So where was I???

Axl... oh, yes, Axl.... One of the books I've read said that the first thing to do with a reactive dog is to calm him/her down. That means making the days very peaceful, taking walks where nothing happens, keeping them calm and relaxed and letting the anxiety leave their life for a period of time. In many ways that's easier said than done, but with Axl my being home all day does it for him. He sleeps 90% of the day away near wherever I am. We go for walks earlier which means that no other dogs are out so we have less unpleasant encounters. You can see the difference in him. So while I wanted to start his actual training this week, I think just letting him be is of great help. Next week I will try the training again. I'm hoping in his calmer state he'll take to the clicker this time. It's not like I'm asking him to go through a medical assistance program or anything. Though it would be nice to make him, or Lola, a therapy dog. Lola would probably be very good at that. Anyway, that's where I am with Axl. Waiting for him to calm down....kind of like waiting for Godot!!!