Even when finding my own focus was difficult, Nakina and I kept moving forward with training, new challenges, and an unexpected new AKC accomplishment.
🐾 Unfocused but Forward
I have been very unfocused since returning from my last trip. I’ve been finding ways to stay connected with Nakina and make sure her needs are met, but I’ve been having trouble finding joy in much of anything right now, including training.
Training
On Monday, Nakina had her nails done. She did really well walking to the store, being inside, getting her nails done, and walking back to the car. She wasn’t great on the drive there, but she was perfect on the drive home.
When she is in the car with just me, she knows we are almost always going somewhere for her, so her excitement level is very high. I’ve begun working on that in several different ways. We’ve gotten into the car just to drive to the end of the driveway and sit for a while. I’ve also gotten a device that plays calming music for dogs, and I’ve begun desensitizing her to a calming cap. Hopefully, these things will help her learn that getting into the car doesn’t always mean something exciting is about to happen and help reduce her overarousal.
On Tuesday, we attended our Prep for Beginner Novice & Novice Competition class. Nakina did an excellent job. She continues to improve each and every week.
Our AKC Tricks Performer and AKC Scent Work Imprinting & Beginners classes were not held this week because there was a trial in the training building. That gave us more time at home to work on desensitization to the Gentle Leader, our tricks, and scent discrimination.
And we had an unexpected accomplishment! Yesterday, Nakina started and completed AKC’s Virtual Home Manners Puppy program in a single day. We submitted everything to an evaluator and passed. Today, I submitted her application to AKC for the title.
Socialization
Nakina’s focus has improved significantly now that she has had some stability and consistency in her life again. We’re also working very hard on not jumping when she sees her absolute favorite people. That excitement is still a challenge, but we’ll keep working on it.
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
It felt good to begin settling back into a routine with Nakina this week. I may not be completely back to myself yet, but we’re moving forward together. She is such a willing and able partner, and I’m very grateful to have her beside me.