This week was a great week with Ella. On Wednesday we dialed her water back and she didn’t pee in the room. She peed a bit Thursday afternoon but that is because she got to the water bucket on the Rec Yard a few times before we could stop her. We also dialed in her food intake and she has begun to be more engaged. We started with about 2.5 cups a day but she wasn’t finishing her food so we are going with 1.5 cups a day and will do this for a week and check her weight and adjust accordingly to ensure she isn’t losing weight.
This week Ella learned Under and Out and we are still working on Leave It. We started to do a little bit of Place as well but that will take next week for her to learn. Overall her confidence has improved. She is still hesitant in some situations or when corrected with a “No!” she often shuts down and cowers. She will shut down as well if she feels she has done something wrong. Her institution trips have improved and she has taken a few elevator rides and does great with no fear issues there.
Ella continues to be a very sweet and loving dog. All the guys on the tier lover her and say she is the sweetest. She enjoys being with her handlers wherever they are. Next week we will dial in Leave It and Place and hopefully Touch.
