Back in the Saddle

Yes, we got rid of the stupid collar-satellite-lampshade or however you want to call it. And Xsara's tummy looks fine so I let her run around with her friend this morning. It started to snow again so I had to put on her shoe, but it doesn't bother her anymore. It doesn't look like the snow is going to stick, though, since it already turned into rain.

However I noticed some behavioural changes since the operation. I don't think it's hormones, I think she just got so scared because of the procedure. She is very shy around other dogs and she is afraid to do something wrong. We are working on a new trick and when we start a lesson I have to encourage her a lot more than usually. I am more generous with rewards and I keep telling her she's the best and that she can't do anything I wouldn't like. This only lasts a couple of minutes and then everything is back to normal, the tail is wagging and she performs beautifully again. But then the next training session again, starts with her feeling insecure.

I try to encourage her as much as I can during the day, when I see her behaving bravely (I don't ignore the shyness but I try not to reward it too much either. When she gets shy I only use verbal encouragement if possible because I don't want her to think that I want her to be insecure). The progress is evident, we managed to really shorten these flashes of insecurity and hopefully they will disappear soon.

I'm taking her to the agility training on Monday, if she won't feel like jumping yet (which I highly doubt, by the way!), we will just play with a ball or tug or do some tricks there. It's an important part of her life and I want her to know we will still be playing agility together.

Another thing: I want to thank CollieMan for the beautiful post he's written and for the poster he made for Xsara (with the soccer ball). That was really nice of you, so thank you again :)