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Monday, November 29, 2021

The Hachi Chronicle

Last week, Shyla had a vet appointment, and we decided to bring Hachi to do some training with him outside the vet hospital. The first plan was that the Runner would do that while Shyla and I were inside the hospital. However, it turned out that Hachi was horrified that Shyla and I disappeared into the hospital for 30 whole minutes. He was too worried about us to do any training.


The next part of the plan was that the vet would prop open the door to the "reactive dog" exam room at the end of our appointment so that Hachi could try doing some training near the door. The reactive dog exam room has direct access from outdoors so that the dog doesn't need to go through the reception area.

As soon as Hachi saw us emerge from the hospital unscathed, he leaped up and down, and then he showered us in kisses. He was so relieved.


He seemed so happy and good after greeting Shyla and me that we went forward with approaching the exam room. Much to our surprise, he pushed through the only slightly open door, and he sniffed all around the empty room while the Runner gave him treats. It went better than we ever expected, especially since it was the exact room where he was very scared during an actual vet appointment back in the summer.

We are happy to have seen such a breakthrough. It will probably be a long time before he can handle the same scenario with a stranger waiting in the room. But we'll take our victories and celebrate.

We love our Hachi.

14 comments:

  1. Hari OM
    Oh, Hachi's desire to ascertain what Shyla was up to overrode any fear of that room... brilliant! May that improvement continue... YAM xx

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  2. that are super good news... and we understand how happy he was as he saw you and shyla... maybe he connected good things with that place because you came back and will like it a little more from now on...

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  3. wild clapping and a happy dance from me, this is fantastic news

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  4. This is another milestone to clock up for Hachi, a huge heap of happiness, and maybe with you together, he coped far better than you thought . Hoping Shyla's appt went well too.

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  5. MadSnapper said it best. Wonderful news!

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  6. I agree, Sandra nailed it. Me too.

    Have a fabulous day and week. Scritches to the pups. ♥

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  7. WOW, that's really wonderful, way to go Hachi!

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  8. I love those ears that show his joy!

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  9. We're glad to hear Hachi ended the visit to the vet on a high note. It's understandable that he would get upset with two of his favorite people/pups disappearing but what a wonderful welcome you two had when you emerged from the vet office.

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  10. One more little step - and it will all end well!!!

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  12. It's all about baby steps in training a dog like Hatchi. Most people don't have the patience and have to start from zero again because they push too much. You do a great job with the patience and he will get there.

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