Rodders and I spent some time in the garden. First of all I poop scooped and then we played chase.
He came and lay on the kitchen floor while I emptied the washing machine and once he was told no he didn't try to bite things as they came out of the machine. Once the washing machine was empty he followed me upstairs while I hung stuff on the radiators and ran off with my slippers. One is still on the landing and the other is in the lounge.
I then put on my walking gear and we headed off down the Nicky Line following yesterdays route. Rodders was really funny once we swapped to the extendable lead. He would either run ahead of me and then sit and wait or he would lag behind me and wait for me to call him and come running so I turned it in to a training exercise.
As he seems to like this walk I thought I should check where it is we end up and apparently it is Keen Fields. I wasn't quite so keen on it today as I spotted drug paraphernalia up by the seating area and basketball court :-(
Anyway we did the walk around and Rodders loved running and sniffing about and he got to play with a boxer and a staff cross before we headed back up the Nicky Line.
He is funny if he gets anything stuck to his legs. He just sits down and waits for me to take it off him.
We got passed by a cyclist and a runner, Rodders was quite good and sat still for me while we let them passed. He doesn't like it when other dog walkers go past us if he isn't allowed to stop and say hello but he will keep walking even if he does keep looking back.
We walked back as far as the rugby field before turning and heading for home. Once inside I was trying to swap out of my wellies and Rodders was trying to bite the boots I was putting on so I shut him in the lounge. To start with he was quiet but he soon started squeaking as he hates being shut away from me if I am home.
Showing posts with label Nicky Line. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nicky Line. Show all posts
Monday, 2 January 2012
Sunday, 1 January 2012
A quiet morning and a long walk
I woke up about 8.30am and there wasn't a peep out of Rodders until I started walking towards the bathroom. By the time I got down the stairs he was squeaking quite loudly.
He wanted a fuss and a snuggle before asking to go in the garden. While he was out there I made a cuppa and got his breakfast ready. As soon as he heard his bowls moving he dashed back in and started barking. I am trying to make him sit and wait so that I can put his bowls down without his nose in the way, we are almost there but he can't resist once they are an inch from the floor so it took about 5 minutes just to give him his breakfast this morning.
Once he had eaten his breakfast he was quite lively and chasing his toys around. He was also up to mischief and we have had a bit of a battle over the door stop and the door mat. OH wants to put the rugs back down after we take down the Christmas Tree but I think this might be a mistake. They are long pile, shaggy things and I think the temptation would be too much.
After a lot of playing inside and out and a fair amount of mischief Rodders eventually wanted a rest and came up on the sofa with me.
He seems to be able to find tissues from a mile away, even if they are hidden in pockets or behind cushions, and I have lost count of how many I have taken off him today.
I had brunch before emptying the washing machine and then getting washed and dressed so we could head out for a walk. I thought we would go towards the Nicky Line and see how muddy it is. Once we got there it looked quite good so we headed under the bridge and towards Queensway, stopping to swap to the extendable lead. Rodders loved running around sniffing as I wandered down the path and would be behind me one minute and flying past me to get in front the next. He stopped a couple of times and sat down so I called him to me and he came running. I wonder if the fact that there is an obvious path to follow makes him happier?
We walked over the bridge at Queensway, down the steps and in to the park. Rodders hadn't done this park before but he seemed to like it, we probably walked two thirds of it. He got to play with one dog for about 5 minutes. The two of them were chasing around his owner and I as we stood chatting, it was lovely to see.
As we were walking back towards the bridge I could hear my name being called. I looked up and saw Bob and Pat from next door standing on the bridge waving. Rodders and I made our way towards the steps and met them coming down with Gus, their Grand Dog. This was the first time Gus and Rodders had met. Gus is better with humans, Rodders is better with dogs so once they worked that out they were happy to ignore each other while we chatted. After a while we parted company so that we could head home and they could let Gus off for a run around and to chase his stick.
Rodders stayed a little closer on the way back so I thought we may have tired him out. No chance! Once we were back inside I made a cuppa and gave him his lunch and then he was running up and down after his ball, playing with his yoghurt pot and frizbee and then wanted out in to the garden. It had started to rain, I hope Bob and Pat aren't too long or they will be soaked,
Rodders was out there a while and has come in soaking. After being towelled off he was happy to lie on his bed pad for a snooze.
