Amber and I traveled the bike path yesterday and encountered 4 dogs. The first was jogging with its owner but as it was passing at an angle I moved Amber a few steps and asked her to sit, which she did calmly, the second came up behind us and when Amber heard it she turned to look but kept walking calmly forward and I just praised her (inside me jumping yelling and fist pumping). The third is a big guy in a yard next to the bike path with a chain link fence, he was barking, I moved her about twenty feet away, asked her to sit and she was excited but willing to listen, did stand twice, but was willing to sit even with the other dog barking, some friends came along biking and one made the comment " the dog whisperer would be proud" the fourth dog was in the parking lot, owner walking back and forth, and she sat quietly by my side while I praised her.

Sometimes it feels like progress is slow, but yesterday made me realize her listening ears and focus continue to improve, yesterday no one was stressed, dogs, owners, Amber or me. She was a GOOD dog!

You deserve a huge CONGRATULATIONS!

I hear ya', Jodi, sometimes progress does seem like it moves at glacial speed, but then you have a great day like you just did, and you realize your dog really is learning better behaviors thanks to your hard work. Patience and persistence do pay off!

Thank you you both. I'm investigating some higher value treats to see if we can maintain the sit, I decided with the big barking dog; calmness, was more important at that moment then a perfect sit.

I am thrilled with our very slow (the glacial comment sums it up) progress.

Congrats Jodi & Amber!!

It feels great when there is a huge demonstration of progress...even though you know things continue to improve (sometimes glacially, as you said LOL). In my experience, there is no better feeling and these moments make me feel so connected to my dog.

Way to go, Jodi. It does feel great, doesn't it, when your dog actually does what she is supposed to do when challenged like that. Bailey and I have had similar experiences and every time it happens, I think to myself, "Man, even just 2 years ago, this wouldn't have happened. The outcome would have been completely different." Good on you both for all the work you put in. Looks like it's paid off. I'm sure you're mighty proud of your girl.

I thought I would post another update, awhile back I had read an article that said reactive dogs react to lifesize stuffed dogs the same way they would to live dogs. Because Amber has been doing well today I thought I'd challenge us with a walk downtown, normally a very busy dog area. We haven't walked there in about a year. SO, walking along, one of the stores has a stuffed lifesize black dog outside, Amber saw it, hesitated a second, then calmy walked up to sniff its nose. I could tell from her body language she was wary, but totally calm. A-mazing!
She has encountered stuffed dogs before and had her typical reactive reaction. Even her own reflection in a window was enough to set her off so todays venture was another milestone.
I also have to mention saturdays walk, where we encountered a couple walking two dogs, I crossed the street, and the dogs barked at us and Amber remained quiet- she was the GOOD dog!
Im not entirely sure where our new found success is coming from, if she finally believes I won't let her get hurt, or she's maturing or what. Oh, and no worries I won't be letting her sniff the noses of any real dogs anytime soon if ever.

Nice!
You own confidence can go a long way to showing your dog things aren't all that bad. You seem to be getting a grip on that!

Thanks Bob, Its taken forever it seems but changing my reaction/attitude has seemed to help a lot. These little successes don't seem like a lot but they're huge to us, I'm having fun and enjoying our walks instead of dreading them