Day 28 (10/08/17): puppy class take two

We finally returned to puppy class! We had missed the previous two weeks due to scheduling conflicts. Our first time "in class" had required staying VERY far from the dogs and people, and just doing our own thing. Terra has made so much progress in the meantime, that we were able to (slowly) make our way over to the gathered puppies and owners, put a mat down, and join in! Terra hesitated when she saw the big group, but then was willing to proceed without any help from me.

We didn't participate in the exercises, as Terra couldn't focus with all the activity going on. We spent half the time just walking the perimeter and sniffing around. We hung out on our mat, though Terra sometimes pulled toward the nearest pups. I'm very happy that she's now willing to approach other dogs after just a moment of checking them out... but now I need to be careful that she doesn't develop leash frustration!

Toward the end of the hour, rather than being tired out, Terra was more settled and able to give me more focus. She turned down the peanut butter and berry flavored Bark Pouch, but was eager to eat the Real Meat treats I got from Jodi. We did hand targets, a teeny bit of stand-stay, IYC/eye contact, and a little walking at my side.

I didn't have Terra join in the off leash play that the instructor does at the end of the class. I'm happy that she is more comfortable with dogs, but she's getting plenty of social time with the boarders and when we visit friends with dogs. When we're in a class or trial setting, it's work time and not play time.

A few women and two men approached over the course of the class. I had them all stop at a distance that Terra still found comfortable (about 10 feet) and let her approach them. With the women she was very quick to approach would get into their personal bubble. She was hesitant with one of the men and sniffed him but kept her back end oriented away from him. The second man had a disability and his speech was different from "normal," and his body language was more stiff and still than most. Terra approached for a moment but then backed up, then backed up more, and I turned her and led her a few extra feet away at that point. I'm guessing that it was the body language that alarmed her.

One more thing about her socialization with people - they all wanted to give her treats as she approached, and I let them despite a voice in my brain saying "noooo." I should have listened to it instead of giving in to peer pressure. What I got was a puppy that started to approach people to mug them, without being more comfortable in their space thanks to it. God damn it, I know better! I was being too nice/polite. Next time I will say, "don't give her any treats, but you can get down low and offer petting."

I love this bright yellow patch on her cheeks.

First tooth lost!