is my dog soft!

[kentlad 0]

i have just got my first lakeland hes a cracking little dog 12 months old his conditioning is fantastic, but he seems to realy lack confidence he is realy scared of other dogs, i am completely new to the sport and have the oppertunity to go ratting etc with a friend i have made at various terrier shows and his mates but i am worried he will not be up to the mark he has had a couple of rabbits do they tend to come on with age and am i expecting to much to soon? basicly i just dont want to look like a wanker in front of everyone! thanks for your help

[Guest bracken boy]

i normally take mine to car boots but try getting him into a shopping centre where people and dogs are about, might bring his confidence on a bit..

[Guest oneredtrim]

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Edited January 21, 2008 by oneredtrim

[Guest knocavoeboy]

this can be one of the pitfalls of buying a dog rather than a pup. terriers are very reslient and with patience and a bit of socialisation with even tempered dogs should bring him on. if the lads taking you out are good fellas then a wee bit of good humoured stick is all you will get. had a couple like this and there is usually a reason behind it such as a poor expereince when a pup.

[kentlad 0]

cheers for all the advise, yes he was on his own when he kopped the rabbits he took them in the open as well so i know hes got it in him, i think what ill do is take him along and put up with the stick! i think i am being impatient but i supose when you are new to it all you tend to want a good dog right from the start one thing i do know is its a cracking sport and its just great to be out and watch them work, i will keep going to the terrier show and become a regular face and hopefully get invited out a bit more.

[Guest oneredtrim]

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Edited January 21, 2008 by oneredtrim

[kentlad 0]

thanks for the advice its kind of you to take the time to reply, im going to get him out this weekend and keep working and see what happens good luck

[Guest oneredtrim]

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Edited January 21, 2008 by oneredtrim

[kentlad 0]

thats fantastic advise, the good thing is i live within a five minute drive of a canal so will try it. i am struggling at the moment i have been taking him out on the downs most evenings and getting realy close to some rabbits and i have invested in a good powerfull torch but he doesnt keep his bloody head up and watch them until it is too late he is as keen as mustard and not stupid but its as if he wnats to pick up a scent most of the time and not watch what is in front of him i know he could run them no problem as he has on a couple of occasions in daylight do you think the bright torch light maybe confusing him and would he be able to run them on scent alone? many thanks for the advise

[Guest oneredtrim]

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Edited January 21, 2008 by oneredtrim

[kentlad 0]

supurb!! seriously thanks for all the time people spend replying etc and sharing your knowlege totaly bowled over by this web site fantastic got match sticks in my eyes reading everything i think ive found my vocation in life thanks again