Brrrr its a cold one

[Skippy]

We always had dogs when I was growing up and they were always rescue dogs. The first one was my dad's dog (he was a lorry driver and she used to go everywhere with him) and then we got an Old English Sheepdog. If I was naughty he'd back me into a corner and stand between my mum and I so she couldn't get to me! If she tried to smack me he'd get her hand in his mouth (never used his teeth) so she couldn't do it.

When he died we got a little mongrel called Cindy who was lovely - my mum had her until she was about 18. I really grew up with her and I loved her to bits and she was so well trained even when we got her from the RSPCA.

Cindy did try to nip a little boy once though. I was out walking her and he ran over to her and hit her on the head really hard and she turned. I obviously pulled her back, and his mum came running over and actually apologised to me for her son hitting my dog!

My mum now has Blaze, who's a story on her own...

[kallis3]

My daughter was a baby when we moved to where we are now, and I remember my mother being horrified as our next door but one neighbours had two Rottweilers!

They were perfectly trained, and the dog in particular was really friendly.

[Skippy]

I love Rotties, and they get a really bad press which isn't deserved. We think Blaze is part Rottie part labrador but the charity she came from said it took a long time to rehome her as she looks more like a Rottie. She's a big softie though!

[kallis3]

I would love to meet Blaze, she sounds lovely.

[Shining]

Rescue dogs have a background that isn't always known and believe me if I got hit on the head whilst up the street you'd see me snap, so good the parent was understanding!

I never train with fear or aggression always with love and patience, sometimes I have good training days and sometimes bad but I too have bad days and good days so I let him off...I wouldn't mind him doing his PAT training and then he could go to the local hospice/residential homes as he loves a fuss and will sit for hours adn if it could bring a little pleasure to someone then that would be good. I might look into that a bit more now I think about it! x

[kallis3]

Both my dogs are rescue dogs, as was my previous one. We have been very fortunate that they have an excellent temperament and get on really well.

Both have basic training, and I'm quite happy with that.

[Shining]

That's all most dogs need is basic training, I do it as a hobby or maybe it's an obsession, I love doing it and while they enjoy it I'll carry on.

[kallis3]

They'll both sit and lie down on command, and leave things if they are told. Lloyd is off lead when we walk and we're away from the road. We always put him back on though if there are other dogs or people about. He will also walk to heel.

Suzie is another matter though - don't think I could trust her not to run off!

[Shining]

and that's all you need from them Jan x