Dusty  - Training Photos, Videos and Updates

Pawsitive Notes - Tracking Dusty's Milestones

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  • ​8/25 - Dusty is off to a good start! Mark had Dusty out with the pack this morning and Jen had him out with them again a bit later. He's already taken a couple of treats from Jen, while in the crate and accepted pets out in the training run. When we came back in, just a bit ago, he hopped back into the crate without any issue and took another treat for a job well done
  • 8/26 - Dusty is doing very well and has warmed up quickly! He is still picking at his food, but is doing well with going to the bathroom and is having a blast playing with the pack. He had a fantastic walk, with zero issues. He has a lovely heel. He's also been going in and out of the crate without any issues. He is a little jumpy with loud noises, so we will work on trying to desensitize him a bit.
  • 8/28 - Another excellent walk for Dusty. In and out of the crate without issues and sits like a champ while waiting to get leashed up for his walks. He is definitely still jumpy with loud noises. Obviously this takes lots of time and repetition to work on that desensitization, so it's to be expected.
  • 8/31 - Dusty got a little more nervous around the pack lately and will oftentimes hide behind the chairs and next to Jen or Mark. He is slowly getting better with loud noises, although he still can jump a bit, depending on the situation. He's been a champ with going in and out of the crate and getting leashed up.
  • 9/4 - Mark has been working on building Dusty's confidence, noise desensitization and comfort with hands above his head and around his neck. He still flinches in these situations at times. Dusty had to switch crates today and did so without any issue. He happily came out, was pointed to the proper spot and went in without complaint. He's super happy Jen's back as well!
  • 9/8 - Dusty is getting more confident and comfortable by the day. He played a bit with some of his pack mates today and has been great around the crate. He still flinches at times when reaching for his neck to give him some pets, but gladly receives them once he's touched.
  • 9/11 - Dusty continues to grow in confidence in his pack play and we continue to work desensitization to touch. He is still doing a great job in and around his crate and leash!
  • 9/14 - Dusty has welcomed some new pack members. Today, he got pets in and out of the crate from Jen, on his head, and didn't cower once!
  • 9/16 - Dusty is getting much better with being touched around his head and neck, although he still occasionally flinches. He's also doing better with loud noises in general, although still gets surprised by something at times and will jump a bit. He's doing very well in the pack and will actively seek attention and pets from Mark and Jen.
  • 9/18 - Dusty is really starting to open up in the pack! As you can see from the video, he's fulling engaging in play now. His confidence in all areas is continuing to improve. We absolutely adore this wonderful boy.
  • 9/21 - The traffic has picked up in the neighborhood today, with the big trucks noisily passing and Dusty is a little more nervous about the increased noise. He had a stellar walk today. He's an absolute joy to walk! We did some basic obedience work and had a few socialization outings as well, but he was a little less eager to participate in those activities with the noise and the Golden Retriever Puppy focused solely on him, respectively. 
  • 9/23 - Dusty is rocking the walks! He is happy to get the prong collar and leash on and eager to head out the door. He's still nervous with the truck traffic, but tolerates it. He did lunge at a squirrel today and self corrected on the prong, along with a verbal "Leave-It." His confidence on the walk is directly proportional to the amount of noise.
  • 9/25 - Dusty continues to have a blast playing with Dilly, the young Golden Retriever puppy. He continues to work desensitization to touch around the head and neck, doing well with going in and out of the crate and getting leashed up/collar put on.