Training Treacle (6)

This is probably the last in the series of 'Training Treacle' posts, but that's not to say you can ever finish training a dog. Treacle has just celebrated (with a Mr Whippy ice cream) her second birthday and is now having to put her mind to more serious things.

James, our first Grandson (pictured with his Dad, Steve) arrived last December and Treacle has been an absolute star with him, ensuring that he never feels lonely. She brings James her toys but never tries to take his. They are inseparable.

Treacle enjoys her walks with the family and James sits fascinated in his Bugaboo (other pushchairs are available) watching her race around the large tracts of Army training ground that surround the area. Once James is walking there'll be no stopping the two of them.

Last week we took both James and Treacle to the Wellington Country Park, part of the Duke of Wellington's estate for a day out. Although she thoroughly enjoyed rushing around hither and thither the best bit as far as she was concerned was the picnic lunch when she was able to sit at James' feet and help out with anything he dropped. Her least favourite bit was not being allowed on the miniature steam railway when we took James for a ride but having to stay with Caroline my daughter (and James' mum) instead. I have to say that James didn't appear over excited by the experience. By the end of the day I don't know how James and Treacle felt but I was out on my feet.

Treacle will continue to be trained in tracking and searching as well as ensuring that her obedience stays at a good standard. If you are going to have either a child or a dog (or both) it is important to remember that you share this planet with the rest of us and therefore have a duty of care not to impose yourself or offspring on other people trying to just live their lives. If you can't control your children or pets then you shouldn't have any.

It is so important for children to have pets it teaches them so many things about life and as long as the parents are responsible in managing the interaction between child and pet it makes the child a more complete person.