Triumph!

[Spudlet]

Was walking Henry today around a field, when a lady with two lovely pointers came around the corner ahead.Now this is normally a nightmare scenario - the dogs were on leads which is normally naughty Henry's cue to cause some kind of lead plait trying to play with everyone at once

But today, I called and whistled, and started walking backwards away from him, and god bless her the lovely lady stayed still - Henry took a step towards them and I thought yikes, but then he turned and came back to me

Baby steps, baby steps.....

 

[mattilda]

Don't they make you proud when they do that?
I had my 3 in my fields early this am. They were off the lead terrorising bunnies. Suddenly I spotted a lady with 2 collies on the path that runs along side and thought s**t. Called my 3 and they ALL came to me straight away!! Stars.

 

[FestiveSpirit]

What is this "coming when they are called" that you speak of

Flick does, sometimes, if I catch her attention quickly enough. Islay? Pah, forget it. She is now not allowed off the lead unless in an enclosed paddock

Good job I love them really

 

[Spudlet]

Yes

I'm sure that dog walking has got more nerve wracking, I never used to worry about Barney playing with other dogs but Henry does really concern me - he would never cause trouble on purpose but he just loves to play so much and not everyone appreciates it

I end up walking at stupid times or in isolated places just to avoid trouble! Although as an anti-social cowbag that suits me just fine

However - there is now hope

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

hanandhen - we will have to meet up on Holkham beach and let Henry and Max run each other into the ground while St Sweep

just tootles along with us being generally adorable - that way we can disown Henry and Max when they are causing havoc.............

 

[Spudlet]

I like your thinking there

 

[GinaB]

Go Henry!

 

[MurphysMinder]

Sounds like a real achievement, well done Henry. We had a backward step this morning, Evie has been really good on recalls, will even come back from hunting for bunnies in undergrowth. But this morning she spotted a rabbit the other side of the fence, just by the gap which is access to the next field

She shot through and then went deaf whilst she chased unsuspecting bunnies in every direction. I couldn't go after her as Buffy wouldn't have been able to negotiate the gap and ditch, so I crossed fingers and toes and carried on walking. She reappeared a couple of minutes later and this time when I called came flying over. Its times like that it is very hard to just offer treats and praise isn't it, I had to settle for giving her her treat and saying "there you are you little sh*t" in a nice friendly voice

 

[Spudlet]

Twas a proud moment

Only slightly marred by the fact that this morning he ducked under a fence and charged across a paddock to stick his head in a horse's feed bucket

Thankfuly all the horses had finished and were off on the far side of the field, tapping their hooves and waiting for their morning hay! All in front of the boss of course

There has never been any dog food on this bucket, but this never stops him from taking a look just in case we decide to start feeding the horses on Bonios - thought he'd forgotten about it his morning, but no...

 

[Goya]

I can really understand your triumph.
I too have had a small, tiny breakthrough in that Skye came back to me today when we were at the training field.
Like others, I dare not release her long line unless in a totally enclosed place and even then she usually totally ignores me so like you I felt brilliant.
isn't it wonderful?

 

[Spudlet]

It's good isn't it

How is it going with Skye? Is she settling in a bit more?

 

[Goya]

It is such a brilliant feeling.
Yes, Skye has settled much better now, thanks. She comes for a fuss and doesn't just hide under the bed all day.Her tail is up and wags a lot moreShe is becoming more obedient doing sit,stay down etc but she does seem to have a "switch off" button.
I've never come across a dog like this before--she will be playing with her "chicken" (her favourte toy) or ball really well, then she suddenly just loses interest and goes away. Very strange.
I try to "time" the play sessions so that we finish before she swithches off. Not always easy as you never know when that will be!
Also she is coming back better when called but she still uses tht "switch off" button and will totally ignore you at times. Hence I still keep her on the long line when not in an enclosed space.
Oh the joys of dogs. They keep us on our toes and our brains active.