Good girl!!

Roll over Darby!!

Darby's training

I have mentioned in prior posts about Darby embarking on a new training adventure with Got Sit? Dog Training. You may also have noticed a black collar on her in some of her pictures. The collar being used, is NOT a shock collar...I repeat it is NOT a shock collar. It is simply a remote collar designed to divert her attention from a negative state of mind to something positive. She has had some issues with men and young children. She has never bit anyone or attempted to, but she's definitely scared some people and of course, made me very nervous and confused, as she is such a loving and affectionate dog. Since starting her training, she has really increased her confidence and is in the process of overcoming some of those fears. Darby is simply in a fearful state of mind, not an aggressive state of mind. With the collar, I tap a few times on the remote (mind you, she is at a level 15-20 out of 100) that in turn gives her a little "hey you, pay attention to me." This level, is literally like a little vibration...if you had your hand on the collar, it would be more of a tickle than anything. By tapping on the remote, this pulls her out of that negative state and diverts her attention to a positive action, such as sit or lay down or come, and then give her positive reinforcement for that behavior! Lots of praise and pats and treats and toys is super important in the training process. We want to boost her confidence and let her inner superstar shine! I cannot believe the progress she is making, it makes me SO happy and especially now that she is really starting to understand the concept of the collar. I just walked through the office the other day with her and a gentleman with a hat on was standing right in front of her and he looked at her and said "hey there" and reached down to pet her, she wagged her tail and sat down while he gave her loves. I couldn't believe it! She is really coming around and will continue to do so at her own pace. My goal is to instill confidence in her and to always remain calm and confident myself, as feeling anxious or sorry for her is only going to hinder her progress. The best is yet to come when she gets through her 2nd surgery, heals completely and is able to really shine in her training. At that point we can really allow her to jump around and have fun and be playful like I know she wants to be. Right now it is absolutely crucial to avoid any running or jumping and not get her too excited and rambunctious. If anyone ever has any questions regarding the training feel free to contact Marvin Versteeg at http://www.gotsitdogtraining.com/. He is ready and willing to answer any and all questions regarding this type of training. I do understand that this is not the method for everyone, my hope is that skeptics will allow themselves to be educated and informed by a professional trainer and at that time they can formulate their own opinion of this method after doing so. I, myself, am a believer:) And just look at her new trick (see picture above)...ROLL OVER...:)

2nd surgery is scheduled!

Darby is all set for her 2nd TPLO surgery next Thursday May 3rd. I am excited to get through both of these surgeries and get her back to being a normal, playful DOG again. I can't wait to be able to have her back home, which is truly what makes her happy and makes me happy as well! Darby has beautifully handled this situation, better than I could have ever imagined. There is a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow and we're halfway there! I can see it Darbs, I can see it!

We can look, but we can't play...

Darby is exhibiting very good behavior as a group play attendant:) The day will come when she can join the fun once again, but for her it can't come soon enough. Hang in there Darbs!

My inspiration for her name...

Great winery, great dog!!

I mean, really...

Doesn't get much cuter!! My little turbo is winning the hearts of all the dog walkers here (she is the favorite, so I'm told...shhhh;). She is also demonstrating her impeccable training abilities. Who knew?!? She's beauty and brains folks!

Toys toys toys!!

"place Darby"

Darby is learning quickly with her new remote collar and loves to go to her "place". She is always eager to please and be the best student possible:) Marvin Versteeg has been wonderful in helping me with her. Darby will really be able to excel when we can use lots of fun toys to get her excited and playful during her training...right now we have to be so careful as to not overdue it and put a strain on her knee in recovery. She is finally starting to limp slightly on her left knee, meaning her right knee is getting stronger and stronger! Yay!

Apparently three is a crowd...

Basking in the sun...

Home sweet home!!

I stole Darby from the kennel for a Friday night girl's night in. She is so happy to be home and I'm loving it too:)

Sharing is caring!

Darby affectionately gives Andrew, one of our dog walkers, a kiss of gratitude:) This past week she has been given a 15 minute nature walk, once daily...she is now up to 2-15 minute nature walks every day. She is loving it! Of course she would rather be off-leash, at a faster, more appropriate "Darby" speed but this will just have to do! She also gets to start her training next Tuesday with Marvin...she's ready to shine!