One step forward...two steps back....

It should be "one step forward, four paws back on the safe bed."
I had been seeing some progress with Gracie getting off her bed to go out for walks/ bathroom breaks. It went from having to pick her up and physically get her OFF the bed.... to being able to put on her leash and giving a slight tug with a "Let's go Gracie" and off the bed she would go...

Tonight was back to her "I'm not getting up" pouty face.
Come on Gracie - it's just your last bathroom break of the night - it's not THAT scary!

A tug and a "Let's go Gracie" felt like I had attached the leash to an 18 wheeler. I wasn't getting her to go anywhere. So, as much as I hated going backwards, I picked her up like I used to have to do. Praise, praise, praise for getting up....praise praise praise for one, then two paws off the safe bed.

Then, this happened.

Nope. I ain't gonna go!

I could feel the frustration building inside of me - I am not going to lie. But, I could not let it show. I had to put on my patient, loving face and try to help this little girl learn that it's not so scary out there.

After a few minutes I was finally able to get her up and out. It took a little lifting and a lot of praising when a baby step happened.

But that's what it's all about, right? Baby steps....