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The doghouse

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Help! My dog has been ruined!

9 replies

Judyandherdreamofhorses · 30/12/2013 18:27

Friends of DH's begged kindly volunteered to have our impeccably behaved springer instead of him going to kennels when we went away. The first time was a couple of months ago. I wrote them anal very detailed instructions about everything. They said he'd been very good and were desperate to have him again. He came back a few pounds heavier, but I didn't really mind that.

So he's been back three days after a week log stay. His recall has lapsed - it's always been instant and totally reliable, now he is maybe 90% reliable. He is begging for food at the table. Refuses to follow commands that have been completely solid ('to your bed', for example).

He is also a bit whiny, trying to get upstairs where he's never allowed, not settling properly.

I guess I have to do all the stuff again that I did to train him in the first place. But he's three years old and it seems so long ago. I also only had one child then, not two!

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lisad123everybodydancenow · 30/12/2013 18:29

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Judyandherdreamofhorses · 30/12/2013 18:31

That's good news. It feels like having a puppy again (albeit a very large one!)

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DramaAlpaca · 30/12/2013 18:38

I'm very impressed you have an impeccably trained springer!

Would you like to borrow my three bouncy girls for a few days and teach them a few manners? Grin

Seriously though, I'm sure he'll forget all about his little holiday within the next few days once he gets back into his usual routine.

Judyandherdreamofhorses · 30/12/2013 18:43

It was hard work! But he is beautifully behaved as a result. I hope I can get him back. Might stump up for kennel fees next time we go away!

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MissFenella · 30/12/2013 18:43

That's Springers though isn't it. You have to tell them 40 times for it to sink in. Forget once and it is back to the drawing board :D They are easy to train back up though.

Judyandherdreamofhorses · 30/12/2013 18:44

He must have loved it, mustn't he? Allowed to do what he wanted. I bet the first week he was just angelic because he didn't realise the opportunities.

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cathpip · 30/12/2013 18:47

He will still have to be reminded after kennels!! Been there done that with my labs, I now have spaniels and they go to a friends and like yours come back less trained but at least its cheaper and they are happy :)

meeeemo · 30/12/2013 18:47

aww! you must let him go back next time. i bet he loved it, holiday for you and holiday for him!

Judyandherdreamofhorses · 30/12/2013 18:52

Kennel lady is a dog trainer, so he comes back even better from there. Expensive though!

I probably will let him go back. The DC he was with adore him (to the extent that he slept in their beds - I have just been shown photographic evidence...)

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