This weekend has been AMAZING. On Saturday we met up with Harley’s best friend, Gus (spinone) with his owner (Pat) and spinone sister, Amber. Pat also had her daughters poodle cross, Danny. Danny is quite lively and fast. We introduced them on lead and Harley had a sniff then carried on walking. After a few mins Oat and I decided to see what they would be like off lead. Pat let Danny off and he had a run around. A few mins later I let Harley off, but kept her engaged with me. Danny ran over to us full pelt, Harley stiffened for a second, I said ‘Hi Danny’ in a really upbeat voice and she relaxed. We then carried on walking for the next hour or so.......not one issue They got on brilliantly. We also, at one stage, bumped into a guy with 2 pugs who Harley is ok(ish) with and she went in the water with them! Today it was just Harley and myself. I spotted a collie so put her on lead and went in a different direction. I had to put her on lead quite a bit as there were sooooo many dogs running riot, often people in one field and their dog in another! Anyway, Harley was just coming out of the stream when the collie care running around the corner. I put Harley on lead and got her to sit. Collie ran past ............. nothing!! The owners came onto the bridge and started chatting to me and asked why Harley was on lead. They said their collie didn’t like dogs in his face, but would run away if confronted and had never reacted towards another dog. After a few mins, I let Harley in the water (very shallow stream) whilst on her extendable lead whilst I stood on the bank. They passed each other a few times and still nothing. 5 mins later and still nothing. The ladies persuaded me to let Harley off lead, so I did, but stayed on the bank. They played with a ball, dropping it for each other, for about 5 mins. I decided to leave at that stage as wanted to leave on a high. I am soooooooooooo happy with how less reactive she has been the last few weeks, but even more so this weekend. Sorry for the essay!
No need to be sorry. Be proud! It's always so lovely when the work we've done with our sweet dogs comes together, isn't it? So very well done, you and Harley.
So pleased for you Naya, you should be proud. I know what a breakthrough like that means when you have a reactive dog. and well done Harley.
