We’ve all heard the saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”. Well meet Rex, an 8 year old collie mix forcibly removed from his last home by the RSPCA. Luckily Rex was rescued by some genuinely caring people who will care for him for the rest of his days.Rex’s new owners Brian and Kati had an old English Springer spaniel named Skipper who sadly passed away earlier this year.
My initial meeting with Brian was down to my own dog Oscar. Brian was greeted exuberantly by Oscar one day in the woods .Oscar was just a puppy at the time but he’s always been such a likable character. Oscar loves to run to Brian and deliver his compulsory cuddles each time they meet.
Anyway I met Brian on his Sunday morning walk with Rex. Brian told me his story how he had to be removed from his last home because his owner was not fit to look after him. Rex was very barky and nervous, almost on the brink of being aggressive. My solution was simple “let him off and they’ll work it out”. Brian released Rex and after the usual few minor swabbles Rex was trying to get involved with Oscar and Lulu. It was obvious that he just did not know how to communicate and just need to mix with other dogs.
Brian was having trouble with Rex walking to heel so we had a session with a long line, a ball and some liver cake. Rex was an absolute star. He was really keen to be an active participant in the session and just loved to work and train.
I met Brian a few weeks later and we all went for a walk. Again after the initial swabbles everything settled down and all the dogs were running around happily. Rex is progressing each time I see him. He is sociable and loves playing with his ball and he is very active for an “old guy”. So many dogs like Rex end up being put to sleep. This just confirms my theory that most dogs can be turned around with a little patience and hard work.
I’d love to take the credit for this but really it is down to Brian, Kati and Rex. There is one thing for sure “You can teach an old dog new tricks”.
No comments:
Post a Comment