The Good

We had a training day with my regular trainer this week. We ran through our repertoire and Ellie performed well - I think! We went through heelwork - apparantly I have to progress this training more (more on this soon) then recalls, front presents, stays, sit-at-heel,retrieve and sendaway. I was somewhat surprised that, in the analysis, we have actually made a start on all these exercises! I was given some tasks to work on and I went away happy and confident!

The Bad

We tried to improve our front presents today (this was one of our trainer's recommended exercises). I have mainly done the front present training in the standing position but there are lots of benefits in training the presents whilst sat in a chair. So I found a suitable chair [not easy as my house is rather upside down with some building work at the moment] and thought this would be a doddle. Unfortunately, Ellie seems to think that me sitting down is really boring and she switched off totally. She was not interested in retrieving at all. I thought I'd try asking for a present whilst I was wearing some elastic around my knees (to stop her pushing between my knees when she comes in). Unfortunately, all Ellie wanted to do was twang the elastic (I'm glad I was wearing jeans...). Then Laura and Scott (the children) came in and wanted to help. It all went completely to pot after that. So I asked for a down (which Ellie likes to do) and when she complied we had a mad game. I decided to leave it 'til later.

and the ugly

We went to dog club (Aylesbury Canine Training Society) on Wednesday evening. Generally speaking, Ellie seems much more confident than she was. She seemed to take the environment in her stride. Even the massive great dane that welcomed her as she walked through the door...

One of my friends bent down to fuss Ellie and her pocket was full of liver treats. Ellie seems to have a well developed sense of smell, as did another border collie in the viscinity. Tigger approached optimistically and Ellie turned, defending her perceived stash of treats, with a noisy if ineffective attack. What an ugly scene! I can't put up with that, so I grabbed her scruff and growled "no" at her. Once she looked suitably submissive, my friend asked both Ellie and Tigger to sit quietly before rewarding them both with the highly desirable liver...

Oh well, I knew it couldn't all go smoothly! Hopefully things will be better next week.

This page was updated on 8th February 2004