Nakina’s busy week brought plenty of training, new experiences, and exciting progress as she continues learning to focus, recover, and confidently take on whatever comes next.

🐾 Busy, Busy, Busy

Nakina loves to be busy. I am convinced that if she could talk, she would always be asking, “What’s next?”

Training

On Tuesday, we attended our Prep for Beginner Novice & Novice Competition class. Nakina did really well. She has been having a bit of difficulty with me walking around the entire ring while she waits in the center, so we took a step back and are working on smaller distances to help build her confidence before I move farther away.

Our AKC Tricks Performer class and private training sessions were really good. We worked a lot on separation exercises. While Nakina is attentive and alert when I leave her with someone, she is no longer whining or crying, so we’re making progress.

Friday, we had an ATT Prep Class, and Nakina was amazing. She walked over every texture without hesitation. She did have a startle response to the coin can shake, which is totally fine, but nothing else even made her blink. I was really proud of how she handled everything.

Saturday, we had the first day of a two-day Canine Cognition workshop. Nakina was super happy to be playing a new game, and I’m really enjoying watching her approach new experiences with such enthusiasm.

We continued working on a number of tasks this week to prepare for both the ATT Test and the Canine Cognition Workshop. We also continued desensitization with the calming cap and Gentle Leader. We got back to work on crate training with the travel crate and zipper, and we continued working on dumbbell holds and chin rests. We also got back to work on calmly riding in the car when she is just with me, rather than getting overly excited because she assumes we must be going somewhere fun for her.

Socialization

Nakina got her nails clipped on Monday and also worked on greetings at Petco. She did a wonderful job.

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 love the way Nakina approaches life with such joy and exuberance.