Charlie loves Agility and is good at it but I dread it but should I go for him as it's good training? I would feel guilty if I quit. I feel very stressed during the lesson as he just doesn't like the Black & White Pointers and he barks like crazy and pulls when it's their turn or they come near him but not with any of the other dogs and now I get the feeling there is a little mistrust for him from the other owners and if their dogs come near him they pull them back or call them away. Of course I could just be sensitive and it's not the case. One of the older ladies Black Cocker Spaniel nipped Charlie's nose today when all he did was say hello, and she said "you deserved that". Charlie meets and greets dogs all the time and there is no issue so I am at a loss as to why it's just at Agility. I have made excuses not to go for the previous 2 weeks. I think with all the additional paddock work and separate training for him and the 1.5 hours per day walking with Hattie it's all quite tiring too. Thanks Helen x
Re: Charlie loves it but I don't.. Hi Helen, I personally would not go to any dog activity if I dreaded it. Life is too short. You put a massive amount of time and energy into Charlie. You have nothing to feel guilty about! Pippa
Re: Charlie loves it but I don't.. I agree 100% with Pippa , you are putting such a monumental effort into Charlie, he is getting lots of exercise and stimulation , please dont make yourself miserable x
Re: Charlie loves it but I don't.. It really isn't worth it if you hate it and maybe Charlie is more stressed than you think if he is wary of the Pointers. You are doing plenty of stimulating things with Charlie anyway and also you could come back to it later if you felt like it. There is the risk of damage, my GSP slipped off the dog walk and had to have a hip replacement! So maybe you could persuade yourself that is why you have given up ;D Stacia
Re: Charlie loves it but I don't.. 100% behind Pippa, life's too short to spend time on things you dread and you've already done amazing things with him. It's likely that Charlie picks it up from you too. If you're convinced that he loves the activity even if not the classes why not try in the garden? You'd be amazed at what you can do with half a dozen bamboo canes, a bit of horticultural fleece and a few plant pots! Otherwise just enjoy your time with him in the paddock, I'm sure it's as good (if not better) for him and you, don't ever forget you in this equation.
Re: Charlie loves it but I don't.. I really think you need to do things you enjoy with Charlie, not things you hate! No need at all to feel guilty. Noone could put more in to their dog than you have done.
Re: Charlie loves it but I don't.. You are all right as always, I shouldn't do something I don't enjoy even if Charlie does!! I have booked Charlie in with our old dog trainer Ray who has suggested going along on the 7th January to his obedience class to see how he gets on and if that doesn't suit we can discuss a different class. Grace my nearly 18 year old daughter is coming with me as she is a very good dog handler and we will see how he goes. Watch this space!!! Thank you as always for your words of wisdom and kindness. Helen xx
