Setbacks

[KeeperBoy]

Last night Keepers had his normal dog class. The class really just works on day to day situations, walks, greetings with people and dogs etc. Keepers also does formal training and agility but this class is much more difficult for him. Last night he was doing alright, then we started working on the hand shake greeting for the canine good citizen test. We were about 5 feet from the other person and dog and Keepers lunged. He wasn't barking or growling so it was hard to tell if he was excited to meet the other person/dog or if he was nervous. It just felt like such a set back.

I've never trained a dog as formally as I have Keepers. It's hard not to take setbacks like these personally. I am his handler and we work together every single day. I've had bad training sessions with Boo before, but her training has never been as intense or formal as Keepers is.

I felt terrible because when we woke up this morning I could tell he still felt like I was upset with him. We went for a long walk this morning which always helps both of us calm down. What are your tricks for getting over setbacks? I also don't ever want Keepers to know I'm upset or frustrated, but he's so smart he picks up on my feelings.

[Ron]

As Joe Dirt would say "keep on keeping on" Keepers is probably more worried about how you're feeling, right now. Dogs can read people like books sometimes!!!

[JoeV]

I'd just tell him your sorry, give him a rub and a thow a toy in his direction - simple as that! Dogs don't dwell on the past, they live in the moment. He'll be your best friend again in no time flat!