The Dalmatian Diaries Blog

Yep, you read right. Widget went to the mall today. Her Paw Trek class met at the Arboretum. It didn't start off very well. Not awful, but Widget was pulling a lot on the leash and really fired up. I think part of it was my fault. We were running late and I was disorganized. She reads me like a book so I think she sensed my tension. After a little exercise she settled down a bit. We also worked on "ignore" when she spotted something "scary". I'd say "ignore" and give her a big bite of treat if she focused on me instead of the scary thing/person/noise. The mall started off very quiet but by the time class was nearly over there were more people and kids around. At first she didn't like all the new people she was seeing but with "ignore" and treats by the end of class she was actually taking treats from strangers... AND KIDS!!!! Yep, you read that right!

In her Thursday class she did fantastic up until the last few minutes. She didn't have problems with people or anything... until the last few minutes. Then she decided that she had been quiet long enough and barked at a woman (who is actually in her Saturday class too) approaching her.

I have to say though she's really making amazing improvements. It's frustrating when she'll be doing well and then take a step backwards, but we're taking way more steps forwards these days. I'm proud of her. It's exhausting for me but it's necessary.

It's been so hectic I didn't get a chance to update after Widget's first Paw Trek class. I thought she did great! She was a bit wary of the other dogs in class as she'd never met them before. She was SO much better with humans than I expected her to be though! I was so impressed! She didn't didn't walk all that nicely on leash for me (pulled a lot) but I think it was mostly because we were WAY at the back of the pack and she wanted to be up where the other dogs where. On the way back from our trek (we went to a park) she was at the front of the pack and at first was great but then she realized all the dogs were BEHIND her so she kept turning around to look at them!

Today I went to daycare to be there while Widget had a massage. Christina from Skillful Paws is awesome! The reason I went was because we wanted to see how Widget would be with a massage while I was around - would she be protective? would she relax? The answers are no and yes! She didn't really seem bothered or concerned by my presence. She kept her eye on me and if I moved she looked to see if I was going to take her home But she did indeed relax. A couple of big sighs and definitely fought off falling asleep (if I hadn't been there I'm sure she would have been napping during the massage!). There were even two active GSDs there which I thought would be more distracting but she didn't really seem bothered by them. At least not like she would have been previously!

I think everything we're doing for her is really working. It's not an overnight fix of course, but she's slowly learning to accept that life isn't so scary. People are nice and if you let them they'll pet you and give you tasty treats. She still needs some work on her dog-dog interactions. She loves some dogs and others she's not happy about. But I think she'll get there!

Another Gameskills (CGC) class tonight then on Saturday the Paw Trek class is going to the Arboretum (it's a shopping area for those of you not in Austin). She'll get to check out Amy's Ice Cream and Barnes and Noble. It should be interesting to say the least.

So Widget is back in school. Since Browser finished his CGC it was definitely her turn for some "learnin'".

This is the first time since she started on the amitriptyline that she's been in a class. I signed her up for not only the same Game Skills/CGC class that Browser just completed, but also the Paw Trek class that goes out and about to dog-friendly places. I have to admit that the thought of going to TWO classes a week with her was a bit daunting.

I went into tonight's class with very low expectations. All I wanted to do was have her get through a course without being psychotic. I have to say, she amazed me tonight. She barked a little, mostly at first, but nothing, NOTHING like she did in previous classes. In fact she got very relaxed a few times in class. I came fully prepared though. I had bubbles, peaceful paws (the calming oil), a DAP collar, and really tasty treats. We started out with a slathering of Peaceful Paws and wearing the DAP collar. I blew bubbles as soon as we got inside. I was floored that she didn't seem as apprehensive towards people as she used to. She didn't lunge like she has in the past. And the barking she did? Really was directed at the dogs. And it wasn't her "I'm really mad" bark, it was more like "HEY, who ARE you?".

I don't have expectations that Widget will get her CGC out of this. I do hope though that it will bring her a little closer to understanding that the whole world isn't a scary place. She's a really smart girl. And sweet (when she wants to be). I wish more people could see the Widget I do. I guess that is really my goal.

Next report: Paw Trek on Saturday. Oh man.

(p.s. Browser cried the whole time we were gone. He missed Momma and Widget)

So, a little momma brag... Last night Browser passed the exam to get his CGC (Canine Good Citizen) title. It's not a big title, but it's his first (and mine!). He did great on everything except the exercise where we have to pass by another person with a dog. He wanted to see the dog a little too much. You are able to redo one of the 10 exercises so we redid that one. Everything else he really did great on! I was impressed. I admit I don't work with him like I should so I was surprised how easily he learned everything. He is a smart boy.

I need to measure him again to see if he's grown any taller. I've had a couple of people tell me lately that he looked like he had grown so I'm worried he's gone over 24" tall now.

Widget is starting Paw Trek next week where she'll be going out in the world among people. This will truly be a challenge for her. I think I may also enroll her in the CGC class that Browser just took if it will be a nice small, quiet class like he had. She'll do great in most of it with the exception of letting a stranger pet her and examine her. Here are the steps that the dog must pass in order to get their CGC: AKC Canine Good Citizen Test Items

p.s. Peachstate's Wag-A-Bytes is Browser's registered name, in case you were wondering! Widget is PHD's Love Bytes (we had no idea how appropriate their names would be!)