Back on track

Poor little Annie has had diarrhea for a week, "blowing mud," as an old kennel hand acquaintance used to indelicately describe it.  We couldn't do any work, as I had to keep her to a small portion bland diet.  I only cheated (with bits of plain chicken breast) for meeting people and for the Terrifying Trimmers, Loathsome Lawn mowers and Spine chilling saws, i.e, any 1 or 2 stroke motor, even faintly in the distance.  She seems to think that outside is very dangerous whenever she hears one of these (even if it's a utube recording coming from my computer on the dining room table), so am going to move the computer simulation outside.

She's also learned that exciting and brave are very good words, as when a big noise happens on a walk, I say, "Ooooo, very exciting!" and give a treat, and when a person who's not a candidate to give her a goodie goes by and she sniffs the scent wake, I say, "very brave!" and then deliver.  She now perks up and looks expectant when she hears either word.  This is great, as I'll be able to use these words' pleasant associations eventually to jolly her up even if I'm caught unarmed (treatless--shame on me in advance!).

House training continues apace.  Have started letting her wander around a bit as times when she may need to go approach, and was able to interrupt her twice as she wound up to pee and hustle her outside.  OK, as she started to pee.  So some dribble inside with a big "ah ah," interruption and finishing up outside to accolades and smooches.  This is the first step to getting her to hold on until I can get her outside when she needs to go. 

And now that I'm free to treat again, clicker training can re-commence.  Fun is the very best thing to have!.