Today we were at a family lunch for my sisters birthday, and amongst the guests were her 2 granddaughters aged 8 and 7. They don't have a dog, or much experience with them, but the older one particularly is very interested in Cassie. I was so pleased, Cassie was just brilliant with them, very patient and gentle, happily engaging in a snowball session with no "over threshold "behaviour or mouthing of little arms or hands, and allowed them to take her for an on lead walk around the field and just did whatever they wanted really. Even when she found herself in the centre (literally!) of a sibling spat she just stood there, albeit looking a bit bemused, with me and my niece supervising proceedings. She's only met them briefly before, this was the first proper interaction with children and she did so well It seems that ensuring that she saw plenty of children in the socialisation period has paid off, but when she was a full on crocopup I really couldn't envisage this day! Then when we got home I gave her a bone as a treat for being a good girl, she has to keep anything like that on a special blanket in the house and does so, so I was surprised to see her on the carpet, but she had a piece of bone stuck in the side of her mouth. Endearingly, she kept coming to me for help, but I decided that it needed a pair of forceps to remove it, so we set off for the vets. 2 miles up the road I heard a squeak from the back of the car ... and then the sound of her chomping on the bone which she had dislodged Phew!!
That's fantastic to read Selina. All down to your persistence and training with her. I hope her mouth is ok x
Well done Cassie, what a good girl. Great when all the work you put in starts to prove itself isn't it? Good thing about the dislodged bone too, bit scary that.
Phew! Good girl Cassie, it's lovely though, isn't it? When it all seems to come together, not a coincidence though, it takes a lot of dedication, time and patience, and you have worked so hard on your partnership with each other
Potentially, but it was outside her gum area, so her airway was absolutely clear and she was wagging her tail at me, puzzled really not distressed. But, yes, it has made me be a bit more aware of what can happen.
Thanks Beanwood, yes I put the time in with her, but I think maturity helps too. Yes, even rambunctious Cassie is growing up
Once again, a reassuring post! My aim with Inky is to be able to take him to my sister's house for lunch, not his obviously! I take him to my daughters where he is pretty good but they like dogs and so are very relaxed with him. My sister's house is not so dog friendly plus her husband has MS so is not steady on his feet, I'd hate to see inky send him flying but I work towards the visit and perhaps one day I'll be able to post about it here. Well done Selina
My sister also has MS, so this is a big concern aswell. I didn't really allow Cassie to be round her without me in close attendance. She likes dogs and years ago it wouldn't have been a problem, but not worth the risk now.
I agree with Kate. Cassie has really improved in the last few months. You've done a fabulous job with her.
