mbc1963 Posted April 5, 2008 Report Share Posted April 5, 2008 It's been a rocky almost-three-years since I got Buddy, my reactive dog. Trainers, books, research, and lots of time. One step forward, two steps back. This morning I took Buddy for a rainy-day walk at the local park. It was nearly empty except for friends, so he was off leash. He met a big old black lab without a snarl, and a large (gorgeous!) pale BC-looking dog in a happy manner. The other walkers noted how well he did. This afternoon, the sun came out finally, and it was a rare warm day here. So I took Buddy down to the reservoir for a long 5.5 mile loop. We met small children, and Buddy lay down calmly while they petted him and gave him treats. We ran into mountain bikes - which used to absolutely make Buddy have a meltdown - and he calmly waited till they passed and kept on sniffing. We met a youngish, adolescent black lab who was all up in Buddy's grill... but with a stern "Leave it," Buddy redirected himself away from snarling to tolerating the dog's attentions. (Well, to be fair, he did correct the pup when he lunged after a minute - but quickly and without no more mad teeth than was necessary.) We were walking a narrow path as a man with a baby in a backpack came by, and I did a "heel" and Buddy walked right next to me, gazing adoringly at my face (and hoping for a treat), so that the man said, "You've got some discipline on that dog!" Sometimes you hardly notice the progress your dog has made, until one day when everything goes right. ::Sigh:: Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurae Posted April 5, 2008 Report Share Posted April 5, 2008 Nice to hear it, Mary! Sounds like you and Buddy have indeed come a long way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiegirl Posted April 5, 2008 Report Share Posted April 5, 2008 Good on your pup, and GOOD JOB for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maralynn Posted April 5, 2008 Report Share Posted April 5, 2008 Great job Mary! I like reading progress reports Don't you just love that wow feeling you have when you realize just how much progress your dog has made? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat W. Posted April 7, 2008 Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 A very big Congratulations and well done for all the time love and hard work you've put into your boy be proud of both of you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewie'sMom Posted April 7, 2008 Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 Well done! Makes all it all worth it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.