Saffy and I went to EPCOT yesterday and explored the Moana attraction, the aquarium (thank you @Kenzie Carlson for the suggestion) and went into Mexico, which was our 1st time going to the World Show case. She just nailed it from easily getting on the tram, walking with “no hands” cross body leash, chilling with the manatees & kids. Her only issue was the shooting water outside Nemo and friends. She did not care for the sound. She did do a nervous but good down/ stay with praise and treats for a couple rounds of the noise!! We had some fun free dog time near the relief area and handle the super tight crowd by Mexico so well! So super dupper proud of her! Today we ran errands. She did so great heeling behind the cart. I didn’t even have to say anything, I was so proud. One stop was Lowes and we had our first experience with a dog the got out of his collar. Luckily he seemed nice and friendly but . . . scared me. Here is the story . . . I had Saffy attached to the cart while shopping and was just undoing her leash when she gave a slight tug. I looked up to see a dog walking across the wider than usual aisle towards us. Saffy immediately obeyed a sit/stay/leave it while I assessed what was happening. The owner was embarrassed and grabbed the dog put the collar back on and the dog immediately got loose. I was frustrated but stayed still and quickly decided when the owner grabbed the dog again to just gather Saffy’s leash and leave before the dog had another chance to get away. I praised her for a good leave it. I found a quiet aisle, got her leash situated and took a deep breath and was thankful for the training we have! I did keep an eye out for that dog during the rest of the trip. I do not like meeting stranger’s dogs especially when off leash. I was scared but immediately turned my focus towards Saffy’s safety which helped me get through the situation. SD to the rescue in an unconventional way! @Amanda Taulborg I wondered in that moment (that felt like forever) what to do and staying still seemed like the best decision at the time. I know every situation is different but what is your advice for a situation like this? And thank you for our group training, especially teaching them/us to ignore the other dogs!

We took Saffy to EPCOT for the first time this afternoon. We decided since there were not a lot of people waiting that we would ride the tram in. She was verrryy reluctant to get on at first. I tried treats and she put on the breaks. So I went to a heel and saw that the tram cast member was VERY kindly holding a door open which made it easier for me to walk with her in a heel and tap, tap, tap the button. When we made it to the car, I told her up and she went right on! She got super praise and treats!! She did remarkably well for her 1st ride. I tried to keep her in a down so I had to stop videoing to correct with the remote. I was holding the handle on her vest, because I wasn’t sure what she would do. After we went through security, we had some free dog time with her toy. Before I got my phone out she was ‘running’ around with it🥹. We realized we forgot to make a potty stop before security so that was next. We found our favorite chill out space and just sat and watched the wildlife and people. She did really good staying on her place ‘mat’. She was way calmer than we thought she would be for her fist trip! After a while, we walked over to the designated SD relief area and took care of that and had some free dog time! We even went into the main store! She did so well!! We did find out that she wants to chase/ play with field mice!🐭 But she responded to a leave it and heel once we figured out what was going on.😂. She did ignore the squirrels, bunnies, big fat bubble bee and birds! So SUPER duper proud of her and us too! Dad was having a really bad anxiety day and Saffy helped! Dad was on a scooter because he injured his ankle. With the ankle injury and the heightened anxiety, I handled Saffy but had her right next to him as much as possible.

I forgot to post this but Ranger did AMAZING on our airport trip on the 30th and he did try to get up on the landing but honestly, I felt the immense pressure on that landing and I knew he was uncomfortable but he went right back down!!! He did also fix himself when we passed another service animal and looked back at them but looked ahead before I realized and said “leave it”, I love how perfect he was.. Enjoy our video!! I absolutely love Ranger and this made me so incredibly proud of him! Again, THANK YOU Amanda for your help leading up to this trip!!

When we first get to the shore Amica and Riley avoid the water, then they will barely get their feet wet, and run from the waves. I started tossing their orange Chuck It ball closer and closer to the water, until it went in the water. Riley would go in the water, but Amica would wait for her ball to wash back on the shore. We did a little desensitization & threshold training by walking up & down the shore. This was challenging for me not to rush the process, because I love the water — 🌊 It Calls Me. 😉 But it doesn’t call Amica. 🤣 I wanted to have her enjoy swimming in the ocean, but she was good with just getting her paws wet. It was fine to readjust my goal, so that she would trust the process. My ultimate goal is for her not to just tolerate walking in the ocean, but actually enjoy it, so baby steps. She did get the water up to her knees at one time when a wave rolled in. 🤭

I was cleaning the bathroom room she was in the other room and all of the sudden I felt a nudge and a paw and then a nudge again she woke up out of a dead sleep to let me know I need to sit she came before Bo felt it I’m so proud of her