The next level of training, Whistle command

As Blue has responded well to further training, we are going to take it in a different direction.

We have now acquired a "Dog whistle"

This is for the future, when we go walking in the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands, sometimes we can not see another person on our walks. The aim is to have the confidence to let Blue walk off lead, where no local restrictions might apply.

On successfully removing it from the packet, a couple of blasts on the whistle, and Blue came to find out what the noise was about, he was duly rewarded, and this was taken as an encouraging start.

In addition to the whistle we brought two new nylon Wainwright leads in olive green. One about a metre in length the other half that length. Using theses leads attached directly to his collar means he no longer needs to wear the halti collar which is becoming a distraction and irritation. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, and this morning in the pouring rain, he did not kick off at all with passing motorists, people on bikes or just walking past with brollies.

While out walking this morning in the local park, he was let off lead, he strayed no further than three feet from me, so we did not get the opportunity to do a recall on command of the whistle.

Rome was not built in a day, so with patience, we will see when we get the next opportunity, until confident the opportunities will be limited.

Perhaps we will try the "sit" command, as recommended in the instruction booklet.