Ruff Love saved a failed relationship between me and my young BC. For a number of reasons (all my fault) we ended up not in sync in any part of our lives together. I could leave her in a strange room with strangers and she would happily sniff around and not once think about me. While because of my schedule I was unable to do all of the suggestions in the book or to the full extent. Within 3 weeks I had a dog that cared about where I was and wanted to be with me. Now 5 years later she is a 35lbs lap dog that follows me from room to room in the house and can’t stand to have a closed door between us.

We went back and just worked on relationship stuff and getting to know each other better. We also had to work on Kyla’s self control – she had n-o-n-e. If there was a toy present, she could not function (off in BC la-la land). It took around two months to really instill some self control. We worked on things like sitting and waiting at the door until released, a good recall, the beginning of crate games, etc. I’m glad I realized my mistake fairly quickly and we didn’t go on like that for too long. Kyla is about 3 1/2 now and the joy of my life. We still go back and play foundation-type games once and a while. I will keep the lessons I have learned so far with Kyla for the rest of my life.

Thanks for all the wonderful posts. I am really enjoying this topic!

Have a great evening everyone!

This is a perfect post for Inca and I right now. The people we started puppy class with have all moved on to intro to agility. I made the choice not to. I was feeling really good with my choice but this weekend I ran into them at a trial and hearing everything they are doing made me jealous.

However, after attending Puppy Camp with you, the list of skills to learn and excel at is never ending, almost=) We are making progress. The other day at a cross walk, Inca sat in front of me and then immediately flipped over to my side and stared up at me. Hmmm…I think she is understanding the reinforcement zone. This was the first time in a long time she even attemped sitting in front of me.

At the trial last weekend, Inca went along with us. We played crate games, heeled and learned how to walk through a revolving door. She had absolutely lovely restrained recalls near the ring that was running (not close enough to disturb the competing dog) and never even glanced at any of the people or dogs in her vicinity. She waited quietly in her crate when I took Apache out to run. We played tug with several different tug toys. All in all, I think that’s pretty good for a 7 month old puppy.

I’m going to be patient and keep going through my puppy camp notes on things to train and improve. I know I have to get better at reinforcing on the correct side. Lazy me keeps reaching across my body. Today I introduced a pylon. Inca immediately started attacking it. Nose touch, hit it, body slam it, try to climb on it, try to knock it over. I called her to me and we heeled around it. Kind of rough, but a good start. Bring on tomorrow.

I do miss having a set time that we have to practice for. In a very busy life it keeps me on track much better than left to my own devices. However, at the end of October, there is another puppy class starting.

When are you offering a Skills Camp? That would be a good goal to get me on track to prepare for!