Alfie might be puppy-sized, but he isn’t a puppy as he has been with us for a year now. However, even though we have worked with a pet behaviourist he is still really very nervous around other dogs. Except – it seems – when he is out with his walkers and their dogs.
The behaviourist had indicated that to be properly socialised a puppy needs to have met 100 people and a 100 dogs during those first few critical months. I thought Alfie had seen that many people and dogs but admitted that I picked him up when we saw big dogs on the street.
So we decided to take him along to a puppy class – one that is run by the same people who walk him so at least he would have some familiar faces. Last night was the first class and I was very nervous. What’s more, we were running late for the 630pm start at the Sea Cadet centre in Teddington (in between our base in Twickenham and Kingston and not far from Hampton Wick). I was trying hard not to get stressed as I knew that Alfie would pick up on this.
We entered the hall about three minutes late and it was full of bouncy puppies and their owners. Alfie hid behind me and resisted when I tried to get him next to me on a chair near the back. Then we played a game where he tried to get on my lap and I tried to keep him on the floor. Not funny.
Free play and socialisation session
The class leader had started her welcome – and did a valiant job talking above the barking. I felt relieved at least that Alfie was being quiet for a change. There were a couple of fluffy Labs and Retrievers. A beautiful black and sleek Collie-like dog. A rather cheeky Boston Terrier. A lively cream fluffy poppet – not sure what breed. And the most gorgeous – and tiny – cross between a Schnauzer and a poodle – an adorable but rather timid little puff-ball.
The first exercise was free play, which didn’t seem too difficult. So the bigger puppies remained in the large hall and Alfie was sent with the smaller puppies into another area. Then we were told to let them off their leads. I did so and Alfie remained hiding behind my legs and growled a bit when other dogs came over.
Although he quiet liked – and defended – that Schnauzer/Poodle puppy who had taken a shine to him. Then Alfie disgraced himself and did a wee. The leaders said not to take any notice and to continue to let the puppies play – only intervening when the play got a little too rough. How nervous did all the owners look? But how the puppies had a great time!
After a quick wee and drink break, we were all back together again. We learned about reward, consistency and the good habits to get our puppies into. I tried hard not to listen to the advice that dogs should only jump onto the sofa when invited – Alfie practically lives on ours. Oops.
Recall exercise
Then we were shown how to do recall with the aid of a handful of tiny rewards. I watched as the class leader demonstrated with some of the other puppies. They were good. I took solace that a few of the other owners had to take their dogs to the other end of the hall when they barked too much. Alfie was alternating between hiding under the chair and trying to get onto my and my daughter’s laps. I was in fits of laughter watching one of the other dogs continue to bark while lying flat on the floor.
We watched and waited. All the other puppies went running straight to their owners when called. To say this is not a strong point for Alfie would be an understatement and I feared an embarrassing scenario where he trotted around the hall in every direction except mine.
The moment of truth. The class leader held Alfie and I walked to the other end. Then I called “Alfie, Come”. And – guess what – he came! And he even sat at my feet without me asking! I was so proud (and relieved) I nearly burst.
So. At our first class not only did he play reasonably well with other dogs but he also came back to me when I called. We travelled home feeling very pleased with ourselves and excited about what we will achieve next week.
http://www.riversidedogs.co.uk/
