Jasper’s Journey

Sarah joined Honest Hounds at the start of September (just a few weeks ago) and has already seen huge wins thanks to some relatively small changes. One of the things we prioritise is communication over commands and in this win she shared on the community you can really see why and the difference it makes.

Jasper's recall is coming along brilliantly, and I'm noticing so many small changes I'm making that are working helping our relationship.

I had him off-lead at the beach, throwing his ball. Now Jasper is a very excitable dog and can start frustration barking when he wants something he's not getting. I asked for a sit before throwing it, and he began barking in frustration. Then I clocked my tone - it was definitely a command and not an ask. Remembering my homework from the Partnership Project, I ASKED him for a sit instead. Tone changed, and he immediately responded.

Then I threw the ball, and on his circle back to me, he noticed a stranger who had just been standing looking out to sea.

Jasper can get spooked by folk who stay in the same place for a while, and I noticed he had eyed this man suspiciously as we walked past. Now he was making his way over to the man, and I was nowhere near close enough to stop him.

Cue my emergency whistle. Jasper turned on a dime and came barreling back over as soon as he heard the whistle!

He's had so many wins over the past few weeks, and the things I've learned from Honest Hounds have really helped!