To bring him into a big city was always going to be a challenge. And he was completely freaked out when he first came to Edinburgh, with the sounds and sights, and the restrictions that life in a city and on a lead brought. Scot and I had help, mostly from Heather of Posh Pets, and we introduced him to city life and rules, and Lucky coped well.
It has been work, as dog training always is. But it's good work, because dog training is about making a personal connection with your dog, and letting him see that you are not just his boss, but also his family; the main people for him to love, and who love him in return. The result, you hope, is a happy dog who looks to you for his cues, and obeys you at all times. In my past experience, the beginning bit seems the longest and hardest, but when you arrive, it's a great feeling.
There seems to have been a quantum leap in the last few weeks. Suddenly, Lucky walks perfectly to heel, he obeys us when we ask him to follow us in the park, he can play with other dogs gently then come away with us when we say, and we have really solid recall. The result, satisfyingly, is that he's starting to enjoy freedom again. He's absolutely good off the lead, and he's looking to us at all times for instruction. This is making for a seriously happy, free-living boy. We feel as if we've arrived.
Today is the 2 year anniversary of the death of our beloved Truman. It's also the 112th anniversary of my Grandmothers birth. And today, Lucky was with me at work, happy and contented, with lots of new friends visiting all day. He had a brilliant time today. And I had a day to think about loss and renewal, and good fortune.
Scot and I are so grateful for this beautiful, cheeky, and loving boy. And Lucky is a very happy boy with us, of that we're certain.
I think Lucky should write a book, and the title should be 'How I Became Good'. Because this boy is an expert in how to be good.
No comments:
Post a Comment