We've been taking the jump out to the Marina and incorporating it in play, in Retrieve, in Level 4 Focus (Look! Hup!), figure 8s.
Finally bit the bullet and bought a Bosu at Target. It fits nicely under Lily's pause table. That's an added bonus! I have partially inflated it and am playing shaping games with it with Lily. Standing and sitting, primarily. All 4 on the Bosu.
Continuing to build Paws Up duration w/trees and PB. More often than not now it's flat pads on the tree trunk. I'm going to find other people's stucco walls to smear the PB on......maybe on base, BP, elsewhere. Although it hoses off easily, I must admit.
We've returned to the alley with my sidewalk chalk - drawing out the Bullseye and Ray diagrams for Front practice. The alley is a wonderful place to train because the distractions are alluring and always changing. Plus it's right outside the back gate.
Lily's seizure alert training blog has been moved to its own location, separate and apart from our other blogs. There are many wonderful people assisting us in this work and referring to it - both as contributors and as coaches.
Lily is wearing her harness/vests almost all the time now in our public work. Even with the Synvisc injections making my knees pain free, I find myself relying more and more on Lily for counter balance. She has figured out the counter balance and now just automatically switches mode. So glad to have the new vests. I am going to have the shoe repair sew Velcro on the Web Master so that I can add the Ruff Wear pockets. I'm still looking for the right patch indicating Emergency Medical Information.
We are both enjoying working on L4 Focus. It's a fun behavior. We've moved to Step 2 with Look! Get in the car! Look! Go thru the door! Look! Jump the jump! Lily is easily picking up the arm cue to the Left and to the Right. At some point in the future I will add the Left and Right cues, but I for the moment, I want to keep the Focus training "pure" and train by the Levels.
I'm really impressed by the training done by Wildrose Kennels - Gentlemen's Gundogs. The pictures of the dogs all on tables in the open while the trainer washes his car has inspired me. The self-control exhibited by all the hunting dogs is truly impressive. And the work they do with their young puppies equally inspirational. What a class organization! Rachel Thornton - you are truly blessed. Thank you for inviting Lily and me to your next DAD weekend at Wildrose.
