Loving my new home

Thought you might appreciate hearing how Ralph is as 6 months have passed since he came to brighten quite a few lives.

Initially there were so many hurdles to overcome, but none of these were his fault as he was being introduced to so many new things – walking on a lead, meeting new people and dogs, new places – but there was always something about him that made me determined to help him succeed.  I realised very early on that I needed help and took him to John Hough at Garromuir – he  is an absolute genius, training owners to work with their dogs in a very calm atmosphere with a no punishment no treat approach.  Ralph excelled at this training and with the help of some friends and a very understanding and experienced dog walker who introduced Ralph to a wide variety of dogs I now have a boy to be proud of.

Ralph has the nickname of Duracell as he hits the ground running and is the most active dog I have ever met.  I am going out with a group of dog owners, hill walking in various locations and Ralph loves it.  A lot of the walks are about 10 miles in length and Ralph must cover at least two times that distance.  He is no longer confrontational  with other dogs and although still unhappy when on a lead and other dogs approach too closely, we are working on this and he is so much better.  Just little tweaks needed now.

He loves water and isn’t too fussy if it is a river, the sea or a peaty puddle.  Loves praise and will give your leg a nudge with his nose if he feels it is due and you’re not quick enough in giving it.  Yodels when he is happy and has the amusing habit of nodding his head in agreement when you are speaking to him.

Today, yet another person stopped to tell me what a beautiful dog he is and I am so proud of him.  He has achieved so much.

Thank you so much for letting me adopt him.