Back and better than ever...

[Alec]

I got away from the training routine for awhile (probably a combination of being discouraged and busy) but continued with the occasional pushing and tug; however, I began it again a week ago. I went to home depot, made a box and ordered a leash (thanks for the fast shipping Neil, again) and am having even more success. I think this is a result of both my dog trusting me more and that she has matured more mentally (she is almost 22 months now - her breed generally matures mentally later than others from what I've been told). I have her out sprinting around the neighborhood while heeling, sitting or lying down on her box in a calm stay, and coming at me like a bullet. Tonight we got even further. Instead of breaking down and then coming up for a push, she came full blast with her paws landing in my stomach (no holding back) for a push. YES! Also, she of course gets excited around little kids especially on bicycles but I have been able to get her to lie down while the neighbor kids ride right by her. Some feeding helps but I find it pretty cool that she can maintain her spot on that box under this type of pressure. Anyway, just wanted to share and say thanks.

[Chris]

Wow Alec that's wonderful news, you must be so pleased. Keep up the good work.

[Alec]

Thanks Chris. I wanted to share to both encourage others and as a reminder to myself of where I started and what I've accomplished (kind of like a training log). Sometimes I forget that I am accomplishing things, small steps at a time. I’m guessing some others are the same way.

[Sang]

Originally Posted by Alec

Thanks Chris. I wanted to share to both encourage others and as a reminder to myself of where I started and what I've accomplished (kind of like a training log). Sometimes I forget that I am accomplishing things, small steps at a time. I’m guessing some others are the same way.

Awesome news about the kids and the bikes!

I'm totally with you Alec. It can be so easy to get caught up in what we're trying to do and where we're trying to go with training, that it's so easy to forget how far we've come. Sometimes I'll think back to what my relationship with my dogs was like before NDT, and it will instantly remind me of how far we've all come together. Or one of my dogs will respond in a situation completely differently than how she did in the past, and it will remind me of just how much has changed.

Sometimes it's actually really good to get away from the training a bit, and just let the dog metabolize what he's learned up to this point. Just like how we sometimes need to get out of the "classroom" for a while, so we can have a chance to really absorb what we've learned, dogs need that too.

I guess it's human nature to always focus on where we're trying to go, rather than appreciate how far we've come. But we can never get where we want to go, without acknowledging and embracing what got us this far.

[neilsattin]

Hey Alec,

So glad to hear about your progress. You're most welcome!

Sang -

But we can never get where we want to go, without acknowledging and embracing what got us this far.

We might get there, but we definitely won't enjoy it as much! I think embracing the past, gratitude for the past - even rough experiences - is a great way to stay process-focused. Outcomes become incidental, because the process is generally so much richer than a moment.

I'll have to dig up some of your original e-mails to me one of these days. For your appreciation.

[Sang]

Originally Posted by neilsattin

I'll have to dig up some of your original e-mails to me one of these days. For your appreciation.

Haha! Would love to see those old emails