I inherited Lady when she was 6 months old and an absolute live wire as only Labs, I've learnt, can be. She destroyed numerous place mats, cushions, carpets, newspapers, notebooks and telephone systems. Outside she charged all over, jumped up at strangers mouthing them as well, broke my wifes leg which needed plates and screws to put it back together, made dinner parties a nightmare, and was generally driving us both to distraction. Time has passed and she's now 3yrs and 3 months old. We were out today with the shoot in the driving rain all day and all of a sudden, there she was, a lovely well mannered calm and willing young gun dog. No haring around, no jumping up, no mouthing. Stop and recall rock solid. No need for her to be on a lead anywhere according to the gamekeeper but recalling on to the lead like magic. Overheard conversation behind me from someone handling a dog belonging to one of the guns wondering if I'd notice if he swapped his Lab for mine! Lots of feedback about how good she is. She's zonked out next to me right now on the sofa. Dreaming about todayI think. I'm so pleased with her and I love her to bits!
Re: Dogs can be so very rewarding - a Small Black Dog story Well done David, she is clearly a lovely dog, but you must take some of the credit. You have put the effort in and now it is time to get your reward! You have a dog to be proud of
Re: Dogs can be so very rewarding - a Small Black Dog story David and Lady, well done. Charlie and I are sooooo jealous!!!! Helen x
Re: Dogs can be so very rewarding - a Small Black Dog story David, almost crying reading your story. We know you've been through a lot with Lady, and just how much she means to you. Congratulations - what a wonderful day!
Re: Dogs can be so very rewarding - a Small Black Dog story Thank you. She's not perfect of course, but the contrast between what she was like and now just hit me yesterday. It's funny about the recall etc. Out working she's rock solid. Out playing on a normal walk and she goes selectively deaf. Hence I'm working on a new recall with the help of Pippa's book. Her next working day is in 2 weeks and I'm going to try her picking up for the first to see how we get on. She's done the odd ad hoc retreive in the woods successfully so fingers crossed! There were 4 Labs and about 6 assorted spaniels yesterday. I was worried Lady would be cold becasue she looked so wet but when I gently parted the hair on her back she was bone dry underneath. The Labs were all steaming gently I noticed but not shivering and seemed contented enough. All the Spaniles by contrast seemed to be pretty wet through and were shivering when we were just standing around. I was surprised they don't seem to be as waterproof as the Labs.
Re: Dogs can be so very rewarding - a Small Black Dog story How exciting I'm sure she will pick up brilliantly. I hope I can bring Riley on to be half that good when he's three - obviously I'm the inhibiting factor not Riley A friend of mine recycles old fleece tops into dog jackets for her spaniels, particularly for straight after shooting when they're wet and tired.
