When Marcus met Bear…. An unexpected play date
Bear is a HUGE 18month old German Shepherd pooch. Doesn’t like strangers approaching him and talking to him unless it’s on his terms.
We met Bear and his hooman one night a few weeks ago and stood talking for 15 minutes. Minimal reactivity from both pooches. Bear and Marcus and their hoomans met for a drink one night in the pub. Bears first time in pub and hooman wanted to see how Bear would be. Again minimal reactivity between the pooches – Marcus settled really well. Bear didn’t like the landlady – who just approached him in a stupid voice – people shouldn’t assume all dogs are the same! Bear totally at ease with me.
Met Bear out on an evening walk last week – Bear was off lead, Marcus wasn’t – Marcus a bit reactive but that was down to frustration at being on the lead.
Out tonight for our usual walk – into the non secure area. Bear was there – Marcus went off lead – initial 5 seconds of grumbles from both pooches, not playful growls but not nasty growls. Marcus was always safe as I can easily pick him up if needed – not that it was ever a concern. Turns out they were establishing the hierarchy as too which dog could have which balls – Bear wanted his and Marcus’s ball. A third ball came out of a pocket – no further issues – both very respectful of each other’s space – Bear realising that he doesn’t need 3 tennis balls and Marcus realising he won’t go without. Marcus running and chasing a ball, recall good – even with a few cars coming and going. Both dogs laying down within 2 foot of each other.
Lots of cars suddenly coming and going – Marcus back on lead for 5 minutes, Bear stays off lead. Marcus’s frustration levels rise – reactivity starts to show as Bear is allowed freedom. Cars stop doing the Hokey Cokey and Marcus goes off lead – back to relaxed, playful and respectful dogs again. Marcus finally knackered and quite happy sitting away from me but watching me as he chewed a ball. Came to me with good recall. Both dogs back on lead for street walking – zero issues. Marcus actually looking behind him when Bear went his way as if too say “where you going?”
Might not sound much but huge progress. Marcus’s confidence grows and grows – odd little “set backs” or growly moments don’t always mean you have gone backward. Nice peaceful walk home – Marcus left with pleasant memories of an unexpected play date in a non secure area. HUGE Result !
Now he’s fed and out in planet sleeps somewhere……
Marcus and dad 