Poppy's Story

Poppy is now 3 and a half. It has taken us 3 years to come to the stage where I feel completely relaxed walking on the beach with her.

We had her from a puppy, she was very, very lively and physically very strong from an early age. Most dogs like meeting new people and other dogs but Pops was desperate to be liked by anyone and any dog we met. She could always spot another dog whilst it was just a dot on the horizon and then she was off. No amount of calling, whistling, treats, balls made any difference. Not everyone wants a lab hurtling towards them and their dog however friendly she is. I could never get her away from her new found friends. If I managed to get her on the lead she would pull me over trying to get back to them. A nightmare. I started walking places where we would be unlikely to meet other dogs.

I took advice from a dog behaviourist who just said "Poppy is lonely, she needs the company of other dogs." We didn't think we could have another until we had got her more under control. So I decided to saturate her in dogs. Instead of avoiding them I consciously sought them out. I found a friend for her and we walked together 2 or 3 times a week. We went on "pack walks", walked on the beach at the most popular times, went to socialising classes and started agility to make her more responsive to me. Gradually all this started to work, we thought we could now get her a " buddy", she loved Bud right from the start.

Now she still loves meeting new friends but once the initial greeting is over is more than happy to walk on with Bud and I. She is a delight to take out now as she IS so friendly, no longer a nightmare (unless there are deer around, can't have perfection).