Today was a bit of a roller coaster for Max. It ultimately ended on a great note but we had to work through a stressor for him first. We went to the farm and he enjoyed some free time without a leash on. We did some baby obedience, kept it very easy as it was his first time off-leash. He was pretty sharp on everything except for a few times when we went from a full stop to a Heel command he would try to bolt to the front door instead of walking next to me. He would regret this decision as soon as he got corrected but instead of coming back he would try to lay down by the door. This is a very common thing for a dog to do and it is not defiance. Rather this is a pretty clear indication of some confusion coupled with stress. The stress and confusion was simply caused by being in a new place without the structure and familiarity of a leash guiding him.
However, after working him through this issue a couple times we ended on a nice, high note and he was much more happy and confident after I showed him (again) what he was supposed to do. I am taking him out again tomorrow to keep building his confidence. He knows his commands. Now I just need to make sure he doesn't forget them when distracted or stressed. This is the job that his owners will pick up from me when he goes home. Luckily, nothing makes Max happier than getting the answer right and so working through stressful things with him is not as complicated as it could be.
However, after working him through this issue a couple times we ended on a nice, high note and he was much more happy and confident after I showed him (again) what he was supposed to do. I am taking him out again tomorrow to keep building his confidence. He knows his commands. Now I just need to make sure he doesn't forget them when distracted or stressed. This is the job that his owners will pick up from me when he goes home. Luckily, nothing makes Max happier than getting the answer right and so working through stressful things with him is not as complicated as it could be.
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