K & K’s Training Journey

 We’ve made so much progress! Kimiko had a breakthrough this morning and jumped over two poles AND went through the tunnel for the first time! She was so proud of herself, during the potty break, she went right up to Wembley and said “I did it! Did you see? I did it!” She is doing great with commands and attention too. After we got home, she whined to go out again, so I took her out, although she noticed that I was getting ready to leave, so she wanted to go in the car with me. It’s the first time she took me to the car herself. So proud.  We have also given her more room in the crate - no more divider. She wasn’t quite sure what to do, but she  made a little nest for herself and her snuggle puppy. I also put a chew stick in there with her. I think she will be fine with that much room from now on. Fingers crossed. Yesterday, Kimi got a solid OK from the groomer - she did great and they are training her that being groomed is not a scary or bad thing. My homework is to get her accustomed

 I must say that I am so proud of this little puppy! We brought three kinds of treats to class today - chicken, bacon cheese apple, and string cheese. I gave her the bacon ones as we entered the building, as she was still shy about going inside. Then we got to try the agility table, and I used the same treats. She got so comfortable, she jumped on top of it voluntarily! First time! She also took treats near and over the bar - she didn’t go over it herself, but it was a great first step. We went back and did table, bar, table, and she went up on the table TWICE! I need to bring more of those treats next time.  We worked on other concepts with the chicken and string cheese treats - she was so focused that at one point, she barked to get my attention when I was trying to pay attention to the teacher! She wanted those treats. XD Also changing my release word to “cheers” since “ok” is used too much in regular conversation. Kimi is doing great sitting when she asks to go on the balcony or ou

 Kimiko is showing wonderful progress with loose leash walking and following my lead. Her red ball is helping her get to where she needs to be when nothing else works. She doesn’t like to sit in some grassy areas or on concrete/brick. Recall inside and out is great. She is gaining confidence, walking through puddles instead of around them, not letting a snarl from a bigger dog get to her, etc.  Peed in the house today though. Not sure why. Our current record for no accidents is 3 weeks. 

 Had a GREAT walk at Shelley Lake - Kimi was super hungry, so she kept checking in with me because she knew that got her treats. She’s really getting the hang of loose leash walking and not reacting to other dogs - no barking at all! Later in the evening, our walk wasn’t too great - she was spooked by something and kept stopping and starting. Have patience, Kirsten!

 Kimi and I went to the trails at the art museum today. Took the treat tote, which is amazing, and did some outdoor focus training. Kimi didn’t bark (mostly) and was extremely polite. Got spooked at one point, and I’m not sure why. Barking training at home is going better too - I either leave the apartment or balcony, which gets her attention, or I close the balcony door on her. She is smart so sometimes I have to bang on the door or something else to get her attention as I leave, otherwise she doesn’t realize I’m gone. 

 I think we are officially in the adolescent fear period. Took Kimi down a new street today, and her tail was down almost the whole time. Training inside is going great - we did place training in JBGS, recall training in S300, and introduced her to a walker. She walked around it and took treats by it with no problem.