We continue to struggle with our work exposing Lilly to people in a controlled way. Because we live in a somewhat remote area, because it everyone is busy, it’s hard, bordering on impossible to find participants to take part in daily training sessions (even though they only last about 10 minutes). So, I’ve resorted to creating a cast of thousands at home.
That means convincing Tom to dress up in various coats and hats so that he looks like a stranger rather than Daddy to Lilly, and even then, we’re only doing it a few nights a week because he’s so busy too.
I’m dying to take photos of him in these funny get-ups, but he refuses. So, here’s a description of our most notable encounter this week.
Character: Man in full-length, black duster (long coats cowboys wear) and baseball cap
Scene: He’s backlit and walking towards us
Result: Lilly flips out — barking and running toward him
Mistake: Not having her on leash with a head collar
Grade: probably a C-
Since she got close enough to realize it was Tom, I’m pretty sure the training session was compromised. BUT, I put on the head collar and leash, and we proceeded through the 13 tasks, where Tom approaches with greater speed and closeness.
Lilly did bark at him a few times, so I fed her treats and blocked her view with my body a few seconds at a time until she could regain her composure.
I think the lessons are these:
- Leash her, even at home for these exercises to give me control and her context
- Ramp up slowly with scary stimuli (perhaps the back lighting was too much)
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