A couple of years ago we had decided to take our dog to agility lessons. But our dog was not good with other dogs, to say the least!
After an interview with Bernadette van Klaveren we were refused to join dog agility classes. She did however tell us there was a chance if our family was willing to all work with our dog by taking charge along with a few other steps.
"The road to helping your dog" she told us "would not be easy." "There were no quick fixes" to what was explained to us to be Fear-Aggression. Our lovely dog Bailey was simply scared to death of other dogs. Not a good trait for an agility dog.
It was then with Bernadette's advise and wisdom that we started working with Bailey. Eventually things slowly started to come around. It was only then that we were allowed to join beginner's agility classes.
Bailey still needed a lot of space and his nervous looks and growls towards other dogs were very embarrassing. Our classmates however were very kind and patient with us.
Time has gone by now and Bailey and I are more relaxed in our classes that we both greatly enjoy. Bernadette recently asked me to write a short story on his success and ours. This took me by surprise. I had not noticed the improvements. Reflecting back I do see his success now. Just to be able to be in a room with other dogs is a huge success. He no longer has those snarls and nervous glares; he also continues to gain confidence in his surroundings. He has become a real family pet for us to be proud of.
My family no longer worries about the next dog that is going to pass by Bailey on walks. I now can concentrate on learning more, and my nervousness doesn't trickle down and overpower him. It is with my experiences now with Bailey that shows me all the mistakes I had made in the past with him. Never to be repeated.
Bernadette was right there really was hope! We are looking forward to trialing Bailey soon. That will be another measure of success in Bailey's ongoing achievements.
The beginning to a dream I suppose.