Sandicast

Two months ago, when Breton was still in the Puppy Program with Dogs with Wings, we had a class at West Edmonton Mall and our instructor had us walk into a store with Sandicast sculptures to see if our dogs would have any reaction. Breton barked and put the breaks on at the entrance of the store and wouldn't go inside. She was scared of the sculptures at the entrance and in particular of the wolf sculpture that was in the front. When Breton was removed from the program, aside from having failed her hip exam, there were temperament challenges Breton had that were of concern to the head trainer. Dogs with Wings agreed to allow me to keep working with Breton to see if I might be able to help her over come some of her challenges so that hopefully she can still become a therapy dog. We have been practicing at an easy and relaxed pace since then.

Today, we went to the same store that caused her so much anxiety a couple of months ago, and had success. The wolf sculptures weren't there, so I'm still not sure how she would react to seeing those now, but there was a life size black lab who was in the front holding a sign that said "Welcome" (could that be anymore inviting). Breton sniffed it and the other dog sculptures while I clicked and treated and she stayed nice and relaxed.

She also has difficulty with fast moving objects, IE. electric wheel chairs and bicycles but we've had some positive experiences with bikes recently so hopefully I can continue to keep her moving forward around those anxious kind of triggers.

I am proud of her success today.