Muzzling

I have decided to muzzle Dylan and Flash for a while again... They are normally muzzled when I take them out at peak walking times or to places where I don't know the dogs. In the mornings when I know everyone and the dogs know everyone, I didn't muzzle.

However, on Friday, Dylan bullied a lab. He never liked him much since he was hassled by a lab a while ago that wouldn't take "no" for an answer until Dylan had to get quite nasty to get rid of him. Since then he has been a bit full-on with some labs, though never injured any (and I always made sure I'd call him back before he ran up to them). However, on Friday, said lab suddenly appeared from behind without me noticing it (with owners, so no-one's fault). Dylan charged over and - unlike all the other times - the lab ran off and Dylan chased and nipped him, which made the lab yelp. The owner then told me that he'd been attacked two weeks ago and is a bit more worried now! Fair enough... so Dylan is muzzled now until we gain a bit more control again and things have settled.

The same Friday morning, another lab appeared literally out of nowhere with no owner in sight... I did hear a faint voice of a woman calling presumably this lab... from about 200 yards away or so. Flash wasn't happy with him (the lab had a challenging body posture which Flash doesn't like) and nipped him too... again, no injuries, but he kept at it as the lab - yet again - wouldn't leave us alone (even after being nipped). It took minutes until we finally managed to get rid of him!
What worried me though was that Flash's teeth kept chattering even after the event and I didn't like that. I think it is because he got hold of meat/meat juices during the previous few days which my husband leaves out and doesn't bother to put away. Flash is allergic to animal protein and one of the symptoms is behaviour problems including lowering of the aggression threashold, less self-control and less bite inhibition! So apart from telling hubby off and get him to tidy up after himself, in particular meat food, I have also decided to muzzle Flash for a bit until things are under control again.

Dylan is 7!

How time flies. It seems only just yesterday that we picked Dylan up from Binfield Dog Rescue!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY SPECIAL BOY!

Dylan in puppy class

For the first time in months, I have brought Dylan into my puppy and beginners class this morning. Last time I did that, he had a go at almost every dog... This time he was an angel. He thoroughly enjoyed himself and only told dogs off when they were actually rude! He was brilliant! So good to have my easy-going chap back! Not had any problems on walks either at all.

Results and Agility

On Thursday, my vet finally found out that although they had sent the biopsy off, the lab had not received it. Of course we could have re-tested, but Dylan's lump has thankfully decreased in size from about a 50-pence piece to penny size... So I'll watch it for another couple of weeks and if it continues to dicreased, I won't worry about re-testing.

Today, we had our second agility session. It was great. We did two jumps in a row, the rigid tunnel and new also the soft tunnel! Dylan was first slightly reluctant, but in the end went through confidently without any help! He really does seem to enjoy himself! And I certainly do too.

Agility was fab

At 10 this morning, Dylan and I left for agility training at capable canines in Richmond. We were there about 3/4 hours early, so got to watch the previous class.

Then at 11.30, it was our turns. We did a jump, the tunnel, the a-frame and the weave. Dylan did all very well, was a little nervous on the a-frame though, but he will get more confident in time. He did do it though!

I really enjoyed training there. It was nice to just be able to go there and not worry about anything and it was fantastic to be able to just follow instructions without having to question them. They only use positive training and lots of treats, exactely the same as I do! It was so relaxing and enjoyable.

We can't wait until next week.