Traffic Control.
Collies can be prone to chasing traffic. For lots of reasons. From its fun to they are frightened. Big vehicles, lots of noises, bright headlights can be really scary for lots of dogs.
Dougie had lots of gentle exposure as a puppy to help him with this. He has always been pretty steady around traffic. I’m lucky. I see lots of dogs who aren’t lucky. Helping these dogs adjust to life is just a privilege. Turning daily walks from fear to fun is just a great job.
For help with traffic chasing, fearful walking, even loose leash work. Call Paula 07866-270133.
Squirrel versus’ Dougie!!!
Not sure who won really. I think it was me!! No chasing, got to stay up right on my feet. Winner winner chicken dinner!!
Learning to not chase small furries, cars or bigger woolly ones is a skill all my dogs MUST have. It’s a tough one to train but train it you can. It’s basic impulse control. Lots of dogs chase squirrels. It can be a fun pastime for some, for others it can have deadly consequences.
As you can see by Dougie’s big grin and total lack of drive to chase it can be done. It’s not magic. 🪄Sometimes it’s not easy either. It can be done though
with the right skill set.
For help with chase control call Paula on 07866-270133
Positive, motivational methods.
Beautiful day here. Can’t stand the thought of being indoors so off I went with Dougie for a social stroll. Not done one with him in ages. It’s been about Isla for ages. So off we went treats at the ready, sun shining.
Dougie was edgy and nervy at first because I parked at a place he’s never been before. Being a collie that can be a trauma for them. 🙄🥴. He soon settled down though and what a little super star. We strolled past dogs, people, suitcases on wheels, crying children. And even a squirrel!!! I’ve got video evidence of that!! I do love Pavilion gardens because dogs must be on lead due to the dog control order so it’s a great place to go to practice. Folks are all relaxed enjoying the sunshine.
Will be picking this training back up and pushing him a little harder every time.
Now I need to talk to myself. I put lots of effort into early social skills with my dogs. It lays a really good solid foundation for life. Therefore it shouldn’t surprise me when Dougie behaves like a trooper!!!! Isn’t he handsome too??!!!
I do practice impulse control with the dogs every week. It’s amazing in how when we do walks on the track, all the dogs stop at a certain point. Can’t tell what the point is but they stop and don’t like going past it. Unless your name is Joe and you have blue eyes and use them to great effect. He’s getting sneaky because as he gets older he knows exactly what I want. So he gets a bit sneaky here and there because he knows that I know he’s creaky. So I cut him some slack.
Impulse control is what you guys work on when you practice your stay, wait, take it/leave it. Teaching to hold on to that impulse to just do it. Very important. Something I think a lot of adults could improve 🥴😝😉😉.
Second video in the comments to prove they do wait for me.
For help improving your dog’s impulse control call so they don’t steal your mince pies, Christmas chocolates or knock granny over when she visits! Call Paula 07866-270133.
Can’t help her little self. 🥰🥰
Fog is clearing up now. Sunshine trying to break through. Quick cuppa for me then round 2. Feet are perishing.
Misty!!!! The dog who has pushed a family to the brink, almost over but not quite!!
Out of a dogs home at a young age, a list of ailments, some incredibly weird and wonderful. 2yrs of training, some behaviour meds thrown in to help. Finally!!!! Finally!!!!! Off lead playing with other dogs. Whoop!! Whoop!!! Whoop!!! Absolutely chuffed to mint balls for them all!! It’s been an looooooong, looooong journey but her mum has stuck with her. Been to the vets, followed advice, cried buckets, picked herself back up and pushed on.
Misty was very reactive towards other dogs. Very hyped up, extremely ramped. Has underlying health issues not related to her conformation this time. Unravelling all this has taken time. Lots of time. Giving her chance to mature has been a big part of her progression. Finally yesterday at a breed group gathering she mixed well with others! She’s had break throughs along the way but yesterday was a BIG one. So pleased for everyone. Absolutely wonderful to see, and hear 🤭🤭🐾🐾💝. She’s still going to be a work in progress for a while but I think most of it is behind her now.
Breed play groups can be very helpful. Different breeds play in different modes. Giving your dog a chance to mix within its own play pattern can be very helpful.
Working breeds can be difficult to handle for almost 3yrs in lots of cases. They are SO sensitive, ultra absorbing, masters of over thinking, the kings and queens of OCD patterns. We work, we try and time is a great healer. Maturity is all that is missing in some cases. It’s simply training and time. Something Misty’s mum Alison has given in spades. I’ve had one or two or more of these dogs myself. 😉😉. Teaching dogs. My NO dogs not yes dogs. Some present it differently. They simply shut down from training. Too much pressure for them.
Dont give up! Give it time. Eat, sleep, train, REPEAT. Because….well Ta Dah!!!!!👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
From puppy basics to complex behaviours. From lead work to aggression. Positive methods only used. Qualified staff members. Fully insured. All breeds!!!
