Obedience and etiquette class 4

We used the harness in the car with her and she did a bit better.  She gets so excited to get in the car and is in overload by the time we get to class.  Of course the other dogs get her stressed.

Basic review of what we have gone over.  Was told we were not having her sit or stay in the correct way.  She reminds the class the dogs should work for food and treats, and make them do so!

It is difficult for me because I use hand commands and she want us to not do that or even say the command because they are learning.  Example, put treat down, about a foot in front of dog.  Having partner hold dog leash, when dog is calm, give treat and say "good stay". Repeat.

I realize everyone has their own way, so we are combining both ways, depending on the situation. She has really gotten good with "stay" at home, even for her food.

Ziva will miss her next class, but I think she will be fine!

Freedom

Hubby cut the grass today and unhooked the time out rope. A few hours later, he hooked Ziva to one end and came back in.  Shortly he realized he didn't see her and no where to be seen.
Immediately blew dog whistle for her to come, repeated several times and I saw her coming from the neighbors house, with 20ft. Rope following her.

Great to know she didn't go far,  that she came when called and was fine.  One day she may be able to stay in yard and we won't have panic attack.

Wordless Wednesday

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Our first Vet visit

Ziva was very stressed in the car, lunging at passing cars and just didn't want to setting down.  The Vet office, another new place with new smells and dogs.  She didn't want to stay still on scale, so we don't really know her weight.  We believe the weight on her rabies certificate was not correct.  She has not lost weight and we can see how she is filling out.

After we got her into the room, it took some time to get her to settle.  She loved the nurse that came in to see her and the male vet doctor was a big hit.  Very surprising, he said she was doing well for not only a puppy, but a GS puppy.  He estimated her age to be 18 months and very healthy.

She did get her Lyme shot,  had blood draw for heartworm and he clipped her nails.  She didn't like that, but needs to be done.  He suggested a few over the counter  meds for anxiety and to help her adjust to the new environment.

All in all, good visit, go back in three weeks for booster for Lyme.

Ziva class #3

class started with review of what we already had covered the past two weeks.  Ziza does very well at home with these commands but is totally different at class.  So many new smells, surrounding, and of course, other dogs.  She is doing better, everyone states how much she is improving on stress, but she can still be a handful.  The prong collar seems to help, ours is still on back order, so we continue to borrow the trainers.

We worked alot on walking and the need to keep the dog on the outside, so they actually have to work harder. Ziva continues to pull and prefers to walk fast.

Went over the importance of "recall".  She responds to her name, but not when distracted.  The same with "down", or any command.  She is such a puppy with ADHD, if there is such a thing.  On the "jump" command, hold treat up, but let drop to ground before she gets it so she doesn't bite the hand that feeds her.  All common sense things, but at times, things you need to hear.

Obedience and Ediquette class #2

To start off with, the trainer had Ziva sit in a different area on the side to see if that would cause her less stress.  It did seem to help some without the other dogs walking in front of her.

We tried the training collar and that also seems to help.  I used her shorter braided leather leash and it certainly was easy to wrap around my hand.  I liked it better, and hubby said he liked the longer leash.  He is also 6 ft. and stronger than me.

We reviewed "touch", "turn", "spin",.  Ziva did great on these commands.

Next we did "recall" to recognize her name. We did change her name when we got her, but she does answer to it most of the time.  I know when she is distracted, she has very selected hearing.

"Settle", went over techniques to help her settle.  Never knew licking lips and yawning is one helpful tip.  She needs more work on that.

Then we starting on walking.  If the dog pulls ahead, you stop,  If the dogs pulls back, you keep going.
Hold arm in drop position and relaxed.  Do not have hanging leash.  When dog grabs leash, state stop . Keep walking in faster mode, if possible.  Do not look at the dog.

The last thing we did was "jump"  We walked her around the ring and had her go over two boards.  She did fine with this.  One dog in the class is so tiny, she could barely go over one smaller board.

Assignment, keep working on all commands and walking.

Designed bird park

Today we put our little wishing well in the park and I finished putt plants in the swans and other planters.  The bird houses are up and plants are on the screen porch.

We had to put a little white fence around in hopes to keep Ziva out.  We know she likes to chase the birds and rabbits and squirrels.

I love sitting on the back porch and watch the birds. It is so very relaxing and the bird park is right in full view.