My pup Wilma is a 14 week old girl who we got a fortnight ago. Based in South Wales, she is a working cocker who will be our family pet. We have previous had a springer spaniel and border collie so are very aware of the demands of a working dog, but we love the intelligence, energy and personality that they offer.
I am ashamed to say that our first dog (border collie) was trained using both reinforcement and punishment approaches (nothing too physical) and this had an impact on his later anxieties. He was a wonderful but nervous dog. This is why I am so determined to keep the training of Wilma 'positive' and in the past week she has come on leaps and bounds with toilet training, and learnt commands like sit and down. In addition her confidence is growing.
We are having problems with separation anxiety which manifests itself in howling when we are out (pleases we post under training) but it is early days
Anyhow, I am sure I'll be picking everyone's brains over the coming months. But for now, hi from both of us
