"Here in my car.... I feel safest of all....."

The Car
This afternoon went well. She slept a bunch while I was out, then we tried the car again. She seemed a bit more comfortable in the car, although I could tell she was still very nervous. She went right "UP!" into the backseat (I have a hammock back there) and this time she peeked her head up to look out the window much more. She got down when she needed to, although I am working on having her wait a minute once I open the door so she does not just bolt out. Last time we drove around for a few minutes, then came home. This time we drove around for a few minutes, came home, then went for a short walk. I am trying to get her used to getting home not necessarily meaning going to her safe bed. I want to build her up so that we can start exploring places such as the quiet pet shop, other quiet neighborhoods, and.....someday....the Greenbelt Path. She did well on the walk, although towards the end I could tell she was DONE and just wanted to get HOME.

I need to remember that she's been bounced around a bit....I believe she was born and raised in Kansas, then shipped (by car?) to Tijuana, Mexico's racetrack, then driven up to the rescue group, then driven to a foster home, then driven back to the rescue group when that didn't work out, then driven to me. In her mind she may be wondering where any car ride might be taking her. Away from what she thinks is "home?" Just like with my first graders, I need to remember what she has been through and what she might be thinking.

The Walk
She pooped on the sidewalk without warning (that's how she likes to do #2 when we are out and about) and I realized that I *really* need to get on this WAIT command. It's hard to clean up a mess when you've got a dog who really wants to get home. Oh, and huge thanks to Tom for suggesting adding some canned pumpkin to the kibble. Finally we have some poop that can actually be picked up. Pre-canned pumpkin and I'd probably still be there cleaning up!

Training
Anyway, back to "wait" - I've been using "wait" just as a verbal command when we are on walks at every intersection, just trying to get her used to the command and us stopping. I should start using a hand command in front of her face as well, but I'm not the type that needs my dog to walk right next to me so sometimes she is in front of me. Must think about how to handle that one...If anyone has suggestions, throw them at me.

Plus, I realized today that my version of "wait" right now technically means STOP. I think I need to add another command (perhaps "stay") to mean wait in this spot until I am ready to tell you "ok," then you can move. That way "stay" can be used in the car and by the door once she starts coming to the door to greet us or others.

Right now when we come home she just stays in her safe bed...sometimes not even picking up her head to see who it is, but just looking over.

But, that's honestly ok with me. I'd rather her stay there than bolt over and try to push her way out of the house. Sometimes that safe bed is a good thing. :)