The Little Adventures of a Big Dog: Slow But Steady

So, Mokey and I have been trudging along. Clicking & walking, treating & staring. I'm like the local creep. I've turned into that strange girl who stands with her dog at the end of the street and stares at people. Ah, the stigma we dog lovers will endure for our dogs. Seriously, people cross the street when they see me. Of course, that could be because Mokey manifests her fear by barking and growling . . . actually I guess I'm not the awkward creep - I'm the scary one, that's so much better. If only it seemed to be helping. Our progress is excruciatingly slow, half the time I'm not sure we're actually progressing. But all our trainers tell me it will take time and lots of encouragement if Mokey is going to gain confidence and overcome her shyness. I'm looking forward to our 'special' class in March - which will be a more constant source of encouragement for me and therefore Mokey as well.

Until then, Mokey and I continue to work on training at home & go to work where there are people who understand and take the time to get to know Mokey without rushing her. After work I let Mo run off some steam in our nature paths - she's recently discovered that running off the path and leaping through the tall grass is endlessly fun. Luckily Mo has a reliable recall! Flying through the brush seems to have an instinctual appeal for her and every time she goes bouncing off I have to smile at her unbounded enjoyment of just being free.