Saturday, 19 May 2012

The Matching Visit

Each matching visit with my dogs has always been exciting and nerve wracking. My strongest memory is of Sandie bouncing on two feet like Tigger on her matching visit and I was wondering what kind of a crazy dog they had brought me.

So on to the arrival of Annie...... First of all the GDMI always comes in and talks a bit about the dog. It's always difficult to remember that bit because you are thinking 'Hurry up! Get the dog out if the car!'. When Annie came in she was a typical shepherd and ignored me. She did a big busy in the garden. Feeling her she was like a golden retriever in size, body and ears. Her face, markings and personality are very much German shepherd. I immediately thought she was dinky she is in between the size of Sandie (27kg) and Connie (32kg). We chatted some more and then I put the harness on. Iti immediately found out she sits at doors, stairs and kerbs. Quite a change for me. Berry and Connie stood and Sandie sat for about 1 week when they decided she hated it. We set off at a very good speed which I am not sure the GDMI thought I would keep up. I did keep up thanks to my running with my PAs keeping me fit. That's the thing with a cane you are really limited speed wise and so it can take a while to build up fitness again when you get a new dog.

The walk was good although I learnt I am using old commands so I need to brush up on my skills during training.

When we returned to the house Annie had some water then helped herself to a kong wubba and chilled out in the dog bed. She even licked my face which apparently means I am very honoured. It seemed like she was quite happy to stay. I took some photos to help me through the 3 weeks until training and then they left.

So here I am with 3 full days until Wednesday. It will be my longest training so far and my first time in a hotel. I will write more about that another day.

No comments:

Post a Comment