The Puppy Walk has helped loads!

[Cassandra]

I have to be honest and say I was a bit skeptical on how the puppy class may affect Ash's confidence

However we haven't met up with our local pack for a few nights and Drew has just got back from the walk and said he was extremely confident. Didn't cower to any of them tonight, just ran round and said hello to everyone.
The other walkers have all said how well he is coming on.

I will have to take some pictures of our wee walk. It isn't as long as the puppy park as one of the dogs is very very old bless her, so they take their time. Her owner doesn't think she will last the summer . She dotes on Ash and Ash always comes back to give her a wee nose.

I noticed too how confident he is in the house now! Looking forward to next week. Its so great to see him come on!

[shirley c]

Thats fantastic and now you are noticing the difference it must be doing him so much good

[Cassandra]

I think the puppy classes are helping a great deal too...not just me but the kids. When I explain things its like 'yeah yeah yeah mum' but to then go to a 'class' and hear the same things...then see it written in homework lol

Its just today we noticed the difference and obviously the last major thing we did was the puppy walk

[kerry]

The puppy walk helped Koda make a complete turn around, within a week of going he was a different dog, much more confident with dogs and other people( i think that has to do with treats though ) we went to a few walks with the older dogs which also helped. going on the walk was the best thing we could have done, and would recommend it to anyone. I'm glad Ash is getting more confident. see you next Friday.

[Cassandra]

ya know the kids are obsessed with Husky's now lol. We were out this evening and my daughter was picking up Snowdogs and all the other husky movies lol!

[Nicola]

[kerry]

lol sorry, we can lend you 8 below if you like to keep them happy:) the kids up by our bit told us to watch snowdogs, it just makes me want more than 1 husky, but 1 is definitely enough for now.

[shirley c]

I just cant watch anything like that, I cry at anything I know a horse dealer, who was given a team of huskies and sled as payment on a horse, so his wife started working them not sure if she still has them but I thought that sounded great

[John Thomson]

I am really pleased that the walks are helping.......socialisation with other dogs and people at that early age is essential if you want your dog to be comfortable and confident around people and dogs.

My best tip is always to stand with your pup outside your local supermarket.......loads of noise......trolleys,buses,taxis.......loads of people and children all dying to per your dog.Take a supply of treats so people can give them to the pup.....all positive association
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John Thomson
www.cumbernaulddogtraining.co.uk

[Cassandra]

We were at the tenants and residents association summer picnic on Wednesday and he had a good experience there...plenty of kids, adults, noise and other dogs too!

We took a walk down round the greenlink and were accompanied by half the estate kids! He trots along happily beside them all.

One thing I am currently really really pleased about is Ash's reaction to bikes. He doesn't chase them, he runs alongside. My last bc was a nut for anything that moved at speed, that included cars and cyclists. If I didn't have hold of him he would run after the cyclist barking and nipping. NOT GOOD

Did eventually sort that one, but I have been careful to try and get Ash used to those things. I think taking Ash out with our kids and their bikes have helped him get around that one.

A cyclist once told me there is nothing more frightening than been chased by a dog whilst on your bike, as they are concerned they will hurt the dog and also concerned the dog will hurt them!

[Janice]

My last bc was a nut for anything that moved at speed, that included cars and cyclists. If I didn't have hold of him he would run after the cyclist barking and nipping. NOT GOOD

Cassandra have you any tips for dealing with cars?

My last collie was scared of them as a pup and never thought of chasing. Dale wants to herd them I think. We're near a busy road and his sudden lunges are a real problem. Even if the road's quiet he 's crouched down looking for cars. Bikes are Ok I've got him to sit until they pass but I can't do it with cars or we'd never get anywhere.
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Janice and Dale

[Cassandra]

his favourite treat.

Go sit next to the road not a particularly busy one and everytime a car approaches give him the treat and make his attention turn to you as opposed to the car.

After a few goes at this...then move onto walking on a road...give him a treat everytime he 'behaves'

This is what I did with my last bc...it eventually worked!

[Janice]

Sounds a good idea. I've tried getting him to sit and face me when a car's coming and given him a treat to reward him for focusing on me but he gets so worked up he won't take the treat just fights to get at the car. Sitting near a road rather than walking sounds worth a try. Thanks.
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Janice and Dale

[Cassandra]

Well if you are sat in a fairly quiet area and relaxed, Dale is going to be a bit more relaxed and calmer too...well thats the theory lol

Try and go when you are feeling quite relaxed it should help more too. I seem to remember something from the puppy class about dogs picking up more on energies...so if you are worked up...so is the dogs. Its why they get excited around children because the kids are more high energy than adults etc???

Let us know how he gets on.

[Eleanor]

hi Cassandra

so pleased to hear that Ash is doing so well and his confidence is growing daily

just read your note re Ash liking to run alongside the bikes, that could be a fantastic way to exercise when he is older - you cycle and he runs alongside, you've probably seen the dog/cycle attachments on the net, could be fun!

see you Thursday

Eleanor