We've been approaching that goal in two different ways: 1) Visiting the vet hospital, 2) working on his fear of strangers.
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| A classic Hachi play move! |
About a month ago, we had our annual in-person visit at Hachi's behavioral vet. This combined both parts of our training (a visit to a vet hospital and meeting a stranger). Their head trainer said that she wanted to interact with Hachi in a training room. I'll admit, right up front, that I did not predict that he'd be capable of that because of the tight quarters. Fortunately, I was wrong!
The trainer played a game called "treat-retreat" with Hachi. She was at one end of the room while we were with Hachi at the other end of the room (Hachi was on leash). She tossed him treats in a pattern that gradually brought him closer to her and then led him further away from her to relieve his stress. It went beautifully. Then, while playing the game, she asked him to sit a few times when he was within about 6' of her, and he did it! Finally, she had us do a vet exam on him using the bucket game (just like we do daily at home). That went well too!
That was the very best that I could have imagined our visit going. It showed us that all of our hard work is paying off, and Hachi is moving in the right direction. Since then, we've been so motivated to keep moving forward with his training because we know that it's working.
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| Hachi glows at sunrise! |
Training involves nothing but teeny tiny steps with Hachi, and we are fine with that because we love him.
Hari Om
ReplyDeleteSuch payoffs are what that dedication is all about!!! YAM xx
that is great and it makes our heart sind to see such progress...
ReplyDeleteCongrats on all the success you're having with Hachi's training. We have our paws crossed that the upcoming vet visit goes well, too.
ReplyDeleteGreat news keep up the hard work the pay off is worth it 👌
ReplyDeleteWell Done Team Human - BLK Dog Would Be So Proud Of You Guys
ReplyDeleteCheers
You are so good with him and I know he appreciates it. You're such a good puppy parent.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day and week. Scritches to the pups. ♥
Sunrise, that is so beautiful.And all those steps have paid off in millions!!!
ReplyDeleteThis all requires so much patience and perseverance and Hachi s so very lucky to have you!
ReplyDeleteThat was some excellent progress. Hachi also learned that sometimes a stranger might have some good things for him, but he can still get back to his safe zone. We applaud with great vigor all your efforts for your special Hachi boy.
ReplyDeleteIt has to feel so good to see the training paying off, bravo Hachi!
ReplyDeleteI have said it before, and will again, that Hachi is so lucky to have found his way to you - You are without a doubt, hands down the best he could ever have! In doing the "owner give ups" for Lab Rescue, I wish more owners would take a page from your "playbook," and at least try to work with their Labs before just giving up on them.
ReplyDeleteYou are a miracle worker
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing how well he is coming along. You should be super proud of the job you are doing with him. He sure lucked out finding you to take him in.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing to me to see how much you are able to do with Hachi. Patience and perseverance are paying off.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is bursting! I am so happy for all of you, but especially for Hachi! This is such wonderful news. You are all so amazing! Thank you for taking of him.
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