (day 9 on meds), we went to the farmer’s market as usual. Lilly seemed her usual nervous self. She snarked at one dog, after showing interest in “meeting” him. We went for a walk to decompress, then we popped by the feed store to get some food, and she laid down in her very specific shutdown way. She was very shy with the young men who work there, but she did do a few tricks for them.
We took another break, then tried a little shopping in a big box pet supply store (not her favorite place). Other than the sliding doors, which always freak her out, she seemed about 50% calmer than usual inside the store. Finally, we dropped by our favorite lunch cafe, and Lilly was PERFECT while I had lunch. Not one sign of fear. Keep in mind, though, that she loves going out to lunch, so this is not *that* unusual.
Last Sunday (day 10 on meds), we went to our usual training class. There were 2 dogs we know, and another 5 we did not know. So, I doubled the distance we typically keep from other dogs from about 5 feet to 10 feet. Lilly was perfect. She did not growl or fuss at anyone. (smile) Other than during recalls, we worked in an open area. During recalls, however, Lilly did great inside the training pen as the other dogs ran to their owners, and when it was her turn, she came to me (past the other dogs) no problem. This too is not unusual or different really.
We also went for a walk down in town before coming up the mountain, and Lilly again did great, even when we saw a large pack of yapping bichons who were lunging at her.
Last Monday (the holiday), we went for a 2 hour hike with a friend (hey, katy!). We saw 3 dogs. Lilly did growl at one, even though I got her off trail while the other dog passed. But, later, when we ran into 2 out-of-control bassets, she did not. Both my friend and I jumped between Lilly and the dogs in pursuit, and she survived the encounter without incident. Usually, dogs that strain to get to her really set her off.
We also had some 30 mountain bikers and a few hikers pass us. My typical response is to ask Lilly to get “off trail,” then I block for her as whatever passes. I feed her the whole time, as long as she stays calm. She only barked at one bike out of 30, so that’s pretty good.
We even got a compliment from a couple hikers, who were impressed with her trail manners as she sat nicely out of the way as they passed.
So, all in all, it was an OK week, but I’m not sure it would have been markedly different without the meds. I know I shouldn’t be looking for a miracle, but sometimes a girl needs a boost of something to keep her going.
Until then, and with hope, we soldier on.
I’ll report more next week. Thanks for your interest.
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