We started training on Sunday 25Th Jan 09. Boots coats, gloves, water and a bag of hot dog sausages cut into small pieces got placed into the boot of the car.
We all set out early to go collect the fees and make the training ground early. The weather was cold, with some rain and light winds. Bayz sat eagerly in the car whining (whinging) occasionally. I drove thinking positive thoughts. We were all looking forward to seeing just how much of the lead training i had done had stuck with Bayz.
We arrived to find the other dogs with owners already at the ground and from the moment Bayz slipped out of the car he pulled. Not just in front mind you, but side to side and behind. Our trainer began and so did Bayz. We barely heard her over Bayz's desperate pleas to be let of and play. He duly pulled us to the place we had chosen to stand then in a loud voice began to demand play time. My desperate whispered Bayz, please behave had as much chance of getting through as did his sense of oh training great. To cut a long story short ( all about pulling) we didn't get much training done. He's focus on the getting the food was good for all of a second. He's attention span limited to oh dogs lets play. Even when given the chance to join the fun off lead, he seemed mainly interested in running circles and herding to his delight. After the final exercise of red light green light in which Bayz and i landed up way back from the starting line, Bayz began showing signs of stress so was placed back in the car. I felt like a right prune talking to the teacher afterwards who is now looking at a different way of Bayz getting his training.
Arriving home feeling low, i decided just to see how he went on lead in front of the house. Just to rub it in we had a perfect few minutes of close walking loose lead while family members unloaded the car. Wonder if i can take my pavement to training next time?
We have decided to try doing some off lead close walking in the house and garden, with a weeks supply of treats. I have even broken my own ban on squeaky toys just to use for attention grabbing. Also going to try giving Bayz short lead work solo then bringing out the older dog who is calmer then the other youngster to see if Bayz can maintain attention on my treat loaded hand. Maybe by the next lesson ( if we get to return) I'll be able to maintain a better control then last time. Here's hoping.
