22/06/2025
Yesterday was another training session with little Buster. There are no videos as his owner struggles with really bad anxiety. We worked on strengthening Buster's recall and introducing him to other dogs as his owner was unsure what he would be like. Buster is absolutely fine around other dogs, although, very full on and very high energy, so we worked on showing him a more sensible approach.
Buster's owner is still using a long line to walk him but struggling with the confidence to let the lead go, he doesn't really need a long line anymore as his recall is there but, as previously mentioned his owner has anxiety and worries a lot about multiple potential scenarios that could possibly happen.
Fear is dehabilitating, and her fear created frustration in little Buster. I spent most of yesterday's session combating her fears and worries as best I could and showing her that Buster was completely fine. Eventually, she managed to let go of the line and give Buster the freedom he so badly craved. This was MASSIVE for her and completely out of her comfort zone, but she did it! We still have a long way to go and I will never cure her anxiety, but if I can make life a little easier for both her and Buster then that's a win all day long. I saw in her face yesterday how hard it was for her to let go of that line, but she did it! I'm super proud! Moments like these are what I live for. I spend my life trying to improve the quality of life of the dogs I work with, but sometimes, I improve the humans quality of life too! Yesterday was truly a moment to remember and one I won't forget in a hurry.
