February 2008

9 year old Liam Landymore, from Shebbear College, and Fly his 5 month old labrador x springer have just completed an 8 week intensive course on puppy socialisation and basic training. This took place every Monday for an hour long session with Canine Etiquette based at Chivenor Industrial Estate. The course involved Fly learning doggy manners, how to greet and behave properly to other dogs and people. He also learnt basic dog training skills, such as, the sit, the down, the stay, the wait, the recall and heel work. Liam also learnt how to look after Fly in the best possible way by learning how to groom him, feed him properly and to look after his teeth, ears and claws.

Fly and Liam have thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and have had a lot of fun doing the training out and about as well as in the home and at the training sessions. The two of them have bonded very well and whenever Liam feels he needs a friend Fly is always there. Liam and Fly are now continuing with dog training and have just started the next stage and are now learning to do some doggy tricks, roll over, shaking hands, waving, the crawl and many more. When Liam is older he is hoping to become a vet as well as a dog trainer. Liam says "his dog is his best friend and he is Fly's best friend. They are always together". Liam loves all animals but he says,"his dog, Fly, is the bestest ever".