Playing in the dog pool

30/12/08

Went to my parent’s this afternoon for a swim. Amika showed some VSA type stuff while circling us in the pool, but she was able to calm herself pretty well at times. Others, I would make her come and settle for a bit. Overall, she was hyped to be there with the people, but managing to channel anxiety into play and also to do some self calming.

I got her in to the second step. She loves jumping in and out of the kiddy wading poo (which we now think of the dog paddle pool)l, but the steps worry her. Front feet on top step is easy, and I grabbed her by the collar and shoved her body sideways off the edge. Rather than just freak and run, she stood there dunking her nose for several seconds before deciding she needed to run the excitement off. I did this a couple of times, and think she is starting to “get” the steps thing.