Sunday, April 20, 2025

Somebody Has To Grab Her!

 Frankie's end of run routine is a work in progress. She still isn't coming to me in the ring. 

But I know that I'm on the right track with the training. Training is the solution, and there are no short cuts to be had there.

I'm taking an online class in pattern games and am doing twice-daily sessions with her. Those aren't specific to the end of run but they may help her learn to manage her big feelings better. Dogs like Frankie struggle with transitions of all kinds, not just at the end of an agility run. Doorways, moving through an exciting space, exiting her crate--all of these are transitions with very big emotions attached to them.

I mentioned a post or two ago that I'm having her put her head in the martingale when I hold it out. I've now added motion to that. I move away from her while holding the collar out. This encourages her to chase me rather than me chase her. It's been working well in class.

She's been showing a lot more interest in the leash itself too. I am using the leash in class so that I make class as much like a trial as I can (Archie never uses a leash in class--he's a good boy). I take her to the start line on lead, remove it, and toss it away. If I don't have a hand on her collar, she will dart over and grab the leash then bring it to me for a game of tug. Her leash is a braided fleece affair designed for tugging. I always tug with her because I want to keep her value for the leash as high as I can. 

Progress is slow. I get frustrated because she will be 3 years old in a couple of weeks and, damn it, she should not be running away from me in the ring at that age and after a year of competition. But Frankie is on her own schedule. 


Home Improvement--Making Progress

 Installing the new blinds has turned out to be quite a chore. I'm taking my time to make sure I don't damage the walls or the blinds. Drilling holes makes a mess that has to be cleaned up. I could have paid someone to put the blinds up but decided to do it myself. Of the 11 windows with blinds, I still have 4 to go.

 I got one of the big double sets done yesterday. These windows are on the front of the house and get strong afternoon sun so they also have curtains. 

 


Here's the upstairs bathroom.

 

My house sits on a high spot and the backyard slopes down away from the house so the upstairs windows, all of which are on the sides or back of the house, look out on trees. I think the blinds add warmth and color. The faux wood has a bit of texture which complements the trees. 

Tree pollen season is winding down and the rain predicted for later next week should finish that off. Once all the blinds are up, I will go back and clean all of the windows one more time. Then it's on to the next job!