[STEVE]

Hi! Finally through all the medical issues!!! Layla’s mouth is not sensitive any longer since her dental surgery. Digestive system is normal with good firm poop and her hydration is awesome.

Training this past month is “good” but still with over reactivity to other dogs. We’ve been on short walks with little to no distractions for Layla to do her business which can range between 4-5 times a day. Added some sprinting and quick stops to where she will sit/Fusse at my side.

I was just watching training on here for Corrections and there are things I need to fine tune with me in order to teach Layla. We’ll be working on “Come” 10 minutes at a time for 7-10 days.

I may be over treating as some of those foods are high in calories and it looks like Layla may have gained a pound or two. My bad.

~Steve

[STEVE]

I took Layla out for the third time today, (twice this morning and once after lunch), the first walk was with her kibble breakfast. To her, “Meh, but I’m hungry what do I need to do for you?” She was doing things on her own terms. I had her in a harness and on a four foot leash. It was a good walk, a little productive. “business” first then some engagement and heel work.

The second walk was “Business” first and then exercise/play, lots of tug-toss and retrieve.

This third walk was on a 15 foot lead with a Martingale collar and a High Value (string cheese) treat. Ha! She never left my side! Totally focused on me, was really good with heel even with a little prance. There were 4 dogs on our journey of which she had intentions but I was quick enough to get her to shut it off, she went into a sit, looked at me and I rewarded her after I gave her a “break” command and had her heel and sit. Huge progress! After that we did some walking at heel, changing direction’s with right angle turns both right and left. Finished with getting into the crate in my vehicle and then back out with a sit-stay. I had a few bits of cheese left so I had her “pretty sit” and had her do two spins. We’re getting there.

Time and consistency with plenty of reps. I’ve had Layla now nearly 3 months and I think we just laid the first brick of our foundation. Oh yeah, we’re having a blast!

[STEVE]

28 AUG 25 — We had a few interactions with other neighborhood dogs on our walk earlier this morning at a safe distance. Layla still reacts with intensity but we are able to shut it down quickly with me providing “pressure” shrinking her space and telling her; “No, we aren’t playing like that” in a soft inflection. I’m sure all she hears is “blah, blah, blah.” But she gets the body language from me and my tonality. Still along way to go but we are working as team. She’ll be Supa! in not time.

[STEVE]

**Might be a good idea to listen to Jay’s post again- assuming you mean his talk on differential reinforcement. It’s complicated.**Yes, I do believe this was the post. Real complicated for sure. But manageable. There are times I do have to take humane measures like a slight grab of her flesh around by her ribs with a “soft” No, we don’t do that.” She get’s it. Then there are the squirrels! Now she is staring up at the trees!! Val, this is challenging and fun at the same time once you start noticing progress. I have been taking her out to do her business and stretch her legs a little and always circumventing any triggers. Except those darn squirrels! Just have to put in the time.