George encountered a couple of new scary things this week. He did pretty well!
On a walk with my friend and her dog, there were some orange and yellow flags on the field. George was very wary, stopped dead, and looked up at me with sad eyes. We adjusted the route and he got on with his day.
On the longline on the way back, he was more curious and confident and went right up to one of the flags to investigate.
Not forcing him and allowing him to investigate in his own time really helped.
I got a new electric toothbrush delivered this week. Curious George, thinking every delivery is for him, was sticking his nose in to investigate as I got it out of the box. Without thinking, I pressed the button to check if it was charged.
Turns out it is pretty loud. Poor George ran away and hid under the table. I put the toothbrush away.
Later that evening, when I was brushing my teeth, a little face appeared at the bathroom door. It is much louder than my old one! He watched me cautiously before retreating to the bedroom.
The next day, he wasn't bothered by it at all. I'm quite pleased that he seems to be able to handle new fears much better than he did in the past. In the early days, I think he would have been afraid of the bathroom for days if not weeks after that scary noise. Obviously I shouldn't have turned it on when he was close!
We got some good feedback from daycare this week. One of the staff members who had taken him on a Forest Adventure commented on how good he is, and that he is very well-trained. He stays close to her and is very receptive apparently. I am pretty sure this is his separation anxiety and cautiousness which I did point out but will take the win - when separation anxiety works in your favour!
He's been much calmer at home this week. He had his calmest day in the home office ever. Lots of noise from the neighbours and he rested really well throughout. A huge improvement from just a couple of weeks ago.
We also had our most successful brushing session yet. By taking it very slowly, he is so much more comfortable with it now.
We also had a little fashion show. Of course, I never get to go shopping so ordered some new clothes online this week. Curious George watched me attentively while I tried them all on - he really is my little best friend 😆
Overall, a much better week. Significant improvements with calm at home and I'm really proud of him for shaking off his new fears.