Windspinner, umbrella and almost bubble wrap:)

Today was a day for obstacle course challenges with Suri. I had the afternoon off today and I had been collecting some obstacle parts. Unfortunately the weather was not so good, a bit colder, raining a little and very windy. Of course this actually made the challenges even better and more challenging so that was not too bad after all. I started with the Wind spinner. I first attached it to the fence and pointed at it and asked Suri to look at it. This was no problem at all. As I asked she touched it with her nose. Then I held it in my hand and moved it around in the air. It was spinning so fast because of the wind I was hoping it would not fall apart (it's only a paper one) but it held up great. Then I touched Suri all over with it as you can see in the pictures. She was completely calm as you can see. Then it was time for the umbrella. This also was fine. The part that took a little bit of convincing was to meet me under the umbrella (to have her nose under it as well) but she did that too! Then I had the umbrella folded up and used it to brush and rub her all over her body. Mostly this was fine but when I rubbed under her belly she kicked at it with her hind leg so we worked through this repeating until she accepted with no problem anymore and was relaxed about is. Then I took the bubble wrap. I started popping some of the bubbles with my hand, first a bit further away and then right next to her face. No problems with this at all. Then I put it on a big tile and wanted her to step on it. She was willing and going forwards but nicely over the tile, and sideways, not on the tile. All very calm, she just did not understand what I wanted her to do and we need some more training in taking small steps or halve steps:) I did not want to frustrate her because she was obviously trying but I was asking things she did not know how to do yet so I changed the exercise. I had her touch the bubble wrap with her nose. Then I took it as a big wad in my hand and rubbed her hole body with it (it makes a scratchy sound) and also rubbed her nose, face and ears with it. This was really no problem. Then I tied it as a big wad onto her halter and this was also no problem. So even though I cannot count the bubble wrap exercise as completed it was definately a succes to me and I will practice the stepping on it some other time:) I rewarded her generously. I think she did so great and was really impressed with her. Especially since she just came here and allready is so trusting and calm. Below are some pictures that hopefully show the exercises. (most only show a nose of Suri;) LOL Here I am pointing at the winspinner and asking her to check it out Touching the wind spinner with her nose. The wind spinner under her belly. Here you can see she is standing relaxed (one leg resting) she was really calm about it! 'Brushing' her with the wind spinner.

The umbrella

Bubble wrap on her halter.

Such a good, good girl!!!!!