Last stop was GiggyBites to get Barkley more yummy treats. It is amazing how dependant I have become on my clicker and treats during this training with Barkley. I didn't even use treats with Delsie- she was so eager to please. Barkley? I feel like short of dancing on the top of my head, he could care less whether or not he does something for me. It makes me feel like I should be doing more or it better. I don't remember being tested like this when I came out to train with Delsie. His looks can be deceiving- he is stubborn. Gosh, I hope this improves...it is such a challenge. I fear being at work and Barkley cops an attitude and time is of the essence and he won't complete a task...now, I am cocooned in the comfort of training and doing nothing else. Thankfully, this is really draining. Stephanie at GiggyBites commented to me after she witnessed Barkley's stubborn streak-"I'm glad he's a successor dog."
My greatest challenge was at the very end of the day when I was asked to do a "go pay" with Barkley. I had to fight against shutting down as I was beyond tired after fighting him in the mall. I knew Barkley was exhausted and I dreaded doing it with him. I know I need to approach this differently but I didn't have it in me right then.
I was most proud of Barkley when he finally held my wallet and carried past two stores. I think the whole mall heard me command a "hold" and I kicked it into high gear.
A funny thing happened today at the mall involved a statue AGAIN. They had a display for Christmas that involved a old man holding a cane...Barkley freaked. There was no way to convince him that it wouldn't jump out and hurt him. He turned into Darlene's dog during that stop.
Not much shopping happened- however, Barkley made out- big time.
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