Bark in the Park

Today was a big day for Custer.  The RSPCA had their big fundraising event at one of our town center parks.  So we took Custer and Jaja along to see how they got on..

As you can see in order to have any level of control with Custer when out, this requires a collar and lead, and a halti and extra lead - and even then its a struggle.  We are still not sure of Custer's intentions with other dogs, although we have now worked out that he really is not so fond of entire males (un-neutered), they are the ones he will shout at the most and lunge forward, then their are the lady dogs who he is quite fond of and again will lunge to get at them.  If you have a large untrained rescue dog forget ever having shoulders that dont hurt again!!!!

One of the things that did upset me during our time there was other people, or more to the point other dog owners.  They see a Labrador (with their great reputation) and assume it to be just fine to allow their dog to jump in his face and startle him, when he is still unsure of life as it is.  I will always remember my fabulous dog trainer demonstrating this fact human - human.
Imagine if you will, I was to come right up to your face and jump around right infront of you, blocking all your field of vision and demanding your attention,  what would you think? would you find this kind of behavoir acceptable? so why should my dog?

I have been a supporter of 'Yellow Dog UK' for sometime, but until now not needed their help.  I came straight home today and ordered a coat and a car sticker, also printed out a poster - and I have also ordered a yellow lead with 'I need space' printed on it.  You can find more information about this organisation here http://www.yellowdoguk.co.uk/

We did enter Custer in the 'Best Rescue Dog' part of the dog show, he did very well behavoir wise, and did wow the judge.  Alas not his turn for a rosette yet.  Here is proud Daddy in the ring with him..

Another plus to the day was our dog trainer (from when we took Alfie) was on the Battersea stand raising funds, and amazingly invited us and Custer to dog club for some socialising and training, she loves a challenge!  So, we are going to go along on Wednesday evening just to watch and introduce Custer to some pals, he has already met Barney who he was very good with, until he tried to mount him of course... yes, he does need a lot of work on manners.

At the end of the day, and after another walk - for me to practice control, only four battles of Custer plonking his bottom to the floor and my having to heave him back up by the collar... he came home and annoyed Jaja again, but then got up on the sofa next to him, were they both went to sleep for a while, we were very happy with this result in such a short time..

They have done it again since, so there is hope that we may well have a peaceful household again in a few days.  All is quiet again now, as they have had a big day.