Well south-east England is almost at a stand still. Everyone knew the snow was coming but still no grit on our local roads, trains cancelled, general chaos.
So I bottled out of driving today or should I say sliding, and Georgie and Jessie had a local street walk instead of their normal off-lead extravaganza.
The day started off with a game of tug on our patio and then once we were all kitted out (Georgie with her Hawaiian bandana and Jessie with her saddle bags full of nothing in particular) we headed off.
Jessie has been terrible on the lead when she sees other dogs, so today we tried something new – a tube of cheese spread. Each time we saw a dog (we saw 4 this morning), I said ‘leave’ and rewarded her with a squirt! She loved it and almost forgot about the dogs – and we managed to get round with no barking. A miracle indeed!
Please - let me run around!
8 responses so far ↓
Jenny // February 2, 2009 at 5:16 pm |
That last picture is classic. That is quite a look! That is a great trick with the cheese spread. I should probably get saddlebags for my golden retriever. She has so much energy that even after we are done walking she is still ready to go around again.
Hilary // February 2, 2009 at 9:37 pm |
Hi Jenny, I’ recommend the saddle bags. They give Jessie that extra aerobic exercise that she needs. And we live in quite a hilly area so even better!
As for the cheese spread, I used it again tonight and I’ve certainly got their attention! I heard it’s how some police dogs are trained to walk to heel!
goodbear // February 3, 2009 at 12:16 am |
hilary! nice work. some of the dogs at the training center i help at use that type of treat to get over reacting to other dogs!
twobarkingdogs // February 3, 2009 at 5:58 am |
Great photos! My two are watching some light snow fall right now and fussing to get out in it. At midnight!
Hilary // February 3, 2009 at 9:23 am |
Would be great if humans could get over some of their fears just by eating chocolate
2lazydogs // February 3, 2009 at 2:13 pm |
Great idea with the cheese spread! I cannot walk my dogs together when it’s snowing. The little one (border collie mix) gets all frisky and attacks his big brother (Lab/Golden Retriever)…biting his hind legs and making him yelp. I’ll have to give the cheese a try and see if I can correct his naughtiness.
Glassowater // February 3, 2009 at 5:56 pm |
Great Pictures! I’m from New Hampshire here in the States and I lived in Derby from 93-94 while at University there and I will never forget the ONE and ONLY snowstorm you had that winter that shut the entire country down for 2 days! Total accumulation: 4 inches of snow! I laughed my arse off! All the rail was down, most of the highways were closed and all the shops closed early, all over 4 inches of snow. Despite this, the pubs were still open….
Hilary // February 3, 2009 at 8:44 pm |
Hi Glassowater – yep that sounds like the UK! We just don’t put the resources in I guess cause it happens so rarely. Could be a more frequent occurence though so maybe we should look to the US and Canada for some ideas.