A Huge Breakthrough for Shyla

Something extraordinary has happened. Shyla, who was so afraid of strangers and most of the world when she arrived with us 14 months ago, has become a rambunctious outgoing dog!

We went to a training class yesterday, one that we haven't attended since before the floods. As soon as we arrived at the park where the class was being held, I could tell that Shyla was happier and more outgoing than I've ever seen in her in town. She didn't shy away from the screaming children in the parking lot or the stroller that we passed as we exited the car. In fact, she handled many of her former fear triggers (even skateboards!) incredibly smoothly throughout our time in that park. Unbelievable!

Then, when we arrived in the training group, Shyla acted like a rambunctious Lab puppy, desperately wanting to meet every person. When a person paid attention to her, she almost wiggled out of her skin with happiness. In fact, my biggest training issue was preventing her from jumping on people!

It was truly incredible to watch Shyla. I knew that she was acting goofy and out of control. However, honestly, I didn't care that she was being "badly behaved". I was too busy being thrilled to see the real Shyla finally shine through. I always knew how loving she is but I was never sure, until now, that she'd find the courage to show her true nature to people who she didn't know well.

I give my trainer tons of credit for this breakthrough. My trainer taught me about never forcing Shyla to "face her fears" but rather teaching Shyla that she always had the choice of retreating if she felt scared. It's a whole new way of training fearful dogs, and it really works! It lets the fearful dog decide how fast they want to learn about the world. It puts the process in their control.

We went to town again today for my physical therapy appointment, and I saw that yesterday was no fluke. Shyla was a social butterfly, wanting to make friends with everyone in the waiting room. I started the "next phase" of training which is to teach Shyla how to have "appropriate interactions" with people. Because she hasn't wanted to approach strangers until now, I haven't yet taught her how to behave when she meets people. It seemed today as if she will learn fast. Sitting earns her lots of pats while acting like a wild puppy makes people back away. She was sitting like crazy by the end of today, wanting people to pat her!

I am so proud of my girl. She's faced her demons and she's come so far. And, in the process, she's won my heart completely.

Last, but not least, I want to send the Power of the Paw to our friend Tweedles. She has been very sick, and we want to lend our hearts in support of her and her family. Stay strong, Tweedles, we are all with you. We took this photo especially for you...