I’ve been working on ‘place’ at home and trying to create a hit more structure as opposed to the slight chaos we sometimes have in the house with the dogs following people about and not really settling. Then I decided to walk both dogs together as I haven’t done that for a while. They were both really good. We got harassed by another off lead dog though so I’m thinking I might start my own You Tube Channel with all the footage. The dog charged at us with no owner in sight barking at my two dogs (Bentley handled it remarkably well). Then when I came across the owner she still couldn’t recall the dog, let alone find it. It was off in the woods somewhere. She told me it was only barking and that she walks in this location because she doesn’t usually see anyone else. I said that you can’t guarantee that in a public place and that the dog shouldn’t even be off lead if it can’t recall. Honestly! Other than that, a really lovely walk. Recall practiced, on and off lead heel, recall from squirrels and pheasants 10/10 both dogs!

We have been trying out some of the Christmas challenge from another group I'm in. I'm not sure Igor will grasp it all but I think phoenix will do ok. It's just a bit of fun but it gives me something different to do when we are at home. They have both been a bit sleepy today. I can always tell if phoenix isn't feeling it as she will just lay down no matter what I ask so we will give it another whirl tomorrow. Highlight of my week I got myself a new Christmas jumper! So Impressed with how well it came out.

I took Muttley for a quick walk around the village this morning as I had a couple of errands to run and Then he had an appointment at the vets for his annual vaccinations. I feel like his training is coming back together after so may on-lead walks (due to his injury) and it was a lovely peaceful walk. Then I had to run another errand in another village so I took Bentley with me and walked him at a popular place that I have been to once before. There are always quite a few dog walkers and little paths that people pop out of because it’s all a bit overgrown but I felt very relaxed with him today and confident that he would do the right thing. He saw a few dogs and looked and came back to me, even passed one quite close but the other dog was doing training with its owner (a rare sight) and was very engaged so not interested in us. I’m glad that neither of us were holding on to the incident yesterday. Little video of Muttley off lead heeling ☺️

So I did ‘walk the dogs’ today after saying last week that I was trying to put more emphasis on training than going for a walk but actually I felt like I just needed it. Walked Bentley first, he was a bit wild to start with but actually once he’s off lead he just seems to get some of his fizz out. It was also raining and miserable so I think I was a bit more relaxed knowing there would be many people out. Anyway, did our whole walk and got back to nearly heading home and there was a lady in front of me who was one of those that just fills me with ‘uurrrrgh’ walking soooo slowly and on her phone and I didn’t trust the little dog she was walking so I kept my distance. Then coming towards us was a guy with two dogs tha live in our village and I’ve encountered them before. So I see them coming (both off lead) and I make it really clear that we’re not interacting. Call Bentley into a heel and move right across the other side of the small grassy area we’re on. The dogs go past but then come up behind snarling and barking. Bentley did bark back but only in a defensive way. I said to the guy to keep his dogs under control and asked why would he do that when he clearly saw me making space. And he just ignored me and kept walking. Has anyone reported a dangerous dog before in the UK? I’m just wondering what the process is like because this is at least the second time they’ve done this to Bentley. I do have footage because I’ve started wearing a body cam for this reason. Last time the female owner tried to tell me it was because her dogs were coming into season and were scared of him. It makes me so cross when I always have him under close control and other people just get away with terrorising other people. Especially when he’s made so much progress with his reactivity. Then I walked Muttley and he was a little superstar. Getting back to good recall and generally being a lovely walking companion.

Another busy day for Kairo! Her first adventure was a trip to Herm to get used to boats. We worked on recall, heelwork, stays, and settle. Achievement of the day - Kairo recalled to heel, then walked calmly past a group of people! She was a super good girl! Afterwards, we met up with some friends for a training walk. Our main goal was focus whilst around other excitable dogs. Again, she was a very good girl! So proud of her today!