He wanted a fuss and a snuggle before asking to go in the garden. While he was out there I made a cuppa and got his breakfast ready. As soon as he heard his bowls moving he dashed back in and started barking. I am trying to make him sit and wait so that I can put his bowls down without his nose in the way, we are almost there but he can't resist once they are an inch from the floor so it took about 5 minutes just to give him his breakfast this morning.
Once he had eaten his breakfast he was quite lively and chasing his toys around. He was also up to mischief and we have had a bit of a battle over the door stop and the door mat. OH wants to put the rugs back down after we take down the Christmas Tree but I think this might be a mistake. They are long pile, shaggy things and I think the temptation would be too much.
After a lot of playing inside and out and a fair amount of mischief Rodders eventually wanted a rest and came up on the sofa with me.
He seems to be able to find tissues from a mile away, even if they are hidden in pockets or behind cushions, and I have lost count of how many I have taken off him today.
I had brunch before emptying the washing machine and then getting washed and dressed so we could head out for a walk. I thought we would go towards the Nicky Line and see how muddy it is. Once we got there it looked quite good so we headed under the bridge and towards Queensway, stopping to swap to the extendable lead. Rodders loved running around sniffing as I wandered down the path and would be behind me one minute and flying past me to get in front the next. He stopped a couple of times and sat down so I called him to me and he came running. I wonder if the fact that there is an obvious path to follow makes him happier?
We walked over the bridge at Queensway, down the steps and in to the park. Rodders hadn't done this park before but he seemed to like it, we probably walked two thirds of it. He got to play with one dog for about 5 minutes. The two of them were chasing around his owner and I as we stood chatting, it was lovely to see.
As we were walking back towards the bridge I could hear my name being called. I looked up and saw Bob and Pat from next door standing on the bridge waving. Rodders and I made our way towards the steps and met them coming down with Gus, their Grand Dog. This was the first time Gus and Rodders had met. Gus is better with humans, Rodders is better with dogs so once they worked that out they were happy to ignore each other while we chatted. After a while we parted company so that we could head home and they could let Gus off for a run around and to chase his stick.
Rodders stayed a little closer on the way back so I thought we may have tired him out. No chance! Once we were back inside I made a cuppa and gave him his lunch and then he was running up and down after his ball, playing with his yoghurt pot and frizbee and then wanted out in to the garden. It had started to rain, I hope Bob and Pat aren't too long or they will be soaked,
Rodders was out there a while and has come in soaking. After being towelled off he was happy to lie on his bed pad for a snooze.
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Tuesday morning
Rodders and I spent Tuesday morning mooching about, me having a shower & drying my hair and packing for our next adventure.
Rodders spent a lot of time in the garden but we also found the time to go for a walk round the neighbourhood and rugby field - we gave the Nicky Line a miss as it seems very muddy at the moment.
For once I found the need to have a cooked breakfast, not sure if it is because the weather has turned colder or just because I was hungry!
Rodders ate most of his lunch, amazing what an added bit of chicken can do to the taste of kibble!
I also gave Rodders a good comb through and sorted out his gunky eye and dirty bottom. He wasn't very impressed and was trying to bite me a little so he earnt a telling off.
While I packed the car Rodders stayed by the door of the lounge and only barked once. It doesn't matter if I have been away for two minutes or two hours, I still get an amazing greeting from him.
Rodders spent a lot of time in the garden but we also found the time to go for a walk round the neighbourhood and rugby field - we gave the Nicky Line a miss as it seems very muddy at the moment.
For once I found the need to have a cooked breakfast, not sure if it is because the weather has turned colder or just because I was hungry!
Rodders ate most of his lunch, amazing what an added bit of chicken can do to the taste of kibble!
I also gave Rodders a good comb through and sorted out his gunky eye and dirty bottom. He wasn't very impressed and was trying to bite me a little so he earnt a telling off.
While I packed the car Rodders stayed by the door of the lounge and only barked once. It doesn't matter if I have been away for two minutes or two hours, I still get an amazing greeting from him.
Monday, 5 December 2011
Our first cold walk
After I had drunk a cuppa and Rodders had been out for a play in the garden it was time to go for a walk.
