"Run! But you can't hide" was essentially one of the topics discussed in this afternoon's canine lecture. As part of our Wednesday afternoon lecture programme, we had a visit from Michael from K9 Psychology, who spoke to the children about three different elements. First and most importantly, how to approach a dog. The key message was very much to ask permission if you wanted to stroke a dog that you didn't know - don't automatically assume that every dog wants to be petted. They have 42 teeth that could do damage! We were introduced to Ivy, a bearded collie, which is a 10month pup and still very bouncy! Jeka, a German Shepherd was our next visitor, who despite the large audience, was very chilled. Our last visitor was Ubba, a black working cocker spaniel that despite his best efforts, couldn't quite make it on to the stage. However, it was very much looking for his next command from Michael and didn't break eye contact so that he was alert and ready for the next job to do.

We then looked at the sport of mantrailing, essentially a hobby of hide and seek with dogs. Both Jeka and Ubba were put to the test, with Ubba given no help at all so had to solely rely on his nose to find Miss Pett.
At the very end, we were shown another of Ubba's "jobs"; as a gun dog. We were all mesmerised by how engaged he was with Michael and so obedient with the commands given to him.

It was a captivating and thoroughly inspiring lecture; thank you, K9 Psychology.