Daisy Goes to School

Me and Miss Daisy began classes at Petsmart when she was four months old.  She was a good student and passed 18 classes.  (There was a NY storm deployment in between the 2nd and 3rd set of classes.)  Daisy received "Longest Down" and "Cutest Trick" recognition along the way.  HOWEVER, she has trouble with  separation anxiety.  This prevents her from obtaining her AKC Canine Good Citizen paperwork, a stepping stone to becoming a recognized therapy dog.

Daisy with her instructor, Megan

Me and Miss Daisy recently had an assessment of her abilities for the test.  Daisy should be able to sit, stay, lie down, and heel on command.  She should accept friendly strangers, allow herself to be handled by the evaluator, come when called, walk through crowds, show little attention to other dogs in passing and sit politely for petting.  She did well except for "you know what."

We have had some private tutoring on Wednesdays.  Our assignments have been for me to put her on her back for increasing amounts of time for calming and in order for her to know me as pack leader, practice leaving her with a trusted friend for the three minutes, going out of her sight and returning when she stops barking, ignoring her when I first return from shopping or errands (instead of getting her too excited upon returning), and making her wait before going in or out of a door--again, calming her and getting her confidence up.

Chris placing Daisy on her back

Today is another Wednesday.  Time for her to show her progress.  She visited a nursing home this week, and a co-worker of Hubby's and a neighbor helped out by holding her while I left her for three minutes.  She sure has been clingy though this week.......

Daisy and a local assisted living center's residents