So.. how did puppy class go?

Unfortunatly, us silly hooomans have forgotten the camera of late.  So, no camera for yesterday's Puppy Class which was such a shame.  You may have read that Custer lunges at every dog he see's, we have never been totally sure of his intentions.  
We arrived at class yesterday (its in a field) and one of the Labrador Puppies ran over to welcome us, I had Custer on the lead so was a bit wary, but confident in the trainer so I totally relaxed and let it happen, Custer was happy to see the pup and did nothing.  We usually then try to walk him around and calm him down, but instead took him up to were the other dogs were, it was a very very hot day so everyone was pretty chilled, Custer lay down by the water bowl and 2 of the puppies climbed over him, I was a bit worried but there was no need, he was totally fine with them, he really does think he is one of them it seems.
Not much went on in class as it was too warm to do a lot, but of course Custer threw himself to the floor during 'heel work' and Arthur said to walk away and leave him, so I did - first couple of times he did come and find me, but after that he mooched around doing his own thing, so was left to it.. he didnt bother anybody or any of the dogs.
At the end of class 2 of the pups were playing in the field and Custer went with them, total puppy play although he is an awful lot bigger than them, but nobody bothered.  He was also good with one of the older Labradors and one of the nervous cockers in class.

Our trainer has said it is going to take a very long time, and he may never be 100%.  But we have learnt an awful lot about Custer in the last few days.

This is Custer after this mornings walk.  Remember he was afraid of the water? well, not anymore.  As it is very hot, and this was at 8.30am today - the other dogs were straight in the water, so he went in too, my OH had to drop the lead (or choose to go in with him) and Custer had a great time playing with Jaja in the water, sorry we had no camera today.  We left him off the lead for the rest of the walk, he came back to the whistle (which I worked on yesterday) and stayed with us, played with an irish setter pup on the way back.  Only downside was when he went back to the black ditch (as you can see) and is very smelly just now.  I have had to wash his harness, lead and collar.  So, there is a lot of hope that one day he will be able to go on the walk with our friends, thing is he is recalling ok for the OH, but not me - so a way to go yet.

We have also found Custer is very sensitive to moods.  Last week I had some troubles, and anxiety - he was appauling in behavoir.  Now, today we are both happy and smiley and so is Custer, just shows you how dogs do respond to our moods.

Here is Custer doing lap dog...

he does like to sit with his Daddy.

So... this is a good blog again, seems they are getting more frequent.  It does take time to sort out a rescue dog, we are now in week 7 of life with Custer, and only just starting to work him out.

We have now concluded Custer is a v. large, sensitive PUPPY.