It was spring this week. The pups got lots of romping time in the meadows of Labrador Valley. Hachi seemed overjoyed.
There were some stressors this week. Two people worked on preparing a greenhouse site for us. That was outdoor work, and Hachi was fine with their presence when he was in the house. He wasn't so sure about them when he was outdoors. I hope to take him out to watch them from a distance this coming week. It would be great for counterconditioning him to strangers being near our house.
As soon as they departed each day, we took the pups out to romp. It was fun!
I've been doing his relaxation protocol with him each day. It really makes a difference. I've also been using shaping to teach him to take a deep breath to relax. I have reached the point where he takes a breath but it's not a deep breath yet. On another front, I'm also working on a new approach to helping him handle people who suddenly appear on trails. It's called a "pattern game". I play a game with him indoors where I say "1, 2, 3". Simultaneous to "3", I drop a treat on the ground. He now knows this game very well so that he looks at the ground before I say "3". The hope is that he'll get such an innate memory of this game that he'll be able to play it as people pass on a trail.
I've mentioned before that it can be very stressful having a dog like Hachi. I don't want him to bark or lunge at strangers like he sometimes does. He can really scare people. Then, I felt a little differently when we had a weird guy trespassing on our land a couple of days ago (three times within a day). I'll spare you the whole story but I am suddenly a wee bit grateful that Hachi won't let a stranger near me (especially a stranger who we are not welcoming). Our "Beware of Dogs" signs are for real but this guy ignored them.
I feel very glad about Hachi's progress. Even with workers near the house, he's doing a lot better than a couple of weeks ago.
it's great to see this happy pups ;O) and it is so great to hear about so much progress
ReplyDeleteIt's good to hear Hachi had a good week. We like our dogs instinctual reaction to strangers as long as they listen to us when we tell them they are okay and can then be friendly to them. Living like you do it's good to have an early warning system if someone is trespassing.
ReplyDeleteHari om
ReplyDeleteAwww happy Hachi, happy home! Reactive no... enguard good. This is something I was able to convey to angel Jade. Mostly she welcomed callers and passers by...but there were those couple of times she went ruff and it proved true. YAM xx
Good to hear Hachi continues to make progress...he's fortunate to have such a patient and understanding owner. I think it is good that he is aware of the parameters and will let you know if someone is over the line.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good way to train Hachi, I'm glad he's with you and can live such a full life. Who knows what would have happened to him otherwise. He's such a lovely dog and your pictures of them playing in the fields bring such joy.
ReplyDeleteThat second photo is absolutely wonderful!
ReplyDeleteYou sure do look like one happy and energetic pup, Hachi! Good for you for protecting your mom from a stranger!
ReplyDeleteOh a trespasser and Hachi let him know he wasn't welcome. Good for Hachi.
ReplyDeleteLove all the actions shots. Beautiful pups.
Have a fabulous day and week. Scritches to the pups. ♥
We are people lovers but Mom sometimes wishes she could turn that off when we encounter someone creepy. We have the 1,2,3 thing for going potty. If we are not doing it on 3, we have to move along. It works and we know what it means too. Glad it was a good week and spring is coming. We see the grass and think ticks, though.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Hachi had a good week and I'm glad he protects you.
ReplyDeleteHachi, you are such a good defender , weird guys are not welcome, I love your leaping, looking very like summer is just around the corner.
ReplyDeleteIt is one thing I always loved about my dogs, they were protective and always warned when someone was around.
ReplyDeleteGlad things are going better. You've got your work cut out for you. lol
Hachi it is quite obvious you have Spring in your step.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you and your housemates
Cecilia
I don't know how you do it, but I really admire you for always finding/using the best games to play to help Hachi learn something to make him better at handling a particular situation. He truly is so lucky to have found his way to you.
ReplyDeleteHachi sure looks like a happy boy outside with his pal Shyla. We love hearing about all the things you are working on with him and being successful with.
ReplyDeleteThat is great. We love to hear he is doing well.
ReplyDeleteOH, this is FABulous news my furiend!!!! Hey, I don't likes to be 'surprised' eithers....I tend to do the same thing if someone springs from a house or around a corner. If I'm with Ma, it's usually okays, butts if I'm with Gpa, he doesn't do as well with my manners 😏 Anyhu, that conditioning game sounds interesting ~ and if treaties are involved...👍
ReplyDeleteOh, and loooooves the photos of you guys! Your Moms really knows how to capture your bliss
Kisses,
Ruby ♥
Hachi's progress this week is great news! Way to go, guys. Love seeing his happy face romping on your beautiful property.
ReplyDeleteYay for a good week! I understand how you feel...I always feel safer knowing that Luke will put up a fuss if a stranger gets too near. They don't have to know that he's scared, not aggressive, and I tell those that do. Sometimes I tell people that and they still think he's being protective of me anyway. :)
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