Leash skills are improving, focus is strengthening, and our partnership continues to grow — Nakina and I are moving forward together.
🐾 Moving Forward
I was still fighting a cold this week, but we managed to get out for some training walks. Nakina is doing spectacularly. She isn’t always in a heel position, but at her age I wouldn’t expect that. As long as she isn’t putting pressure on the leash, I consider this wonderful progress.
Training
Nakina’s loose leash walking has been such a success that we’re now lengthening our walks.
She is no longer trying to launch out of the car, but she’s still not fully comfortable waiting before exiting, so we’ll continue working on that.
Her focus was a bit scattered this week, so we took a step back and refreshed our Focus cue. By the end of the week, things were improving again.
Socialization
Nakina loves everyone — two feet and four. Now we’re working on curbing that enthusiasm so she doesn’t jump on people or try to drag me toward every dog she sees. We’ve made a start, but we still have a way to go.
What's Next
- Walking — calm leash walking on the left and sitting at stops for longer distances
- Down vs. settle — continue creating a clear distinction
- Recall — continue on leash in more distracting environments
- Car/Crate — calm, cued entry and exit from the car crate
- Grooming — continue desensitizing to the Dremel
- Continue elevator desensitization
Nakina is my Valentine — and I love her.