This week was a great example of the incredible leaps of growth a dog can have when you have been feeling a bit defeated with what would be considered normal growth. She is more and more confident with working in busy environments and around new stimulus. There are still moments where she is fearful and has drive to flee situations. She has improved with her ability to return her attention to handler and trust in them when feeling unsure. She is also beginning to anticipate the commands and has to be reset, this is normal and actually a sign of confidence in her understanding the work and wanting to show you “Look I already know what you’re going to call”. She seems to be enjoying the work more and more. I will work through anticipation behavior and reinforce obedience to the “What” and “When”. Her simulated CGC test was great and I have hopes of her cooperating with her secondary handler for the test. She can be a bit difficult with him at times. Her visit to the other side of the facility was a great success. She was so well behaved, became more confident when she understood what we were doing there, (Visiting). Showing more good traits of a service animal. While off lead in a new environment, she pretty much just followed me around as I visited with those around me. I encouraged her to interact with others but as she would, her eyes are on me at all times. After a while I sat and conversed with a gentleman as she laid there in front of me just watching and waiting. Rhea has become my little fur face friend. I am quite fond of her.
