A Theo update

[bunn]

Today I took Theo to a 1:1 training session with J from Help My Dog: we went around Neyland to see him in action. 

It's not so much that Theo isn't a very good dog, as that my confidence has been a bit knocked and I really wanted someone else to see him doing his thing and reassure me he is a Very Good Dog and give me some pointers on things we could work on to improve his on-lead dog greeting skills. 

Honestly, I looked back through this journal at the dog-related stuff I used to do, and I used to have so much confidence!  Wonder where it went. 

Mission accomplished, anyway.  We also get to join a group walk in a month or so, which I think he might enjoy. 

Comments

[narya_flame]

Bless him, what a handsome boy!

I am sure he is a Very Good Dog. I know you are a Very Good Dog Person. These daft young males seem to be sent to try our patience and confidence!

[bunn]

I am definitely past the hardest bit. I just need to keep going now, and at the same time, not relax too quickly into assuming that because he's been good for a couple of months, that's it now, he always will be.

I hate it when people say 'oh well, if you aren't 100% confident then you should keep the dog on the lead' because frankly, if you are 100% confident of the behaviour of a dog, particular one that hasn't been specifically trained and bred for the specific task you are doing, then you are at risk of simply being WRONG. Tbh I am not 100% confident of the behaviour of my human family, forget the dogs! :-D

[narya_flame]

not relax too quickly into assuming that because he's been good for a couple of months, that's it now, he always will be.

I have definitely made this mistake!

aren't 100% confident then you should keep the dog on the lead' because frankly, if you are 100% confident of the behaviour of a dog, particular one that hasn't been specifically trained and bred for the specific task you are doing, then you are at risk of simply being WRONG. Tbh I am not 100% confident of the behaviour of my human family, forget the dogs! :-D

I couldn't agree more. My dog is better behaved than most children - but most people aren't frightened of children!

I feel like the "keep them on the lead" brigade either don't understand dogs or have only ever interacted with ploddy old labradors. And even with highly trained working dogs, they will very occasionally throw you a curved ball. My friend's mum used to train guide dogs and she had one that once sat down in the middle of a zebra crossing and refused to move. This was a dog on the verge of qualifying, not a tiny pup!

ETA - besides which, sometimes you just have to try it and see, otherwise you never know if they can be trusted.