Nakina’s focus reached a whole new level this week as our training, patience, and teamwork began coming together in exciting ways.
🐾 So Focused
It has been a huge step forward this week with Nakina. She has been so focused in everything we have done together, and I’m beginning to see just how much all of our work is paying off.
Training
We’ve continued working on calm behavior in the car, as well as desensitization to both the calming cap and the Gentle Leader. We have now made it all the way to the end of our street in the car with total calm. That may sound like a small accomplishment, but for us, it is a huge step forward.
On Tuesday, we attended our Prep for Beginner Novice & Novice Competition class. Nakina was perfect. She held both the long sit and long down beautifully and completed every task without a hiccup. Her ability to stay focused despite everything happening around her has improved so much.
Our AKC Tricks Performer class and private training session were amazing. Once again, Nakina showed just how far her ability to focus has come. She was engaged, eager to work, and ready to learn.
On Friday, we took an ATT Prep Class, and Nakina completed every task. There were two or three exercises where she needed a second to recover, but that is perfectly fine. Learning how to recover and refocus is just as important as getting everything right the first time.
Our AKC Scent Work Imprinting & Beginners class was amazing. Nakina not only searched boxes and scent containers, but she also successfully found scent under a table and under a chair. Watching her figure out what I’m asking and then confidently go to work is so much fun.
We also received confirmation of completion from the trainer for Virtual Home Manners Adult, and I submitted the paperwork to AKC.
Socialization
Nakina continued working on walking calmly and not jumping on her favorite people. These are important skills for her upcoming ATT, but they are also skills that will make everyday life easier for both of us. And she did amazing.
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
Nakina did amazing this week. More importantly, I feel like something has shifted between us. All of the training, practice, frustration, patience, and little victories are beginning to come together. I feel like we have a true partnership.