Week two of puppy training class

Lots of training this week. Tuesday day we met up with K and worked through stuff on a 1-2-1. We were doing exercises on 'down' and 'wait'. He did really well, despite it being really windy.

Tuesday night we went to the puppy class. This week it was working on 'down' and more loose leash walking. They teach the 'down' without luring. Grey was pulled out to demonstrate the teaching of the down by asking him for a 'sit' not giving a treat and waiting to see what he did next. Grey knows 'down' and because he's been clicker trained since little, he quickly offered a 'down' on his own. It seems clicker trained dogs know to offer different behaviours because they're used to having to work out how to get the reward. He seems to have come along in leaps and bounds because 'down' was always very hit and miss with him. His leash walking was great too. Not that that translates to walking around town though. He had to be distracted loads through the class with treats in his toy box, and he did seem to be the only puppy who dry humped a few times. Hmm, hopefully this isn't going to be a thing of his.

This morning we had a bit of an unfortunate run in. We were in the park with a someone we've met before and his dog. Grey has met him a couple of times before. And while it's not been a big love in, things were ok. We were in the park for ages and had come to the end of the walk and out of nowhere the dog attacked Grey and had to be pulled off. Grey ran around yelping like I'd not seen him do before and he has a swollen and scratched eyelid. I feel terrible as I'd always aimed to shield him from really bad experinences while he's young and still learning. Not that I want him to ever have bad experiences, but I think that never ever is a bit of an impossibility. Hope that Grey's good nature can shine through and that he doesn't become nervous of other dogs. He's now sleeping and I'll keep an eye on his eye.

Grey's teeth problems

We got the call today that Grey will have to have his lower canine teeth removed on Friday by a specialist canine dentist. He has an overshot upper jaw which has resulted in his lower canines sitting behind his upper teeth and puncturing holes in his upper palette. It's hoped that removing his canines like this that the adult teeth that follow will be able to be pushed in front. He may need to wear an acrylic plate, like a brace for dogs!

The slovaks are known for getting their teeth late. One thing I feel is imperative for such a new breed with such a small gene pool, is that where problems have been identified that those pairings are filtered out. Having to have him put under and having his teeth pulled isn't a nice thing. And this is just the start. Sorry Grey! Bo show career for you!

Here are pics of Grey's bite: