Playalong Poms Wales

Took Wolfie down the local playing fields this afternoon to do some obedience training.  He went to his first conformation show on Sunday (at 5.5 years of age) and he really enjoyed the  experience. However, I have neglected his training for a few days and we needed to get back on track.

Although the dogs can be trained in the garden to a certain extent, it is necessary to train them where there are more 'everyday' distractions.

After doing some heelwork on and off the lead, Wolfie was put into a stay and I distanced myself about 25 ft away from him.  Suddenly I could hear a commotion from somewhere behind me and a young Yorkie and Chihauhau appeared running and barking , leads dangling from them, while they made a bee-line for Wolfie.  Their owner was panicking and trying to catch them but they were moving too fast. I re-inforced the command for Wolfie to stay and he remained sitting calmly. The high spirited pair were baffled by Wolfie's lack of response to them and stopped in their tracks. Their owner was then able to grasp their leads, and off they went , dogs barking like mad.  I made a big fuss of Wolfie for behaving so perfectly and he seemed very pleased with himself.

We started doing some recalls and, out of the blue, the Yorkie must have pulled free from his owner , and came running up to Wolfie, stopping just short of him and barking in his face. I asked wolfie to sit and he did so, ignoring the taunts of the cheeky youngster. Up came the frustrated owner again,  to retrieve the little trouble maker and remarked about how well-behaved Wolfie was.  My instinctive reply was ' You are very lucky that it was him they targeted as if it had been a less tolerant dog,  they might have ended up being injured.  I also told her about the local Good Citizens' Classes but the advice fell on deaf ears.

The practical benefits of the GC Training have been put to the test a few times when we have been out and about. 

I took Quark (my puppy) to training class on his own this week  to give Wolfie a break. However, although he is also very bright and a good prospect for obedience work, I missed working with Wolfie, who will always be extra special.