Do you know those points at which you think that your dog is 'getting it'?

The first time that I thought this was at around 6 or 7 months of age and then this week I have been thinking the same .

I sat in the car after this morning's walk very proud of my boy and realised that I had been feeling like that after every walk for the past week or so.....no monumental milestone has been reached; but just basic obedience, excitement and impulse control stuff. This morning for example he was fantastic offlead with other dogs about, did exactly as I asked him to . Then, we went to PAH and he walked calmly through the busy car park (used to be a bit skittish) and into the shop, didn't pull to try and reach anything (food ), responded to any 'leave its' given, sat and waited nicely whenever asked to and sat and let folk fuss him very politely. To top it all, he walked beautifully back through the car park and I suddenly realised that he was becoming much calmer and 'steadier' .

I hope I haven't jinxed anything and a horrid teen will emerge and I know that we will still have our fair share of bad days and training woes.....but I just had to share with folk who understand .

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I am a bit jealous. Terence is going through a bit of a wild phase at the moment. He is really pushing my buttons sometimes and it's really hit and miss with him. He is either really lovely or a complete menace. I am sticking to my guns with him, and can only hope he gets. better.

One thing where I noticed an improvement is in his training class. He is only slightly mad now, not a complete nutjob.

I can relate 100%. It's those gradual changes...and when we sit back a reflect we realise how big the overall improvement has been!
Well done Kilo for being such a star!

It's wonderful when you get those moments of realisation, the changes can be so slow, like watching a seedling grow. we really could do with time lapse photography and I so wish I had written a diary of Tink's training/behaviour. It's so easy to forget all the wonderful progress they have made.

Well Done gorgeous Kilo for making your mum so proud.

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I have moments like that too. Donnie is still an hyper mental puppy in his head and gets distracted so easily but he is having more and more days where he walks to heel. Sits at curbs without having to tell him. And he's starting to ignore some dogs and some people we're doing it in little steps.

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Aww what a lovely post! Im pleased to read posts like this one, knowing that I am on a tough journey with my young hooligan but that there is light at the end of the tunnel! Ahh keep up the good work!! Hopefully one day soon I might be able to post that we've finally cracked it with Milo.

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Dont worry it will all change when his spots come through

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All my children have paws!

After much deliberation I had him vaccinated against spots. There is a Dally here; so far they have not been in close enough contact to catch them, but I thought I would play it safe .

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I am just so pleased for you and Kilo. It takes so much patient to train them that when they behave so well, like he did today, you just feel over the moon. Well done to you both. x

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HONEY - GOLDEN RETRIEVER X WHITE GSD - 2006 -

Sending love to our beloved ones now playing together over the rainbow bridge.

ZAC - Black GSD - 1978 to 1991
TARA - Black and Tan GSD - 1981 to 1995
AMBER - Pomeranian - 1986 to 2001
BOBBY - Maltese - 1989 to 2007
SHEENA - Maltese - 1990 to 2005
JASON - Maltese - 1990 to 2005
LILLITH - Maltese - 1992 to 2003

Thank you everyone; told hubby, he said "he is a good boy" in that distracted way that means he either isn't listening and is playing a geeky PS3 game or just doesn't get how much work I have put in . Or both .

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