Charlie has been doing really well with lots of training. In the garden we have been continuing his scent work which is probably his most favourite thing to do, he's still really good at it too. Even his stop whistle at a distance is improving, about time Charlie I got the rabbit skin ball out which I haven't done for months, thinking he was going to run away with it but he didn't, he did 3 beautiful retrieves delivering the ball straight to me For months and months I have been building his desire for a rabbit skin tug toy which he loves. I tell him to "take it" and "drop" when we are finished which he does without any fuss, he gets to play tug with me when he has done some work. We have been doing some marked retrieves too Lots of fun playing hide and seek in the garden behind trees etc, playing ball, laying around having a cuddle, lots of follow me, stop and sit/down, heel work. His focus on me is amazing, he looks up at me all the time but still not outside on walks but at least it's something and we have fun so a win, win for us xx
What a lovely positive post to read Helen , well done Charlie and you too x I don't think many realise how much harder it is to achieve success with a rescue dog , put it shows it can be done , loved reading this x
Well done Helen, I know Charlie wasn't easy due somewhat to half his breed, you haven't given up and you must be so happy now as must Charlie x
You have really despite the odds forged a really special relationship with Charlie. Getting a dog like Charlie to choose to be engaged and focused on you is no mean feat...
Lovely to read this after all those difficult times you've been through with Charlie. Your hard work has paid off.
Thanks Kate, it's just a shame that focus doesn't transfer on a walk but Charlie's environment will always be his biggest challenge and one we won't win xx Thank you everyone xx
We have just done some blind retrieves in the garden using a bungy squeeky ball that Charlie really values (not on a walk ) he did brilliantly delivering to hand every time. Some lovely stop whistles, some whilst doing off lead heel work He really enjoys ping pong recall too. Next week I am going to have a go using his food bowl for stop whistle as we have only been inside so far All just for fun. xx