Eureka!

Today, we have made an accomplishment! I know most people will think I'm insane for being so happy about it, but I don't care - it's a win and I'm taking it! Mokey has always been terrified of the basement stairs. As in won't go near them, and will give you the worried, furrowed brow if you choose to go near them. This normally isn't a problem since she never goes down there. Until tornado season. Every year we've had the worry - how are we going to get Mokey down the stairs? I drug her during tornado weather and we still end up forcing her down the stairs to the basement. She shakes and shivers the whole way and I've never felt more cruel in my life. Of course I know it's to keep her safe, and because we can't bear the thought of leaving her upstairs to fend for herself if a tornado hits the house - but it's been torture for everyone. So this year, for Christmas, I asked for carpet covers for the basement stairs thinking that would help her overcome the worst part of her fear (the wooden stairs are slippery and they make it even scarier for a big dog when she slips or falls. Also, on a separate note, carpet covers are expensive! I mean, really? That much? for some carpet you stick on with adhesive? Sheesh. Also, thank you mom!!).

Today, in preparation for tornado weather, I installed the stair covers and Mokey has gone up and down the stairs several times! We are proud! And accomplished! My three year old dog can finally do the stairs! ... please don't judge ;)

Initially, it looked rather bleak, I thought the carpet wasn't going to help us at all because Mokey took one look at the new and improved stairs and went running. But, I pulled out my clicker and her favorite treats and we started with just looking at the scary stairs. And then she had to move towards the stairs. Then we did one step and two steps and the top section of the stairs and pretty soon we were all the way at the bottom! Of course, it took all day. Short little, very positive sessions where she was rewarded for moving closer by getting to move away to find a yummy treat. But to make all of that progress in one day was incredibly fast for Mokey! Now I just have to ensure we practice it over the next few days so that she remembers it's not scary. But it's so relieving to know she can do it on her own now and in a true emergency I won't have to traumatize her anymore. Anyway, since I'm a nerd and I had high hopes for her success and we've been trying to accomplish this for awhile, I took pictures. of course.

If you ever wondered what Mokey looks like when she's very very worried then here is a perfect example. Note the furrowed brow, the whites of her eyes, the upturned eyebrows and tight lips. Oh yes, she's worried. Sooo worried. She had to do the first step numerous times before we were ready to do the second step.

We made it to the middle landing! We enjoyed a nice break here to de-stress a little and we did just the first half of the stairs several times before moving on.  ;)

The bottom - we made it! We also have very large crazy eyes! She got to have a giant party at the bottom and she's accomplished the task several times since with very few signs of stress so I'm calling this one a win. It's nice to have them every now and then.