Merlin's 1st walkies

[labgirl]

I took Merlin to the local park today for the first time. I was nervous as I knew I was going to let him off lead and I worried if he would come back. I didn't need to worry

I let Merlin off lead and he trotted beside me as I walked through the park, as his confidence grew a little we played chase and then he would trot about a foot from me and sniff something, then I would call and he would come racing back.

I kept the visit short and sweet and then walked him back home part of the way on his lead. He walked nicely, which is a change as he has been a real pain on his lead before!! He is still wary of cars though. When we had walked a little way I picked him up and carried him home, he is now asleep beside me.

There was one negative, however While in the park two terriers came over. They seemed friendly at first, though Merlin was wary. Then they were all sniffing each other and everything was good. But then one started to bark at Merlin because he wouldn't come play. Merlin looked worried at this and I tried to lead him away. Meanwhile the terrier owner was calling her dogs to no effect whatsoever.

Merlin still wouldn't play and the next thing I now one of the little horrors growled at him and tried to snatch his ruff. At that point I was angry, but also trying to stay calm for Merlin's sake. As the terriers would not leave him alone and every time I got him away they followed, in the end I picked him up. I didn't fuss him or even say anything but picked him up out of the way.

Perhaps it was the wrong thing to do, but one of the little buggers was really bullying him and it was the only way to get him out of the situation.

Thankfully the owner came over and the terriers finally left, I waited until I could see they had gone and weren't coming back, then let Merlin down and we carried on.

He brushed off the experience quickly enough, but it was a shame it had to happen on our first trip to the park.

 

[Jonesdhc]

Merlin still wouldn't play and the next thing I now one of the little horrors growled at him and tried to snatch his ruff. At that point I was angry, but also trying to stay calm for Merlin's sake.

Oh, I've been there! Props to you for staying calm, (and not punting one across the park...j/k everyone!!) and what a brave boy you have! Sounds like a pretty good first outing!

 

[labgirl]

Thanks Heather. All in all it was a positive first walk, just those damn dogs. Stupid thing was, Merlin was almost bigger than them! I didn't like seeing him scared, though probably it was more being submissive. He certainly brushed it off quick enough.

Hopefully I'll take him to one of the seaside towns on the weekend for a proper 'big boy' outing.

 

[Hurtseverywhere]

Congrates on the succesfull first walk ,Sounds like Merlin, is doing great Sophie, Cars are a big one , Heck even Cosmo at 2 will still pull away with big trucks and loud motorcycles, I am still having to
pick up Storm , when around or near heavy traffic, she is getting much better with just the occasional car though on a side street and not shying away or trying to pull away , it just takes & time familiarity. When we were at class last night there was a 20 week old toller pup who was about 3 times storms size. She actually hid from him which suprised us both as she has loved to play with the big dogs so far. I think the Toller was just to energetic & bouncy for her, she did play with him a bit but you could tell she wasn't too comfortable with him and eventually she wanted into the X-pen where she new she would be safe.

 

[Chris]

Sophie, it sounds as if you have a really confident boy -- and you did everything right to keep him that way!

 

[Toffee's Mom]

Terriers... lol and bad owners are a crazy mix!

You did everything right, Sophie! Merlin looks to you to keep him safe! these terriers weren't polite.
Don't do what I did, which was wait too long and I never picked poor Toffee up, he was barrelled over by a number of large dogs repeatedly because at the time I was under the WRONG impression that it was not a good idea to pick a dog up... I was still a person then *gag* who believed in flooding and letting the dogs figure it out amongs themselves *shameful look*

No wonder I ended up with a defensive dog, who thought he had to protect himself by snapping first, ask questions later

Of course good news is he is SO much better

 

[labgirl]

Thanks all. I'm glad Toffee's doing better I hope Merlin learns that I deal with all nitwit dogs and their owners and that he doesn't have to bother

Both dogs went for a run at the sheep field today and had a lovely time.

 

[seashel]

Glad Merlin enjoyed his first outing and hope the experience with the terriers is soon behind you. Owners who cannot control their dogs when they are being a pest to others are such a nuisance.

 

[SheepOfBlue]

Thanks all. I'm glad Toffee's doing better I hope Merlin learns that I deal with all nitwit dogs and their owners and that he doesn't have to bother

Both dogs went for a run at the sheep field today and had a lovely time.

You don't have video of the first meeting of sheep by a sheepdog, bad Sophie

As to his being submissive that is not all bad. Sca is a big wimp but loves everyone. Because of that everyone at flyball wants there dogs to meet him and the instructor dotes on him And since he is submissive anytime someone gets riled he ducks and 3 seconds later is back to happy Sca.