2 lovely walks.

[jayne5364]

I try to do some of the walks seperatley. Partly so I can spend a little quality time with each of them, but also that they are both so different and need different things from a walk.
I took Sasha first. She is VERY nervous of traffic and people. So we just go on the flexi for a poodle round the block, round the park, anywhere that's quiet really. There's a few roads along the way but quiet ones. Today she seemed more relaxed near the roads and actualy sat quietly waiting to cross. Normaly she'll be twisting behind me trying to get away. Then some random fella called out "lovely dog". Well yes, she is lovely but I don't think she'll be your friend lol. He decides he's coming over for a chat. He looked a bit rough , had tattoo's all round his neck scary looking dude. Anyway, 20 minutes down the line we're still chatting doggy stuff and she's lying by his feet. As we said our goodbyes she let him pat her head. Pretty shocked at that. It's taken 5 months to get to this.
Then it's Anya's turn. 9 months ago she was pretty aggressive towards other dogs and strangers. She hard to handle, lots of hard work but steadily making progress. We're now down to no more than a bark and walk on, so long as we're not too close. Anyway, just passing a garden gate as it opens. Out comes an old lady and her slightly old and nearly blind yorkie. We see this lady often and Anya has always barked/ growled. We've often stopped for a chat a few feet apart. She's such a lovely lady and is quite happy to stand and chat, says it's good for the dog bless her. There was something about Anya's body language today that made me feel she wasn't going to have her normal reaction. She was wagging her tail and play bowed. Shocked is not the word. She had a good sniff and even licked the other dogs face. I didn't stay more than a couple of minutes though. Off we went in opposite direction, but met again on our way home. Again we said hello and she was calm. The old lady even got to have a stroke. I kept it short, just a few minutes and said to the old dear that I wanted to leave on a good note, hopefuly this will mean a good meet the next time we see her.
Today I really feel as if we are making progress. It's hard work but so very rewarding. All the damage done by previous owners is fading and I can finaly get on and enjoy my dogs.

[LOVEGSD]

When you mentioned a guy with tattoo's on his neck I'd thought you'd met my OH although my OH isn't rough looking

Great to hear that both walks went so well.....training is paying off - brilliant

[jayne5364]

lol. I love tattoo's , we both have them. But this guy seriously did look rough. And the flats he came out of are known drug dens. When he told me where his mum lived and I realised who he was, crikey. Known trouble makers.
But. speak as I find, he was lovely. Not what I'd expected at all. They are huge animal lovers and treat them well. That's all that matters to me.

[Mazz]

So pleased you had a good day.
Well done to your beautiful dogs, and a big well done to you.
Mazz

[LOVEGSD]

Originally Posted by jayne5364

lol. I love tattoo's , we both have them. But this guy seriously did look rough. And the flats he came out of are known drug dens. When he told me where his mum lived and I realised who he was, crikey. Known trouble makers.
But. speak as I find, he was lovely. Not what I'd expected at all. They are huge animal lovers and treat them well. That's all that matters to me.

It's funny cos my OH is a tattooist so he's got his neck done, his hands, his arms and a lot of his legs, he has a skinhead and walks a GSD and an EBT so you can imagine the looks he gets....

It always makes me laugh when people then meet him and say how lovely he is and sound shocked

Good on you for speaking as you find, nice that this guy was lovely and more importantly he loves animals

[jesterjenn]

Fantastic! I LOVE walks that help you realise the progress you've made.

Well done for your dedication

[Stuart]

So pleased that you had such a good day,.. and your hard work has piad off big time,..well done you