We Are Ready to Attend Classes!

Valentine met with MarLee again today to cover some basics that will help her when she starts a multi-dog class.  We worked on relaxing and will soon be teaching the "settle" command.  Valentine was given a "spot" (a fluffy bed) to relax on.  We listened to relaxing music (http://throughadogsear.com/), used soft voices, and gentle/soothing touch to get her in the right mood for training.  MarLee explained that if she reaches "threshold," or gets too amped up, no learning will be able to occur so we try to set her up for success by getting her calm before introducing distractions.  At the end of class, we reviewed leash handling.  Valentine responded very well and now she is ready to begin her indoor training classes with other dogs and new people she has never met.  Charlotte and I will begin those at the end of the month!

Valentine is doing an amazing job, but she would do even better in a foster home.  If you or someone you know would be willing to foster her until she gets a home please contact Laura at lmckelvey@pawsatlanta.org.

Valentine's Second Lesson

Valentine enjoyed working outside on her last visit to Canine PhD!  We worked on our leash training.  We focused on Auto Check-Ins.  This gets Valentine use to checking in with the person (looking at us) on the other end of the leash.  Then we worked with loose leash walking and orienting exercises.  These help her bond with the handler, learn to focus on the handler, and teaches her not to pull on the leash.  Orienting exercises help us refocus when something or someone nearby might seem scary to her.

The last thing we worked on was on-leash petting.  We want to teach Valentine to ask for attention in an appropriate manner.  Right now, she gets very excited when she sees people she loves and begins to wiggle and jump.  She should sit and wait to be greeted, calmly.  We only have her greet people she wants to greet.  We teach her that she has control of the situation and that she can express herself in a calm way.

Vally seems to do quite well with kitties.  Here we are, chillin' in the cat house with Stephan several months ago.

Please share Valentine's story with your friends and family.  Contact Laura at lmckelvey@pawsatlanta.org for more details.