Molly's First Day of Frisky Fitness Doggie Day Camp

Daily CHALLENGE & ACTiViTY Summary

Dog’s name: Molly M.

Date: Thursday, April 21st, 2016

Physical Fitness

Molly ran around and chased toys with the other dogs in the backyard, and hopped in and out of the swimming pool, for a total of approximately 1.25 hours. We took a mile-long pack walk around the neighborhood with two of (our) other dogs; and Molly and I worked on loose-leash walking for approximately 20-25 minutes. We tried to get her to actually swim in the pool, and managed to get her off the steps a few times, just far enough that she then could turn and find the steps again, and get herself out of the pool.

Cognitive Fitness

We worked on Molly’s commands: HEEL, SIT, DOWN, WAIT, STAY, (GO TO YOUR) PLACE, GET IT, BRING IT HERE, and GIVE. We worked some commands in the context of loose leash walking, some in the context of playing fetch outside, and some in the context of self-control exercises in the kitchen while I prepared lunch (for me, not the dogs ;) .

Social Fitness

Molly met three new dogs today, and became infiltrated into “their domain”. This was challenging and overwhelming for Molly at times. Her inexperience in social situations manifested in a nervous sort of over-excitement, which set off a bit of reactivity in the other dogs. She was “taken aback” by the different kind of structure a pack walk requires on leash, but did well over all. She had some issues with my dog Fred, once we were in my bedroom/office, which is also Fred’s personal space (more explanation in the video). Ultimately, these issues are the reason it is so important for (both Fred and) Molly to be put in social situations wherein the expectation is that the dogs be CALM and non-confrontational. Calmness will counteract the hyper-activity and anxiousness which, when manifested in behavior, can lead to reactivity (such as lip curling and growling), and even outward aggression.

Emotional Fitness

Molly was challenged greatly today on an emotional level, in that she was (a) away from her comfort zone of Home; (b) put into many new situations with many new dogs; (c) asked to manage her energy appropriately in different contexts -- i.e. to be excited (but still under control) at playtime, to be quiet and still during rest time, and to be focused during training time.

Additional Notes

Molly did reasonably well for her first time around the dogs here. However, she did project some unstable energy, which caused the other dogs to react here and there. It was a new dynamic for all involved…and I am also still feeling out where (my dog) Fred’s own issues are showing themselves in social situations with other dogs (as he has become somewhat socially awkward after not having been around other dogs for two years). Again, this is why all of this training and socialization is so important for Molly (and the other dogs, too), and I believe it will only get better from here! All in all, I think she had lots of fun…and I’m pretty sure she’ll be pretty tired this evening!