Settling Jay

This morning at about 10 Jay arrived with his trainer, Karen.  I have met him on two previous occasions, but he was so wiggly that it was difficult for me to feel his overall body shape and size.  One of these visits was our “matching” visit, so I already know from the walk we did that he walks at a speed which suits me, is very voice and harness responsive and that his guiding tension is comfortable.  This is a good start.

 

Karen spent some time explaining how she handles her dogs.  This is very important because trainers’ approaches to their dogs can vary, and it is important for me to carry on with the approach the trainer has been using.  This shouldn’t be a problem, because I feel at ease with the the way Karen talks to and treats Jay. 

 

While he doesn’t jump around all over the place Jay was initially curious, restless and constantly exploring the house and garden.  He clearly loves to play and could become very demanding if he was allowed to.  I love playing obedience games with my dogs but am taking care to make sure that is me, not Jay, who decides when we play.  Twice today I have put him on a lead and secured the lead so that he has to rest for a while.  The first time I was sitting at my desk and he whined in protest for a few minutes.  The second time I was baking and didn’t want him hovering behind me.  He seems not really to mind at all and finds this temporary restriction reassuring.  As I usually spend quite a lot of time during the day sitting at my office desk I think I will make sure that, while he is training, Jay spends some quiet time near my desk at home each day.

 

Jay learns quickly and is already so much more settled than he was this morning.  We left both Jay and Jerry in the car this evening while we did our shopping; both dogs were happy and relaxed when we got back to the car.

 

Jerry is a bit put out by Jay’s presence, I think.  He has been extra good today – coming whenever I call either dog and showing what a good dog he is by instantly doing whatever I ask.  I will have to take care to give both dogs time and attention, though Roy will increasingly take responsibility for Jerry, I think. 

 

It will soon be time for bed.  I’m hoping for a peaceful night, but it will be the first night Jay has spent with us, so I’m not banking on undisturbed sleep.