Charm School

Kali started a basic "clicker" obedience class last night. She was a rock star! While she already knew "sit" and to make eye contact with me (rather than nuzzle my hand) to ask for the food in my fist, during class she picked up "down" and learned to ask for the food in my open hand by making eye contact. Doesn't sound like much, but it's hard to not just take the treat in front of your nose, especially when you're surrounded by about 10 other dogs who (for all you know) similarly want the treat!

This week we're practicing these skills (as well as saying nonsense words before telling her it's "ok" to take the food in the outstretched hand so she learns to distinguish between words) and starting on walking nicely by being lured.

Now we're off to sit outside Ike & Jane's for a bit and practice "park & pay" (rewarding her for paying attention to me when she has a number of distractions) before she heads to daycare (click on "feisty fidos" this afternoon or tomorrow morning to watch her).

Kali's Superpower

Kali is amazing in her crate. She eagerly goes in when I ask her to, and waits patiently after I open the door until I tell her it's "ok" to come out. Most impressively, though, she's completely silent in the crate - even if I'm up and about and interacting with the other dogs for an extended period of time before I let her out.

She's a very good girl!

Leashes

When I first met her, Kali was terrified of leashes and didn't like having her collar touched. However, at this point she associates both with good things - walks, car rides or food always follow being leashed up, all of which she loves.

When she's scared, Kali "taps out" - rolls onto her back and shuts down, little tail firmly between her legs, pasted against her stomach. She looks terrified, the poor thing. It doesn't work to grab her collar and try to make her do whatever it is she needs to do because that just scares her more at that point, but if I go get her leash, she's a different dog - she flips right over onto her feet and happily goes with me.

Cuddletime with Willow

Kali's got a look like she can't believe she's getting away with cuddling with Willow in the good bed.

Etiquette

Kali has an amazing intuition with respect to other dogs. While she's unsure when stampeded by a pack of dogs (who wouldn't be), she acts appropriately, even if it takes her a few minutes to truly warm up. And 1-on-1, she shines.

She's a star at avoiding the...uncertainty...of not less-than-stable dogs. And with my friendly dog (Willow), she's charmingly enticing, drawing her into play several times each day. While it sounds ferocious when they're at it, they both end panting, happy, sated.

Car Rides

Initially Kali was skeptical of the car - I had to lift her in and be patient in convincing her to come out. Once she realized, though, that car rides were a good time to be close to me (she rides on the passenger seat floor, with her head next to my elbow) and there was (almost) always something fun on the other end, her whole attitude changed. Now she runs eagerly to her door when we go out the gate to the driveway, jumps in, rides quietly, then waits nicely on the other end until I tell her it's ok to come out. If you're looking for a companion for a road trip, Kali might be a good fit for you!

Joy!