Blake continues to go from strength to strength, I can't believe he has been with us 6 weeks. So it today was time to look at more gentle socialisation as well as get an agility trainer to work with him. So we set up quite a busy day today! First we kicked off with agility. From the get go it was apparent we have a very clever dog. So the approach was a bit different. Instead of luring, which is necessary for most dogs to start with, the trainer went straight to rewarding the correct behaviour offered. Blake just seemed to know what to do. In 30 mins off lead he had managed jumps, tunnel, the tyre and the A-frame, although with the A frame he was happy to jump of the top, that really was a heart in mouth moment!!! Based on this session, and Blake's age she feels he could actually compete at agility so putting out feelers in the agility world. We then had a trip to our local market village high street and finished off with a visit to Bertie and Boos, a wonderful doggy paradise! Blake was brilliant walking down a very busy street, and into the market area, he only had to walk a short distance, just in case he started look anxious. He didn't. walked nicely on lead with lots of distractions, babies in prams, umbrellas, lots of noise, and a few other dogs on leads. he didn't react at all, was very very calm. So we ended up at Bertie and Boos to choose a toy and to buy a few more squeaky balls Although "calm" went out the window when he realised I had bought more BALLS! Blake at Bertie and boos by Marcus Hart, on Flickr
Blake is the most wonderful dog and he was very fortunate to be fostered by you, you have done so much for and with him.
What a star of a dog you have there! Thanks to you....lucky owner that ends up with that boy. You've done such a wonderful thing with him.
Thank you everyone..I wouldn't say it has been an easy ride! Blake makes it all worthwhile. I can't express how wonderful it is to see him run! He is just so full of joy of when he takes off Benson's agility trainer is also putting out feelers in the cani-cross world, as he would fit in so well there. Often people want young labs...but not so young they have to worry about joints etc. Blake follows instruction really well and is super on the lead, so he would be perfect. I have to admit, starting to get quite upset at the thought of letting him go....
Oh Kate,I was all 'Smile,smile,smile' until I read that bit.... However wherever he goes he will thrive after the great start you've given him.....he sounds such a clever dog with wonderful qualities .It would be so nice if his Forever Family sent updates....a bit like Spero's ......sounds like you had a really lovely day x
I do hope he goes somewhere where he's given the opportunity to use that intelligence he obviously has. As much as I know we should be grateful for any loving home, it would almost be a shame for him to be "just a pet" if he could be "just a pet that enjoys agility" or whatever. You've given him so many opportunities to shine, and it seems that he has taken them all, head-on
Blake has made amazing progress and that's all down to you. Doesn't seem possible that it's only six weeks since he arrived. Definitely needs a very special forever home - you sure that's not with you?