What Boomer taught me

I had gotten the idea to write this post when I was at the Regional in Missouri not knowing then that my time with my Boomer was very limited.
Today is one week since I let him cross over the rainbow bridge, and while we are still adjusting here at the Miller residence his absence is still great.

Not all of you knew by big tri-boy.  For a "first"  agility dog, he was not without his challenges.
He was very fear reactive, so I spent much of my time managing him and not really that much time running agility.  I spent a great deal of my initial years on the side-lines - away from everyone else - just hoping to get a small chance to run an entire sequence.
But with all that said, having a reactive dog taught me a great deal.
This is what Boomer taught me:

1. Nature vs. Nurture  - While I believe that nurture plays a big part, he made me realize that nature has a lot to do with it too. I can't say I knew what I was doing when he first started his fear reactions, but this is a dog that at 8 weeks of age reacted with barking and worry when he saw his first full moon.
2. Thoughts - as much as I analyzed and tried to get in his head, I learned we will never know what they are thinking - but it would nice to - wouldn't it?
3. Startle effect - there is no way to soften the natural startle effect.  This is a built in defense in both dogs and humans (and I am sure all animals) that is there for a good reason and all the clicking in the world can make it go away.
4. Triggers - the door was a big one for him.  The opening of a door was a good trigger and a bad trigger - all depending on what was on the other side. It could mean door blast opens and we get to go play outside, or it could be a surprise that there is a stranger on the other side.  But either way,  that trigger builds up an excitement, and while I tried to make it a good thing if there was something he wasn't expecting on the other side, the excitement PLUS the startle effect came in to play.
5. Fight or Flight - dogs two instincts. But with a leash on, we have completely inhibited one of the two - this too increased his reactivity.
6. Environment - I learned as the owner of any dog, it is our job to be aware of their surroundings and see what they might see in order to protect them, especially when we are putting them in situations they wouldn't naturally be in. I realized with Hemi at the Regional that I was anticipating "scary" situations where there were none. It was then that I could see what Boomer had taught me: I had almost become hyper-vigilant of scanning the environments for scary things. Hemi was sooo not concerned.
7. Hotels -
1. That a towel laid in front of the door blocks out extra light, sounds and smells.
2. That even though I might be freezing, having the fan running on the A/C all night helps muffle sounds.
3. And if that doesn't work, a crate between two beds with the hotel bedspread over it, the towel by the door, the fan on the A/C and maybe even the TV on low, muffles all the sounds and you might be able to sleep - if those things don't keep you awake too.
4. That the second night of an agility trial hotel stay with a reactive dog, your so exhausted you pass out and you wouldn't hear your dog bark anyway.  :o)

If I knew then what I know now - he might have turned out different, but then again, if it hadn't been for him, I wouldn't know what I know now, would I ?

Thanks Boomer for a wonderful ride - I will always love you for the things I learned with you and through you.