The stress of the move really got to me yesterday. I'm also working on some particularly difficult code for a client that requires a lot of concentration. And to top it off, Kody was especially barky yesterday. He barked angrily at some runners who ran by behind some bushes yesterday. It also seemed as if the treats were not quite as effective as they have been in the past. It was a bad day in many ways.
But today was just the opposite. Kody was a dream. We went by the same place he barked and I took special care to click and treat as people and even a stroller went by behind the bushes. Kody was so calm and only barked a couple of times off leash because he was having so much fun. That's the good barking.
He was even incredibly patient watching a squirrel, and that's not even a goal of ours! He barked once and then just watched. I guess now that I'm starting to get used to Kody being so good, when he's bad he seems really bad. And to be honest I haven't seen him bark angrily like that in a very long time.
I'm trying to find balance. I know that Kody is not like those other dogs who are naturally calm, he's just not that dog. But I also know that he's getting better every day. It's hard work with Kody, and sometimes I'm resentful that I have to do it. Especially when I see a lab with no training being so naturally calm and "obedient." At the same time it's all the more rewarding when Kody's good. And I love Kody, good or bad, he's the dog I want.
I suppose with a dog like Kody, I should get used to his mood swings. I'm getting better at it, but on a day when I'm stressed, it can still get to me.
Just remember, dogs are like children and they can sense when you’re stressed and that stresses them………hence they bark and misbehave! You children were always in your worst behavior when I was stressed out.
Be patient…..Kody is wonderful!!
Yeah, I was thinking that too.