March 18, 2022

 Roman is giving it his best effort; he truly is. Sometimes an added incentive helps him stay focused on the task at hand rather than being distracted by a certain sister who presence still can trigger an outburst of growling and an aggressive stance.

And he has been tested. Lilly is every bit as food motivated as Roman is. When Steve shows Our Boy a treat and asks him to heel and walk to his crate or the gated kitchen, Lilly walks on the OTHER side of Steve in hopes of also being given a snack. At Steve's reassurance, Roman walks calmly at his side and ignores the tall dark girl so near. Lilly understands that at the crate she must sit behind Steve as he tucks Roman in and rewards him.  

Fixed on the treat Steve holds on the other side of the gate, Roman can even navigate through the rest of WDA, past Lilly, and safely into the kitchen. Lavish praise, for all, I think, is as much a motivator as the cookie is for Roman. 

Time and love will get us where we need to be.