I'm starting to see a slight change

[Lab_adore]

Maxx was 19 months old yesterday. I sat back and observed him a lot and realised that some really good behaviour (and removal of bad behaviour) had snuck up on us so slowly we didn't realise or appreciate it. Examples

1. We have a gate blocking the kitchen. I've started leaving it open to show Maxx we can trust him. Yesterday, twice, he went in and sniffed the t-towels hanging on the oven door but left them. Not sure if he would do the same if I wasn't watching, but not so long ago he would have grabbed one (or more) straight away and taken off
2. I couldn't find him and ended up Anyway, he was standing there with my slipper in his mouth, tail wagging madly just waiting to be found. BUT he didn't chew the slipper
3. He wandered around our bedroom while I was getting ready to go for our walk. There were shoes on the bed and thongs (flip flops) on the floor. He sniffed them all but left them without me having to say 'leave it'
4. He picked up OH's slipper and started off with it and I said 'drop it Maxx' and he did.

Nothing breathtaking but it is giving us lots of hope. You should see him doing his heel work; his little face is so serious and concentrating and he checks in a lot (unlike when we are out walking outside the house)

We will get there

 

[MrChew]

Well done to both of you! It's always satisfying to sit back and think about how far you've come.

 

[Atemas]

Nothing breathtaking

Well I’d say that was - it’s real progress you can measure. I am so pleased you realise you will get there as you are. He will continue to come on and all your training is paying off. I found Red’s first year and some of the next really hard work but was massively worth it - you are on that journey too.

Well done

 

[VanillaBean]

Well done.
It is always great to reflect and see the changes occurring over time. You see them growing up and think 'yep it will be OK, more than OK' whilst smiling to yourself

 

[kateincornwall]

These changes do creep up on us , but well done to Maxx , he will be just fine xxx

 

[HAH]

I love those quiet moments of ‘goodness, he hasn’t done that for a while...?’ And realizing that actually, it’s part of a more fundamental shift. Our boys are growing up! This is lovely to read Robyn, I particularly love to hear his studied concentration during heel work What a good boy - and three cheers to you (and recent converts!) for your patient care and persistence. Onwards and upwards!

 

[Selina27]

Such a good read Robyn, he's a super boy and is becoming a lovely dog.

You should see him doing his heel work; his little face is so serious and concentrating and he checks in a lot (unlike when we are out walking outside the house)

It's amazing how they thrive on and appreciate the "working with us" aspect of training, I find.

he was standing there with my slipper in his mouth, tail wagging

I can't see Cassie ever stopping doing this! She does it every single day, more than once! The thing is, she needs to improve her delivery to hand, little does she know that her slipper pinching gives me the perfect training opportunity, I've just realised.!

 

[Emily]

That's fantastic progress @Lab_adore!

I still remember when we were able to put the little cushions back on the couches. These steps are huge

Anyway, he was standing there with my slipper in his mouth, tail wagging madly just waiting to be found

Ella will still parade around the lounge room with a pair of socks, given the chance. We actually find it quite funny now

 

[Lab_adore]

Thanks friends

 

[Aitch]

Well done! I think it's a good idea to look back at past behavior now and then. It's the only way we can see their progress. You and Maxx are well into your journey now and doing so well.

 

[Joy]

That's great - well done. I remember the first summer with Molly not being able to hang washing outside because she would steal it and then a year later it was safe. And I think she was around 18 months old when tea cloths lost their allure too.
I'm sure life will get much easier from now on.

 

[edzbird]

It's really difficult to see the changes when you're in the thick of it, but it is so beneficial to sit back and really count those improvements. Maxx has come on leaps and bounds, he really has.

 

[Loraseal]

Well done @Lab_adore and well done Maxx. He is coming on leaps and bounds and I just love reading about Maxx and his progress. Hunter has a knicker fetish, he doesn't chew them just likes parade around the house with them in the hope of me playing chase!

 

[Boogie]

Great news

 

[Shaz82]

It's great when these changes are noticed, and quite satisfying - you can let out a large breath - phew, I don't have to watch the t-towels now etc. We can put our rubbish bins on the floor again now, although when Maisy is in a cheeky mood she might pinch something out of them.
Well done Maxx.

 

[Lab_adore]

Thanks again. Your encouragement means so much

 

[MellowYellow]

Very good to hear your positive news!!! Good boy Maxx.