A new experience yesterday- being in sole charge of Merla and another dog on a walk! A friend had asked if I could take his dog out in the afternoon as they had to go to a funeral and were planning to be back late. He left me a key (they live just round the corner) and the plan was for me to go in, take the dog out and then drop him back and feed him. The dog is a sweet little boy called Snoopy, about a year old, a collie crossed with, well, probably a corgi he thinks as he looks just like a collie but with really short legs! I asked if he could go off the lead and the reply was 'yes, he really likes other dogs so he'll probably just stay with yours'. Mmm. Problem is, mine has a tendency to be hyper round other dogs, so was a concerned that they'd both disappear over the horizon! I don't really know the dog very well, although I'd seen him a few times as we walk in the same area. Anyway after the initial chaos of greeting, I had both dogs on leads heading towards the heathland. Snoopy didn't appear to know any commands, pulled a bit on a flat collar and lead, I was still a bit nervous how this was going to work. Merla was luckily settling well to walk alongside. I felt it was a bit mean not to let Snoopy of the lead so decided to risk it and put my 'training thinking cap' on. I let Merla off first, did a few recalls with her no problem. Gave her a sea biscuit for each one and Snoopy was showing an interest. Then did a few on-lead recalls with him while she snuffled around off-lead, getting him to sit in front of me by holding the treat over his head. He decided he LIKED sea biscuits! Called Merla back in and put her in a 'wait' then unclipped him and sent them off to play. They both love to play and raced around frantically. Whistled Merla in and she came (phew!). Snoopy still snuffling around. "Snoopy what's this?" Waved the sea biscuit and he trotted back expectantly - yeay! Did lots of little recalls very quickly, and they soon got the idea that no one got a sea biscuit until they were both sitting nicely in front of me. We had a lovely time, luckily didn't meet any other dogs while they were off lead (about half an hour) so I didn't have to negotiate that, did lots of recalls for treats throughout then put them both back on lead when we got back to the busy part. Both dogs very tired and happy by the end. Very pleased with Merla. Listening to me with other dogs around is normally a challenge for her, but she'd never seen treats come out of my pocket into another dog's mouth before! It seemed to sharpen her response and make her listen to me more, rather than follow Snoopy as I'd feared. A good learning experience all round!
Re: The training power of sea biscuits! Fantastic work!!!! You must've been totally chuffed with that.
Re: The training power of sea biscuits! Well done,much admiration and sounds like the dogs had a great time. Ive had the opportunity to take other dogs out a couple of times but I'm still too scared in case they don't come back to me......Dexter always gives me a very hurt look if I treat another dog instead of him!
Re: The training power of sea biscuits! Thanks Very pleased, also very relieved - did not want to have to tell people returning from a funeral that I'd lost or injured their dog!!
Re: The training power of sea biscuits! I have only done that with my SIL's ball-obsessed dog. Think I would be too terrified otherwise. Never quite know if Lilly will come back!! Very well done - 8)
Re: The training power of sea biscuits! [quote author=drjs@5 link=topic=5728.msg73252#msg73252 date=1399149899] . Never quite know if Lilly will come back!! [/quote] You make me chuckle Jacqui x
Re: The training power of sea biscuits! [quote author=sussex link=topic=5728.msg74321#msg74321 date=1399398959] never heard of these buiscuits [/quote] Fish4dogs do Sea biscuits sussex I'm not sure whether the term is a bit interchangeable with the sea jerky too.
Re: The training power of sea biscuits! Sea biscuits are fab. Sea jerky is pressed fish skin, which Charlie loves too - but too many give him runny poo. Sea biscuits are cod and rice. We buy all the fish4dogs treats - salmon strips and sea wraps are very special for my boy.
