During the xmas hols I found a local ad for an adult border terrier. We've talked about maybe getting another dog but didn't feel ready to commit however as it was 15 mins down the road I figured I owed it to myself to check it out.
Long story short Benji now has a new friend Bella. She's a nervous little thing but I think once she settles in she'll be giving Benji a run for his money on the mischievous stakes.
I took them both for a walk today. As usual it was raining so we all got back happy but wet. Got back home and did the usual routine of entering the house first. Old hat Benji knowing the routine sat on the mat, waited to be towelled and then ate his treats and trotted off. I then focused on Bella who was still standing by the door wearing her lead. I told her to sit and she ... well she just stood there.
Now I know she knows the command as she was following it yesterday. So I figured that she didn't want to sit and as she couldn't see anything in it for her was refusing to do so. And so the battle commenced. She stood there, I stood in front of her. I occasionally repeated the sit command but with no affect. Each time she tried to move I tightened her lead to keep her on the spot then relaxed it. After about 15 mins her back legs started shaking. Poor thing was tired and wet but still refused to sit. I felt like a bitch but have seen enough It's Me Or The Dog to know that I had to hold strong and not back down.
All this time Benji was hovering around, intermittently sitting and lying down in different spots but always in my line of sight. I hoped Bella would get the picture but no such luck. For me though the sight of him working so hard to please me kept my resolve strong and reminded me of the amount of work needed to train a dog.
Ten minutes later she finally sat down. I immediately made a big fuss over her and got her towelled dry.
Success. And it only took 25 mins! Let's see what happens tomorrow.
