Annie had a great lesson today!

What progress Annie has made!  Wonderful decision to move ahead with private lessons with an experienced professional dog trainer. She offers a wealth of knowledge and great support.

About an hour before our lesson was to take place, our trainer called me suggesting that we move today‘s lesson  to the park. It was a beautiful sunny day – and by mid-morning, it had already reached 50 degrees.  By going to the park, we were leaving the controlled environment of the training center – which by week two had become familiar territory to Annie; no longer a strange, fearful place.

Our trainer brought along her husband and one of their dogs – two new, strange, possibly fearful, things. No problem with her husband – we stood chatting and introducing ourselves.  Annie was right there, wagging her tail.  He was able to pet her and she received him happily.  It took Annie a few minutes to check out their dog… curving around the dog, going to his rear to sniff.  All was well – and suddenly Annie started to wag her tail and wiggle all over.  She had a new friend!

We encountered three small-breed dogs as we walked around the park. Annie displayed only slight hesitation as we approached each of the oncoming dogs; either greeted the dog with a wagging tail or kept right on going – as we humans exchanged hellos.  Toward the end of our walk, we came upon two larger dogs.  The elderly Lab didn’t pay any attention to Annie and just kept on going.  As did we.  The young German Sheperd was curious to meet Annie…  we passed, curving around the dog and its owner – and Annie just kept right on walking ahead.

By the end of our walk, our trainer concluded two things: Annie felt security in walking with her pack…  three humans and her new dog friend, and I am feeling more relaxed now that I’ve got the support of the trainer.  (The tension humans feel passes right down the leash to the dog.)

Our trainer suggested that we move our next lesson from Monday to Sunday.  The park is full of people walking their dogs on Sunday. The park is a good, safe environment to practice with Annie.  All dogs must be on leash and owners are being very careful with their dogs.

Annie seemed very happy as we drove home… and completely tired out!