Accept me as I am
The upshot of my course was that Mum has to accept me as I am. I’m not likely to change. It’s important to understand that my functional character is not about my genetics. It is not because of my birth Mum or my birth Dad. My birth Mum and her needs can have an influence over it, but it’s more complex than that. I get the high energy end of my personality from my breed and parents, but not the fact that I’m an Overseer. It’s just like human personality testing, there is much more to it than a simple genetic equation.
What it all means
Mum asked what could be done to make me enjoy a normal walk without getting bored. Basically – nothing. Of course, doing fun things is good and Mum spending the whole time doing training exercises and fun stuff will get me through walk. But if Mum is hoping for a nice amicable ramble through the hillside I’m not the dog to go with. Pack walks are a bit different and if I can find dogs who enjoy my company then they may well work. I’m trying that in two weeks’ time. Paws crossed.
As for taking me into lots of new situations, like a holiday – honestly, Mum is best to forget it. I cope best with a fixed routine and knowing my surroundings. Because it is my job to test everything, if there is anything I don’t recognise or don’t understand then I will be reactive and test to make sure everything is ok. If I don’t like it then I will go hyper.
That’s that
So, that’s that then. Mum is already doing lots of things that are a big help and will now accept that some of my limitations are here to stay. It’s not quite what she expected, but she loves me and so does Dad. Honestly, they are my rocks and I need them to be solid and steady – then my world makes sense.
Mum has agreed to look for a second training course that I might enjoy. If it’s at our training school then I already know my surroundings and will be able to focus on the activity. Paws crossed there’s something suitable. For now we need to see if I can work on the activities I need to complete for my bronze exam.
This is me in my orange ‘Overseer’s bandana’
Hugs, licks and head butts
Pebbles
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