Spur: Training the Beast, Part 2

Class Day 2, April 6


When asked about our progress at home, Doug and I both admitted that we’re still not 100% on board with the e-collar and probably didn’t use it as much as we should have.

There was some construction going on along the sidewalk, with some workers. Spur didn’t seem to notice them as we practiced walking through the parking lot. We then headed for the sidewalk area without construction. Spur seemed to do well. All this time, Courtney held our remote and we just walked Spur. The only problem I have with this is that we really didn’t know, for sure, how much Courtney was using the remote on Spur; he just seemed to walk really well with us. He was doing so well, we decided to try walking past the construction workers and equipment. No issues!!! Courtney then admitted to us that he’d hit the “nick” button probably about 100 times to get us through that worry zone. But he did so without seeming to notice the workers or barking! So we continued up the street to the AutoBell Car wash. We weaved between cars and headed up to where the customers wait. It was a beautiful day and lots of people were getting their cars washed, so it was very busy. Spur didn’t seem to notice the customers waiting for their cars, nor all the AutoBell Car workers scurrying around. He was just heeling with Doug, and doing a great job at it!

Admittedly, we were in the way at the AutoBell, so he headed back to the facility. Such a great class! So inspired! So hopeful!

Doug and I came to the realization that if we want to use the remote on him less, we really need to use it on him more at this point, until he learns what is acceptable in public. During the week, until the next class, I did use the remote on him more. Doug is still having his own issues with using it.