Saw a weirdo in a tree looking for his stash yesterday. Think the squirrels might have nicked it. He'd parked his bicycle and was climbing around looking on the branches. Today Rory shows pretty laid back alerted to another strange lurker by barking at the strange man. He looked a fierce labrador he didn't like the look of the guy and neither did I.i to funny now it's warmer all the strange folk are .out and about again
We are having a late spell off hot weather at present. Clocks went back last weekend so we can now have dogs off leash anytime of day on beach. It annoyed me last night, everybody was out and no one had control of their dogs. Either onleash or off leash, we lasted all of 5min and I got a very disappointed look from Vanilla. Must be the fair weather walkers....same in the mornings now, people we used to see during summer not to be seen. Sure the dogs are going crazy...
That is very annoying and I felt an instant stab of guilt as we still have not been able to train Maxx to not run up to people/dogs when he is off the leash. I will redouble our efforts
It took me ages to get to the point of her staying with me. It was a very gradual process but the ling line was helpful. It did involve very early mornings ie: as soon it was light we would be out as very few people about. Towards end of summer we started going out later. Now she is on cue for play, swim, taking leash off she stays with me rather than bolt etc. This was the hardest and had to be done very gradually. Of course now we have done that it just becomes annoying when others don't and the excuse is 'oh you have treats in your pocket'. I know we still have things to improve but have some common sense, see a dog on leash either control yours or clip it back on whilst passing (I learned the hard way when we first got Vanilla). Not saying/implying we are perfect, but sometimes.... You will get there with Maxx, I found Winter was best time to practice less distractions.
Forgot to say dont feel guilty, at least you are working on it. I came across a couple the other week who I helped with Recall 2 winters ago (gave them whistle, print outs and advised to buy the book). Vanilla was still only about 6months, but very good on this. They said it was to hard work, as they could not get instant sucess. At the time the dog was about 2 so now about 4. I felt sorry for the dog and them. Dog not allowed off leash at all when out and about
Thanks @Sven...just wish there were more hours in the day or maybe a lotto win so I don't have to go to work anymore! I'm so encouraged this week as Maxx is now really (well...mostly) good at 'drop it' and 'leave it' in the house (not so much outside...we'll get there) and I had previously despaired that he would NEVER stop relentless couch/table surfing. So I know it can be done just need the time and patience.
You want to swap? I still have a 2 year old who loves to nick toilet role (very annoying) my hand towel (not OH) and my thongs or trainers.....mainly when she wants attention and I have ignored her for all of 1second.
I should have qualified....shoes of any description are out of scope for 'leave it' or 'drop it'. They are just too tempting. We have managed to quash the hand towel though - after literally rinsing one every time he entered the kitchen for months. We haven't had a toilet roll incident for a while but he does love to push right into the bathroom at ... er... awkward moments if you don't close the door properly.
Holly's had a lot of country walks recently so we took her into Hereford today to re-acquaint her with lead walking in crowded places. We had a walk across the park to burn off a little energy, then went into the town centre. Apart from a little bit of pavement scavenging she was really good. She didn't pull on the lead and walked between us for most of the time. While Ruth went into shops I waited outside with H and enjoyed her 'performance'. She's mastered the art of looking just that little bit sad so that people take one look at her and come over to make a fuss. At one point I had three people all patting the dog and saying she was a good girl for waiting so patiently! She was lapping up all the attention while checking them for food. One lady was on a mobility scooter, and H stepped up with her front paws on the scooter so the lady could reach her. The lady was clearly happy not to have to bend down, and seemed to really enjoy patting a dog (she'd been unable to have one for many years). On a couple of occasions we had children rush up to H but she didn't react, apart from looking to me for reassurance. She even ignored the bang from the roundabout when it started beside her. The weather was not bad at lunchtime so we stopped for a coffee and cake at a pavement cafe. H lay quietly beside the table and watched the world go by, only sitting up when we offered her a bit of cake. Sometimes I think how lucky we are to have such a steady and reliable dog.
What a lovely and well behaved girl she is. As hard as we try we have not mastered Maxx's behaviour on walks (yet?) and I feel quite embarrassed when he carries on. You have done a fantastic job with her and should be darn proud of yourselves and Holly
I think the breeder produced a dog with a really good temperament, just like Holly's dam. Having a dog that wants to please us, and who seems to be very relaxed about everything around her, makes training a lot easier. She really is a gem of a dog.
I think we’ve all felt like that at some point. But as an outsider when I see a dog misbehaving I’ve got to admit I just find it funny in an adorable way! A dog being a bit bouncy and over friendly is always a sweetheart! I don’t think many people find them annoying it’s just us that feels embarrassed. I found most people with Stanley were understanding because they could see I was embarrassed and trying my best. Most of them were happy to see him
That thing about instant success really rings true with me. Two people I know got pups shortly after I got mine. They both signed up to the same positive training school as me and kept moaning about their unruly pups and how ridiculous that the trainer would say "don't say no to your dog." I said my pup was unruly too but it was about practice. One in particular complained about his walking on lead so I made the usual suggestions but they were never followed. If I went over to her house the dog would be jumping all over me and she'd be constantly shouting at it and pushing it away. I suggested methods I'd tried and read about but they were all ignored. Both their dogs are a handful, and one never lets her dog off the lead at the age of one. To me my girl is a constant work in progress. I think she's amazing but I don't take anything for granted and am always doing something on a walk with her, or indoors, to maintain training. I imagine I always will be. I absolutely admit to being clueless at the start and wanting a fullly mature, well-behaved dog with no understanding that they only come about with training, practice, training, practice.
Buy yourself something and say his birthday present is you saved him from buying you something later..
