So just under a fortnight since doggy bag spaniel arrived and I think we may, just may, have got a pretty special wee dog on our hands. Is she perfect? No but she has come so far, so quickly the work still to do is all achievable.
I had a crisis of confidence about a week in when we had uncovered the extent of her problems, she was pushing my boundaries and didn't want to work for us, praise meant very little she clearly didn't trust me.
Finding out she was dog aggressive when she launched at a passing Akita was probably a low point.
Lunging at a neighbour on day 2 was also fun. Recall was non existent. After being told these things were not issues she had meant I put her in a situation I wouldn't have (normal but busy street walk) if I had known. I was pretty at myself for doing it.
But, but, but - Today we had a totally off lead walk with a responsive, solid dog. She passed other dogs without causing a ruckus and stayed at my heel trying really hard to be calm when another walker stopped for a chat. She doesn't want to play, that's fine, she just needs to not eat anyone. She's learning how to talk dog. She will watch bikes, joggers and other random strangers without fuss. Before she'd lunge or bolt. Now she'll look for a cue.
She's listening - this is like first prize, she looks to me and wants to be a little team of her own accord.
I thought I was putting too much pressure on her to try and sort everything (for her safety with our lifestyle) but she just kept giving and getting better.
It's a pointless gushy post but I'm so, so, so proud of her I accidentally blubbed today on the way home.
Only dog people really get why and I haven't been able to elicit the recognition she deserves for being such a courageous little dog and overcoming significant fears and anxiety IRL. She got 2 pig ears today though so she doesn't care!
Sorry for my novel, I don't expect anyone to wade through it. I just want to shout about her They don't know what they gave up.
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The doghouse
By Jove, I think we've done it!
8 replies
TotallyBursar · 07/09/2013 19:19
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everlong ·
07/09/2013 21:01
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