Navigating Unexpected Challenges with Pandemic Puppies
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Chapter 1: Surprising Evaluations
This morning, I experienced an unexpected evaluation of my skills as a dog trainer through a series of practical tests with my pandemic puppies. These evaluations, akin to unannounced quizzes in educational settings, assessed how well I had modified the fearful and anxious behaviors of my two dogs.
Suddenly, my aunt and uncle arrived for a visit, catching me off guard. Typically, unanticipated guests send my dogs into a frenzy of barking and jumping. To manage this chaos, I usually confine them to my bedroom with the door closed. While this approach is effective, it can be time-consuming to train dogs to handle such situations appropriately.
Today, however, I found that I didn't need to implement my usual management strategies.
Section 1.1: Overcoming Breed Stereotypes
Chihuahuas are often stereotyped as aggressive, especially towards strangers, which typically manifests as incessant barking, growling, or even nipping. Social media is flooded with videos showcasing these behaviors, often seen as amusing by the general public. However, such actions indicate that the dogs are under significant stress.
As a dog trainer, I dedicate considerable time to helping my Chihuahuas manage their triggers. Thankfully, my efforts have yielded positive results. During my relatives' visit, the dogs remained calm and composed while my family chatted, showing no signs of anxiety or distress.
Fanny, who has been with me for three weeks, stayed close by and focused on me without any prompting. I offered her verbal praise for her calm demeanor. Meanwhile, Min, my three-year project, demonstrated newfound bravery by inching closer to my relatives.
Subsection 1.1.1: Handling New Noises
Later in the day, my dogs faced another unexpected challenge: contractors working in our neighbor's yard. The noise from their equipment and conversations could have easily startled my under-socialized dogs. However, they surprisingly handled the situation well.
I'm thankful for these spontaneous evaluations; they reaffirmed my belief in the progress we've made together. It's crucial to remember that the critical socialization period for puppies may be overstated. I've witnessed some of my clients panic when their puppies couldn't attend in-person classes due to health issues.
Chapter 2: Practical Insights for Dog Training
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Another insightful video titled "Failing an IDA Skills Validation Exam - MTE Orlando 2020" offers valuable lessons on overcoming challenges, which aligns with the experiences I've had with my dogs.
Thank you for reading!