I've just had another week away on the coast in mid Wales with Mabel. I'd previously posted how stressful my last holiday had been. Not this time, she was an absolute star. She did not bark at children or people on the coastal path or beach. She was a little frightened of the chickens at the farm opposite and a parachutist landing in the field. Which seems fair enough to me. We only had one episode where by a women sitting on a bench lunged at her to stroke her and Mabel did a tiny low growl.This women was ridiculous I don't know what she was thinking she said I had a dangerous dog. Then something amazing happened. Somehow a lady that was blind hit Mabel with her white stick I have no idea how it happened. Mabel sat perfectly as the lady said oh I love dogs as she explored all of Mabel's head with her hands even poking her in the eye. My girl didn't move but sat their so peacefully. I'm proud. I shan't be resting on my laurels but progress has been made. Here is Mabel with her furry mummy as we had a lovely walk with the breeder.
Really pleased to hear that Mabel has been a little star, although it doesn't surprise me , she is a choccie girl after all . I'm sure they do sense the difference with people at times Mabel sitting patiently while the lady admired her beauty with her hands, Juno has been brilliant being petted by people in wheelchairs or just meeting young adults with learning or physical disabilities. How did the meeting with mum go? Was there any 'litter recognition'? Really interested to hear how the meeting went.......
I'm glad you had a better holiday Some people really are silly........as if her reaction didn't cause the growl!! Did she have fun with her furry mum? Love the photo
So glad you have having such a lovely time and great to hear Mabel is being such a good girl, but we all know she is anyway xx
Rosemary it went wonderful thank you. They both looked at each other and had a massive sniff, there was a great deal of calmness and respectfulness. It was if they saw each other every single day. OH didn't think they recognised each other because Mabel didn't play full on like she does with her sisters. Both the breeder and myself agree that was very unlikely to happen. She looks very much like her mum but is taller, apparently she has her dads legs . One thing caught me by surprise which I hadn't considered, in hindsight not sure why I didn't, but Mabel's reaction to the breeder was unbelievable she went absolutely crazy covering her in kisses and jumping all over her, in fact she only greets my children, OH and myself like that normally. We are hoping to meet up again next year but plan it that we can take a picnic and make a day of it. I've only been on a picnic once with Mabel and it was a disaster. OH laid the rug beautifully on the grass followed by sandwiches, crisps and a bottle of wine. I'll leave it to your imagination who gobbled most of the food.
@Pilatelover phew, at least it was only the food on the picnic - I had a terrible moment and thought that Mabel had gone for the wine - now that would have been serious Very interesting with the calmness that she greeted Mum, and went crazy with the breeder. I definitely reckon that there is some scent recognition in play. I wouldn't necessarily have expected Mabel to go into full play mode with Mum, even though she does with her litter mates - it's a different relationship, but with the sniffing and calmness there's definitely something in play. Now you need to start practicing having a picnic with Mabel ready for next year. If Mabel is anything like Juno just being on the same level is intrinsically exciting although she does settle very quickly.
