New stuff, and it works!

7/9/08
Nothing happened today. We had the last markets funtraiser for the year, Amika stayed home. She got us up in the middle of the night with an ear itch / ache and was given her first Polaramine. I think that is why she was off colour.

6/9/08
I woke up in that same panic attack mood this morning. Managed not to “eat” anyone, and fed the birds with no training. My day off before our Sunday fund raiser tomorrow. I had to take a trip over to my parents’ place to use their printer to get a mail out done (some day off, part of the reason for the mood).

Amika came along for the ride. I decided to go through Whiteman on the way and see how busy it was. There was some whining going in past the dog park, but nothing major. There were a few people scattered about, and more cars coming in as it hit noon.

On the way out the western side, down a windy road, all was quiet. I decided to stop at the deserted lookout. It is surrounded by bush, rather than rec areas, so not much activity. Amika came out of the car quiet, I got her to re-orient (we’ve been working on this the last few days). I sent her to sniff. I clicked whenever she re-oriented and gave rapid fire (for me) treats. Then sent her to sniff or asked her to come along.

We headed up to the lookout platform, and she charged right up the shallow, wide steps. We did more reorienting and treats at the top with a chance for me to take in the view. Then we headed down the other side, once again almost at a dog trot. Stairs don’t phase this girl!

This session went really well, Amika was able to give me heaps to click and I’ve realised that all I need to be clicking is reorienting, not heeling or anything.

I had to stop a couple of times when she pulled as she was following her nose. She would stop and come back in- another reorienting behaviour. It was great because there was no one there at all.

I noted once we arrived at the other end of the trip that she is not feeling quite right. Warm nose, etc. But still up to running and playing!

We pulled into the carpark at Carine on the way out. She started whining about the time I opened her door, so I closed it and headed back to driver’s side. The whining escalated, so in I got and off we went. There is a lot of history at Carine, what with puppy and beginner obedience classes up until she was about 6 months and I couldn’t handle it anymore.

We drove back through Whiteman on the way home, but didn’t stop. There was some whining and even a bark (not sure what she saw). There were still people around too.

We did stop at the pet store when almost home, and she got to sing and wag at the lady who carried out the food bags for me. Aw, how sweet said the lady. Well, at least she didn’t look like she was trying to break out of the crate.

Good day, in all. Now I just have to find out what is up with Amika. I’m hoping it won’t involve paying vets more money!