tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1101438868458660054.post4800730675627290201..comments2024-03-04T06:54:50.622-06:00Comments on Reactive Champion: Emotional ExhaustionCrystal (Thompson) Barrerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738188430244886019noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1101438868458660054.post-3400469137366939302011-01-10T10:14:05.806-06:002011-01-10T10:14:05.806-06:00Hi, Vicky- I'm sorry you've had the same e...Hi, Vicky- I'm sorry you've had the same experience. This post is over a year old, and when I reread it, it brought tears to my eyes all over again. It is so hard to love a dog so much, and to see them so stressed out. Good luck to you and Maggie.Crystal (Thompson) Barrerahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01738188430244886019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1101438868458660054.post-59096799991867615782011-01-09T08:26:53.168-06:002011-01-09T08:26:53.168-06:00Hi Crystal. I've just found, and subscribed, t...Hi Crystal. I've just found, and subscribed, to your blog too- I'm going through exactly the same thing with my gorgeous 15 month old collie, Maggie. I can't begin to tell you how much the stuff I've read here so far echoes the experiences I've had with her- it doesn't happen often with me either but I was in tears myself last night after a difficult obedience class earlier in the day (I'd managed to bite my lip all afternoon but by bedtime just couldn't hold it in any longer). But she's amazing too- I wouldn't swap her for the world! We've been clicker training since day one (she's incredible at obedience class when I manage to keep her under threshold, she passed her Bronze Canine Good Citizen award with flying colours, and we've even put a little tricks video up on youtube), and she's the sweetest, most affectionate girl imaginable. I'd love to compete with her (either at obedience, rally, agility, freestyle- whatever she could handle). Some days she IS the kind of dog that makes me look brilliant, and others I'm 'the idiot that can't control her dog' too. It always breaks my heart when she does react because I know it means I took my eye off the ball, yet having to keep your eye on the ball (and in the back of your head!) all the time isn't always easy, and whilst I'm surrounded by supportive, well meaning people, I'm kinda on my own in terms of having a clue about d&c, cu, thresholds etc. Anyway, I'm so glad I've found your blog- it was a candle in the dark last night.Vicky Whitenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1101438868458660054.post-25009748842121901872010-11-19T07:59:07.726-06:002010-11-19T07:59:07.726-06:00Susan, thanks for the comment. One of the best thi...Susan, thanks for the comment. One of the best things about this blog has been learning that I'm not alone.Crystal (Thompson) Barrerahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01738188430244886019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1101438868458660054.post-15183229544053195002010-11-19T07:50:14.847-06:002010-11-19T07:50:14.847-06:00Crystal, I just found your blog and am reading it ...Crystal, I just found your blog and am reading it from the beginning. I too have a reactive dog and it is heartbreaking. I have cried so many tears for my sweet dog. I've been working with him for over two years now and it's getting better, but it's not fixed yet.Susan DeMarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12296448785880261191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1101438868458660054.post-60612181357833051132009-12-22T22:24:43.605-06:002009-12-22T22:24:43.605-06:00Thank you, Sara. Both for letting me know I'm ...Thank you, Sara. Both for letting me know I'm not alone in the crying (although I knew I probably wasn't), and for the kind words about our relationship. I can't really see us working, so the glowing is news to me! :)<br /><br />It's better this week. We've had a few really nice training sessions, and an excellent CU class with very little snarfing. <br /><br />I'm working on a "year in review" post right now- expect it tomorrowish- and I'm pretty amazed by how far we've come. :)Crystal (Thompson) Barrerahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01738188430244886019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1101438868458660054.post-11724400822987572752009-12-22T21:31:53.524-06:002009-12-22T21:31:53.524-06:00Oh, that feeling is the worst. I've cried so m...Oh, that feeling is the worst. I've cried so many times with Layla (and I couldn't always make it to the car before the tears came). Maisy loves and trusts you, she almost GLOWS when she's working with you, and she keeps making progress. Everyone has bad days, including our dogs, and setbacks are normal. Give yourself a break, and come back refreshed next week. You two are awesome!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1101438868458660054.post-73574719760857521382009-12-20T21:41:25.037-06:002009-12-20T21:41:25.037-06:00Thank you so much for the kind words. I do know, r...Thank you so much for the kind words. I do know, rationally, that we're a good team, and I do believe we'll meet our/my goals. It's just hard some days, and those are the days where comments like yours really are appreciated.<br /><br />I'm so sorry your guys' schedule is changing though! I've really enjoyed watching you and Vito. He's so cute!Crystal (Thompson) Barrerahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01738188430244886019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1101438868458660054.post-5759318410125783712009-12-20T20:41:02.483-06:002009-12-20T20:41:02.483-06:00I just want to say that I really do feel like you&...I just want to say that I really do feel like you're doing a great job with her. You know how much work it is and know that there is ups and downs, but you also know how far she has come. I wouldn't worry about going out into the hallway or setting up a little box, no one else even notices or cares. And someday you WILL get to the point where you won't need any of that because you are a great trainer and you two make a great team. But you already know all that.<br /><br />Unfortunately I won't be able to witness Maisy's improvements since Vito's schedule is changing and will be going to Mon night obedience instead...Laura and The Corgi, Toller, & Duckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06437492165453445126noreply@blogger.com