Just curious as to whether I can be doing anything to stop Red reacting so much to the wind. Last evening I had a perfect walk with her around the village. It was a calm evening and lots of people were out, many with dogs. She walked on a very loose lead the whole time. Today it is very blustery, we have done more or less the same walk. She hasn't pulled except once she just suddenly pulled out into the edge of the road but she has been ducking down to trap every leaf and twig. She has been reluctant to leave a lot she has picked up so I tried not to make an issue of it. Mostly she dropped in exchange for a treat. Any tips or is this just something she will do when it's very windy?
I think with some dogs, its the sound of the wind , that whooshing noise that suddenly comes in gusts , sends some into a frenzy ! Nell is deaf so she cant hear it but she does love to chase leaves when its windy , just pure excitement really , I wouldn't worry too much x
Thank you @kateincornwall - I am not worried about it, just a bit frustrating that she can suddenly become so focussed on ducking down to trap leaves and twigs in her mouth. Made my arm ache this morning .
It's a classic example of ' change the environment, change the behaviour'. Few things change the environment more for a dog than the wind. It is just a case of proofing your loose lead training against such distractions. Maybe start with a stationary exercise where you reward for focus and engagement with you despite any twirling leaves etc.
It sounds like she is simply playing, not afraid of the wind. Training and proofing will get her past this distraction. You could try some proofing against tantalizing moving objects with a helper throwing a ball past her. We did that in our competitive obedience class when dogs were being trained to hold a stay, sit or down. If she LOVES balls start with something she doesn't love.
In gale force winds Charlie cannot be let off lead, as last year he got disorientated in the woods and got lost for 2 hours, we were beside ourselves until he made his way home whilst we were still in the woods looking for him I think it can make some dogs very skittish. Hattie is not bothered by any weather, it just depends on the dog, I think. xx
Yes we have had this happen with Sky the older dog when she was younger so I understand how you must have been feeling.