As soon as he saw me put on my coat he was dancing about and jumping up which always makes it a bit difficult to get my wellies on and he did get told off for biting them but wellies with holes in are not good!
We eventually got out the door and headed for the Nicky Line, with Rodders barking to let everyone know he was about. He did walk to heel most of the time but can be easily distracted if there are people about. We walked towards the rugby field and, as the Nicky Line was a bit muddy, went on to the field as soon as we could. Rodders sat while I switched leads and was then off darting about sniffing and looking for treasure.
When we were walking the second side of the field a staffie came from nowhere to have a good sniff, Rodders didn't seem bothered by it but I was a little concerned at a loose dog with no visible owner. Then there was a shout from the Nicky Line and the staffie took off at a great rate of knots and I breathed a sigh of relief!
On the third side we met a man with a 10 month old Westie, he and Rodders had a good time playing for a little while.
When we got to the bottom of the third side he was quite happy to sit for a little while and watch and listen to a lady in the bus stop with two little ones in a pushchair. This is the most interest that he has shown in children!
As we got to the end of the fourth side he sat while I swapped leads back but he did need checking a few times to remind him that he was on a short lead.
By the time we got home the edges of my ears were freezing! Good job Christmas is around the corner as I think Santa may be sorting that out for me!
As soon as he saw me put on my coat he was dancing about and jumping up which always makes it a bit difficult to get my wellies on and he did get told off for biting them but wellies with holes in are not good!
We eventually got out the door and headed for the Nicky Line, with Rodders barking to let everyone know he was about. He did walk to heel most of the time but can be easily distracted if there are people about. We walked towards the rugby field and, as the Nicky Line was a bit muddy, went on to the field as soon as we could. Rodders sat while I switched leads and was then off darting about sniffing and looking for treasure.
When we were walking the second side of the field a staffie came from nowhere to have a good sniff, Rodders didn't seem bothered by it but I was a little concerned at a loose dog with no visible owner. Then there was a shout from the Nicky Line and the staffie took off at a great rate of knots and I breathed a sigh of relief!
On the third side we met a man with a 10 month old Westie, he and Rodders had a good time playing for a little while.
When we got to the bottom of the third side he was quite happy to sit for a little while and watch and listen to a lady in the bus stop with two little ones in a pushchair. This is the most interest that he has shown in children!
As we got to the end of the fourth side he sat while I swapped leads back but he did need checking a few times to remind him that he was on a short lead.
By the time we got home the edges of my ears were freezing! Good job Christmas is around the corner as I think Santa may be sorting that out for me!
Sunday, 4 December 2011
Dressed, breakfast, walk
When I went up to get washed and dressed I took the Kong with the last of the breakfast kibble in it but Rodders wasn't very interested and didn't eat much of it. He was still very good and did let me get washed and dressed in relative peace.
Once back downstairs I made a cuppa and some toast while Rodders had a play in the garden. Once he was ready to come back in we went for a walk up to the Nicky Line and the rugby field. On route OH called and I had a quick chat with him until having to hang up as we were approaching a Red Setter that Rodders like to try and play with. Unfortunately Sazzy doesn't feel the same and she always tried to run away!
While we were on the Nicky Line a chap was having problems getting his Golden Retriever back and was trying everything from whistling, calling, shaking the lead and hiding. Rodders would have gone to him if he hadn't been on the lead but his own dog was paying no attention at all. Wonder if that will be me in time to come!
As soon as we were back Rodders was happy to settle down on his bed pad for another snooze.
Once back downstairs I made a cuppa and some toast while Rodders had a play in the garden. Once he was ready to come back in we went for a walk up to the Nicky Line and the rugby field. On route OH called and I had a quick chat with him until having to hang up as we were approaching a Red Setter that Rodders like to try and play with. Unfortunately Sazzy doesn't feel the same and she always tried to run away!
While we were on the Nicky Line a chap was having problems getting his Golden Retriever back and was trying everything from whistling, calling, shaking the lead and hiding. Rodders would have gone to him if he hadn't been on the lead but his own dog was paying no attention at all. Wonder if that will be me in time to come!
As soon as we were back Rodders was happy to settle down on his bed pad for another snooze.
Thursday, 1 December 2011
How quick?
