Max seems almost fully muzzle trained now, on the third muzzle, this time made to measure at Hauptstadthund in Husemannstraße, after two previous, more or less disastrous attempts with the very limited choice in other shops.

He is not always the world’s most predictable dog – for example last night he ended the walk by throwing a complete hysterical fit, rolling around on the ground, frantically tearing at the muzzle – but this morning, he accepted it even without treats and not once during the walk did he try to pull it off. I will have to see how the next day or two go before testing him on public transport (I would hate for him to throw that kind of fit on the bus or U-Bahn :-)).

It will be interesting to see how he behaves later today when Alfred takes him out – you never know – sometimes he reverts to his old bad habits when somebody else walks him, and sometimes he behaves even better than with me …….

But in terms of being able to venture futher afield by public transport (where the muzzle is obligatory), things are looking up. Fingers crossed. Walks in general are also much easier since, with the muzzle on, Max can’t grab and guzzle down everything he finds on the ground which in his book constitutes something that can be eaten – which is just about everything, and here in Berlin, people throw everything everywhere except in the bins. Max seems to be slowly coping with that kind of frustration, especially having discovered that he can still exercise his natural, and very strong, sniffing instinct. It also means I do not have to be so careful, nor do I have to drag him away from things all the time.

Also, I am finally clearing from my head (and heart ;-)) what has been a major distraction – if not actually an obsession – and – I can see now – a complete waste of time for well over two years now. Life is too short and it is not like I don’t have other things to occupy my mind.

So here’s to new beginnings on several fronts :-).