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Calm Protocol at agility

Jo Duffy
Sun, 11 Sep 2016 16:01:53 GMT

I opted Cara out of an agility show because I wasn't 100% sure how she would respond in such a stimulating environment. My game plan was to show up as a spectator with Cara and 'test' how she was coping. I had her chair...already for boundary games! I left her in the car whilst Mike and I checked out where everyone was and if our pals had arrived which they had. After meeting and greeting, I went back for Cara. We did fig 8 walking around the cars and orientation games, with Magic Hand as we passed some dogs and people. She was focusing on me and responding to cues. So in for a penny, in for a pound, we went up to our pals who were seated near other people and lots of dogs (all on lead). She went to our pals for a cuddle without vocalising ( a BIG result) and then played DOWN, LOW, CRAWL and REST(legs out whilst on your side!). She was really calm and with lots of DMT with people and dogs moving she remained in her head. The feedback for us all was on leaving......big peak in arousal as she was sooooo happy to be going! Lol! We got our first bark at our pals as we began to leave and say "Bye"!! Maybe her bark is a BYE!!!!! Shall be ready for this next time and Mike and I can leave separately and play DMT as she watches us hug our pals! Very pleased with my wee girlie as this outcome was a huge step forward in her calm development.

Donna C
Sun, 11 Sep 2016 18:33:20 GMT

Well done Jo and Cara, you both did brilliantly and also have feedback for next time.

Jo Duffy
Sun, 11 Sep 2016 18:44:00 GMT

Thanks Donna for your kind words. Sometimes when you are in an environment where no one appears to have a NBN dog, you begin to feel isolated, alone and very visible!!! Today, was a really good day for us both.

Jaime
Mon, 12 Sep 2016 01:08:09 GMT

Fabulous!