We went out for our usual walk up the Nicky Line and then on to the Rugby Field. With the speed that Rodders now runs we may soon be doing two laps of the rugby field!
Interestingly he only seems to bark at people when he is on the short lead, once he is on the extendable lead he just want to chase after them!
He looks as though he is about to settle down for a snooze so I think I may pop him in to his bed and nip to the sorting office to pick up yesterdays parcel.
Interestingly he only seems to bark at people when he is on the short lead, once he is on the extendable lead he just want to chase after them!
He looks as though he is about to settle down for a snooze so I think I may pop him in to his bed and nip to the sorting office to pick up yesterdays parcel.
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
A late breakfast
All Rodders wanted to do this morning was sleep, up on the sofa with me, on his new bed pad, on the landing, on the bathmat, on my bed, on my knee.
He has had a couple of short bursts of play but it has really been sleep, sleep and more sleep.
At 9.45 I thought this was madness so I woke him up, popped his lead on, grabbed my coat and put on my wellies. This seemed to motivate him and we got out the door. He walked nicely to the Nicky Line but does bark at everyone he see's even if he does keep walking! We headed towards the rugby field and I swapped leads so that he could have a run about. He has a new game, dancing right in front of me! He was also on the hunt for treasure and found a McDonalds coffee cup that was huge and pranced about with that for a while, he also wanted to go and chase crows and to go and play with a greyhound. I wonder where he would be off to if he wasn't at the end of a lead! Generally he does come when called and will wait if asked, but with other distractions I am not so sure!
He sat and waited as I swapped leads as we came off the rugby field and had to be checked a couple of times to remind him that he still needs to walk to heel.
Back home he had a quick play before eating more than half of his breakfast and then asked to go in to the garden.
He wasn't ever so happy when I interrupted his play out there to hang out some washing but has come back inside to play with his yoghurt pots and to beat up teddy.
He has had a couple of short bursts of play but it has really been sleep, sleep and more sleep.
At 9.45 I thought this was madness so I woke him up, popped his lead on, grabbed my coat and put on my wellies. This seemed to motivate him and we got out the door. He walked nicely to the Nicky Line but does bark at everyone he see's even if he does keep walking! We headed towards the rugby field and I swapped leads so that he could have a run about. He has a new game, dancing right in front of me! He was also on the hunt for treasure and found a McDonalds coffee cup that was huge and pranced about with that for a while, he also wanted to go and chase crows and to go and play with a greyhound. I wonder where he would be off to if he wasn't at the end of a lead! Generally he does come when called and will wait if asked, but with other distractions I am not so sure!
He sat and waited as I swapped leads as we came off the rugby field and had to be checked a couple of times to remind him that he still needs to walk to heel.
Back home he had a quick play before eating more than half of his breakfast and then asked to go in to the garden.
He wasn't ever so happy when I interrupted his play out there to hang out some washing but has come back inside to play with his yoghurt pots and to beat up teddy.
Monday, 28 November 2011
Need to get him moving
Rodders has been very lazy today, not much playing and a lot of sleeping, so I put my wellies and coat on and we headed out for a walk.
As we got to the end of Pentland Sophie was just being dropped home from school and he started to bark at her. I made him sit and she came over to say hello and give Rodders a quick fuss, he didn't back away for once.
We made our way towards the Nicky Line and there were lots of people and traffic about as it was school chucking out time. He hasn't been very good around children so far but seemed better today and just carried on walking to heel, needing the odd check when he tried to pull.
As we got to the Nicky Line we met a lady with an Airedale and a Cavalier, the Airedale ignored us but the Cavvy said hello. We let them walk in front of us but the Cavvy kept coming back so we overtook and headed to the rugby field. To get out of their way we went on the rugby field at the first opportunity and I made Rodders sit so I could swap leads.
He loves the freedom of the extendable lead and will lag behind and then run past me. He will usually wait when told for me to catch him up if he is in front. This doesn't work too well if there are other dogs about though so we need to practice more but it does allow us the freedom to try without him being able to run off.
We did the whole field and Rodders was happy sniffing about and finding treasure to be dropped and left if he found something more exciting. Once he had something in his mouth he was prancing about and leaping off all fours like a spring lamb, very pleased with himself.
As we came off the field I made him sit so we could swap leads. He does seem to realise the difference and very quickly walks to heel again.
