Sunday, 1/17/2010

I met Megan at ACCT this morning, and we found Leo's kennel. We also discovered that he had been neutered!

He was shaking in his kennel, which he had also been doing when I went to ACCT on Thursday. I don't know if he's cold, or afraid. It really breaks my heart to see it, whatever the reason. He, like every other dog in that shelter, deserves a nice warm home and a loving family.

We took Leo out for a walk first, and while he still sometimes gets bursts of energy, he was slightly easier to walk. I still plan on getting a gentle leader for him, though.

We took Leo into the empty office again, and this time decided to try a new training treat. We had previously been using Natural Balance rolls, cut into small cubes, as well as some other treats that Megan was bringing. This time, we decided to use something different -- mild cheddar cheese!

Leo LOVED the cheese. Unfortunately, he was more interested in trying to steal the brick of cheese that I was cutting, rather than work for the few cubes I had already cut, and given to Megan to use with him.

So, I showed Megan how to teach Leo "stay." Basically, I got Leo in a sit. Then I said "Stay." and held my hand up (as if saying "stop"). And I fed him 5 treats in quick succession. The goal is to get him to sit for the entire succession of treats. If he got up between treats, Megan started over. Meanwhile, I went into the cafeteria to finish cutting the brick of cheese.

By the time I got back, Leo was sitting for the entire time it took to receive 5 treats. So, we upped the ante. We would have Leo sit, say "Stay," and this time, pause between each treat. We worked on this for the remainder of the session.

We'll each go on a different night this week, and work with him on "stay." Hopefully, we'll get to the point that we can take a step away from him in between giving him the treats. Also, I'm going to buy a Gentle Leader, and try to at least desensitize him to that, so that this coming Saturday (the 23rd), Megan and I can get him out of ACCT for the day, and maybe go for a walk in Pennypack Park, if the weather is cooperative.