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.