Training session

We took Barney to a 1-2-1 trainer last night and he did really well. The trainer used a long lead of about 10 or 20m and dropped it on the ground to allow Barney to feel like he was off the lead bit we still had control over him. Practiced his recall and even taking him out tonight, you can see the difference from the training. He even started playing with another dog after initially having a bit of a spat with another 1. He did soo well that i have even purchased a practice lead, treat pouch and a travel bowl for him so we can practice what he has learned until his next session on the 19th of august as the trainer is on holiday.

I would really recommend a training session like Barneys last night, he learned soo much in the time that he was out with us and the trainer!!

I've come to the conclusion that dog-trainers are actually human trainers - they have to motivate and teach owners to train their dogs. It sounds like the trainer you chose had good communication skills because you've come away feeling motivated and inspired which is exactly as it should be. Do a little bit each day, Barney sounds like he'll pick stuff up really fast.

The only caution I would advise is the dog to dog experiences he has. If he has already had a spat then just allow him 5-10 second sniffing time and move on.

I speak from some experience - my dog, although already adult when we got him from a rescue home, was supposed to be good with others dogs and at first he was, we allowed him to play with any dog and some ended up being really quite rough. He consequently lost his nerve and became very aggressive. With hindsight I would have limited the amount of time he spent with other dogs and built it up gradually. Puppy school, I am told is a very good place to start.

Good luck with Barney.

he definitely trained OH and i in how to handle differnt situations with barney and what we should be looking for body language wise when anothe rdog comes along.

We were also told that Barney was good with other dogs when we got him. He is 6 so adult age aswell

I took my dog to his first training school and the trainer was excellent but I didn't like the actual school - they were all into this pack leader etc.. but the actual trainer was exceptionally clear and didn't get waylaid just kept to the point. That was a 6 week course and then we went to an advanced class and there were 30 dogs in the a ring!! I didn't return after two trainers stood in the middle and told us to get our dogs in a down and to stay in a down and they stood there having a chat and drinking their tea. My one was having none of it and she came over and tried to force him down - he just kept bouncing back up and the daft woman had no solution.

Now I know your dog is an adult and has had a spat with another dog I would caution you about letting him socialise with other dogs - I think it's overrated to be honest with you. Mind you Springers are not known for being aggressive unlike my Xstaffie/boxer who gets very nasty when he turns.