I'm so proud of Amber, I've been working with her focussing on me and listening. Today I decided to take her to a local dog park that has a virtually unused small dog pen, and minimal exposure to big dog group pen. I brought my sister with me. When we arrived there were people with dogs in the big pen, Amber was very excited. I calmed her and got her focused on her toy and me. A young lab approached the fence and Ambi became anxious I refocused her, had her playing with her toy. Then had her sit, whole time she remained focused on me. Then a new person came with a dog who was very close to the fence, I asked Ambi to sit and although her breathing was a little fast she sat and and paid attention to me, and even seemed to forget the other dog was there. Two other dogs came and walked right by while she continued to listen and focus. She did so well! We haven't done any close desensitization work in awhile. My sister provided a distraction, unplanned, by walking around and forcing me to get Ambers focus. She was like a normal dog, people even invited her to play with their dogs (which Ipolitely declined) but such a big step forward from when I was being yelled at for having a "vicious" dog. Ambi is enjoying a well earned nap.

You worked hard with your dog and it paid off, very cool.

Excellent!

YEAH!!! Aren't these little (big) successes feel Grrrreat?.....I can relate lol

Great job!

As one who also started off with a highly reactive dog, I can appreciate the pride you feel now after a success like that. Great sense of progress, isn't it? Good on you both!

GREAT work, Jodi!

Thank you, everyone. Right now I'm re-rereading through some of the training material to keep us moving forward, sometimes I wish we were moving forward faster but then I think of where Amber was almost 2 years ago and she really has come far, so we'll continue with baby steps to ensure positive encounters. She's trying hard and I'm happy with that.