We had a lovely walk at West Wittering today. We were also lucky enough to see 3 horses being exercised and to watch some unusual wading birds feed.
In this main video you can see/ hear a dog barking and getting very wound up about the horse moving by. Thankfully the guardians had the dog on a lead, but if they had moved further away the dog would have felt calmer and there would have been less risk of the horse getting anxious and possibly bolting.
As you can see, we kept a sensible distance and I played ‘boomerang’ with treats, which for my dogs is waaaay more exciting than a horse passing at a distance. I’ve spent a lot of time training my dogs around horses and other livestock, so I was confident they would not show any interest. If I had been in any doubt they would have been on a lead.
In the comments there is a photo of 2 other horses passing by. At times these 2 had been trotting and cantering, which can be a lot more exciting to dogs like my sheepdog, as movement is a big trigger. Again, the work I’ve put in means my husband and I could play with my dogs off lead at a safe distance. Trust me, that work started years ago, on lead and at a greater distance. It takes time and effort but is worth it.
Finally, in comments there is a video of me recalling my sheepdog from a large group of mixed wading birds. These birds were trying to feed on the wormy-type things that come out during low tide. They need to build their energy at this time of year, and don’t need my boy forcing them to take flight. Don’t get me wrong, I tend to turn a blind eye these days if he wants to have a chase of the pigeons or crows in the city parks, but because of the work I’ve done with him on recall, I can ask him to come back if I think it’s needed, like today.
Wow! Look at little Nyota come back! Clever pup…and finishing with a brilliant ‘middle’/ ‘peek-a-boo’ too. Very impressive.
I’m standing up to work at the moment because of a bad back…seems my colleagues like this style of working!!
#dogsatwork
#dogsofinstagram
#goldenretriever
#bordercollie
Boo! Here we are…
Want the confidence of knowing your dog will come back to you when off lead?
Two 1 hour workshops (come to one, or both) 11.30am on Saturday 16 and 23 October. £15 per workshop. A session devoted to improving your dog’s recall regardless of the distractions.
Secure city centre venue.
PM for details or email [email protected]
www.seacitydogs.co.uk
My beautiful Golden Retriever Rudy turned 11 this week.
She started the week going for a walk with a young pup who had had a scary experience with a mature dog the week before. As she has done with so many young or worried dogs in the past, she helped this pup by being calm, gentle and fun. She has the wonderful knack of ignoring them enough that all pressure is removed, but interacting enough to engage them. It’s a real skill and has helped many dogs over the years to feel happier around dogs.
My love for this girl has no limits. She is brave, kind, hilariously funny, trusting and independent. I am grateful every day for having her in my life. She has overcome so many medical issues, as well as a horror attack as an adolescent, but none of it has dented her gentle approach to people and other animals.
Rudy 😘
Love this film of puppy Jasper experiencing a hard boiled egg. Brilliant enrichment as he gets to play with it and then eat it- double the fun.
How to keep cool in the summer part 1…
Little Penny discovering the joys of a paddling pool for the first time.
Wow! Look at this emergency stop!
Milo the Jackapoo pup has been practicing an emergency stop with his people, and wow has he ever nailed it!! I am SO impressed. An emergency stop can be a lifesaver, which is why we start training it in our baby puppy class.
Jigsô tidies up after his game!
