Today, however, we dove right back into work and she really impressed me. She can work without a leash in moderate distraction. She isn't perfect. Being so young her attention span is still pretty nonexistent but she tries hard and was able to walk up and down the street with me, even past some chickens, without breaking her Heel. She does still sometimes have a lazy side poke through where she avoids work and feigns deafness but these little tantrums are becoming fewer and farther between.
She is a very good puppy who is impulsive by nature. I am pleased that she is showing some good self restraint. Upon returning home her people will want to continue working towards her gaining more control by putting her into difficult situations (like eating with her near by and dropping some food or pretending to turn your back on some tasty morsel while cooking) and holding her accountable for her behavior. If she tries to steal or sneak away with something we must page her as a warning or correct her with the collar. Soon she will learn to wait until a treat is given to her. Insisting on good door manners is also a wonderful exercise in patience. Instead of letting her crash through a door or gate have her sit and wait until it is decided she should go through is a great lesson in self restraint.
I am proud of this pup and am excited to continue her progress this week.