Resq TailsThe trials and triumphs of rescued dogs

Twist’s weekend at the Obedience trial in Idaho Falls definitely qualifies as a huge triumph for us. It probably sounds corny, but it seems like yesterday that he was entered in Rally Obedience for the first time. What a complete disaster! LOL If anyone had told me then, that Twist would be doing so well now, I would have told them that they were crazy. But here we are, we didn’t give up and he’s doing great! It is so rewarding to know that despite being given up by two families prior to coming to live with us, he is now excelling! I’m soo proud of my boy!

Rogue, on the other hand is currently at the other end of the spectrum. We are continuing to struggle to overcome her anxieties and reactivity. You’ll know from previous posts that I’ve been working on having her target new people’s hands with either a “touch” with her nose or a “hit it” with a paw. I really thought that this might alleviate some anxiety for her since she was comfortable with these behaviors. Instead, I think it backfired in a big way! It seems like it made her even more aware of people and (although I didn’t think it possible), even intensified her worry that she has to interact with them. Ughh!!! The worst part is that since we meet most people at agility situations, I think she’s linked the two things. I’m beginning to wonder if that is why we started to see such a dramatic shutdown at the trials.

I find it hard to look at things with perspective when I’m in the middle of them. I’m overwhelmed alot right now with Rogue’s problems and how to solve them, but I am going to keep hoping that someday in the not too distant future I’ll be writing little posts about her triumphs too!