Patience and Blow Dryers

Aria is from a hoarding situation in Virginia, and subsequently missed out on appropriate socialization and exposure.  Unfamiliar or unexpected noises is one of her largest concerns to this day, and it can be especially challenging to combine those fears with a public place.  For quite some time, we have been working towards being able to be bathed AND blow dried at Pet Supplies Plus - and today was finally the day.

Aria and I have been working with the blow dryers at home, pairing a positive reinforcement schedule with the noise they make.  Over time and repetition (several months), she has become much calmer and comfortable with their use.  There was also a great deal of peanut butter involved!  There was never any sense of rush, just working at her pace - keeping a close eye on her FAS levels and notating positive signs of change (looking excited at the dryer being presented!)  Once she was comfortable with water and dryers at home, we began making trips to PSP just to increase the value and decrease concern about being in the store.  From there, Aria was comfortable going there for a bath, then a bath with the blow dryer running nearby, and today accepted the blow dryer for a complete bath.  We went slowly, always being mindful of her FAS level, but she was wonderfully accepting of the entire process.

Of course, we paired her successful bath day with a puppuccino from Starbucks!

It's so wonderful to see her continue to progress and become comfortable with a wide range of canine activities.  I look forward to seeing how far she can go!