We walked back past Kev and Jane's and home with Rodders sitting and waiting at kerbs and doors.
As we got to the end of Pentland Sophie was just being dropped home from school and he started to bark at her. I made him sit and she came over to say hello and give Rodders a quick fuss, he didn't back away for once.
We made our way towards the Nicky Line and there were lots of people and traffic about as it was school chucking out time. He hasn't been very good around children so far but seemed better today and just carried on walking to heel, needing the odd check when he tried to pull.
As we got to the Nicky Line we met a lady with an Airedale and a Cavalier, the Airedale ignored us but the Cavvy said hello. We let them walk in front of us but the Cavvy kept coming back so we overtook and headed to the rugby field. To get out of their way we went on the rugby field at the first opportunity and I made Rodders sit so I could swap leads.
He loves the freedom of the extendable lead and will lag behind and then run past me. He will usually wait when told for me to catch him up if he is in front. This doesn't work too well if there are other dogs about though so we need to practice more but it does allow us the freedom to try without him being able to run off.
We did the whole field and Rodders was happy sniffing about and finding treasure to be dropped and left if he found something more exciting. Once he had something in his mouth he was prancing about and leaping off all fours like a spring lamb, very pleased with himself.
As we came off the field I made him sit so we could swap leads. He does seem to realise the difference and very quickly walks to heel again.
We walked back past Kev and Jane's and home with Rodders sitting and waiting at kerbs and doors.
Saturday, 26 November 2011
A windy walk
Rodders came in from one of his many trips to the garden full of energy, a game of tug and fetch with his ball was having no impact on this so I thought it was time for a walk.
I slipped his lead on, he doesn't get too excited about this anymore as we have been using it inside all week to stop him biting, but when I went for my coat he was literally doing summersaults. Luckily he let me put on my wellies without too many problems (he decided to put his nose in the shoes I was taking off for amusement) and it didn't take us too long to get out the door.
He walked (almost) to heel to the Nicky Line and then I let him have a little more freedom to sniff about. We walked up towards the rugby field but he kept sitting as leaves got caught in his legs and he didn't seem to like it much. I did stop and make him sit as a jogger came past and when he was pulling a bit too much we stopped and practiced sit and down. Once we got to the rugby field I swapped leads and he was happy to run about with much more freedom. He is still testing to see what he can and can't do on the extendable lead which is quite funny. He will sit and wait for me to walk away without being asked and then come running up and past me and then sit again until I overtake him, the game then starts again.
He soon got bored of that and was off sniffing about. He did bark as he saw people through the trees on the Nicky Line and he did want to go and play with a Jack Russell he spotted but he came back to me when called. We walked all the way around the rugby field and Rodders was very interested in a young lad sat by the trees on the far side. He went to investigate (roofers ran most of it) but when the lad got up he did he usual and ran back behind me.
As we came off the field Rodders sat and waited while I swapped leads and then we walked back home. Once indoors Rodders checked all his toys were where they should be and collapsed on snuggle fleece.
I am very glad I though to tie my hair up as it is very blowy out there, cold too. My ears are freezing! May have to resort to a hat before too much longer.
I slipped his lead on, he doesn't get too excited about this anymore as we have been using it inside all week to stop him biting, but when I went for my coat he was literally doing summersaults. Luckily he let me put on my wellies without too many problems (he decided to put his nose in the shoes I was taking off for amusement) and it didn't take us too long to get out the door.
He walked (almost) to heel to the Nicky Line and then I let him have a little more freedom to sniff about. We walked up towards the rugby field but he kept sitting as leaves got caught in his legs and he didn't seem to like it much. I did stop and make him sit as a jogger came past and when he was pulling a bit too much we stopped and practiced sit and down. Once we got to the rugby field I swapped leads and he was happy to run about with much more freedom. He is still testing to see what he can and can't do on the extendable lead which is quite funny. He will sit and wait for me to walk away without being asked and then come running up and past me and then sit again until I overtake him, the game then starts again.
He soon got bored of that and was off sniffing about. He did bark as he saw people through the trees on the Nicky Line and he did want to go and play with a Jack Russell he spotted but he came back to me when called. We walked all the way around the rugby field and Rodders was very interested in a young lad sat by the trees on the far side. He went to investigate (roofers ran most of it) but when the lad got up he did he usual and ran back behind me.
