I asked my friend to work with me so they can learn proper approach, they get to see each other before we get them into the car. It turn out perfectly, it took about 5 minutes, they both able to stay calm and sit close to each other with no problems at all.
When we arrived the beach, pure coincidence, we met Parker (another Newfoundland) and Louise in the car park.
We had a little retrieve training (on leash), then went to the off leash dog beach, continue to have Honeybun on a long leash to swim for a bit, accompany by Belly.
Honeybun behaved extremely well. Although that was never my intention to have him off leash first time we go to a off leash beach, but I decided to let him have a try with him staying close to me, pay attention to other dogs and keep distance.
He surprised me with how well he behaves, he keeps stealing Parker’s toy though (he loves retrieving you know )…Parker is so sweet, so generous, they don’t jump on each other, Honeybun seems to know he has to be gentle with Parker.....Love Parker
I challenge myself with off leash training at the beach…a bit scary to be very honest, but Honeybun gave me that confident to try and he proved himself, he is such a sweet good boy. He makes me so proud.
Of course, I will never take the risk to have him off leash when we walk just in case, but I am happy to let him go in and out the water off leash and play with dogs that I know they can get along.
Some on leash training (warm up) prior to letting him off leash is essential, so he knows, if he does not behave, he will never be off leash.
Cannot express how happy and proud I am with Honeybun. More than 2 years of very slow training (my bad), he has improved so so much. I never thought I can have him off leash at all with his extremely excitable, distractive personality and my very limited ability.
We still have a lot a lot to improve, but Honeybun has proven to me that with training and trust when suitable, we will get there eventually.
I am so lucky to have Honeybun in my life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfOhrTJB8JI
Came home already exhausted, then rinse and dry Honeybun....finally he is not a salty dog with the whole beach of sand!!!
As usual, he looks gorgeous and I am dead!!!!
Will brush him tomorrow!!!
What mum??? I thought you are done.....!!! I am tired too you know!!!!
