Today, we start work!
Charlot has been with us 2 months. He has settled in and has a place in the herd.
So, we bit the bullet. Everyone was herded into the indoor school, caught and tied up around the edge.
Charlot was the last to be caught (Ljosfaxi's influence) and was not easy about having a headcollar put on. We ignored this small hissy fit and he was tied up while we did a few chores around the place first.
I did some leading work with him and he appeared calm and attentive. He could see his friends and was happy to work with me at the other end of the school. Leading is getting better. He follows my body language, stopping immediately when I stop and walking at my pace.
Jo decided to have a better go at Charlot's back feet. He was stood in the middle of the school with one person holding him (and talking to him) while Jo picked up his back foot to trim. An initial kick-out, Charlot immediately got the message and co-operated. This is a huge improvement and his feet are now much nicer and he is putting up far less of a fight each time we suggest a trim. He was not bothered by his general surroundings as everyone else was calmly standing still while the dogs and hens milled about.
Floss, my daughter, had a conversation with Charlot and he stood quietly enjoying the attention. Pink does not suit him as a colour - they clashed horribly!
Then Jo brushed him. Charlot was not thrilled with this idea but tolerated it, even relaxing by the end. It is all new and he is realising that we treat him like everyone else and he is still alive!
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