There’s something about the busy-ness of the holidays, and the settling in of winter that always throws off my routines. I allow myself to slack through that time, because I want to give myself a break and not overdo and end up sick like I did often in the past.
I had decided we’d take a break from the dogs’ nose works, and I focused a bit more on training Luke to his crate in the hopes that could help us when we had holiday company. We didn’t end up getting quite far enough by then, but we did get to try it out just a couple weeks ago when Auntie Sheryl visited, and it went well!
Usually once we get through the holidays I can get back to routines, even though they tend to be different because of the shorter days and inclement weather. Even though Sheba did well through that time and even into the new year, we knew her time with us was winding down, and I feel that is what held me back from getting back into things like I normally would.
That was followed by grief and an inability to focus. We did get outside as much as possible, in spite of the frustrating icy conditions, in the midst of all of this. We even played with some treat toys and got the tunnel out. But training got set aside.
We’re still working through things here. Again, I go easy on myself. If sitting on the couch reading or crying is all I feel like doing, then I give into it. Luke thinks that’s the next best thing to playing anyway. In fact, he encourages me to join him on the couch in the evening after he’s had his dinner (by whining at me until I do)!
I know we all need more though, and it’s getting to be time to get back on track. I needed to get jump started with a little motivation though, and that came in two ways:
First: You might know we often participate in the monthly blog hop for Positive Pet Training. I like to do it because it helps me to be accountable to myself; and often evaluate where we’re at with our training. Plus I enjoy bragging when Luke is doing well! One of the co-hosts recently left that hop; and the other, April from Tenacious Little Terrier, contacted me to ask me if I would like to be a co-host.
It was exactly the positive distraction I need at the time, so I’m excited to announce that we are new Positive Pet Training co-hosts along with Beth from Travels with Barley! I am really looking forward to the motivation and education that being more closely involved with this hop will provide.
Second: We need some fresh training to work on though! Other than reviewing and practicing our current work and tricks, I knew we either needed to move forward with our nose works training, or I should work with Luke some more with his reactivity issues.
I decided on the latter – we’ll certainly get back into the sports in the spring – because Luke still has a lot of issues we need to work on (mainly his fear of strangers). I signed us up for the “Management for Reactive Dogs” online course at Fenzi Dog Sports Academy. This is something that Cricket could use some work on as well. Cricket is leash reactive, and she also barks at strangers that come to the house. The only difference is that she will back down and I know she would never bite anyone; with Luke we can’t be as certain of that.
When we recently had a new refrigerator installed, I kept both dogs down in the bedroom with me, safely out of the way. You can see in the photo below that Cricket, while somewhat relaxed, is on alert for noises; she barked just as much as Luke when she heard any.
I feel that calming her down when people come to the house (or even just walk by) could be key to helping Luke be calmer as well. Even though I will probably focus on Luke more with this class, just as I did with nose works, I will work with Cricket as well. Cricket is not as trainable as Luke – she doesn’t have that Labrador retriever’s desire to please – but treats can be a big motivator for her. I want to at least try.
I’m giving myself a bit of a break for a few more days. Our class technically starts today, but that’s the joy of the Fenzi classes, I can do them on my own time. I have a visit to an out of state friend this weekend, and after that I think I’ll be ready to get back into the swing of things.
We’ll be kicking it off with the blog hop on Monday, and get back to work from there. I will only let myself mope around for so long, and then I know getting back into things will be better for me, and for Cricket and Luke as well. I also think Sheba would want us to get back to life, even if we do have to find a new normal.
If you are a blogger who writes about positive pet training, please join us in our hop! Contact me or click here to join our Facebook group for more details! February’s theme is “Training Tools”, but you can write on any positive pet training topic.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of BlogPaws. The opinions and text are all mine.
I’m so glad you’re joining us on the hop! Let me know how the reactivity class is. It’s one of the ones I’m thinking about for Mr. N.
