Part of the problem with visitor-puppy was that the owner was luring it with the food and the puppy did not desire the food enough to push into his hand and work for it. Work ethic isn't something a puppy is born with; it is created. Being a dog, a puppy would be perfectly happy to be cajoled and begged to try different treats and not work too hard, letting the silly human do all the work! So Hana got to demonstrate how driving for food looks, showing off her spins and heel position, moving off the hand and backing. We had worked with a board last night, tossing food and having her pause on the board. Today I introduced the perch. I had concerns about tossing food on the field and whether it would result in hunting for food instead of the pursuit thereof, but by using highly visible treats for that (string cheese/spam) none of that occurred. I was able to toss the treats, have her run to them and run right back to me.
Lucky girl! She even took a turn showing what prey drive for the chamois looks like, and how to work the grip. Tug toys only come out as interaction with me. Back at home, she only has "boring" chew toys. The most fun stuff is held by me, the Goddess of All Good Things.
Hana came out for 4 or 5 short sessions during the day. Part of her education is simply the act of being crated and riding along for the day, in and out to potty and train. I bag up her meal at the beginning of the day, and what hasn't been finished in training (she gets her own kibble on the track and in some obedience exercises), is finished with a send away.
And that was a day in the life of Hana. She slept very soundly.... for about 3 hours.
