39; Where are we and what are we missing from the plan.

Review 38:

Harness: Once I managed to get it fully on him, and he froze. The day after he actually growled as I tried to fasten the last strap. Seems this is bothering him far more than food can alleviate. Seriously considering giving up.

Guarding: A little, particularly socks and wash cloths. Shoes, on the other hand, he is willing to Fetch me for a treat. Even if the treat isn’t in my hand.

Social: The hormone chip seems to have solved most of his tendency to be constantly on edge at home – it really is only the social stuff that’s left.

Skills:

• Heeling – Sit vs Stand; the Stand looks good, the Sit ends up being an informal Rock Back instead. But he does change positions. His right side heeling was suddenly hit or miss – but that might have just been a very tired session. He woke up, pawed for treat/training, but had no idea what I was asking, so he probably should just have been encouraged to go back to his nap.
• Durations – 60 sec Settle. Yay!
• Come 2 – “Here!” Variable, sometimes better than others. Definitely better for me than the rest of the family.
• Lazy Leash 2 – Not much in the way of progress. Just practicing the same exercises.
• Trick training: Sit Pretty for hand target! Practicing leg weaves and spins.

Plan 39:

• Heeling, Step-Touch
• Durations. Sit 30-60 sec.
• Come 2; Practice daily.
• Target 2; Using a Post-It to learn to close a cabinet door.
• Lazy Leash 2; steps 1 and 2 continued; 2.2.c; same with leash on – click and treat for being within arms reach of my left side, inside.
• Rally outside; Two signs in a row, plus Start, at least, if the weather permits. Work on walking in a straight line and keep attention.
• Tricks when we’re bored with the slow and serious stuff.
• Cold testing Steps to Success (Focus 10 sec, Come 15 meters, Zen Traps, Down 60 sec, Mat 3 meters different objects, Crate 30 sec, Settle 60 sec)

Week 39	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Week-end
Heeling and obedience	Cone-to-Cone	Step-touch	Step-touch	Cone-to-Cone	Step-touch
Fun stuff	Target	Tricks	Target	Tricks	Target	Tricks
Lazy Leash	Step 1, 2	2 progress	1, 2	2 progress	1, 2
Come, Durations	15 m Sit	family Sit	all Sit	all Sit	family Sit	various proofing
Other and tests	Focus	Zen	Muzzle Down	Mat	Crate	Muzzle Settle