A busier environment for Luna Bear

Luna is coming on leaps and bounds with her training and is a joy to walk. The walk today was busier in some ways than previous walks - we had lots of squirrels to deal with, a few passing people and other dogs.

She can be aroused by movement such as the squirrels or sometimes cars but she has already learned to just quietly observe.

Squirrel watch!

She became very excited at one point, when she heard children's screeching not far away. The area backs on to a nursery so we just waited and let her listen. Then we played a couple of pattern games (up/down and imaginary bubble) and did a little loose lead walking. Luna Bear had the choice to engage with me or stand and observe and listen. 

Dogs need choices and space to be able to manage their own behaviour. Giving lots of verbal instructions will not help. Luna was able to hear the voices and chose to engage with me, even though there was lots of screeching going on. You may notice she sits a couple of times - this is not what I am wanting her to do but it is clearly a well trained behaviour in her previous home. When dogs are emotional, asking them to sit will not help!

Luna Bear was able to watch a number of other dogs walking past without getting too excited. With a little space, she can just observe them.

It is so important to let dogs calmly observe, rather than trying to shovel treats down their necks, calling their name, asking them to sit or asking them to look at us. Dogs need to be able to process information about the environment and they cannot do that if we constantly ask them to watch us or keep throwing treats down etc.

She settled down in the back of the car for a snooze as we returned to kennels. What a sweetheart. Luna is available for adoption in the Lincolnshire area and behaviour support will be provided.