A slower week brings unexpected challenges, valuable training lessons, and an important reminder that preparing Nakina for success means learning from every experience along the way.

🐾 Lessons from a Slow Week

It’s been another quiet week. I was still feeling the aftereffects of COVID, and most of our classes were between sessions, so it was a slower week than usual. But even during a slower week, there are always opportunities to learn.

Training

We had a private lesson on Thursday, but I had to sit down for much of it as I was a bit dizzy, so it wasn’t a particularly involved session. Sometimes, we have to adjust our training plans to accommodate what life throws at us.

Saturday, we had our scent work class. Nakina usually loves scent work, but with all the recent trials at the club and then my bout with COVID, it had been a while since we had attended. She wasn’t at all focused. To make things a little more difficult, a group was running agility outside the building, and the sounds could easily be heard inside. All the dogs in class were having difficulty focusing, so Nakina certainly wasn’t alone.

After class, we went to Cocoa Village to pick up Nakina’s birthday cake. She will be one year old on the 20th!

We also had an ATT run-through. Nakina was a bit too exuberant as she worked through the exercises. She showed no fear at all, but she also wasn’t particularly under control or focused on me during the run-through. Then, unfortunately, she soiled in the ring, and we were excused. I hadn’t taken her out to potty beforehand. I learned my lesson! I can’t assume she doesn’t need to go simply because she hasn’t had much to drink. I need to give her the opportunity regardless. That part of the experience was definitely my responsibility, and it reminded me that preparing for a test involves more than practicing the exercises. I also need to make sure Nakina is comfortable and ready to succeed before we begin.

Socialization

Nakina’s separation challenges are becoming a little more involved than I initially thought. She has started whining even when I simply leave the room we are in.

The positive part is that she also whines when she is left in a room with just my husband. That gives us an opportunity to work on the issue with him, which should make it easier to help her build confidence when I am not nearby.

We have more work to do, but understanding what she is experiencing is an important first step.

What's Next

• Emergency Stop & Hand Targeting — reintroduce and build consistency
• Down vs. settle — continue creating a clear distinction
• Recall — continue on leash in more distracting environments
• li style="text-align: left;">Grooming — begin grooming desensitization on the table
• Continue elevator desensitization

This week reminded me that I play an important role in making sure Nakina can be successful. I need to prepare carefully, pay attention to what she is telling me, and avoid making assumptions before a training session or run.

Every experience, even the difficult ones, gives us information we can use to improve.

And that is what training is all about.