Hi everyone, just thought I would do an update on Charlie's training. Charlie is doing really well both in the paddock and out and about on his training line. David said that he follows him around and watches for a change in direction as we are both working without any verbal commands making Charlie watch us for our next move which is working well. He does well with his sits/waits when something interesting is around and he will sit and get through the 'quivering'. He enjoys lots of cuddles along the way increasing the bond also. In the paddock he continues to do very well off lead following me around without any verbal commands just watching and following me as I zoom round like a fool and when I stop he promptly sits to my left looking at me He does lots of long sits/waits/downs/paw etc. I run to the opposite end of the paddock and love watching him race towards me to lots of praise and cuddles, my neighbours truly believe I have lost the plot ;D He still enjoys retrieving his tennis balls and I put it away when I want to and leave him wanting more. Unfortunately it is a bit hit and miss in the paddock that I have been using for the last 6 months as the owners horses are in there sometimes. However, I have found another field without any livestock that I started proofing Charlie in today. He did very well until he saw another dog went under the stile to say hello, but quickly came back when I verbally recalled him. Said dog returned half an hour later and Charlie went to say goodbye but went for a little romp (20 mtrs ish) in the field, but after a few verbal recalls he came back to lots of treats and lots of praise. Good I think considering this particular field is where he used to abscond He peformed the same in this field on day 1 as in the paddock for 6 months, so very chuffed with him. He also enjoys lots of laying around with me getting lots of cuddles/playing etc. and treats just for being a good boy His lead work goes from strength to strength with very gentle pulling just on the way out but a verbal correction and he looks at me and falls back, but perfect heel work on the return and that's on a flat collar and lead. Maybe he is growing up AT LAST, boys I think!! Total Recall going very slowly as I am dealing with a very stressful family situation at the moment and I am away every weekend, so not much time to spare, but doing what I can when I can. Really want to press on with this as David and I had aimed to be out and about in new locations with our whistle by the summer. This is Helen reporting from Hampshire on Charlie the now not so naughtly rescue dog!! ;D Thank you Helen xxx
Re: Charlie Progress Report! That actually made me cry Helen, but happy tears , you are doing so very well and getting a great response in return , I am genuinly very very very pleased for you all xxx
Re: Charlie Progress Report! Goodness Helen that is absolutely wonderful!! What a change you've made and such a lot of hard work and dedication on your part. Brilliant ;D
Re: Charlie Progress Report! Hi Helen That's amazing. You're all working so hard AND achieving so much. You're an inspiration. Love to all and big hugs for Charlie (and Hattie too of course) Kerryn
Re: Charlie Progress Report! Wow, Helen, you have done so well! Makes me feel very lazy. I agree though you are definitely an inspiration jac
Re: Charlie Progress Report! Wow, that is fantastic. Most people would give a fortune for that level of attentiveness and responsiveness. Sounds like you are really working as a great team!
Re: Charlie Progress Report! Helen that's amazing. Compare the post you've just written with some you wrote a mere 5/6 months ago and there's a huge difference. You have done so so well, that's one very lucky dog.
Re: Charlie Progress Report! So, so happy to read this! You have done absolutely FANTASTIC work with Charlie, and have not given up through dark times... We have all felt your desperation and at times despair, but you never gave up!!! WELL DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 8) 8) 8)
Re: Charlie Progress Report! Aw thank you everyone for your lovely, supportive comments. Charlie is getting there, but we do realise there is some way to go still. But progress is progress!! Helen xx
Re: Charlie Progress Report! Wow Helen that is awesome. You have put so much work and love into Charlie, he is so lucky you found each other. He sounds SUCH a good and lovely boy, and as I've said before you've really motivated me through some of my difficult Hunting Boy times with my lovely Brodick, to see the results now from all your efforts is fantastic. Well done you and Charlie!! (and Hattie of course!)
