I wanted to share three videos with you. These are if the same dog (you likely recognize Garmin), on the same walk, minutes apart with various triggers in between. The reason I’m sharing these is because when we have a reactive dog, we tend to let the one set back stick with us when we need to look at recovery as well. So, here’s a little series (that happened mostly by accident).
Video 1: (1:04) I was filming for another reason, but we came across this guy. Garmin has always been reactive, but this was the first time we’ve encountered a leaf blower on our walk. You can see he’s hyper focused, is vocalizing some and is having a very hard time disengaging. He does but he has some moments where it was tough. Because I was filming, I didn’t reward the way I should and any over reacting is my fault as a handler because I pushed his boundaries. I normally would not, but I trust him to tell me when he’s REALLY done. If you notice, he is still able to focus on me. He's still able to think, but if we got much closer, he would not have been able to.
Video 1: (1:04) I was filming for another reason, but we came across this guy. Garmin has always been reactive, but this was the first time we’ve encountered a leaf blower on our walk. You can see he’s hyper focused, is vocalizing some and is having a very hard time disengaging. He does but he has some moments where it was tough. Because I was filming, I didn’t reward the way I should and any over reacting is my fault as a handler because I pushed his boundaries. I normally would not, but I trust him to tell me when he’s REALLY done. If you notice, he is still able to focus on me. He's still able to think, but if we got much closer, he would not have been able to.
Video 2: (0:49) This was shot less than a minute after video 1. The leaf blower guy is still in view (though the equipment is off), but Garmin doesn’t care. He’s already recovered and put it behind him. Notice his ears going back in greeting when he sees the postman and his lovely sit at the crosswalk. He is clearly able to think and make choices here.
Video 3: (:28) less than 5 minutes after video 1. He’s encountered some barking dogs and a loud motorcycle at this point, but offers me lovely attention and a nice “heel” position walk. (I rarely ask for this. I just wanted to get it to add to this post). Even though we have had some triggers stack on top of one another, he can still think, listen and respond.
So, don’t worry so much about the one less than stellar moment. Learn from it, certainly, but don’t let it define you, your dog or the walk. More importantly, son't let it define your relationship.
Instead, think about teaching your dog the skills needed to cope and recover. Garmin has been taught HOW to recover. And I have given him the freedom to make choices on walks that benefit him. Trust your dog. Listen to you dog. And remember that perfect doesn't exist--so stop seeking perfection. Instead, focus on perception.
Until next time!
Instead, think about teaching your dog the skills needed to cope and recover. Garmin has been taught HOW to recover. And I have given him the freedom to make choices on walks that benefit him. Trust your dog. Listen to you dog. And remember that perfect doesn't exist--so stop seeking perfection. Instead, focus on perception.
Until next time!
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