I'm in the midst of one of those weeks... I feel like a speck in the big universe. Thank goodness that it's a beautiful universe.
I have a medical appointment almost every day, making me feel as if life is sprinting out of control.
But, one bright light was how well Shyla handled our in-town training after my MRI today. She was very outgoing, wanting to meet all sorts of people. When she gets into moods like today's, she can leap into social situations that are over her head. I try to restrain her but I'm not always successful. Everyone wants to pet her when she's as cute and flirtatious as she was today. Then, in the midst of happily meeting people, Shyla appeared to suddenly realize that she is usually scared in those situations and shrunk away from the man who was patting her- but she bounced right back.
Her amazing courage today was a lesson to me that I have little day-to-day control over Shyla's fearfulness. I can do my best to set up our training sessions in-town so that they are most likely to be successful... but my strategies will work some days and not others. I did almost the same route and routine with her last week but she didn't enjoy it at all then. Today was a different day.
I keep patiently working on our basic training at home and in the forest.
I'm sure that our basic training is helping to build Shyla's confidence over the long-term. But, I'm taking my "new attitude" to heart. Today was a good day of training but that doesn't mean that we've conquered the fear. It simply means that it was a good day for Shyla.
So this means Shyla has been in town for how many days in a row? Last week and this week? Its clicking for her! She is getting it! She will get everything before long, a smart girl who has to do a little thinking and then she decides its OK.
ReplyDeleteWhat could be better?
Hope you are doing just fine with all of your testing!
Cheers and hugs,
Jo, Stella and Zkhat
I think she's really getting it. There will always be bumps in the road, but what's perfect?
ReplyDeleteI think clicker training builds confidence so much. It's incredible.
Nola's Mom
Dogs live in the moment...and take each day as it comes!
ReplyDeleteYay for a good day! I hope that before you know it, those good days start to add up and string together. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, take it for what it is...a good day. I do hope you get relief from your appointments and I'm so glad everything worked out with the close call.
ReplyDeleteI think in part that is why Shyla is there, to be that bright spot. And oh how she shines.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Goose
Heres hoping for tons of "Good Days" ahead for both you and Shyla.
ReplyDeleteWhere does Shyla sit while you are under the MRI machine? she is doing so very well, maybe the more frequent trips, and seeing other people in different places is getting her more accustomed to the town and its bustle and noise.Hope all visits have good outcomes, with some positive directions. Greetings from Jean
ReplyDeleteI suspect that for a dog like Shyla, it becomes a matter of accumulation. If there are a legion of good experience trips to town, then the anxiety begins to alleviate. That doesn't mean there won't be setbacks, but eventually, they'll be much more minor. I'm glad she's having good days, and I am sure that she's where she's meant to be!
ReplyDeleteGood job Shyla we knew you could do it
ReplyDeleteBenny & Lily
Good days are good days, that's a fact!
ReplyDeleteI love learning from my dogs.
ReplyDeleteMomma says its a day by day thing for every living creature, Shyla does better than many. Some days momma conquers the fear and it is a good day; others she gets through on sheer willpower. Same for Quinn...and Michael...and YoYoMa...well, you get the point.
ReplyDeleteI have a sneaking hunch that Shyla is in total & absolute control of her fear. She was outgoing & fine today because there was nothing for her to fear. Then... someone... that *someone*... reminded her of a not-so-pleasant experience with perhaps someone who looked just like him... and... well... it was time to be fearful.
ReplyDeleteOr it may be her 6th sense telling you that *you* should be fearful of that person... and she's showing you how.
I dunno... just some thoughts to ponder. What better things to ponder than about our beloved furry companions, eh?
Be well, my friend. Hope you too find the answers you seek, in your quest for recovered health.
--Andrea
XOXOXO
Glad to hear that Shyla is becoming more social! Hope your tests are coming along ok!!
ReplyDeleteHi Shyla
ReplyDeleteWell done on a enjoyable town trip your so lucky to have such a caring and patient human that is working to help you with making the big city less scary for you. We love that first photo of you in the mountains you look very happy.
From Milo & Jet
Celebrating each day for what it brings is a great way to move forward. We always try to look for the positive and not dwell on the negative.
ReplyDeleteYou're focusing on Shyla but we hope that you are doing well with your trips into town and are making some progress with your health.
You are making us smile, Shyla, and we just love the pictures of you and your hat!
ReplyDeleteLove ya lots,
Mitch and Molly
Just LOVE that second photo! Pure joy.
ReplyDeleteWe all have good days with some really bad days thrown in. Enjoy the good days and forget the bad ones.
ReplyDeleteWe always love to hear how her training is going.
ReplyDeleteShe has such a beautiful "back yard" to romp and play in, it's so peaceful. We can understand why she prefers that to being in town. But she's slowly getting it and we think that is awesome.
Hugs,
Lily Belle & Muffin
I guess you just have to live in the moment, just like Shyla does....
ReplyDeleteSounds like Shyla has and is coming along just fine. You and Shyla are fortunate to have each other to share the awesome land where you live and each others company. Sure hope you feel better and get some good news.
ReplyDeleteWags
Ernie for the furkids and mom barbmc
I'm learning (and started to see more and more) that dogs take a moment or two to process information. This process time lends itself for pups like ours to get themselves in trouble. It's a common scenario with fearful/agressive dogs...they get all excited about the treat the stranger has and because they were feeling good about life at that moment, they charge right over only to realize (now that they had that moment to process while they were charging) that that person is in fact scary. Voila! You've got the unpredictable dog that was happy and is now lunging and barking right in the person's space. It is tricky to find that sweet spot where learning can happen without things falling apart.
ReplyDeleteThree cheers for the good days! Fear is fickle, but those good days are special.
My fingers are crossed that you find relief for your back. Hang in there.
I have said it before and I will say it again, your patience and training with Shyla is truly inspiring. I hope I can find the tools to help my crazy Hailey!
ReplyDeleteShyla is so wonderful...a very special dog...
ReplyDeleteYou are made for eachother
Everything you are going through might be affecting Shyla as much as her surroundings. I think the two of you are bonding, and she probably knows something's out of the ordinary. I'll bet she's as worried about you as when you worry about her...
ReplyDeleteHi Y'all!
ReplyDeleteThe entire family enjoys visitin' with y'all!
Y'all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog