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Thanks David. Our last session I worked on Marker exercises with just the parents (No Storm) to help them with improving their timing. We also worked on targeting as I felt a “non-static” alternate behavior would be easier to implement on walks with Storm, help to build her confidence, and help the parents get more accustomed to training with a basic exercise. Storm enjoyed the target exercises.
I do believe some of the arousal I first reported has been attributed to fear and anxiety. On a recent walk Storm spooked after there was very loud blast. The parents said that now she is afraid to walk down the block now because of this. In addition to targeting, I added two scent games to their home training plan (from the great advice I received). I also added massage. I suggested they could do this in lieu of some of their “cuddle time” to help calm and relax her. I do love the carry the toy idea and will try to teach that in the next session, pending on how things go this week and what they report.
Thanks for the feedback and support. Everyone’s ideas made me think more about how to approach this.