Gunner and Annabelle

Gunner and Annabelle - Training Photos, Videos and Updates

Pawsitive Notes - Tracking Gunner and Annabelle's Milestones

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2/3 - Gunner and Annabelle are doing well, but they are nervous and very slow to warm to the environment. Due to their anxiety, it appears that they may take a little longer than average to acclimate to the environment. Mark spent a lot of time with them this weekend, sitting with them as they were in the crate with the door open, just working on getting them comfortable and confident with him. He said that Annabelle would occasionally come over, sniff his hand, give it a lick and then move away again. Gunner was not so forward, but is no longer growling at Mark. Jen walked in this morning and Gunner immediately started growling. So, it shows that he has warmed up to Mark a bit, although he still has a long way to go. Annabelle came up to the crate when Jen held out a treat. She didn't take it, but sniffed at it, at her hand and then licked her finger. Gunner came up and sniffed, then quickly left. However, he didn't overreact and try to bite or anything, so that's already a win for Gunner and Jen today! By the end of day, Gunner and Annabelle were out in the run with both Mark and Jen, on leash and received lots of pets and praise, without any issue! They were nervous, but we are working to slowly build trust and confidence. :)
2/4 - Gunner and Annabelle were happy to get lots of pets at breakfast from Jen this morning! Gunner was a little more tentative, but gladly received them. Annabelle was ready to climb the walls to get those sweet, sweet pets! They went out into the run on leash with Jen today and did extremely well! They worked on building trust and confidence and received tons of pets and praise in the process!!!
2/5 - Annabelle is still nervous at times, but when she realizes she is safe and loved, and lets down her guard, she definitely soaks up the attention! Gunner was more excited than Annabelle for pets this morning, both in the office and out in the run. We're thrilled he's warming up quickly as well, at least with Jen. He sat on command outside too, as he was eager for attention and praise! The kids got out with both Mark and Jen in the run and worked on further building confidence today, especially with Mark. Gunner warmed up to Mark and allowed pets and even accepted being picked up and held! Great strides!
2/7 - Gunner and Annabelle are warming up nicely now, although a little timid still when getting leashed up to go outside. However, they are fine with both Mark and Jen and enjoy getting pets and attention now! They did some obedience work in the run, sitting on command and coming when called. A stranger came up to the fence while we were out there and Gunner went over to sniff at the guy. He didn't want any attention from the gentleman, but on the other hand, kept his composure and didn't respond aggressively to his presence!
2/10 - Gunner and Annabelle are all warmed up and super affectionate with Mark and Jen and will try to climb into laps and give kisses. Gunner is still grumbling and barking at times with people passing by on the sidewalk out front and is definitely giving gruff at certain dogs in the office still as they pass by. We are working with him to "Leave-It." Both dogs are doing well with sitting on command and coming when called. They are especially treat motivated!
2/11 - As a pup walked by the crate today and sniffed at the food, there was grumbling. At first we thought it was Gunner, but it turned out to be Annabelle growling at the other dog, showing signs of resource guarding. She got a verbal correction and immediately went to lie down, very apologetically. The kids are great out in the run and very attached now. They don't want to be too far away from the trainer at any point in time and consistently seek pets and attention. It takes a few commands for Annabelle to sit, without treats as a lure, but Gunner is still plopping down immediately.
2/17 - Gunner is adjusting well to Annabelle having left. He and Jen got out on a lovely walk today and he rocked it! They worked on his heel a bit. They passed other people and dogs while out and about and he completely ignored everyone! They came back as Mark and his son were returning home and he was eager to see Mark. He didn't growl, bark or lunge at Mark's son either. Then, when they came back into the office, he ran up to another dog's crate and they sniffed at one another and touched noses without any adverse reactions. Pretty amazing day for sweet Gunner today!
2/18 - A rough day for Gunner today. He had some poop hanging by a hair from his rear. Jen pulled it out and Gunner attempted to bite her repeatedly. Gunner received corrections and was none too pleased with the situation, but has hopefully learned that there are consequences for that behavior. By the end of day, however, he had regained much of his confidence and even flirted with the idea of trying to play with Jen out in the run.
2/19 - Gunner has bounced back and had a blast out in the run with Mark and Jen today. Mark held him and he covered Mark with kisses and then later they played and romped around the run, Gunner with a huge smile the whole time!
2/21 - Gunner got out with the full pack this morning and while he was a little nervous, he did very well!
2/24 - Gunner snapped at a nosy dog in the pack today and got the hose. Then, when Jen tried to touch him shortly thereafter, he snapped at her a few times and got it again. Eventually, he calmed down and realized he was safe and finally allowed her to grab him. After that, he did very well, nervously letting the dogs sniff at him and seeking attention from Jen. He did an excellent job following commands, such as sit, even with the other dogs around. He attempted at one point to somewhat engage in play with the big dogs, but quickly got overwhelmed with the idea and backed out of the "dog pile."
2/28 - Gunner had a stellar walk today, absolutely rocking his "heel." He also held a sit/stay in the park today, with distractions, without any issue! Some new members got out with him in the pack today and he was great about meeting the newcomers without any issue and gets more comfortable with the pack daily!