Many of you have been along for my whole journey with Shyla since I met her six years ago as a shaking and terrified young dog. Back then, I was beside myself with worry that I wouldn't be able to help such a fearful dog.
She and I have come a long way together. Most days, I think that she doesn't feel too much fear. Indeed, yesterday, we got caught in a terrible thunder storm with ferocious hail during our bike ride. I managed to convince her to trust me. We hid under a pine tree until the hail ended and managed to sprint home before the lightning got too scary. I would have never predicted that she could handle that way back when I met her.
Despite her comfort with most aspects of our low key day-to-day life, I still search for ways to increase her confidence. If only she could always be as confident as in this photo!
Alas, I am not one to simply accept where Shyla is now. I would love for her to learn to cope with novel things and social situations more comfortably.
To increase her overall confidence, we are continuing on a program that challenges her to learn to explore novel things that seem scary. This week, I set up a challenge that asked her to rummage through a pile of metal cookware to find treats hidden in the pile. At the very bottom, there was a bowl with treats in it. This was a game suggested in a course that we're taking at Fenzi.
As she rummaged, she starting pawing at the baking containers to make noise with them because I've rewarded her in the past for doing that. I responded by rewarding her this time too! She looked so proud of herself for doing it!
Here is a short video of her doing this game.
that is a super idea... I would like to adopt this idea to help Neilson to feel better inside of the house... he often wants to escape when he feels fear about things what are common for us...
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful sweet Shyla, we're always cheering you on!
ReplyDeleteYou were making lots of noise, Shyla! Great job!
ReplyDeletethanks for my first laugh out loud moments of the day... she is so sweet and I did laugh a few times when she hit it with her paw and when she looked at you to say, please get me those treats mom... glad you made it through that hail storm
ReplyDeleteGreat job finding the treats Shyla.
ReplyDeletexo Astro and Mitzie
Wow, way to go, Shyla!! We're so proud of how far she's come.
ReplyDelete~Pigeon
Shyla we were clapping and cheering as you showed that pan your confident paw power!
ReplyDeleteWell done sweet girl
Hugs madi your bfff
You go, Broccoli Girl!!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Chris from Boise
One more step in the kitchen items, well done Shyla to look, to cope with the noise, and paw those tins.I wonder if you have your own set for training time?
ReplyDeleteShe's such a good girl!!! You two are a great team!
ReplyDeleteKZK
We just love the trusting and loving expression on her face as she hears your encouragement and praise. Way to go, Shyal!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun challenge!
ReplyDeletehugs
Hazel & Mabel
You are doing a great job with this wonderful dog
ReplyDeleteLove her face in that second photo. It would be hard dealing with a fearful dog, but you do well with her, and living where you do makes it easier than being in a crowded area.
ReplyDeleteSuch good work. Bravo to you both.
ReplyDeleteYou are making such amazing progress with her! She is obviously a very happy girl. :)
ReplyDelete