Up The Farway Tree

Dog Training and Human Training

Seb had his first dog training class last Thursday, or perhaps I should say, we had our first dog owner training class :-) He was a little overwhelmed at first, as there were around 15 dogs in the class, many of which were large and rather manic. Seb hid under my chair for the first wee while but then he became a bit bold and strutted out barking his head off. This set another couple of dogs off, and before you know it, mayhem ensues. In order to control the barking, there is someone who goes around with a water spray and if the dog keeps yapping, they get a sprayed with water. Another dog got it first, but the owner kindly pointed me out and said 'Her dog started it!' so poor Seb got a soaking as well! It certainly stopped him barking. He then hid back under the chair and tried barking from there, but he got another spray so that was the end of that master plan. After that he was quite good at not barking when I told him to stop, so it certainly seems to work. We were learning about walking to heel in this class, although not putting commands to it yet. There were 4 trainers, so you were taken up one at a time to get individual training, which was very helpful, especially since every dog is different. The trainer remembered Seb from the microchipping but she mustn't have thought he was too bad because she pointed him out to her trainee for her to take. I had to get Seb to stand at my left side, not moving, and then he had to walk when I started walking, staying beside me. For a dog who has never been taught to walk to heel, he did pretty well on his first attempt and we didn't stay on the floor long. I was one of those annoying people, pointing out other dogs to Andrew and saying 'Oh, at least he isn't as bad as that!' Very satisfying. There was one very scary dog, who was totally wild. He apparently bit the trainer when she microchipped him and she showed us the massive bite mark on her arm to prove it. Even more worrying was the fact he was apparently muzzled at the time! I must admit it's a little unnerving having the dog in the class, but I'm sure the trainer will keep an eye out. I couldn't really work out if Seb enjoyed it or not...we will see what his reaction is this week.

So since then we have been practising. Anyone who has had the pleasure of walking Seb before would be truly amazed! He previously stopped every 2 metres to sniff a bush, tree, lamp post etc and would not move on until this had taken place. He also had to pee about 20 times on average. Now I have him walking beside me all the way round without stopping to sniff once!! At certain grassy areas I un-clip the lead (it's one of those extendible ones ) and he runs onto the grass for a while, but he usually comes back fairly quickly...and today he even came back straight into position by my left side. Clearly Seb was not the problem.....I just let him away with too much and he is perfectly capable of walking along like a normal dog. I am so competitive that he really will have to be top of the class ;-)

Friday was a really relaxing day with my friend, and it was nice to just chill out. We did however have a good chat about Team Jac and the logistics of the day, now that I have over 70 people! I think there may actually be some precautions needed, such as insurance, first aiders, notifying council etc but I am looking into all this at the moment and I am sure it will not be a problem. If anyone else still wants to join then please let me know quite soon so I have a good idea of numbers. I think the route is nearer to 10 miles than 12 if that makes any of you feel better! I am hoping to have some t-shirts made for the day. Team Jac on the front and maybe something about transplant on the back. Ideas for a good slogan welcome :-) Seb will have to get a wee bandana or something.......I really hope I can get him fit enough for the walk because then he could be the team mascot!

I am having Andrew's gran and his mum's cousin (who is visiting from Canada)for dinner tonight, so I better go and get organised. I keep volunteering to cook for people...I am getting scarily like my mum.