As we came off the field Rodders sat and waited while I swapped leads and then we walked back home. Once indoors Rodders checked all his toys were where they should be and collapsed on snuggle fleece.
I am very glad I though to tie my hair up as it is very blowy out there, cold too. My ears are freezing! May have to resort to a hat before too much longer.
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Took a while
It really did take a while for Rodders to wake up this morning. Even when we went upstairs for me to get washed and dressed he wasn't interested in his Kong for ages and wanted to curl up on the bath mat. Eventually he ate the easy stiff, the kibble that had fallen out of the Kong. This is what was left from his supper last night and the first thing he has eaten, apart from treats, sine 6pm last night.
It did seem to perk him up and by the time we moved in to the bedroom to get dressed he was getting livelier. Getting dressed was interesting as he was trying to catch my clothes.
We came downstairs and he had a quick play in the conservatory before asking to go out in the garden for a poo. Once he was back in we got ready to go for a walk. As soon as my coat went on he started jumping up and getting excited but did contain himself so that I could get my wellies on without him knocking them over.
Once outside he spotted Adam and started to bark, he seemed quite keen to get to him but once we got close he hid behind me until he felt a bit braver and came out for a sniff. He so wants to greet people and he is getting braver, but there is a little bit of him that wants to hide still. No doubt he will get there.
We were joined by another neighbour, who got barked at as well, and she and I walked with Rodders to the mini roundabout before parting company. Rodders did bark at another lady as she passed us, she thought it was funny, I thought it deserved a check.
We got to the Nicky Line and turned right towards the rugby field. Rodders walked to heel a lot of the time, stopping to sniff but coming when called, even when he could hear lorries and air brakes. This is huge progress!
We walked the length of the rugby field and just as we were about to move on to the field itself OH called so I stood still while I talked to him and let Rodders have a sniff about. When I hung up we walked to the field and swapped leads.
I spoke to Nicci at Puppy Party last night and explained that I wasn't happy to let him off lead yet. A) Because I am not sure of his recall and B) If he didn't come back he isn't micro chipped yet. But he is desperate for some freedom and wants to run about. We talked about using the extendable lead and she talked about the pro's and cons and suggested that he is walked to a park or field on a normal lead and we then swap to let him have some freedom. We can also practice recall that way.
So today was his first time on the rugby field with his extendable lead and he loved it. To start with he didn't realise that he could get further away from me than normal and it was a bit of a shock when he realised I wasn't beside him. For a little while he would just stop behind me and wait to see how far I would go. I would then call him and he came running for a fuss and he would then try it again. Sometimes he wouldn't come straight away to see what I would do, he didn't take his eyes off me.
Once he got the hang of it he was happy to run about sniffing things and then running to catch up and get past me. As we came down the third side of the field he spotted a man on a bike on the path and started to run towards him barking. I locked the lead and called him, as he turned and came back towards me I let the lead recoil and we carried on down the field and did the fourth side before swapping back to his normal lead and heading for home.
He had a quick play while I grabbed something to eat but has now curled up on snuggle fleece at my feet.
It did seem to perk him up and by the time we moved in to the bedroom to get dressed he was getting livelier. Getting dressed was interesting as he was trying to catch my clothes.
We came downstairs and he had a quick play in the conservatory before asking to go out in the garden for a poo. Once he was back in we got ready to go for a walk. As soon as my coat went on he started jumping up and getting excited but did contain himself so that I could get my wellies on without him knocking them over.
Once outside he spotted Adam and started to bark, he seemed quite keen to get to him but once we got close he hid behind me until he felt a bit braver and came out for a sniff. He so wants to greet people and he is getting braver, but there is a little bit of him that wants to hide still. No doubt he will get there.
We were joined by another neighbour, who got barked at as well, and she and I walked with Rodders to the mini roundabout before parting company. Rodders did bark at another lady as she passed us, she thought it was funny, I thought it deserved a check.
We got to the Nicky Line and turned right towards the rugby field. Rodders walked to heel a lot of the time, stopping to sniff but coming when called, even when he could hear lorries and air brakes. This is huge progress!
