Another Ben Update!

[James Bond]

Hello again

Well as some of you know we took on a big Lab as a rescue dog a few months ago and needed a lot of help bringing him in line - thanks to everyone here who offered advice.

He's such a different dog now - fantastic with the kids, well trained around the house. He's a great dog - not phased by anything, not bothered by thunder or the neighbours dogs barking, happy to do what we're doing in general.

We've solved the unwanted barking issue with a citronella collar which he doesn't need to wear any more now and we've solved the recall issue with cooked lamb or beef rewards which interest him much more than the dried liver treats. He still stays on the long lead though - I'm not quite ready to let him off completely.

I was sooo proud of him this evening. We took him for his regular evening walk on the beach and got talking to a lady who had a kelpie/huntaway cross puppy, 6 month old female. Ben was socialising with the puppy and being very good - apparently it was quite a nervous dog and the lady was very happy with how our much larger dog was playing. Then out of nowhere this male staff came bounding up, off the lead and no owner anywhere in sight. It proceeded to pin the poor kelpie puppy to the ground and trying to mate with it. The lady was horrified. Ben to the rescue! Ben barked at the staff, showed it his teeth (which he never normally does) and physically pushed it off the kelpie puppy and chased the staff away. Then he came back and sat down with us. I was so proud - it was like something out of a lassie movie! The lady was very impressed and described Ben as "saving her dog's honour"!

Unfortunately Ben then lost brownie points by eating a jellyfish.....we can't all be perfect!

Here's a couple of piccies of Ben with the kids.

JB

Edited November 11, 2010 by James Bond

[poochmad]

Wow! Maybe you should change Ben's name to Lassie? (Yes, I know Lassie was meant to be a girl, but it was a male dog in the role.)

[mokhahouse]

Well done with training Ben. I must admit that my two love to eat jelly fish too. Unfortunately it gives them a horrible upset stomach. If we are at the beach and the jelly fish are around I get sick of saying "leave it " but at least they mostly listen. Labradors will really eat anything wont they.

[tez]

All I can say is... :p :D :)

Well done to you all for making Ben the lovely gentleman he is today!

Beautiful photos BTW!

[OSoSwift]

Well done you should be very proud of yourself.

I hope the little Kelpie X puppy is not to traumatised!!!

Good job Ben