Breakthrough with Sienna

Those of you who have been following Sienna’s progress will remember that she had never been on a harness or lead.

We introduced a harness early on, in a very positive way and she was happy to wear it. She still reacted a little to the sound of the clips but does stand still while it is put on.

Last week we did some chin targeting for fear free handling while she wore the harness with a lead attached and some work on the weighing scales with the lead attached. She did so well we decided to move things forward.

Unfortunately, I did not manage to get videos of this but she did some chin targeting with the kennel manager while I played Vet nurse, touching her ears and gently lifting the skin on the back of her neck to mimic a vaccination. We used a different location and had another person present as well. She was amazing.

However, that is not the best news.  We put a lead on her harness and took her out into the paddock!  She adores going in the paddock and enjoys interacting with the other dogs in the next paddock. She was used to wearing her harness in the paddock but not with a lead attached and certainly not with a human holding the other end of the lead.

Amazing moment!

We gently and quietly led her down the corridor into the paddock area dropping treats down as we went. It is so important to ensure every part of the process is positive.  She still greeted all the dogs we passed as we walked.

Sienna can be a bit unsure around gate areas and the kennel manager has been working on this with her.

This first video clip shows just how important it is to be patient and to ensure the whole process is positive. You can see her licking her lips with a worried expression while she waits for me to open the gate.

We allow her time and avoid pulling her. You can see some tension on the lead which I quickly release. As soon as she begins moving we reinforce with treats.

In the following video, you can see just how relaxed and attentive she is.  She initially rejects her favourite liver treats.  Thankfully I came prepared with some other grain free ones. As soon as these are offered she walks beautifully.  Watch what happens when she pulls forward, approximately halfway through the video. She turns to see why she cannot move forward, and I immediately reward her for coming back towards me, thus loosening the lead.

This is such a HUGE moment for Sienna. We were so overjoyed with how she managed herself. When a dog has never had a lead on, finding themselves restricted can be so scary for them.  Sienna is worried about so many new things, so every step must be broken down to make them achievable for her, pairing wonderful things with each new thing.  You can see how overjoyed I am in the next video clip!!

We avoid putting any tension on the lead and allow her all the time she wants for sniffing. We should let dogs sniff anyway, but it is really important for Sienna to be able to still interact with the environment in the way she would if off lead.

Here is the last video clip. This time we allow a little tension on the lead while pairing it with good things. What a clever girl and so lovely watching her walk relaxed on lead.