After another unexpected week apart, Nakina returned to training with renewed focus while continuing to shine in Beginner Novice and Tricks Performer classes.
🐾 More Time Away
Just as Nakina and I were settling back into our routine, I unexpectedly had to travel again for another week. We FaceTimed while I was away, but it was a difficult trip, and I think Nakina sensed some of my stress.
Training
On Tuesday, we attended our Prep for Beginner Novice & Novice Competition class. Nakina did an excellent job and stayed much more focused than the previous week. It was wonderful to see her settling back into the work despite the interruptions in our routine.
Our AKC Tricks Performer class was as much fun as ever. Nakina is doing wonderfully playing the piano and "working" at a computer. She's also beginning to learn to sidestep with me and crisscross her front feet, which is absolutely adorable to watch.
There was no AKC Scent Work Imprinting & Beginners class this week because our training club was hosting a trial. We ar looking forward to getting back to scent work soon.
Socialization
With all of my travel over the past month, Nakina's focus has been a little inconsistent. That's understandable after so many changes in our routine, so we'll continue working on attention and engagement now that I'm hopefully home for a while.
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
These past few weeks have been challenging, but I'm so happy to be back with my girl. Now it's time for both of us to settle back into our routine and continue moving forward together.