Doggy brags

Some of you will get this if you've had a reactive dog - This morning we saw another dog enter the wood as we were heading towards the exit. I clipped my 2 on their leads and stood back from the path while first a loose Springer, then it's owner passed by. I excused my actions and chatted a minute or 2. Meg didn't lunge or bark.
We got to the car, another car arrived and 2 Springers jumped out of the back. My two were fastened in to the boot with the lid open. Meg leaned out to see the Spaniels (and the man). She didn't bark or jump out.
We went to Dog School tonight. Meg greeted a couple of puppies, politely. She sniffed "hello" to most of the dogs there. She didn't lunge or bark at a single dog all night. Or person. Even the ones she really dislikes. I did my best to handle her all night. I streamed treats when BC Ivy arrived and did her usual showboating - she really dislikes Ivy. I streamed treats when (gorgeous) Lab, Ruby did her recall 20 ft away, she really dislikes Ruby too. I squeaked and pranced when we had to pass little curly Gizmo and Flat Coat Enya. She kept her attention on me. No lunging and snarling. So proud of my little girl today. I won't pretend it's all rosy, she is so unpredictable, but today, she has been like a "normal" dog.
 
Alex was like this for months. I think shelter dogs need a longer period of adjustment but, with the proper positive treatment, they do eventually adjust. It's a whole new world for them. Suddenly everything is different . Who and what is safe? Alex returned to crocopup for a while and is still learning to be a dog but watching him progress is amazing! Time and patience and love (which I know you have in abundance ) is all they need.
 

Candy

Biscuit Tin Guardian
Time for my brag, I think. I just couldn't be more proud of my little Joy than I am this evening! All that travel and change and at not quite two, she managed it without a single hitch, bless her! After we arrived home, we walked for about half an hour, then did ten minutes of ball games in the garden (her favourite) then her tea and after that just snoozing by the fire with the occasional tummy rub. I feel it bodes very well for future adventures and I'm so pleased with her!:heart::heart::heart:
 
This happened on Saturday and not really a brag but I melted a bit and wanted to share.

A little boy (about 8?) came in the shop and wanted something for his mum for mother's day, it had to be pretty and just the right colour, he was very particular so that his mum would like it. He found some sparkly gems he was going to stick on a card for her and got his pennies out on the floor and sat there counting them. The lady who was with him came over while he was counting and said to ignore him as he was not himself and let him be for a bit. The card he was making was to put on his mum's grave. Oh crikey.

So he came to the counter and we counted the money together and he showed an interest in Maisy so I called her over and she said hello to the little boy who was very gentle and clearly a dog lover. Maisy snuggled up to him so affectionately and licked his face and hands so very gently. I wonder if she felt his emotion. Even though she didn't really do anything, I still feel very proud of her.
 
Top