Had an intruder earlier today, but Demps reacted very well

Plumber was set to come around this morning. When he rang the doorbell, mum went down to meet him through the entrance around the back of the house. Unfortunately, the people doing work in the shop let the plumber through into our garden, trying to help. He came up the stairs and called, "Hello?"

I was in the living room with Demps, with the gate up by the door to stop him getting through. Usually, if somebody comes round to the house, mum will come upstairs first and I'll keep Demps calm. But the man's call scared him and he went racing towards the stairs. Mowed straight through the gate and confronted the plumber.

I was right behind him, so nothing would have happened, but I'm so proud of Demps' control! He was barking and growling menacingly as he ran towards him, but stopped right in front of him and turned to look at me for 'instruction'. I gently guided Demps away and talked to him calmly, and asked the man to go back down a couple of steps to the landing. This calmed Demps down a lot and allowed me to steer him into the living room.

Went back down with the man to meet mum, then dashed back up alone to bundle Demps into my bedroom. He was sitting on the sofa, reasonably relaxed, although he looked nervous and unsure - probably thought he'd done something wrong.

I usually don't let him on my snuggly, fluffy throw blanket, but decided he'd earned it. He curled up asleep underneath it and I sat next to him until the plumber had gone.

So proud of my little boy.

What a good guard dog - Gold star for Dempsey!

I was a little worried when he launched himself off of the sofa, as I wasn't entirely sure what he would do with an 'intruder' who might have been a threat. But he waited and looked to me before he did anything other than make noise. So proud of him! Luckily, the man also reacted very well - didn't advance or run away, but just stood still and let Dempsey assess him.

sounds like a great test for him with a dog wise person and he passed with flying colours

Dempsey did do well! Good thing the plumber didn't bolt.

Very good thing the plumber didn't bolt.

Good job Dempsey!

Such a difficult day for him yesterday, so he's decided he's going to sleep today away!

Clever puppy

Lazy puppy