Continued Improvement

Happy new year to you all! Its been a busy month since I last wrote on here which was the 7th December *cringes*. Me, hubby and Ben went away for Christmas and it was great, although I did get a little disheartened as Ben was quite reactive to other dogs and he didn't settle well during the night. I came to the conclusion that we were in a new place, different smells and sounds that contributed to him perhaps being more tense than usual. The day after we came back I arranged to walk with his best buddy Ripley, the Labrador, so he could have some positive time with another dog.

So, since the holiday I have discovered that Ben's favourite high value treat is hot dog chopped up with little bits of cheese. He goes mad for it, if there is a dog in the vicinity he does not care! He just wants that cheesy hot dog! I have been using this to my advantage with great results. He looks at the other dog then looks at me for his fav tit bit, no reaction, no stress. I think having this top treat has relaxed me more as well which sounds slightly daft!

So enough about cheese and hot dogs. Me and Ben have been doing early walks with my friend and her Westie, Robert. This has meant that Ben's walks have been quiet and relaxed. And when we have encountered another dog, he has remained below threshold and calm. I have enjoyed walking as the morning gets light and seeing the sun rise! Unless its raining of course.

I felt like we had a really big milestone yesterday. We went by the river, and Ben loves to swim and fetch his ball. Its handy as when dogs appear I can throw the ball far in and he just jumps in after it and its highly unlikely the other dog is going to dive in after him. Another Labrador appeared yesterday and was very interested in my friends treats, Ben came out of the water and didn't even bat an eyelid. I reassured him and gave him some treats and continued to play fetch. Then we came across an Akita, he has always reacted to this breed. But yesterday, no reaction just looking at me, bless him!

So things are going well, I will keep you posted...but for now a few pictures from the snowy walk Ben had with his Labrador pals.

Pictures taken by LiveLoveLabs Photography

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