"Bertie"

A brighter day but I regretted not wearing gloves for my morning walk.

Since the new year I have taken on the task of walking Jorgie everyday in an effort to train her to be, at the very least, under our control.
Anyone who has had anything to do with boxers will know that they are a tough breed to train. Bloody minded, exuberant to the point of being nuts and strong. Her nervous aggression around some dogs makes her a complete nightmare at times. Absolutely wonderful with people though which I tell myself is the most important
Jorgie is four in May and I deem it's time for some tough love and for her to realise that I am the Alpha female.
First thing I changed was her lead. Instead of walking 15ft ahead of us/me she has been walking by my side on a very short lead.
After just a few days she was no longer pulling.
Walking through the narrow Devon lanes with high hedges either side, seemed the best place for the first time I tried her off the leash.
Several days in a row she has walked, sat and followed recall perfectly.
Today we walked for several miles along the quiet roads and for much of it Jorgie walked free beside me following commands and being rewarded with titbits of cheese.
On our way home I paused to answer the mobile. Jorgie sat waiting patiently. After my conversation I just said 'Heel Jorgie' and set off walking again.
Clearly Jorgie was very put out that her best sitting/waiting behaviour hadn't been rewarded so she decided that she wouldn't 'sit, heel or come here' anymore.
She gets this look on her face that I can only liken to a human sticking two fingers up at you.
I didn't raise my voice and decided that the best policy was to keep on walking, talking and offering cheese
Jorgie stayed put. 
There followed a 5 minute stand off and eventually I sat by a gate, all the while praying that no one, either pedestrian or in a vehicle, came along the lane. 
After what seemed a year of my life, she came slinking up to me and as apologetic as she could muster.
It could have been (has been in the past) so much worse.

I think we're making progress but tomorrow will tell.

This afternoon I had to visit my aunt so it was an opportunity to visit Stover afterwards.
Bertie the Buzzard, as he is affectionately known in the park, came into the area where the bird feeders are giving me a perfect opportunity to get really close to him.
Such a magnificent bird!