We walked the length of the rugby field and just as we were about to move on to the field itself OH called so I stood still while I talked to him and let Rodders have a sniff about. When I hung up we walked to the field and swapped leads.
I spoke to Nicci at Puppy Party last night and explained that I wasn't happy to let him off lead yet. A) Because I am not sure of his recall and B) If he didn't come back he isn't micro chipped yet. But he is desperate for some freedom and wants to run about. We talked about using the extendable lead and she talked about the pro's and cons and suggested that he is walked to a park or field on a normal lead and we then swap to let him have some freedom. We can also practice recall that way.
So today was his first time on the rugby field with his extendable lead and he loved it. To start with he didn't realise that he could get further away from me than normal and it was a bit of a shock when he realised I wasn't beside him. For a little while he would just stop behind me and wait to see how far I would go. I would then call him and he came running for a fuss and he would then try it again. Sometimes he wouldn't come straight away to see what I would do, he didn't take his eyes off me.
Once he got the hang of it he was happy to run about sniffing things and then running to catch up and get past me. As we came down the third side of the field he spotted a man on a bike on the path and started to run towards him barking. I locked the lead and called him, as he turned and came back towards me I let the lead recoil and we carried on down the field and did the fourth side before swapping back to his normal lead and heading for home.
He had a quick play while I grabbed something to eat but has now curled up on snuggle fleece at my feet.
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Quite a walk
Rodders did his usual somersaults when I put my coat on and it was tricky getting my wellies on when he was jumping up and knocking them over but we were ready for our walk after about 5 minutes.
It took 3 attempts to get him to sit and wait at the door but we got there and could get on our way. We headed to the Nicky Line and then headed right to run parallel with the Rugby field. We walked right to the top and then on to the field itself. Rodders was very happy and so we walked two sides of it before coming back via the road. He sat down twice and lay down once on the Nicky Line but walked all the time in the field.
I have been trying to get him to walk to heel on the roads but giving him a little more freedom on paths and fields. Coming back today he was getting spooked by the traffic and I had to keep stopping him and making him sit as he was almost strangling himself trying to run ahead. He did eventually get the hang of it and I only needed to do gentle checks. He did sit and wait as we crossed the roads so we are getting somewhere.
Once home we had the same problem getting him to sit and wait at the door, 3 attempts. He then came in and ran around like a nutter for 5 minutes, behind chairs over carpets and back. He then collapsed at my feet on snuggle blanket and has been there for almost two hours.
I am not too bothered as I think Skevi will be in soon and I need him rested for Puppy Party tonight at the vets.
It took 3 attempts to get him to sit and wait at the door but we got there and could get on our way. We headed to the Nicky Line and then headed right to run parallel with the Rugby field. We walked right to the top and then on to the field itself. Rodders was very happy and so we walked two sides of it before coming back via the road. He sat down twice and lay down once on the Nicky Line but walked all the time in the field.
I have been trying to get him to walk to heel on the roads but giving him a little more freedom on paths and fields. Coming back today he was getting spooked by the traffic and I had to keep stopping him and making him sit as he was almost strangling himself trying to run ahead. He did eventually get the hang of it and I only needed to do gentle checks. He did sit and wait as we crossed the roads so we are getting somewhere.
Once home we had the same problem getting him to sit and wait at the door, 3 attempts. He then came in and ran around like a nutter for 5 minutes, behind chairs over carpets and back. He then collapsed at my feet on snuggle blanket and has been there for almost two hours.
I am not too bothered as I think Skevi will be in soon and I need him rested for Puppy Party tonight at the vets.
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Chewing, biting, walking
Once Rodders came in from the garden he was being a little horror, chewing the rolled up carpet and then trying to bite me when I said a firm no. I put the lead on him to make it easier to check him and he carried on trying to bite my arms or legs. So he kept getting checked.
This doesn't seem to bother him much and he rolled over on to his back to chew the lead!
I decided it was time for a walk to try and calm him down. He was very excited when I put on my coat and wellies and it was difficult to get him to sit and wait at the door but we managed it. We followed yesterdays route to the Nicky Line and back under the bridge. He walked better to heel getting there and I managed to keep him walking past another dog without him barking or wanting to stop and play but once we had got part way down the Nicky Line he was being a little odd and kept giving the odd whimper. He has not done this before and I stopped to check he was OK and had nothing obvious stuck to him.
