So he's still in training? That's a lot of years that goes into training, but sadly not as many in service?
No - he's been working for years . They don't get their chequered harness until they are qualified. If you see a dog in a white harness ( with yellow or chequered front bit) they are working. If you see them in a brown harness they are still in training (UK) ...
Beautiful Bruce has passed his initial training and has moved on to Advanced training in Leeds. He'll be there about ten weeks and the matching process with his new owner will start in three or four weeks time. Clever boy!
Sorry, realised that sounded weird.. I meant to say that seeing that photo makes me realise that my crush on Bruce is still alive and well. Not that Bruce is alive and well... obviously he is that!
I must say, we have one round our way that wears a halti style head collar. Thought that was odd. Not a happy wagger, but on duty so maybe that's why.
Mollie looks positively happy compared to the wee one this morning. She/he touched the handler's hand and he seemed very impatient.
If I saw this I would report it to Guide Dogs - not good at all They will have a good idea who the PW is by your description and the location. Dogs are taken off puppy walkers if they are not training them as they should. I know of two, one of whom came to me. Nnn
I've just had the scariest moment of my puppy walking career. I was in the park with Mollie, she was enjoying a lovely free run. Suddenly the park ranger started up a leaf blower right next to her and she spooked, she hared up the path well out of sight - the way we had come. I was terrified she was on her way home (across two roads). I ran like the wind, shouting her name. Remembered the whistle and blew it - totally terrified by then, I couldn't see her at all, right up the path. I blew the whistle and she came haring back. 1000 times phew! My heart still hasn't stopped beating out of my chest! She was fine and we continued her free run, even walking past the leaf blower - it must have been the sudden noise so close by that spooked her. Thank you GDs for all your emphasis on whistle training and thank you Pippa for Total Recall! Mollie is now relaxing on her bed while I try not to cry with relief. ...
