Out this morning and trying to get a little bit more distance before a look back on the sendaway. So trying something new - send then a ball thrower toss over the head. Timing needs to be get some distance and throw before any look back then increase the time when she is confident ball will come. Was not bad so will try some more and see how we go. Temperature hitting 30 degrees C with high humidity so limited dog training for most of the day.

training has been super low key to start the year, as we’ve all had horrible colds, my truck blew up again and Toddler has started school. It’s been a rollercoaster. We’ve been steadily increasing intensity with reduced proximity to other dogs doing exciting things and it’s paying off really well, he’s working really nicely very near other dogs, better settling while watching them play and we’re going to start doing some very calculated off lead walks with other dogs soon. In anticipation we’ve been training a “move” command using spatial pressure (tbh we do this naturally anyway) to calmly move him on from whatever he is up to, this will be used if he lingers sniffing too long, ignores a cue from the other dog etc. without recalling him and increasing arousal because he’s super snappy with it or putting him in an emergency down and putting him in a vulnerable position. We’ve also been working more at recall to front, and a flip into basic position. Looooads to work on but we are chipping away at it all which is the main thing. Think I’m going to revisit some hind awareness and pivot target work to get this better - I’m back in work from Monday (sad) so we’ll be more into the the accuracy training sessions in my breaks then which will be good for him after a lot of drivey sessions lately! I’ve also got terrible fomo about the meet up tomorrow and not training with anyone in a while. Hopefully my truck is sorted soon 😥