He was almost perfect!

[K9 Owned]

Some of you may have seen my vent the other day about the difficulties of training a dog when there are human impediments.. didn't I phrase that nicely?

Anyway, given that I am not prepared to give up either the man or the dog I decided that I will just have to get Dawson to myself twice as often to mitigate some of the counter training. I had the last of three prepaid private - well semi private lessons tonight and for the past week have been dreading it. Dawson was worse than he was the last time the trainer saw him in early July. I thought about cancelling but decided that it was what it was and all I could do was do some power sessions with him for a few days prior. He has been very good with me.

Our lesson was at 5 at a park nearby and there was to be another dog - this one fearful, that we were going to be working with. Yikes. I didn't feed him first and made sure I had awesome treats. Liver, roast pork, bits of stewing beef and even some cooked brats. I slung on a back pack with water and extra treats and walked him to the park practicing 'look at me', random sits and downs and by the time we got there - about 15 minutes - he was focused.

Long story short was that we were able to walk parallel to the other dog - walking towards it as close as 10 feet away without him barking. Each time he focused on the dog he would turn and look at me then of course get treats. It doesn't sound like a big deal but I was thrilled. Only twice did we get too close where he barked. The trainer said "Boy, has he come a long way!" If she only knew.

I'm a pretty happy camper right now and seriously motivated to continue moving forward despite obstacles. It was a good day.

[Krislady]

Yay Dawsy!

You know, it always amazes me that when *I* focus and really work at it, Jar learns SO quickly!

[K9 Owned]

Like 'the harder I work the luckier I get?'
Yeah - it seems to go that way.

[Dib's]

Good Boy Dawson, Good Boy!

[Saralaya]

Who's the most AMAZING boy??? Dawson!! Who's the most AMAZING Mom/Trainer- K9!!

[Connie Lea]

That is super news. Good Dawson - good for you.