Another break-through re meeting dogs

Another break-through for Flash today... two planned off lead encounters! It's about 2 years now that Flash hasn't been off lead when there were other dogs around because of his aggression towards them which was caused by severe back pain due to a dry disc in his back. Over the last year or so, with lots of training on walks (when we saw dogs from a distance), he started improving whilst on lead and on a couple of occasions when we came upon dogs unexpectely, he didn't react. (That actually happened last week at night when I didn't see a dog in the distance). Over the last few months, he's said hello to a few dogs nicely whilst on lead.

Today, I was finally confident enough to let him off lead when there were two other dogs around. Dylan had already said hello to them and they were confident with good body language... so I bit the bullet and let Flash off (whilst Dylan on lead). AND... HE WAS AMAZING! He first watched one from the distance, then ran past him, then went up to him calmly - a little insecure, but with perfectly appropriate and non-aggressive body language. When the second dog trotted past him, he had a quick sniff and then went his own way! It's so good to have my old Flash back... still a little way to go (we need more positive encounters like these to be entirely confident again - both him and me), but not far off now!

I love you so much, Flashy boy! You are amazing.

Training again

First of all just an update on Flash's cuts on his back legs. They have all healed well now and athough there are noticeable scars now, it is no bother to Flash at all.

Secondly, last week, I took Flash to training classes again for the first time. He really enjoyed it and had a good time after a short settling in period. He hadn't forgotten any of his exercises either and was very enthusiastic.

He was a little cautious with some dogs, but no problem as long as I was making sure he had a little space. I was very proud of him!

Vets

I took Flash to Mark's yesterday as didn't like the look of it. Mark said that he was very lucky to not have caught any tendons/ligaments. He gave him a shot of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. It's healing, but not as wonderfully as I'd hoped. We'll see how it goes.

And another injury...

On Monday morning, Dylan and Flash went quite a long distance after a cat in the country park. They disappeared around the corner and after a short while came back. Dylan was fine, but Flash was bleeding from all four paws. Both the stopper pads were torn and he had cuts and grazes on his back legs.

I washed it all, cleaned it up, put neem seed oil on it and bandaged it once a day since. I wasn't sure whether I should have brought him to the vet for a stitch or two, but decided against it. However, today, it didn't look very good. The larger cut I was worried about has healed, but seemed to ooze a little, but another skin flap that was cut doesn't seem to heal up properly. So we are off to the vet's after all tomorrow as I don't want to take any chances for an infection.

Bugger, why is Flash suddenly injuring himself all the time?

Happy 8th Birthday!

Wow, Flash is already 8 years old now! I can't believe how time flies. Love you so much, beautiful boy. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

New pic - Flash going grey I think...

Flash has now lost all the black on his face and I think he is going grey... looking all distinguished. LOL

And a couple of when Bérénice was here the week before last.

And me and the gang

 

Stitches out

On Friday evening, I took Flash's stitches out. It has all healed well, only one corner of the wound that needs complete healing still. Still kept him on lead this morning, but he'll be able to go running again as from tomorrow.