The Spaniel Annals

This is not the world’s greatest video, but it is evidence that Gael can indeed:

• halt fairly straight and take some responsibility for doing so;
• stay when she’s told;
• do a slow-paced heel without scooting her butt along the ground (which Gael’s own take on the change of pace);
• retrieve a dumbbell with some finesse;
• hold a dumbbell (sort of).

Six months ago I wasn’t sure how and when these things would be possible.  She’s certainly maturing and we’ve been working on all these things.  For my part, I don’t do the greatest halts when I’ve got a side leash to operate,  and when I’m so intent on her sits.  And we’re still working on her hold; she can hold it sitting still, but ask her to move and the whole thing falls apart.  I’m trying something I learned with Reardon, where my response is not to correct (which ups any anxiety), but instead help to quiet her jaw muscles.  With Reardon I used T-touch circles; with Gael, she seems to respond to gentle strokes across her forehead.

Normally there would be more play during and around these exercises, but I was short on time.  She seems pretty darn happy nonetheless.  This video shows huge progress on her part.  I’m pleased!