Banjo can Catch! and other news

'CATCH!'

On Friday before we went to the dog park I got out Banjo's bouncy rubber toy jack for some fetch. After a couple of throws I decided to try get him to catch it. I put him in a sit, took a few steps back and tossed him the jack. Success first go!!! We made a big fuss and did it again and again, with just a 'good boy' for returning it to me when he missed the catch and a big fuss and treats for catching it. I'm not sure if he understands yet that catch is different to fetch, but it's lots of fun for all of us so we will continue and he will surely work it out.

Snake Killer

Later in the day I went outside and found him rolling on his back with something long and scaly looking hanging out of his mouth. I stood at a distance and asked 'Umm, Banjo, what have you got?' He rolled onto his feet and yep - a snake. Fortunately for him it was a harmless keel back. We call them our resident snakes and like having them around - they keep down the toad numbers and are a bit of a talking point.

So he gave me the snake and I really wasn't sure what to do with it. I just told him 'uh-uh' every time he tried to get it back off me. In the 'old days' he probably would have been cheered for a job well done, or beaten with it to teach him to be afraid of them. I did neither. It's not a good idea to take on snakes, so no 'good job' from me. And I'm pretty sure me beating him with it would be more likely to end with him having an aversion to me then to the snake.

I looked at Snake avoidance training, and it sees they put a remote controlled shock collar on the dog and shock him when he approaches a snake. I'm not sure I want to do this yet. I'm also wondering if his thick coat would protect him somewhat from the very short fangs of our Australian snakes? It wouldn't help on his legs or face though so probably not really a consideration.

Distraction Training At The Park

The same lady was at the park with all the dogs, but she had a few friends with her this time. Again it took Banjo some time to settle in. We were doing really well but obviously I pushed it too far again. He was walking well while some dogs ere barking their heads off at the fence, and I was feeling pretty damn proud. All of a sudden, a louder, deeper bark joined the others and that was it - Banjo lunged and barked, and a few pops on the lead did nothing to stop him. I had to do my excited, high pitched 'BanjoBanjoBanjo' and jog away with him. Even at a distance it took him awhile to re-focus. I really must try to take it slower and be more aware of what is going on around me to avoid these mistakes.

Saturday, a Slack Day

Saturday is rock climbing day in the city for Jo. It's always a nice relaxing walk and sit by the river for me, and Reuben plays with the little brothers of the other climbers. I am tempted to take Banjo, but two hours is a long time to have him out if he is not behaving! I will get a soft crate, keep working with him, and hopefully be able to take him in a fortnight's time.

This week I took Lucy and her grooming stuff and spent most of the time brushing, combing, trimming fur and cutting nails. Then she had a bath on the way home and looks gorgeous! I'm not much good at grooming, and have misplaced the thinning scissors, so too most she probably looks a mess, (especially her feet), but to me she looks much tidier.

Banjo had to suffice with heeling, sit stays, down stays, stands and some catch and fetch in the yard. We are using a ball for 'catch' now and it seems to be easier for him to catch. Between rock climbing, shopping, a bit of house work and going to visit Grandma for her birthday, we just didn't find time to take him on an outing.