As I am having a week off work I haven't done much with Teddy over the last two days as I have been working quite late; leaving and returning from work in the dark. I was wondering how today was going to go as I walked out but I was really surprised.
Straight out into the paddock and Teddy came to me and let me halter him without running away! I couldn't believe it, Eureka! Finally he was showing some trust in me. Granted, it wasn't perfect and I can still see some apprehension in his eyes but at least he sees the halter as something he doesn't need to be so concerned about. And he knows he is going to get the best rubs and pats out of it so it must be worth his while.
As I have been told more than once that Teddy is dangerous I am determined to teach him all the safety rules I can from the get-go, so I've moved him on to the backing-up training phase. He did quite well at backing-up although it's all full instruction now, but I am working so I can just point a finger or give him a look and he will know when I want him to back up. I also tried him at one-step forward moving (only to take a step when ask, no more - no less). He also did fairly well at that too. It is only the first day so I was very happy and I am combining this training with all his other lessons depending on the day. The consistency will concentrate on the catching game and the backing up and one-step forwards.
All in all it was wonderful to see him so relaxed around the halter, totally calm and pleased to do what I asked - he was almost waiting for instruction!
When I get the opportunity I will get Steve to video the "after" phase so I can post a short before-and-after demo on Teddy's progress. Tuesday will also be interesting as Pol Blane will be assessing him.
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