I wasn’t going to say anything until Wednesday (and even then only if he passed ) but Buster is doing his silver test next week. I am not totally confident as I’ve been in and out of hospital and Buster has not seen me most of the week… I’d say standards have dropped

But between me and my dad tonight (I’m still not strong enough for lead walking and playing) we got more “awwws” and “well dones” than we ever thought possible. I don’t say it enough just how proud I am of my boy but he is a little angel.

After the class tonight our trainer said just how amazingly well behaved Buster is and that he is an absolute pleasure to teach. He is my whole world but I felt so bad when she said I don’t smile at him enough or tell him when he has made me happy. And I let him wind me up. Buster knows what buttons to push to annoy me and I need to be more ‘in charge’ and give him praise when its due.

Just one little question though… are dogs allowed to wear a harness during the test? Whilst I’ve been ill I’ve only managed to walk him on his Mikki harness and his ‘heelwork’ is more like ‘I’m pulling a sled work’

If not dad has managed perfect heelwork with him so I may have to trust dad with the whole test if I cannot do it. I’m a bit sad about that so any ideas would be great.

Im not sure about the harness but I just wanted to say GOOD LUCK and I am sure you both will be fine
Hope you are well x

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Thanks

A year ago we failed the bronze as Buster was attacked. He's now passed the bronze twice both times he passed easily.

any other time I'd be quietly confident but he's struggled a lot with me being ill and I don't think there has been any training... or discipline at home while I've been away

I was evident tonight...

Me: "buster sit"
Buster: aroo roo roo roo
Me: "sit"
Buster *yawn*
Me: "SIT"
Buster: *lays down...sniffs the floor and walks off"
Me: Buster sweetheart...sit for mummy please
Buster: *sits and looks adoringly at everyone*

Class: *roars with laughter*

Buster: *gives paw, waves, washes face*

Class: "aww what a darlng"

Me:

The very best of luck from us .

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Good luck and sure Buster will do his best ,regards the harness am sure it has to be done on a normally collar ,

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http://www.weynoakebordercollies.co.uk/

Good luck, I'm sure Buster will do great!

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I am just worried about the 'come away from distractions' I still haven't mastered that yet.

Me: oooh a pretty pink hairband
Sue&Harvey: lets go
Me: oh but look it's pink
Sue&Harvey: no...move
Me: but looook its sooooo lovely
Sue&Harvey: MOVE IT
Me: *runs around primark sniffing out more bargains*

LOL

seriously though I have to bounce around like a monkey on acid before buster will notice me

Yes I'm afraid it does have to be a collar, but although you aren't allowed treats you could rub your hand in some really smelly cheese prior to the test All the best, my puppy has his in 2 weeks and is a nightmare on the lead when there are other dogs around and I normally walk him on a harness too so I am also dreading that bit!

Awww thankyou, I'm away at the weekend so I will ask my dad to do a bit of heelwork with him. He was brilliant the last few times we went out with him... walks lovely, sits at the kerb and waits until he's told to cross the road. He's not distracted by cars, bikes or people and is just a very good boy but he's not really been out on his own near any roads for 2 weeks and last night it showed

I may soak my hand in raw liver cake mixture for a few days

or walk along eating a cheese scone all eyes are on me then

Good luck with yours luckily an occassional tight lead is acceptable

Also...

Play because I am not allowed to play any tuggy games and they don't allow a recall (not that he'd do that anyway) I've been told I can do a few training games with him like "wash face" and catch a treat etc. The idea is apparently to show a relationship with the dog. I can't do tuggy games at the moment but Buster and I do have a relationship and do a lot of rolling around and messing about and apparently the idea is just to show that the dog will interact and play.

Do we need articles during this exercise and do they include funny party tricks and mayhem as playing?