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The buster collar came off yesterday morning and the stitches were taken out (with Dabs dog closely monitoring the situation over vets shoulder)Brandon was properly tested on his recall yesterday for the first time at Sandymount Strand. It went well and we had another trip there again today. He was good a waiting and he’d come back for hugs. He’d be inclined to go outside the distance range that I’d be comfortable with but responded by chasing me when I indicated I’d be running away from him (that old trick never fails). In fairness though, the seaside is a VERY exciting place for a dog with plenty to see and smell and I was very proud of him for paying attention to me and he even waited for my own dog Dabs to catch up. He LOVED splashing about in the water and had loads of courage going straight in there. He enjoyed meeting the other dogs and went up to them no bother.
Brandon has been anxious getting in the car, however, today for the trip home following his outing he hopped into the car without my having to sit in first. He stayed on the floor for a bit (he was strapped with the seatbelt so had limited leeway). After a bit he jumped from the floor onto the back seat and had a look out the window…I have to say that’s a vast improvement and good on him facing his fear. He met a couple of children yesterday (9 and 12) and was good with them. Brandon retrieved a ball for the little boy and mum gave him loads of compliments.Brandon was up the Three Rock mountain this morning and spotted deer (he’s very perceptive as they were completely off my dog Dabs’ radar and mine too). He watched them quietly and stayed still, very good chap. He met a whole field of donkeys which I think was a first for him. When my dog walked over to the fence and touched noses (and little licks) with one of the donkeys Brandon wanted to rush over too. We did a bit of training on him waiting and on the "leave it" command. He’s ever so clever and looks very handsome no his dermatitis is cured and his coat is getting shiney.
The picture isn’t great quality because its a still of a movie clip!
Thanks mai, he’s a really lovely guy. We’re delighted we were lucky enough to get such a great little chap for our first foster dog!
Brandon’s had all his vaccinations now and is a healthy chap. He’s getting on fine and has filled out nicely with the correct nourishment. I’ve signed him up for some basic obedience classes (a 4 week course, 1 night p/w) with Dog Training Ireland. The classes are supposed to be small, positive and a good way of getting him socialised in a controlled setting. He’s alright with most dogs (including our own one) but we don’t think he received dog socialisation in his early development so can rub some dogs up the wrong way. I spoke to someone from DTI and the classes are supposed to be small, positive and a good way of getting him socialised with a variety of other dogs in a controlled setting. They use positive re-inforcement which is what we believe in. The plan ti to get Brandon associating other dogs with nice things like food (not my pulling him in the opposite direction
). His basic training is already good. He knows sit, down, wait and watch me. He’s house trained and no longer marks his territory in the house He’s recall is very good now. He’s also used to car travel.Lesson 1 at Dog Training Ireland tonight; sit (understanding the word by sound only) and the look command. Brandon was a star pupil
. He’s great at paying attention and the staff/trainers were all lovely. I’m sure they will work wonders with helping him to feel calm around other dogs. He was a bit anxious being in an area with so many other dogs (well 5, but for him that’s a biggie) that he hasn’t met before but there is plenty of room so he could watch the other dogs and train in safety, a great environment. He’d be the only dog not continously wagging his tail. He had the tail down for most of the class but liked a couple of the challenges he had to do like greet me by sitting still…that was fun because I’d be all excited and then we play this game of if you sit you’ll get a treat We were told about little warning signs where he’s saying to other dogs "give me space" like licking his lips/nose . Got on grand, we used treats and look (watch me) to get his attention, super dog.Sounds like he did really well.I think he is gorgeous but then I am a sucker for beards and eyebrows and whiskers in general. My fellow Buzz (ex poundie)was very like him in behaviour and also did DTI training but he spent most of his time in the bold corner.So I think Brandon is super to be able to mix on his first lesson.
Apologies for not posting in a while. Brandon’s big foster brother has torn his ACL and needs surgery which was a huge blow
Moving around now isn’t great for the big fella as he had a THR operation on the opposite side about a year ago PLUS he’s been having a bad tummy as well from the pain killers, poor Dabs.Brandon has understood really well and is being great with our dog. He’s leaving us feed our poor fella tasty food right in front of him and he’s been so polite and waiting his turn. He’s been sniffing Dabs gently and licking him on the nose. We’re really proud of Brandon.
About a week before Brandon started his training classes we put a DAP collar on him and our dog (DAP recommend you do so for all in a multi-dog house). This seems to be working just great. The aim is to get him some positive training experiences in the company of a few dogs. Brandon is wagging his tail loads and really seems to have calmed down loads post-neutering (which was 7 weeks ago now). Kids in our area love him and he’s happy to get petted.
Brandon just loves his walks and he tries to bring something along each time, a rawhide, a sock a big cuddly toy Bagpuss. He’s figured out the workings of the Treat Ball, excellent!
). His basic training is already good. He knows sit, down, wait and watch me. He’s house trained and no longer marks his territory in the house 
He’s recall is very good now. He’s also used to car travel.
. He’s great at paying attention and the staff/trainers were all lovely. I’m sure they will work wonders with helping him to feel calm around other dogs. He was a bit anxious being in an area with so many other dogs (well 5, but for him that’s a biggie) that he hasn’t met before but there is plenty of room so he could watch the other dogs and train in safety, a great environment. He’d be the only dog not continously wagging his tail. He had the tail down for most of the class but liked a couple of the challenges he had to do like greet me by sitting still…that was fun because I’d be all excited and then we play this game of if you sit you’ll get a treat 
. Got on grand, we used treats and look (watch me) to get his attention, super dog.
Moving around now isn’t great for the big fella as he had a THR operation on the opposite side about a year ago PLUS he’s been having a bad tummy as well from the pain killers, poor Dabs.- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.