Well we've turned the corner ! By "we" I mean Merlin and myself.
My young Australian Labradoodle guest is with me for a month for residential training and after a frustrating beginning, things suddenly took a turn a few days ago. It just happened in an instance - the sudden realisation that this little lad was both looking at me and following my commands was a fantastic feeling !
In the morning it was still the "old" Merlin that I was working with, but my perseverance suddenly came good later in the day - and in truth I just gave him a hug as I knew things were only going to get better from then on. Yes he can be stubborn and awkward at times, but he's the equivalent to a teenager, a Kevin and Perry dare I say it !! But with careful training, these traits will disappear.
Merlin's desire to follow the leader's instructions really benefitted him this morning. He was one of five dogs (inc. Honey and Jaffa) Paul took onto one of the lower Fells near Haweswater. Leads were kept in Paul's rucksack, even when he approached sheep, as the dogs have been trained not to chase livestock, including Merlin.
But as this was Paul's first time out with him in such conditions, he erred on the side of caution and put a lead around Merlin. He needn't have bothered as the young dog pulled the other way, fully aware that sheep are one "plaything" definately out of bounds.
All in all he's really enjoying himself while learning at the same time and it's a real pleasure - yet again - to be able to work with such a wonderful dog who makes running Cumbria Dog Training all worth while.
Janet
My young Australian Labradoodle guest is with me for a month for residential training and after a frustrating beginning, things suddenly took a turn a few days ago. It just happened in an instance - the sudden realisation that this little lad was both looking at me and following my commands was a fantastic feeling !
In the morning it was still the "old" Merlin that I was working with, but my perseverance suddenly came good later in the day - and in truth I just gave him a hug as I knew things were only going to get better from then on. Yes he can be stubborn and awkward at times, but he's the equivalent to a teenager, a Kevin and Perry dare I say it !! But with careful training, these traits will disappear.
Merlin's desire to follow the leader's instructions really benefitted him this morning. He was one of five dogs (inc. Honey and Jaffa) Paul took onto one of the lower Fells near Haweswater. Leads were kept in Paul's rucksack, even when he approached sheep, as the dogs have been trained not to chase livestock, including Merlin.
But as this was Paul's first time out with him in such conditions, he erred on the side of caution and put a lead around Merlin. He needn't have bothered as the young dog pulled the other way, fully aware that sheep are one "plaything" definately out of bounds.
All in all he's really enjoying himself while learning at the same time and it's a real pleasure - yet again - to be able to work with such a wonderful dog who makes running Cumbria Dog Training all worth while.
Janet
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| The Original Sheepdog ? |
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| Honey whispers to Merlin "SIT UP ! He wants to take our photograph!" |
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| That's better. CLICK !! |
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| Merlin has found a true partner in mischief making - 12wk old Nelly |
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| View from the top - easily worth the short climb to see it |
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