Resq TailsThe trials and triumphs of rescued dogs

Here is another belated update on our training challenge. I have one when I only had Rogue with me, and then another when I had Rogue, Twist and Raven along.

Last Thursday I got a call from the volunteer in charge of adoptions with our local all breed rescue. She needed someone to come to her house and meet a family that were finalizing an adoption of a Golden Retriever/Lab puppy. I figured that while I was there I would work with Rogue too. So, we loaded up a few practice jumps and the play tunnel and off we went.

It was mid morning and I was the only one there with Rogue at first. She was hesitant when we first arrived, but after having a chance to walk around a get her bearings she was better. We set up the jumps and tunnel on the side yard which is nice and grassy. She was able to do a few short sequences and since it was already getting hot, we went in the house to wait for the family to come pick up the puppy. After that was done we went back out for another short session and this time my friend’s step-daughter came out with us. Rogue was worried about her at first, but once she got going, she was able to work with Maddie sitting about 10 feet away. So, that’s good progress!

On Sunday we went down to Parowan to do some herding again. Unfortunately, it started to thunder, lightning and pour rain right as we got there. So…we waited for a half hour or so till the storm passed and then we got to work. I thought that this would be a good chance to work on Twist’s stays with distractions again, since one of his biggest triggers for breaking is moving dogs. I had him do sit stays while the dog ahead of us herded the sheep around the field. Twist did such a good job with such a tough distraction. I’m really proud of how well he’s doing lately. After that hard work, he got his turn at herding too!

Our friend had an agility course set up as well, so I got Raven out to work on that. There were about 7 people and at least 10 dogs there, but Raven didn’t even seem to notice them. She just got out there and ran like she does at home. Good job Raven! Gave me some hope that she’s getting more comfortable in outdoor settings with the agility.

Rogue came out and I was going to let her try the agility course, since herding in the pasture grass that touches her belly has just not been her to her liking. But, she was too stressed to try any agility either. We walked around the yard, but she never did get comfortable enough that I thought it would even be worth asking for anything more difficult than basic targeting to my hand and walking with me.

That’s all for now. I figure we’ll try to get in at least one more update before the month is over.