We are going to Hamble Hounds tomorrow at 3 pm to meet Annette to see how she thinks we can move forward with Charlie. I am feeling really nervous incase she thinks he is a 'no hoper' and tells us we have not trained correctly I can't see the wood for the trees at the moment, so if anyone has any ideas about what we should be asking her that would be really helpful. The things I really want to talk about are:- RECALL How to encourage Charlie to stay with us which I am guessing is what she means by our 'relationship' Loose lead walking all the time not just some of the time (I am sure Charlie gets into habits of correcting rather than learns the correction) Keeping absolutely everything crossed for a successful session, although taking 2 stroppy teenage boys along as requested by Annette, for upto a 2 hour session, an hour each way drive is not filling me with joy : Thank you xx
Re: Off to Hamble Hounds tomorrow - NERVOUS :/ Hi Helen, I wish you good luck with your meeting. 8) I don't think that there is any point in worrying about what has happened to date. The key thing to concentrate on is what is going to happen from this point forward. Don't focus on things that you can't change (what has already happened), focus on things that you can (what you are going to make happen). Hope that doesn't sound too preachy or like it's come from some 1970s self-help book.
Re: Off to Hamble Hounds tomorrow - NERVOUS :/ Please try not to stress Helen , firstly because its not good for you and secondly because Charlie will pick up on it . Try hard to think positively about the assessement , I really will be thinking of you, wishing you loads of luck for a really good meeting , safe trip
Re: Off to Hamble Hounds tomorrow - NERVOUS :/ Good luck, good luck. I don't have anything to offer really - I think you've identified the priorities: if your dog will walk to heel on and off lead, and come back when you call him in all situations, everything else falls into "nice, or even wonderful, to have" in my book, but heel and recall are essentials. Perhaps the only thing I'd say, when I moved from pet training to gundog training (was doing them both at the same time, at one point) I had to make a conscious effort to overcome language and small differences barriers. That is, I'd compromise and go along with how that particular trainer did things, and the language they used, rather than worry about what was "right". That's all I can think of. Sending you the very warmest wishes that it goes well!
Re: Off to Hamble Hounds tomorrow - NERVOUS :/ Good luck Helen,don't be nervous.....remember she doesn't know you and Charlie like we do so give it time.and don't worry about you having done anything wrong......you have always done your best and more ....you will be knackered tomorrow but check in with us when you can and let us know xxx
Re: Off to Hamble Hounds tomorrow - NERVOUS :/ Good luck, and enjoy it! I agree completely with Uncle Bob - don't focus on the past. Discuss where you would like to be, and then you can come up with a plan of how to get there together. It is excellent that she will see Charlie with your two teenage boys, stroppy as they may well be after the journey. Dogs don't live in quiet training fields with no distractions; they live in busy homes with real families ;D She is there to help you, not judge you, and I really hope you have a positive meeting. Clare
Re: Off to Hamble Hounds tomorrow - NERVOUS :/ I hope tomorrow goes well for all of you : I will be thinking of you and hope you get out of it what you need xxx
Re: Off to Hamble Hounds tomorrow - NERVOUS :/ I am excited for you, Helen! I don't have any more words of advice other than what has been said, other than to say remember that you are paying her for advice so don't be afraid to ask for clarifications and explanations if something doesn't sit quite right with you. Don't be intimidated, you know this particular dog much better than she does, so don't sugar coat anything with her but don't forget the successes you have had along the way too. Good luck with the kids....I'm sure not the way they would prefer to spend a Saturday, but maybe a stop along the way for some greasy food might help. Usually eased the pain for my teenage boys, anyways.... :
Re: Off to Hamble Hounds tomorrow - NERVOUS :/ Good luck Helen, try and get as much information from her as you can. Ask loads of questions. You are bound to come away with something useful It might even be fun!
Re: Off to Hamble Hounds tomorrow - NERVOUS :/ Have a great time Helen, we'll be thinking of you. You've already had great advice the best of which is "enjoy it!" ;D
Re: Off to Hamble Hounds tomorrow - NERVOUS :/ Good luck Helen. Try not to worry. Just let Charlie be Charlie. Don't panic if he starts misbehaving or messing about you want her to see that because that's what you want advice on. I bet he's on his best behaviour because he's somewhere new. : I can only repeat what I said on the other hamble thread. If she suggests exercises to try with him imagine worse case scenario and ask her what you should do if Charlie does X or doesn't do Y. You know what he's likely to do in certain situations she doesn't. I hope you have a great time and come away feeling positive with lots of ideas. Let us know how you all get on. Enjoy Jen
Re: Off to Hamble Hounds tomorrow - NERVOUS :/ Hope you get a lot out of it Good on you for seeking her advice. Looking forward to hearing how it all went (I'm sure it'll all be absolutely fine).
Re: Off to Hamble Hounds tomorrow - NERVOUS :/ Hi, just to say hope all goes well tomorrow and like others have said you come away with positive things. You know what he's capable of she doesn't, so as already said ask lots of questions and let Charlie be himself. Oh good luck with the stroppy teenagers. Mel
Re: Off to Hamble Hounds tomorrow - NERVOUS :/ Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I have prepared a list of questions and also a list of the things we HAVE trained successfully as I don't want everything to be too negative about Charlie as he's not that naughty , actually there is quite a lot when I see it written down, so feeling pretty positive I hope we have some fun and that Charlie enjoys his new experience because if all goes well we will be signing up for some 1-2-1 sessions , I will let you know how we get on and hopefully Charlie will be an angel and we will be invited back : xxxxx
Re: Off to Hamble Hounds tomorrow - NERVOUS :/ Believe me, Charlie IS an angel compared to many of the dogs she will have seen. He also has a beautiful nature and that's worth its weight!
Re: Off to Hamble Hounds tomorrow - NERVOUS :/ Good luck Helen! Wishing you, your family and Charlie all the very best for tomorrow! Xx
Re: Off to Hamble Hounds tomorrow - NERVOUS :/ good luck Helen! looking forward to hearing all about it
