Rocky

Rocky is a rescue Labrador who started off very nervous of people and is reactive to other dogs. Rocky’s owner has been working on his behaviour and he is now the friendliest boy to humans.

Rocky got diagnosed with Elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia so finds it very difficult to get around. When his owner approached me we both agreed to work on his confidence in the new environment first.

The first 6 sessions Rocky completed we spent a lot of time doing fear free techniques which included treats, toys and lots of loving encouragement. These 6 sessions did consist of him not going for a swim in the pool but building the confidence up to even get his paws in.

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One session Rocky was feeling very sore and we decided rather than make him go up and down the ramp we’d just lift him in. This session Rocky done the whole session swimming. As this seemed to work and he seemed to be happier we made the decision that for future Rocky would be lifted in.

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After doing that for a couple of sessions I noticed Rocky was getting more and more confident with the water and he started wanting to go up the ramp so I decided to throw the toy in and he went straight in! Not only did Rocky go up the ramp and in the pool himself but when it was time to get out, he got himself out and then came back in and jumped into the pool!! This is a huge improvement for Rocky considering for 6 sessions he was just getting his paws wet and today he jumped in all by himself!

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Both me and Rocky’s owner are super proud of him and hopefully we can keep bringing that smile to his face

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Please watch this video compilation of Rocky's progress

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