You have to easy on yourself as there will be days where crying just feels like the best thing – I get it. Grief comes in waves for sure. I cannot wait to join your next positive training hop – I’m still thinking through the best sessions to write about!
I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Grief definitely does come in waves. One minute you think you’re fine and the next you’re crying. I know that will go on for a long time too, I still remember that from when we lost our beagle Kobi, and Moses before that. Six months later you find yourself depressed and sad and wonder why….and then you figure it out. But we get through it.
I think you are right to go easy on yourself. It takes a long time to heal from such a loss. Take care. We will be sure to stop by the hop on Monday!
I’m glad you’re getting back on track–but you can take as much time as you need to heal and I’m sure the dogs will be ready to jump into whatever training adventure you take them on when you’re ready. That class sounds really great. We’ll have to look into some Fenzi classes this summer when we have more time–right now between Bar’s agility and Rye’s obedience, plus training the girls together, we’re feeling a little overwhelmed at fitting everything in. We’re looking forward to co-hosting the hop with you and April as well!
I know what you’re saying…it’s so hard to find time for everything! I really wanted to do the 2nd nose works class too, but two at once would definitely be too much for me! I need to keep up on the crate and muzzle as well, so he doesn’t lose those….even though he does do pretty well at retaining things.
I was so happy when April told me you had accepted being a co-host with us!
Glad to hear you’ll be getting back on track. 🙂
We have the opposite problem. We have never stopped training, we always added to it, and now we have to hit the brakes. It will be a rough two months, but we will figure it out. Have you tried crating Luke while you put out the nose work hides, do a search, return him to the kennel, put out more hides and repeat. Most of the time in any nose work class and competition, the dogs are kenneled. Maybe it would click with him that his kennel means nose work which is a good thing. Just a thought.
That is a great thought! I’ve been putting him either in our entryway or one of the bathrooms when I do a new hide…that is a much better idea. I definitely think it will help him associate more positive things with his crate. I don’t want him to end up thinking it’s just a place he only goes when strangers come over. We keep it set up in the bedroom, but he has not chosen to sleep in it yet.
Definitely be careful on the ice, my friend!
The co-hosting of the blog hop, the Fenzi class, and the other training you do will all be good distractions for you. And I know Sheba would want you to get back to life, just as Callie wanted us to do the same. But leaky-eyed moments can hit unexpectedly, so just roll with them when they do hit. Take it from me: it’s better than trying to “suck it up”. Our Golden Girls are watching over us while they play together. ❤
I am allowing myself the tears when I need to. Sitting on the couch not feeling well this week was a perfect opportunity! Instead of pushing myself, I’ve been reading a lot more (I’m on my 3rd book now, something I haven’t done in years), and Luke has been right there with me all the time.
❤????????❤
Having things to look forward to always helps … and it sounds like you’re finding those things along the way. Bear and I have been thinking of you and your family … and we send you hugs 🙂
Thank you so much for thinking of us! ♥
Congrats on the new co host position!! You will rock it!!
Thank you, JoAnn!
It’s especially good to be gentle with oneself given all that’s transpired during an already stressful time of year. And a distraction like the blog hop is a good diversion. Wishing you all the best as you get started with the new diversion.
Thank you! I’ve been sick most of this week, so I’m starting to get stir crazy and should definitely be ready to do something by next week!
Oh-no, feel better soon!
I know you will do great with the training and the hopping too!
Congratulations on the blog hop! I admire you so much for the training that you do with your dogs. It is a great thing to keep everyone busy and focused. ☺
Thank you! Luke is still young enough that he gets fidgety if we don’t do enough. He doesn’t play ball as intensely as Cricket does, so we have to do something to occupy him!
I’m sure Sheba agrees with you ;o)… please be careful on icy grounds… I just read about Emma’s mom today and next week we celebrate the second hellbowversary of the mama….hugs to you and weim-power for all your plans :o)
Ice is the worst – so treacherous! I remember my mother breaking her ankle falling on ice as well! I’m always careful. No playing when the yard is icy!