Red is almost 9 months. I feel she is doing so well in so many ways. My biggest 'problem' is entering places with her and feel that any advice and support now would help. We have just started the KC Bronze Award at a new training venue. Red gets so excited when she realises we are going to see other dogs and people. From the moment we arrive and I open up the car boot, I can tell she is going OTT. I always talk gently to her and get her slowly out the car but the minute her paws 'hit' the ground she is pulling towards the entrance. Last night, the doors were open and I tried to enter with her in a dignified way. No way, she was desperate to get in and rearing up like a circus horse . I tried to get her to sit, go 'middle' which normally works a treat. It all feel on deaf ears. People were very kind even when she was embracing their dogs with her front legs/paws!! She did settle, maybe not as much as I'd like but it's early days and the class was good. On the way out, she had her nose fixed on the ground and I struggled to get her across the car park to my car. She was just like this when we did the puppy and puppy follow-on courses when she was much younger.
I can't offer any help I'm afraid - just to say I can relate. Stanley is exactly the same. This morning when I dropped him off at daycare he tiggered all the way to the door then stood outside springing up. He does it when we used to go to training. He does it at my mams, OH's mams. Calms down as soon as he's said hello to everyone through. I've never really been able to get his focus enough to stop it and he says quite strong now. But I find it quite sweet if I'm honest that he's so excited and happy, so it doesn't bother me too much and everyone else seems happy he's so excited to see them
I know this problem well. When Tatze knows she's going to see Zaba she's uncontrollable with excitement, and she's four years old. I skirt round the problem by letting her out on their drive, she dashes in the front door like a looonatic. No lead needed lol. It's the same when we meet Zaba and his Mum at the reservoir, the moment they see each other it's leads off or mayhem But, seriously, I would have a harness on her for her loopy circus horse times and don't be embarrassed, she's brilliant the rest of the time. Keep up the training too, it will pay off. I'm just rather lazy with Tatze, but my pups have to behave better and I really work at it with them - we get there in the end.
Yes I kept her harness on the whole time, although on the trainer's advice I clipped her lead on her flat collar when doing the stay (by that time she was calm). I will definitely keep up the training as she exhausts me with the pulling and I really want to manage her everywhere .
Scentwork and targeted work today. From the car park to the field - Red normally pulls big time and scrabbles about eating rabbit poo. Today, I asked for a sit after I got her out the car. She went to pull but then sat!! Pulling towards the field, I asked for a middle and she did it. Arrived at field and I asked for a sit which she did. So, much better arrival - felt I was letting her do what she wanted but she was also doing as I asked. Session was really good but Red still distracted by rabbit poo when we do an activity that means moving around the field i.e. the scentwork. She is fairly focussed for the targeted work. She is definitely understanding we are there to do something and less distracted by the 3 other dogs. Leaving the field, she was brill - she trotted along by my side (on lead) and we walked with all the others. Actually managed to talk to the trainer as we went to the cars - this is a first. Most importantly, I think she enjoyed it as did I .
That all sounds great, well done, such a good feeling when it starts coming together and as you say, so important that they enjoy it too.
DH took both dogs out this morning. They walk approx 3 miles. Most of the time Red is on lead but she gets to have a free run half way through. This morning, DH said she was very good and came when he used the whistle. However, a man running suddenly appeared and Red immediately goes OTT, running to him and jumping up. Ignores all DH's commands and he had to go and get her apologising to the runner. The runner was ok about it fortunately. Red then goes on to 'scrag' Sky which is not a problem per say but at that point DH felt she had to go back on her lead as she was just too hyper. He said that was the only blip in a good walk. Onwards and upwards with the training .
KC training again last night. Only two dogs but plenty with their owners waiting for the next class. Got a lot of attention from the trainer. We did a outside walk on a loose lead and Red did this beautifully. The trainer said she was excellent. I was pleased as I didn't treat her like I do when we walk at home. The trainer said Red was very engaged on me (wondering where her treats were? ) and that I talked to Red (I do all the time). However, inside was a different story. Red was all over the shop most of the time, pulling, refusing to sit, ignoring me. Like a different dog to the dog at home. Trainer was very encouraging. The other lady I noticed was a bit uptight like me. I need to not worry about Red's behaviour and just focus on her and me and the trainer. Felt cross with myself at being so anxious about what the other people might think. It's a unreal situation doing these excercises in this environment but I think this training will be good for me.
The whole issue of training classes is just so complex I find But that's great Atemas, positive feedback, you've worked hard with Red and she's still very young yet.
Yes @selina27, I think that's why I need to document Red's training. I have such mixed up feelings about it but feel I should go to give Red the opportunities. She is very young and she's doing great but I do find I am asking her to do things artificially so I shouldn't worry if she doesn't respond as she would normally. Never did any of this training with Sky as I was too busy working when she was young. Apart from some recall issues which looking back were not good, she has just gone with the flow of life here. DH took Red on his lunchtime walk yesterday which has been the intention all along so she had a busy day - today she can chill more .
This isn't strictly training but in a way it is - yesterday Red had her first day at the boarding kennels in preparation for a two night stay next month and possibly a week towards the the end of the year. She had a good day there and they said she was a bit wary of the dogs at playtime but soon joined in and had a good time. They said she was no trouble. Was so pleased to see her when I picked her up as was DH and Sky when we got home. We then went to training in the evening so she was quick to go in her crate when we got home as she was very tired. I have such mixed feelings about kennels but I reckon the chance to socialise with other dogs is really valuable for her right now. The kennels have enclosed fields so plenty of space to run around. I had to smile - when they let her in to the entrance area when I collected her - she ran to the two girls working there and not me - almost like a 'well you left me' . She is wanting lots of cuddles this morning .
She has just had a diarrhoea clear out - thought we were over these but not so. Excitement/stress of yesterday - eaten something she shouldn't - who knows?
Yes, could have been the stress from the kennels. Just wanted to say - keep up the good work. You were so worried to begin with with Red, and it is really great to hear how you are progressing together. I do think training classes are invaluable (if they are good ones), because they teach the dogs to be calm around other dogs, and to wait their turn. Good on you.
Do you think then @Karen, she will just get used to going to the kennels and not get stressed? I feel I fuss about her like I did when my children were young 40 years ago LOL . Thank you for the encouragement about training - they are good classes - last night we had to do a lot of turn waiting and I found it a bit fustrating but of course you are right - Red does need to learn this which she seems to be doing.
Honestly, I dont know about the kennels. Most likely yes she will just get used to it - especially if you can do a few more short introductory visits there.
My dogs got increasingly more stressed with kennels, and I will never take them again. They have had (from memory) three one-night stays and one two-night stay. Each time, they have upset tummies and lose a lot of condition in their coats, even in such a short time. I know my parents have successfully kennelled their dogs over the years when they've been away, but it's not something W&S can cope with. I think it just depends on the dog.
