So… it’s February.
How did that happen? Seriously, didn’t we just Rescue Remedy/Thundershirt our dogs to ring in the new year?
Hmph.
Anyway, my main goal – and what I wanted to accomplish for the Train Your Dog Month Challenge – was to go through the Relaxation Protocol with both Cooper and Lucas.
I’m here to update you on our progress.
In one word: fail.
While the failing was partly due to travel and chaos, it was largely due to time management issues on my part. And, since I’m the type of person to obsess over failures until I can implement a new strategy, I have devised a new calendar for myself, part of which is giving my lunch break over to Relaxation Protocol. (This is a vast improvement because I typically eat at my desk instead of taking an actual break.) So, fingers crossed that this plan works.
How are you doing on the dog training goals you set for yourself, whether as part of your New Year’s resolutions or the train your dog challenge?
Don’t think of it as a failure, just a re-evaluation! I say, if your dog can get through the Relaxation Protocol in a month, your dog doesn’t need the Relaxation Protocol.
Committing to doing it regularly is such a big step – Ruby has done so much better since I try to fit it in at least every other day (and it really doesn’t take that long, it’s just a matter of being in the right mindset). Ruby gets really excited when I take her pink mat out – I need to adopt the same attitude!
How do you manage the sessions with multiple dogs? I’m likely taking in a foster dog later in the month, so that is going to make things interesting…
I look forward to following your progress.
Lara is absolutely right Maggie! Life rarely lets you get from point A to point B so easily. We should think of our goals as roadmaps, not destinations.
The multiple dogs question is a good one… and a work in progress! Here’s my plan: Complete the 15 days with both Cooper and Lucas individually in the kitchen (lowest level of distractions), then repeat the 15 days in the kitchen with the two of them together. They each have their own mat. But they are huge distractions for each other, so I imagine it’ll take ages to get through it there. Then I’ll just repeat the 15 days in the next place, and so on. So, pretty much this is going to take the rest of my life… 🙂
Yeah, when another dog is around I pretty much don’t exist, so it is going to be a real challenge for us. I’m realizing as I look at future days that I don’t have a lot of options for other locations in my house where the protocol will work: I live in a compact two-story townhome and there are very few spots I can get more than about fifteen steps away and still be in the same room. Eventually I would like to work on a long line outdoors but that is a ways off!
My one word: Wonderfully!
Hershey’s Broom Fear has almost been turned completely into Broom Happiness! She wags happily when the broom comes comes out, paws at it, and will put up with it being brushed along her back (for a little bit)! I’m also working with Graham to not harass the broom when it’s about its business.
The yummy treats featured in your many contests have been an excellent motivator!
YAY!!! That is seriously fantastic, Erik. Truly, that is the ultimate success, and I’m so proud of you, Hershey, and Graham!
Cooper looks more like Lukey every day! His ears are even like Lucas’ ears now.
Ha!! It’s so true. If Emmett and Lucas had a baby, it would be Coop for sure!
“Don’t think of it as a failure, just a re-evaluation! I say, if your dog can get through the Relaxation Protocol in a month, your dog doesn’t need the Relaxation Protocol.”
Very smart comment.
And I love that you’re using the Relaxation Protocols as an opportunity to take lunch away from your desk.
So glad you took on the challenge. Please link up to the Train Your Dog Month Challenge so you’re in the running for our prize (a $25 donation to your favorite pet charity and a prize pack). You can find it here: http://www.somethingwagging.com/train-your-dog-month-challenge-2014-what-i-learned/
I feel like a cheater if I link up since I didn’t complete the challenge! 🙁
Any work on the relaxation protocol is good work.
I’m not making much headway in my second-location attempt, either. Now that I don’t have the behaviorist looming over me, I have no pressure to get it done.
As we get further along I’m starting to realize I don’t think I have another location in my house that will work. My patio is probably too small but I’ll modify just to have a somewhat secluded outdoor space. Eventually maybe on a long line in the common area – we have an abandoned basketball court that I work on sometimes.
I’m facing a similar problem (once we get past the kitchen) because taking that many steps forces me to leave the room! Maybe pace side to side? I’m thinking a long line in our backyard is the next places, but… that is like a LEAP in distractions instead of a baby step!