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 Dog Classes in the wards of South Westminister

St Georges Square SW1 -Dog Area - another day of dogs, owners and offering advice and training tips to the residents of South Westminster. The weather was not too bad - the rain did start but not for long and I am sure I saw the 'sun' trying to find a way through the clouds.

First on the scene was one year old Lucy a little staffie cross - her owners had only had her a short while and wanted to stop her 'pulling on the lead' - 'help' with her recall' - her reaction to other dogs was very good and she was always the first to back away even when a large white Samoyed stole her ball and 'growled'.  Lovely little girl - I worked with her owners on her recall and we walked round practising 'lead control' regarding the pulling on the lead.  Stella the cockapoo  - well thank goodness she is black - she was tearing around 100mph in the muddiest puddle she could find - But she had to leave early - her owner had got the times wrong - her walking on the lead and recall has improved greatly in just a week. Then there was Boatswain A very handsome 'do what I like' German Wiemar pointer - I spoke to his owner who wanted some advice to 'prepare for the forthcoming baby' (the human kind!!) and her husband will come to the next session next week to get some help with recall and to get Boatswain more sociable with other dogs. And How can I forget 'Tubbs' the leader of the pack of Minature Wirehaired Dashunds -  who liked to 'be very verbal' on entrance to the park or when some other dog dared to come into 'his kingdom'.  A few words about using non verbal and the 'block' for negative behaviour and verbal reward for POSITIVE actions - he is a very clever dog and could become a 'star pupil'.  Frazier the Beagle was listening intently (I am sure) about the 'barking at other dogs' lesson and showed his appreciation by not barking - but his little jack russell companion definitely wasn't having it - But he was quiet - well for a moment or two.

Of course the lovely labs came in - straight up to my bag which one of their owners kindly put out of their way especially with Alfie - he can smell a good treat when he sees it  Didn't see Polly the ridgeback /bullie  today - her owner works shifts but will come to the next workshop which is Friday the 21st February 12.30pm-2pm. Lucy the staffordshire Bull Terrier will be also coming and Boris the patterdale - Also Alfie the little terrier and his 'canine partners in crime' will be coming too. The workshop is giving dog owners and their dogs a more one and one - so I can cover individual 'issues'

I am so blessed to work with dogs and people that want the best for their dogs and also when some local resident came over to me and said ' I can not believe the difference in that dog in one session- Great work' (dogs are very quick to learn - it is US as owners that sometimes find it takes longer to learn!!).  Its always nice to be appreciated  but I too have to thank  Westminster Council  who decided to take action on education and responsible dog ownership and care in the community and help me set these classes up. I just wish other councils would take the same action.