Yesterday Piper and I went on a little field trip to
the Tamp and Grind. The goal is for Piper to be a therapy dog when he grows up, and to make that a reality, he must be exposed to a variety of places, people, sounds and smells. He must learn to remain calm and in control and respond to my commands…no matter what.
We weren’t alone,
Nancy, the dog trainer met us.
For the most part, Piper behaved himself, and even though he got a little excited
when people walked past to go in, he didn’t over react.
We sat at a table outside and enjoyed the day,
and the city busses picking up and letting off passengers kept Piper entertained.
And THEN…a gentleman walked into the Tamp and Grind
with this dog…and OH MY GOODNESS, Piper came unglued. He jumped up and growled and barked and things came out of that dog’s mouth that I didn’t even realize he knew how to say. It was plum embarrassing. I wound up having to put Him back in the car. So much for remaining calm and in control. But, you know what I think aggravated me the most? That other dog never made a sound.
The Chicken Chronicles 
Well, look at it like this. Piper got the last word in because he had something to say.
He’s such a good boy but a boys gotta do what a boys gotta do.
Great day and loved the post.
I’m always waiting to hear more.
My sister shared this article with me…so cute. (By the way, the dog trainer, Nancy, IS my sister).
My hat is off to all three of you. And to the visiting Gentleman! Now you know what you are striving for right? Keep up the good work! Watching Piper, tells me what it is going to take for Minx and I to even learn to be good company here at home!
Sharon
It may be discussion time. Perhaps Piper was testing the other dog and since he didn’t react to Piper, he failed the test!!!!!
Both beautiful dogs and another wonderful story.
Nancy this is going to be one of your biggest challenges with that dog. He is a border collie or appears to have a lot of border collie in him. His breeding line is to herd the other animals, and not to just herd but to protect as well So you need to get him around as many dogs as possable this needs to be a regular thing. The older they are the harder it will be to accomplish. But you can do it! with some time and patience! Make sure when you correct him that the leash is relaxed and the only time it is tightened is if he were to actually stop and attack. If you tighten that leash when he starts to bark he will read into that fear and his natural instincts to protect will kick in. Your friend Ken