We had our last Shy Dog class yesterday.. 
and 
(Smiley because we made it through without either of the humans passing out from nerves/Irie never did her earth-shattering BAHOO bark..this may have set the other shy dogs back 35 classes).
This was definitely a Good Thing for our girl..several big milestones for her last night.
Approaching a complete stranger with total forward motion- no hiding behind my legs
Calmly waiting while I chatted with Lori and another owner- a very expressive and animated owner, no skulking/hiding/backing away
When another instructor came in the room, Irie was interested..."Hey, is that a treat container?!" and not "OMG! Strangers eat Akitas..RUN!".
We came in the *scary* front doors..slightly stressed, but able to hold her heel and give me eye contact readily, even with people milling around.
Class made a big difference in Irie, and it definitely carries through at home. Having the information and skill to work with her is great, but we needed to see it in action and how it applied to our dog, hands on.
By the way, Irie sucks as a demo dog! Looking to mom when the "stranger" is approaching? *snort* More along the lines of "Oh that is not a stranger. It's Loriiii, she has treats and I love those treats and I love Lori!". Thanks a lot, Hairball.
Now for a GIANT thank you to Lori!
You micromanaged all the teams so well..we had a safe, low pressure place to work. Catering to the needs/thresholds of 6 dogs and their people ..no small feat. Especially some of the needy, insecure people channeling their inner demented cheerleader *cough*.
Partykita thanks you, and we thank you!
Irie after class (note her "smart end" is on the pillows!). Strider is sympathetically tired.
and
(Smiley because we made it through without either of the humans passing out from nerves/Irie never did her earth-shattering BAHOO bark..this may have set the other shy dogs back 35 classes).
This was definitely a Good Thing for our girl..several big milestones for her last night.
Approaching a complete stranger with total forward motion- no hiding behind my legs
Calmly waiting while I chatted with Lori and another owner- a very expressive and animated owner, no skulking/hiding/backing away
When another instructor came in the room, Irie was interested..."Hey, is that a treat container?!" and not "OMG! Strangers eat Akitas..RUN!".
We came in the *scary* front doors..slightly stressed, but able to hold her heel and give me eye contact readily, even with people milling around.
Class made a big difference in Irie, and it definitely carries through at home. Having the information and skill to work with her is great, but we needed to see it in action and how it applied to our dog, hands on.
By the way, Irie sucks as a demo dog! Looking to mom when the "stranger" is approaching? *snort* More along the lines of "Oh that is not a stranger. It's Loriiii, she has treats and I love those treats and I love Lori!". Thanks a lot, Hairball.
Now for a GIANT thank you to Lori!
You micromanaged all the teams so well..we had a safe, low pressure place to work. Catering to the needs/thresholds of 6 dogs and their people ..no small feat. Especially some of the needy, insecure people channeling their inner demented cheerleader *cough*.
Partykita thanks you, and we thank you!
Irie after class (note her "smart end" is on the pillows!). Strider is sympathetically tired.
