My sweet friend, Raven, goes home tomorrow. Her on-leash obedience is pretty solid. She shows some reluctance on Down (esp when it's cold!) and the Come command if she thinks she's in trouble but she shows marked improvement every day. It will be imperative that she be expected to do these commands every day. It is also imperative that her leaders not allow her to skirt away or hide from work. If she thinks it will work she will continue to try it. But if obedience becomes her way of life then she begins to follow direction very willingly, which is what she has shown me this week.
Raven is a puppy who isn't used to having much asked of her but she is an absolute love sponge and so she is very happy to work if she will get affection for it. But her sensitivities must be remembered. She isn't a dog with whom we can be heavy handed and not have it affect her (not permenamtly but it will hurt her feelings). She needs fair and clear correction and affirmation when she gets the right answer, which is often because she picks things up quite quickly.
Raven has been a fun student and a very sweet house guest. I will miss her wiggly butt but I know she will be thrilled to be back with her people.
Raven is a puppy who isn't used to having much asked of her but she is an absolute love sponge and so she is very happy to work if she will get affection for it. But her sensitivities must be remembered. She isn't a dog with whom we can be heavy handed and not have it affect her (not permenamtly but it will hurt her feelings). She needs fair and clear correction and affirmation when she gets the right answer, which is often because she picks things up quite quickly.
Raven has been a fun student and a very sweet house guest. I will miss her wiggly butt but I know she will be thrilled to be back with her people.
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