12/05/08
Double Dot Graduates
Well, both my babies have graduated now. Widget graduated from her basic obedience class on Tuesday and Browser graduated from the puppy class last night.
He was a good pup in class, this week he really played with the other dogs (previous weeks he was more interested in what treats might still be on the floor).
Browser weighed in at the vet's today at 21.5 lbs. He hasn't changed much in the last couple of weeks so I expect a huge growth spurt soon (watch out Widget!).
Widget is at daycare again today. She practically dragged me in the front door - I guess that means she likes it there! She also only let out one bark at them when she came in, which is a first. They are still having her be a greeter dog so she can get exposed to lots of people and dogs to help with her fears. She doesn't show aggression towards anyone or anything, but definitely is fearful. She likes her trainers and has warmed up to them. Still doesn't give kisses or anything (not like Browser who will work for food or love!) but she greets them in what I'd call a professional manner 
I used to hold out hope that she'd be able to do conformation. That's really out of the question I think. Now I am just hoping we can get her CGC (Canine Good Citizen) or STAR puppy if she can before she's a year old - it will require a lot of work, but we're up for it. She'll be great at agility, but anything that would require being super calm and not nervous around other people might be a problem. We'll see. She's my baby and I love her, flaws and all (despite what one of our readers thinks - who should just stop reading this if she can't handle the truth).
Browser is going to go for his STAR puppy (the puppy level of the CGC) after his next class in January. It'll be a no-brainer for him. He's so easy.
2 comments
Second Fear Period
Many dogs will show a rise in their level of aggression (reactivity) during this time. They may become protective and territorial, and may make a new attempt to dominate owners. Incidents of teenage flakiness may recur.
Corresponds with growth spurts. Therefore it may happen more than once as the puppy matures.
May suddenly be apprehensive about new things or shy or timid of new people or situations. Most of height growing is over, but pup will start to fill out over the coming year.
This is a fear of new situations and are handled with the utmost patience. The dog is encouraged to work it out on his own. If anything, it is better to ignore the whole situation than to reinforce the fear by praising the dog or petting him while he is afraid. When you "reassure" a dog with pets and "it's okay", you are telling him it is okay to be frightened and you are creating a potential problem.
If your puppy appears apprehensive, avoid confrontation.
Build confidence through training.
on 12/07/08 at 13:49
I will say, though, that today for the first time since we got her she didn't act completely scared of the housekeeper (who absolutely adores dogs and who Browser loves). She's seen her every week for months and has never warmed up to her. Today she only barked after about 5 minutes and it was a more playful bark. She still wasn't overly affectionate, but it is a very good start. I believe the intense socialization exercises she's getting at daycare are doing the trick. She's been a great dog since she's been going there -- less distracted and more obedient. She's always done well with structure and daycare helps with that too.
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