"Sometimes when you sacrifice something precious, you're not really losing it. You're just passing it along to someone else." Mitch Albom

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

The surprises just keep on coming!

    Churry and I took a little trip today to Wal-Mart to pick up a card for a friend's birthday today.  I was hoping to get some good practice at remaining sitting or in a down position with no floor licking while I was looking.  We got just that and Churry did fantastic.  She was very patient with me and I take FOREVER to pick out cards for people.  After that, we went to the greenhouse near my house to browse and experience something new.  It was a great place because there are water features running all over the place.  Churry only pulled once.  She seemed to think that they were just like her little pool at home that she can jump in whenever she wants!  After a correction, she was great.  There were also many, many interesting things right at eye level for her including chimes, which were moving a little bit.  This place is great and right across the street from my neighborhood.  The lady that works there was super nice about Churry being in there, too.   I can't believe I haven't thought of going there before.

   The surprise, however, came before we even left home.  Some of you who know Churry well know that she refuses to jump into the back of my Expedition.  I have spent literally hours trying to accomplish this task.  I've used toys, treats, good modeling from Bailey, assistance from other people, putting her meals in there, you name it!  She just won't do it.  I had finally just given up thinking it was just something about my oversized vehicle.  She will jump in other vehicles so I figured they can deal with this problem at formal training if it's going to be an issue.  I just didn't know what else to do.   Well, today, I opened it up and told her to jump on, fully planning on changing the command to "Go up" like I do every other time and then giving her the expected boost in.  Well, miracle of miracles, the stubborn girl JUMPED IN!  No treats, no bribing, nothing!  She just suddenly felt like she could do it I guess.  Now, she wouldn't do it during our errands, but when I got her home we practiced some more and she jumped in 5 more times!  I love when I see these successes!  She received LOTS of praise and attention followed up with some pooltime!

4 comments:

  1. I LOVE success stories. It feels so awesome when the pups "get it". YAAAAAY to Churry and you for not giving up!! =)

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  2. YAY!!!!!! HUGE VICTORY! Good girls! WHOOO HOOOO!!!!

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  3. What a great job! Sometimes they just have to get there in their own time. ;-) It's a strange journey. Fortunately you are a patient person. Kudos to you both.

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  4. Wow -- so inspired by you puppy raisers! And cheering you on with your running, too!

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