Hi everyone:
I am the person with the Kelpie who is fearful near strange people, at times, and beligerant with dogs when on leash.
I have made it my job to take her out with me a lot more, and we have, instead of going to really busy places, started out at quieter places, with just a few people. She has really started to bloom <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> She is now more curious than worried about new things that she sees, and seeing people don't really bother her. When I walk her with other people coming by I am getting her to realize that when people come, a reward is coming, so now when she sees people, she looks for that reward <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> She used to not really like going in the car, and now she is just the opposite, LOVES it, and wants to go on adventures with me <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> This is really great. I know we have a long road ahead of us, and this weekend, we have an agility trial, indoors, so we shall see how that goes. I know the main goal is for her to just enjoy her day. Anyway, thanks for letting me talk about my girls progress.
Julie

It's a great feeling watching your dog improve in any aspect of their life isn't it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Congratulations, sounds like you're on the right track.

Yep I'm just beginning to notice how much more confidence my bhoy has and how eager he is to see people now and play with other dogs.

Only problem is that there are soooo many miserable people and people that just hate dogs.

Keep up the socialising and gradually increase the strange sights/sounds to your dogs level. Makes for a very nice dog with a little work <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hi Julie!
Good luck at the agility and let us know how it went. Just keep working on her and hats of to your dedication of making life great for her!

That is excellent Julie! Keep up the great work!

Thanks, we will see how the weekend goes <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I know we will be spending lots of time playing <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Julie

Thanks Anne. She is my girl. It is amazing how much better it is when you take time to see what she needs, and work toward that. I know she will be happy to get out and play this weekend- I will be too!
Julie

I wrote a while back that my sometimes fearful kelpie was doing better. Last weekend we had an indoor agility trial, and it was a real test. First, I brought her in for just a few mins to say hi to some folks we know. Then, she had her first run. She was PULLING me into the building! She had a GREAT few runs- fast and focused, and here are the neat things. With one person she went up to her while she was sitting in her chair, and slowly put her front half on her lap- very shy, but clearly liking this person. Then, this guy, well, she LOVED him. She put her front half in his lap and put head down and nuzzled into him! This was really great to see! She also stayed in drive after our run- she ran to her leash, because she knows after our run it it frisbee throw/tug time! It went really well, and just goes to show that listening to the dog and being patient works wonders. Thanks for all the well wishes.
Julie