Feels like we went backwards

[edzbird]

OH was working last night so I took Coco training on my own. Now he LOVES going to school, he loves to meet and play with his friends. So we arrived (he barked and howled all the way - 15 minutes), as we got out, his best pal Loki (huge dog ?Anatolean Shepherd x) was there, Coco was pulling SO hard I was like skiing behind him, carrying a bag with his bowl & 2 litres of water - I was NOT managing. The trainer laughed, in a kind way, and helped by taking Coco. We went inside the arena and the pulling continued - he wanted to play. I had to brace myself against the wall else I'd have been flat on my face in the dirt. I looked and felt out of control. Eventually they were allowed an off-lead play - phew! They all calmed down after this. I felt a bit stupid. I can walk this dog. I do walk this dog. Every day. Without much difficulty.

He performed well in class though. A couple of times he slipped my hold and pranced after trainer or another dog, but came back when called - this cheered me. And there was a new puppy there - a cute 7 month old JRT cross called Orry who didn't realise how small he was.

 

[FayRose]

Oh heck. It was just one of those days. I know how you feel though, I get them every now and again and start to despair. Then, next day it all goes right!
I guess Coco knew where he was going and got excited, howling all the way - not surprising he was hard to hold once you arrived. At least he was good in class, just needed to say big hallos to his mates.

I find the best time to do any training with Molly is when she's been out, had a run and a play and is almost tired. Then surprise, surprise, she actually listens to me

Coco looks and sounds like a very happy dog to me.

 

[Atemas]

I was like skiing behind him

Oh, I recognise that - I did that on my friend’s gravel driveway last evening as I took Red to play with her friend.

Coco was obviously desperate to play with his mates - it’s nice the trainer let that happen.

 

[MaccieD]

Try and think of it as a bad day at the office - we all have them ??. Today's another day so enjoy it with Coco

 

[Stacia]

I have had times like that with my last Lab, sometimes I had to throw myself on the ground so that when he lunged in excitement, he had to drag me as well as I found it impossible to hold him he was so strong! He did improve with age!

 

[HAH]

Thanks @edzbird - what I love about reading this is that a) it's reassuringly normal for our chums to sometimes just get overwhelmed with the excitement of it all; b) you know him so well, so can comfortably recognise he simply wanted to play, when others might have said he was naughty, or willful etc.; and c) I find such solidarity in you saying that you felt a bit stupid! Very often I think that's where the exasperation comes from, when you know that most of the time that doesn't happen and they behave beautifully
The new puppy sounds fun, JRT often don't realise how small they are do they? Rather like them for that.

 

[edzbird]

Well I've just got back from a most perfect lead walk. Coco was s good as gold - we didn't have any real challenges, but hey, we both had a thoroughly enjoyable walk. And it rained and it felt wonderful! Coco is a good boy really - he just LOVES his pals, and apart from dog school, we don't really mix with other dogs

A picture - just because he IS perfect.

.

 

[Selina27]

, we both had a thoroughly enjoyable walk.

Isn't that just the best? I reckon it's hard to beat.

 

[edzbird]

Absolutely @Selina27 - I am still on a high some 2 hours later.

 

[HAH]

That tongue

 

[Cath]

A picture - just because he IS perfect

Yes he is

 

[Charlie]

What an amazing photo. Sue, you had a rough training class but then look you had an absolutely amazing walk. Life is full of ups and downs. Tomorrow is always another day!

If I had a pound for all the terrible times I have had with Charlie over the years I could have retired to a Carribean island xx

 

[Aitch]

They all show us up sometimes. Just when we think we have it all under control they behave as if they wouldn't know training if it got up and bit them. I tend to think that the bad times just highlight the good times where training is concerned.

 

[kateincornwall]

Yes, we`ve all had " those " days , and to be honest Sue , just write it off , keep the faith because the odds are that it might not happen again ( we live in hope ! ) Sam was one of the most biddable dogs I have ever had the pleasure of owning , but there were the odd times when I would wonder what had gotten into him ! xx