Peter's School Days

Back to winter here on the East Coast, and I’ve got an “end of season” cold! So day off school for Peter last Sunday, never a day off training though we were out putting him through his paces on the beach!
Some good news….
Today we bumped into a fellow dog walker who owns one of Peter’s many nemesis. Previously we’ve tried to have a conversation while Peter is throwing his aggressive tantrum, I’ve told him about Peter’s problems so he has empathy for us, his dog Lucky is a very calm and submissive older lady! He was walking towards us, he put Lucky on her lead, we were walking towards him, no option to avoid as no space in the lane.

So I checked Peter into the heal position, told him to leave and passed by…no display - no dominant posturing…no aggression…I got Peter to sit, rewarded him and had a chat with the owner….a real conversation! OK so we are Brits...it was about the weather ...but as there was a sandstorm brewing up on the beach where we were headed that's acceptable hey?! He did comment on how improved Peter's behaviour was. Peter sat still, avoided looking at Lucky and then I said “lets go” and off we went. Truly amazing so proud of my boy!

I really felt like his pack leader, for the first time! The other dogs have accepted my leadership but Peter is a stubborn, social climber (a dog who climbs up through the pack ranks to be ready to challenge for leadership),very reluctant to hand over his perceived high rank to me! When I began the walk I kept telling myself that I am the leader, I “own” this walk, I am the “pack protector“, this together with being calm yet assertive, a loose lead and a few commands - everything came together at the crucial time and it all worked! What a confidence boost for me and so now I do know that he can do it…..so lets do it every time hey Peter?!!

We will be back at school Sunday, wonder how Peter will react seeing Tia…if he’ll make the connection between Tia - his best mate at home and Tia - Chris’s dog at the training field………?