Hello all,
Had a wonderful woofy filled day yesterday
It was a damp and long drive there (got a bit lost too which didn't help!)
The dogs were great!
I spent about an hour talking to the lovely Becca who is chief trainer now and going through what my expectations were of the process and explaining the family set up alongside where I'd be able to exercise the dog and that we've got a small enclosed garden etc.
Then I got to meet some dogs going through their early training with puppy parents. Awwww you would all have melted at these lovely pups
It was good to encourage the puppy parents in their role
And get a friendly lick from a cheeky puppy- a white/blonde lab
Then I had a break and a drink and into working the advanced training dogs.
Some of the commands have changed since I last worked a dog but the idea is the same.
The dog I was with first was a Labrador crossed with a retriever. He's amazing- big noble looking dog- going on to help someone with a physical impairment who also has a disability. He's a solid choice for a newbie trying out for her first few commands. Taylor will make his new partner a marvellous companion and helper dog
I did lots of gentle round the indoor arena commands with him 'lets go' and picking things up. Even managed and down and wait. A superb even temperament dog.
Then we had a go with another, younger lab, who is unmatched as yet. He's bouncy and very interested in all things eating and sniffy.
We took time doing the get the purse thing a few times and he was able to collect even dropped keys with no fob.
Impressive stuff!
Then came the doggy exercise in the grassy paddock. Wow that was such good fun! It was with a young unmatched black/blue lab called chipper
We had a squeaky toy and a couple of hoops and did lots of running about and chasing the hoop and bringing it back. For a dog who is young and treat orientated he managed the whole session with only 2 treats and that was when I left him in a down then his and called him.
It was so much fun!
I showed Becca my car and how I thought we could teach the dog to ride in it safely with me.
Chipper went to have a lie down and we finiished off with a chat about timings and to say that I was pleased that all the commands and ways of handling the dog had come back to me so easily. Becca was impressed with the way I used a light soft tone with the dogs and had a positive rapour with all the differnt characters I had had experience of.
The next stage in the process is an OT visit home here checking out our home and talking to the family, particularly young bernie about it not being a pet but mummy's special doggy.
Then, it's up to me, they will fit me in as best they can as I've passed assessment now and have in effect had a successful previous partnership so wouldn't have to wait a couple of yrs.
I felt, ALIVE with that doggy,
It was marvellous.
how to be a velvet bulldoser
