After nearly two weeks apart, Nakina and I reunited, returned to training, and discovered that scent work may have become her newest favorite activity.

🐾 So Missed

Being away from Nakina for almost two weeks was much harder than I expected. We FaceTimed several times, and she really does seem to recognize me through the screen, but it just wasn't the same as spending every day together.

Training

eing away from Nakina for almost two weeks was much harder than I expected. We FaceTimed several times, and she really does seem to recognize me through the screen, but it just wasn't the same as spending every day together.

On Tuesday, we attended our Prep for Beginner Novice & Novice Competition class. With so many unfamiliar dogs and people, Nakina found it difficult to stay focused, but it was valuable experience and showed us exactly what we need to continue practicing.

By Thursday, during our AKC Tricks Performer class, she was back to her normal enthusiastic self and couldn't wait to work. The highlight of the week, however, was our AKC Scent Work Imprinting & Beginners class. Nakina absolutely loved it, and it was wonderful watching her natural instincts come alive.

Socialization

After my trip, Nakina has been a little more eager than usual to visit both people and dogs. We'll be putting renewed focus on building attention and engagement around distractions over the coming weeks.

What's Next

• Emergency Stop & Hand Targeting — reintroduce and build consistency
• Down vs. settle — continue creating a clear distinction
• Stay — increase distance, duration, and distractions
• Recall — continue on leash in more distracting environments
• Travel Crate — zipping with no stress
• Grooming — begin grooming desensitization on the table
• Continue elevator desensitization

I'm so happy to be back with my amazing partner. We have a lot of training ahead of us, and I couldn't be be more excited to continue the journey together.