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Monday, December 13, 2021

The Hachi Chronicle

It was a good week for Hachi. We had friends and their dogs visit for a hike. They were people and dogs who Hachi knew from his puppyhood. We were so happy to see that he remembered everyone very well. And, he acted like a perfectly normal dog. He was off-leash during the hike cavorting around us as we hiked. He didn't bark at the people even once, and he played with the other dogs. It felt amazing to us!

Over the years with Hachi, we've learned not to project one good encounter into the future. Indeed, the next day, he reacted with barking when he saw someone who he doesn't know so well. But, that good day did show us what it would be like if Hachi were "cured" of his fears.

We had our trainer over to our place. We worked outdoors in frigid temperatures with a howling wind. The reason for being outdoors is that it gives us more space so that the trainer doesn't need to be close to Hachi. On the Hachi grading scale, it went well. He's learning to look at a stranger and then return to his handler to check in with them. He was less reactive than in past sessions, and there were moments when he even seemed relaxed.

Maybe, someday, he'll be able to accept more people into his life as friends. I sure hope so.
 

18 comments:

  1. that was a super day for all... we cross all fingers for more and more of that days

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  2. What a wonderful post to read. Yay, Hachi!

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  3. congratulations Hachi on going over one more hurdle.. so glad you enjoyed your friends. this is great news

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  4. Hachi...well done all in all handsome boy.
    You blend in with your beautiful landscape..I suspect it covered in snow now
    Hugs cecilia

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  5. Definitely a good sign that Hachi has and continues to make progress. He's such a handsome pup!

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  6. So pleased you had a good visit with your friends and their pups. Well done Hachi!

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  7. You're so good with him. He's doing so well and he's most handsome.

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

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  8. Let that progress continue, Hachi has come SO far from puppy days, and a bark at a stranger might gradually vanish too .Love the photo, big white paws and those far seeing eyes.

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  9. Love the progress Hachi continues to make. So glad that your visit with friends was such a positive experience and fun for all. Very cool!

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  10. We hope so too. In her old age, Hailey will bark at people she doesn't know or until she realizes she knows them (her sight is going) but as soon as they are near she stops. Sometimes if they are in their yard she won't bark at all!

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  11. We're glad to hear Hachi has had some success in his training. Our paws stay crossed for his continued progress.

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  12. Way to go Hachi, we're so very proud of you!

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  13. It must have been nice for you to enjoy that time with your friends. Hachi never ceases to surprise us.

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  14. A dog like Hachi (indeed, he's a lot like my Elsa) has good days and bad days. Luckily he has you watching out for him and making whatever adjustments are necessary for ongoing good days. Keep up the great work.

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  15. That is so awesome that he had so much fun hiking with everyone. Moments like that make it all really worthwhile. Amazing!

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