Gigi Day 9-Lessons 25-26

BIG change for Gigi today, strange man in house putting in built in air conditioner. His name is Matt, he has no dogs, and is single for any girls out there. Gigi no likey.

Early morning:
1. Lesson was an hour.
2. Objective to work Gigi around things that tend to make her panic (which comes out in aggression) and very uncomfortable. Right now that is 1) strange dogs in general 2) strange dogs making eye contact and barking (no problems that I have seen with dogs known to her) 3) strange people outside, and 4) strange people inside (and this includes children but not so much female adults).
3. Techniques used are "let's go" or Koehler long line influenced, and dragging the leash with some freedom for the first time in this situation.
4. Tools used muzzle (more so my legs don't get another set of bruises and also so Gigi learns that this technique gets her nowhere and is fruitless, and finally to get her to feel what it's like once she calms down when being pushed in situations that she is totally uncomfortable in), Dogtra e-collar (does not seem to be making her neck breakout), chain training collar, and long line to drag on the ground.
5. No homework for client as they are not involved yet.
6. Gigi had several tantrums when being told what to do with the strange man at a far distance both inside and outside. She was so panicked that she made the motions of going for my legs several times whether corrected on chain or e-collar. AT one point, she tried to not listen and go inside the house, but did come back although quite pissy. In the end though, the main thing was she did not get her way, and was required to perform the tasks given to basically walk with me. She did not mind the sit stay so much in this situation, as being required to heel and pay attention to me rather than looking out for "the strange man".

That lesson way wore Gigi out. She was not so sure that she liked me anymore LOL, but we were best buds after a nice long nap for her.

Mid afternoon about 1-2 pm:
1. Lesson length one hour.
2. Objective, to work Gigi around strange man in house (in family room now), and have her get used to following commands even when she feels entirely uncomfortable.
3. Techniques used heel with auto sit (no where near enough room to do longe line). Not doing down in these situations, as it puts the handler's face very close to the dog in a situation where they are completely stressed. Once she knows the command, and I don't need to shape her into it, we will do it.
4. Equipment used muzzle, 6' leather leash, e-collar, and metal training collar.
5. No homework for client as they are not involved yet.
6. Not as strong tantrums, and Gigi managed to paw the muzzle and break it off at one point. The clips on the muzzle upon examination are extremely cheap and it appears the male clip is two pieces glued together (not good). Have another kind of muzzle, a soft padded and mesh muzzle. A few times balking at walking past the "strange man" much like the first day walking past the dogs in the living room. Less tantrums but still extreme reluctance to follow commands when uncomfortable.

***Was going to go out to Portsmouth tonight, but Gigi worked very hard today. Going to leave it off until tomorrow, and for today's lesson to kind of settle in for her.