smartly, harness on...
training a-go-go.
In these times of social distancing I decided in my infinite wisdom the right way forward would be to get some socialising underway. Odd you might think at such a time when everyone should keep their distance. Ellie has obviously been listening to our ‘esteemed‘ leader and taken it very much to heart unlike Dom Cum... no, no, not Dim Sum!
She over this strange time has got more reclusive and scared of just about everything.
In a fit of sensible, which I ought to say doesn’t happen that often, she i.e. me decreed that the bank holiday weekend was the very time to start this intensive training programme. Now in normal circumstances himself would have been all too keen to troll up to town 26 times in one day... the pub being his goal. However now pubs are like an endangered species he, surprise, surprise
wasn’t that keen!
I being the boss-cat decided that I would be the pathfinder-in-chief and lead by example.
Off we smartly step, Ellie in her harness which hasn’t seen the light of day since who knows when?
Setting off was fine-ish, until we got to the centre of town. Then she went into overdrive as we sat waiting outside for the man to get his paper. Trembling and generally not happy, we waited, treats and soothing words did settle her a little until we turned for home. Low to the ground she endeavoured to slink home, pulling fit to bust. A reviving coffee and himself genning up on all things canine it was decided off we would go again. This time with him in control.
‘Only one should do the training at once’ he said as we strode off up the hill...
‘Once again for those who weren’t watching the first time!’ type of thing.
I followed along behind like the dust cart after the Lord Mayor’s parade. Only one difference...
envy in every step
as he patiently and gently showed her he was in command.
She responded well, not at all put off by the glowering looks being shot up both their backsides.
As we got home victorious, or I should say as they got home victorious... my only thought...
‘Well he does have a way with bitches!’
Can I suggest the treats and soothing words were a mistake? You were merely confirming to her that there was something that needed fixed! Its like people who lift their dog when they meet a bigger dog, it just confirms to the small dog there's a problem. I suspect your man is more firm and less touchy feely with her and therefore she knows she doesn't need to worry about him (or her) so she's more confident. That is my esteemed opinion and I'm certain I shall get a certificate in animal behavious any day now from the BSOAB. Work that out if you can!! lol xx
ReplyDeleteYou are barking up the wrong tree MG, sorry to say. Ellie is a princess, if she decides that something is a problem... it is! She is highly intelligent and is very quick to learn, especially words. This is fear, pure and simple, how to help her overcome it is going to be a slow job, sadly. Being a country dog means she just isn’t used to walking the streets, the lockdown hasn’t helped as for ages we didn’t venture into the centre of town. Seeing folk out on a walk and walking around them has fed her fear that people are a problem. Cyclists also send her into a complete meltdown. We are slowly and confidently and encouragingly walking her around town a couple of times a day to hopefully let her see there isn’t a problem. As things slowly return to normal she will get used to the gradual increase in people, cars, buses and cyclists. Well, that is the theory!
DeleteHope you are well?
LX