Mini-update

First, I deleted a post from the blog today.  It was written late last night, when my current illness (some kind of cold/sinus infection) was raging at it's worst, and I was not in the best frame of mind.  I am still resolved about the ideas I was trying to express.  I'm just sure that I, probably, did a bad job of it.  So, I will give it another shot later.

Second, Echo is still with Kathy, her trainer.  She should be coming home late tomorrow.  At this point, it has become apparent to Amy and I that even Gimli misses her.

Anyway, Kathy sent some update information about her time with Echo to me and Jean, earlier today.

Here it is:

Echo and I are enjoying one another's company. I think we've established a good relationship where she willingly wants to work for me. The ride home yesterday was sad for Echo. Poor baby threw up 6 times. Needless to say that once she had a chance to explore and settle in when we got home that she was very hungry. I will be trying some different methods to see if I an determine whether she has motion sickness or anxiety when traveling. For everyone it would be great if the solution is sooner than later! I'll let you know what methods I used in my attempt to solve the problem. 

She took a nap for about 1 1/2 hours during the evening which gave me the chance to read the handbook and the handout about Collie's. Much needed information which should help during training. Of course her name recognition is great as well as her sit. She will sit with either the command, command and hand motion and hand motion only on all sides (front, back, sides). Such a smart girl! I put my larger dog crate in my bedroom. When went to bed at 11:45 pm, she randomly barked for 5 minutes and then settled in for the rest of the night. I think we both woke up at the same time this morning (7:45 am). I fed her a small amount of food, we explored the backyard for about 10 minutes with bursts of energy from her. She came when I called her name every time. We're going on a walk in about 15 minutes. 

I have two concerns: she has a tendency to "dig" at the carpet (not the digging that a dog might dog to settle in) and she is somewhat mouthy. It may be teething but I would lean towards her being too mouthy. As she walks by furniture and whatever else looks chewable, she will put her mouth on it. Not long enough to cause damage but a bad habit that needs to be addressed. When she's settled I've been enticing her with chew toys which she seems to enjoy. 

Off we go for our walk! 

 I'll fill you in later as our day progresses. 

Fun!

Kathy, also, sent two pictures: