03/06/2026
Last weekend I spent two whole days learning with Chickpea.
She coped with everything like an absolute angel, 3 hrs plus in the car, new place, new people, new dogs, having to settle during lectures, and so much more.
What was inspirational for me was how much it made me tune into her needs. So in the first lecture she was struggling to settle, so I had to make sure I was aware of what she needed but still focus on the talks. At one point she yapped and kept staring at other sleeping dog - I worked out it was the water bowl and she wanted a drink (she is very particular about what bowl she drinks from so I had to talk her out to use a raised bowl). As soon as I did this she settled.
So rather than a battle and frustration, we worked together and found calmness.
My crazy little girl showed she could make the right choices. We had recalls and loose lead walking, excitement and calmness...I have to be honest and say we haven't done hours of training, but this weekend continued to build on the foundations of good choices (or behaviour) that I have tried to support her to make.
It also allowed me to learn loads about a new course that I am proud to be a small part of - watch this space for exciting things coming