Report card

Maya (and me) got a report card of sorts at K9-1 dog training. We flunked.

She (we) were judged in six categories: toys, food, furniture, pets, play and walks. There were three possible "grades": provided (which was passing), entitled (which was failing) and question mark (meaning isn't wasn't clear).

The idea is the dog shouldn't feel entitled. In the pack structure the leader provides for the rest of the pack and a family dog has to know the owners are the pack leaders and the dog is low on the pack hierarchy.

Does the dog get to have its toys when it wants?
Does she get her food whenever she wants it, rather than when the leader allows?
Does she get on the couches or beds (a big area of potential problems should she decide later to defend her space from someone trying to move her off the furniture, especially someone she doesn't know very well, or a child).
Does she get attention on demand?
Does she demand play and get it?
Does she scratch at the door or otherwise indicate when she wants to go out or come in?

Maya failed four and got questions in play and walks.

Look, in fairness to me, Molly had to admit she was the culprit when it came to giving Maya attention on demand, and, if truth be told, Meche is the one who leaves food out for Maya in the morning and doesn't pick it up when the dog doesn't eat it. Besides Maya really only eats dinner and that's partially because she prefers her dry food with a little bit of canned food and some water. But, hey, I had to buck up and take the rap.

We're working on the rest, especially the furniture and are doing really well with that, particularly with the living room couch. On the basement couch, she still likes to join us to watch TV but we tolerate it a lot less and she's being really good about getting off when told. Also, she's consequently taking to using her crate more regularly on her own just as a resting and sleeping place with the door open in the middle of the day. That's great progress!