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How NOT To Train A Kelpie

A New Start

Wow, a lot of stuff has happened since I last wrote!

We're now living it up at my parents house after ending a long-term relationship. I can't say Tera is suffering much as she is now a healthy 15 kilos, fully vaccinated, registered and gets three times the attention every day. She has a large variety of toys to play with including her new favourite pink latex pig that makes a grunting noise when squeezed or chewed! Trust my mother to find something like that! :)

Unfortunately, all of this has ended Tera's training in sheep work for now but on the other hand it's opened up the chance to possibly start an agility club in our area as there are no dog clubs at all.

I've also managed to save up for my Pet Obedience Trainer course (YAY!) which I will be starting in the next month or so.

So between job hunting, researching agility and adjusting Tera to a more civilized lifestyle, our days have been pretty busy but in a much less stressful way!

All work and no play!

I'm feeling so guilty at the moment as i have been working 13 hour days as harvest is just kickin into gear. Poor Tera has been spending all day tied up and not getting a run until just before sunset. This means a very yappy dog and hardly any agility training for a week straight!
I have noticed that she is responding to commands very quickly, but this is probably because she's craving the attention so much. But there is a positive to this, she has finally learnt to Lay Down! Even when I gave a very lazy command she did it straight away! I didn't believe what I had just seen so I did it again when she stood up and she promptly obeyed! Wow! Unfortunately I was so pleased with her that I over-praised her and she ended up hyper! :)
I have saturday off so look out! Training, fun and games all day!
Right, I've finished work so it's off home to give Tera a run, feed the chickens, check the baby chickens, feed Tera, make dinner, get organised for work tomorrow, watch some TV, have a nice hot shower and go to bed!

Training Update

Wow! I think I have just found the solution! Yesterday I gave Tera a nice lamb roast bone and stood watching while she started to munch happily while laying down. 'Doh!' I said to myself. 'Why didn't I think of it before?!' She's laying down! So for the next five miniutes I stood there feeling like an idiot while I repeated "Lay daown, good girl!" A would you believe it? Half an hour later I called her over and told her to lay down while using the hand signal and SHE DID IT!!! No hand chewing, excessive wriggling or jumping up excitedly! Let's just hope it sticks this time!