Today we returned to the Food Barrier Challenge with a twist! The last video I shared on this topic was Day 36 where the dish was right around the corner from the barrier and slightly further in for the second trial later in the day. We continued to add some depth over several following days by moving the dish closer to the wall and then making the panels a V shape in both directions. We then took a few days off of this challenge to percolate on it and returned at breakfast this morning with a more challenging 6-panel spiral! The rundown went Shazam (0:37) then Peter (0:45), both with the least amount of avoidance and distractions but still with some. Peter gets extra points as Zipper The Cat nearly did a “Food Barrier: Feline Edition” but I intervened and amazingly Peter seemed mostly unphased. Tony (1:07 edited) and Barry (1:40 edited) both showed some frustration through avoidance. Barry was particularly entertaining with his attempts at a hygiene routine which I left in for your amusement. You’ll notice that when they actually get focused they both ”get ‘er done” with speed and precision. What this shows me is that both Tony and Barry could use a little more of this kind of work as well as some focus games to help ?them learn skills… and they need to simply grow up! They’re all still babies after all.
I’m sharing a little video of Peaches playing with her boys today. I cannot stress enough how important this playtime is for both the dam and her puppies. Without getting on my soapbox about back-yard-bred dogs, there are SO MANY rescue organizations who whelp out puppies, force weaning around three weeks and then dismiss the dam for placement!! There are vital skills and communication that goes on all day long between Peaches and her boys — things I cannot possibly teach them. This video clip does not show any of her corrections which also happen, but it does show love, kindness and ease of interaction.
We capitalized on a cancellation in my clinic schedule today and had a wonderful visit from my friend Jen and 7 month old Cleo (Coedwig’s Cleopatra) from Alpenglow Cardigan Welsh Corgis. We were distracted by the great visit between both us and the dogs that neither one of us took many photos. Jen generously sent hers to me and agreed to allow me to post them — thank you! Cleo is a really lovely young girl who managed to keep four baby ACD boys in line with ease and grace. I look forward to having them back again soon!
