School holidays in Scotland at the moment. My 15 year old granddaughter was looking for extra funds. So I asked if she wanted a fiver for at least a 30 minute walk with Cassie, every weekday. One week in and it's working better than I could have hoped. I Would never dream of going a walk with another dog and taking Cassie. Today my granddaughter and her friend took her friends female Labrador a walk with Cassie. They took them to the river. I'm informed, both dogs had a great time and Cassie was absolutely brilliant. They got to run around together and have a swim. They decided to keep toys out the mix , just in case. I'm so proud of my granddaughter as she told me that when she saw both dogs look at each other she just distracted Cassie. I avoid other dogs with Cassie off lead. I did do lots of walking and re socialising before we brought Cupar home. But I'm still nervous around dogs with her and my granddaughter has reinforced my belief that a lot of this is down to me. So both my beautiful girls are making friends and proving I need to relax more.
It's so good to read such a positive post. You should be proud of your granddaughter and Cassie, and after the holidays take a deep breath to relax and let Cassie off lead
I do let Cassie off lead. Just not in the company of other dogs. I'm going to miss my granddaughter when school goes back. She's really good with both dogs. She tells me that Cassie is no problem at all when out. She's passing other dogs while on lead and not reacting.
I do believe that sometimes we influence our dogs behaviours so they give a certain response in a situation - we expect them to react on lead if they see another dog so perhaps that's the behaviour we get. Still lots of time before your granddaughter goes back to school, and I reckon Cassie will miss her and the walks with her as well.
I definitely believe that we are an integral part of the equation. Our behaviour influences our dogs, and they also learn patterns of behaviour that are specific to being with particular people (i.e. us). Who know exactly how our dogs see it, but they really can be very different with us compared to with others - on lead behaviour is a big one and usually they are worse with us I think! Great that Cassie is having a lovely time and is getting in some positive experiences around other dogs You must be proud of your granddaughter.
I can totally agree that anxiety in us transfers to the dog,I've had first hand experience of that when Dexter started being reactive on his lead. I had to wash pots in a restaurant when I was 15 for my holiday money .....wish I'd had a Labrador to walk
Your granddaughter is a natural! When you are walking Cassie on lead and you see a dog - the first thing to do is relax. Exhale, make sure the lead is loose and soften your hands. It may surprise you what a difference this makes - but then again, perhaps it won't surprise you because your granddaughter has shown you the way.
