Severo – Seventh Session
Tired after a good walk
I learnt a little about Severo’s background today. Apparently he was brought in to the shelter after living for a couple of months in a mechanic’s yard. He had been being fed by the men who worked there but they could see he was getting ill and so brought him in. He was quite ill and fragile and everyone fell in love with him until he started to get better and stronger and showing his dominant side. This explains a few things about his behaviour, he’s a fighter and a stray who had to survive for quite a while out there on his own. He’s bound to have met some unpleasant people and dogs that he didn’t get on with and so has to defend himself from other dogs. This spills over, unfortunately, and Severo tries to defend himself when there is no need. He is getting so much better though and he will only go on improving.
Today’s session went really well. We did plenty of heelwork and worked with his obedience. Today I totally trusted in him and let go of the lead while we were working. He behaved beautifully and went through the sit, down, stay all off lead and all perfectly executed. We found a stick today and he was so excited wanting to play so next time I might take along a toy and teach him to fetch. Anything to keep him interested and enjoying our time together.
He was fantastically behaved when I took him back to the shelter. He was quite happy to smell and be smelt by other dogs in reception. He is coming along so well with other dogs, I think it won’t be long before this problem is well in the past.