We didn't seem to be making much progress forward so I turned around and started to head back the way we had come but went under the bridge and followed the path to the Rugby Field. He stopped whimpering and was walking quite nicely. Once we got to the field he wanted to run and I wished that I had the extendable lead with me. It seems a bit mean that he can't have much freedom yet.
We walked towards the main road but turned left before it and headed home past Kev & Jane's. Today as we reached roads we needed to cross I made Rodders stop, sit and wait each time and this was really successful. He was also walking to heel a lot of the time but had his nose down a lot too.
When we got home I made him sit and wait before he came in the door.
Once inside he went for a quick play before having a mad 5 minutes where he was running the full length of the house, round chairs and over the rolled up carpets. He then asked to go out for another run about the garden. By the time he came back in he was exhausted and flopped on to a snuggle fleece.
This doesn't seem to bother him much and he rolled over on to his back to chew the lead!
I decided it was time for a walk to try and calm him down. He was very excited when I put on my coat and wellies and it was difficult to get him to sit and wait at the door but we managed it. We followed yesterdays route to the Nicky Line and back under the bridge. He walked better to heel getting there and I managed to keep him walking past another dog without him barking or wanting to stop and play but once we had got part way down the Nicky Line he was being a little odd and kept giving the odd whimper. He has not done this before and I stopped to check he was OK and had nothing obvious stuck to him.
We didn't seem to be making much progress forward so I turned around and started to head back the way we had come but went under the bridge and followed the path to the Rugby Field. He stopped whimpering and was walking quite nicely. Once we got to the field he wanted to run and I wished that I had the extendable lead with me. It seems a bit mean that he can't have much freedom yet.
We walked towards the main road but turned left before it and headed home past Kev & Jane's. Today as we reached roads we needed to cross I made Rodders stop, sit and wait each time and this was really successful. He was also walking to heel a lot of the time but had his nose down a lot too.
When we got home I made him sit and wait before he came in the door.
Once inside he went for a quick play before having a mad 5 minutes where he was running the full length of the house, round chairs and over the rolled up carpets. He then asked to go out for another run about the garden. By the time he came back in he was exhausted and flopped on to a snuggle fleece.
Monday, 21 November 2011
A walk down the Nicky Line
Rodders was happy playing in the garden but he hadn't been out on his lead today so I got my wellies and coat on before calling him in.
As soon as he spotted what I was wearing he was bouncing around with excitement but I managed to get him to sit long enough to have his lead put on.
We walked out the house to the right and towards the mini roundabout before going left to the bridge and down the steps top the Nicky Line. We turned left and came back under the bridge. Rodders is walking so much better and most of the time is happy trotting along beside me. He will stop and sniff at things but usually moves on when asked.
We met a lady coming towards us with three dogs and we stopped for a chat. Rodders is the first Mini Schnauzer puppy she has seen and she thought he was gorgeous. She was also pleased to see that I didn't even try to pick him up when her dogs came towards him. I told her that I thought he needed to get used to them and as long as he doesn't seem upset by them I would never pick him up. She gave him a fuss before we turned around and headed back the way we had come.
Rodders started to pull a bit so I made him sit a couple of times and when that didn't work I started to use the choke chain to check him. By the time we got back to Pentland he was walking nicely again.
Doing this route means that he is exposed to traffic a little each way and I hope that this will help to settle him down a bit and get him used to it.
As soon as he spotted what I was wearing he was bouncing around with excitement but I managed to get him to sit long enough to have his lead put on.
We walked out the house to the right and towards the mini roundabout before going left to the bridge and down the steps top the Nicky Line. We turned left and came back under the bridge. Rodders is walking so much better and most of the time is happy trotting along beside me. He will stop and sniff at things but usually moves on when asked.
We met a lady coming towards us with three dogs and we stopped for a chat. Rodders is the first Mini Schnauzer puppy she has seen and she thought he was gorgeous. She was also pleased to see that I didn't even try to pick him up when her dogs came towards him. I told her that I thought he needed to get used to them and as long as he doesn't seem upset by them I would never pick him up. She gave him a fuss before we turned around and headed back the way we had come.
Rodders started to pull a bit so I made him sit a couple of times and when that didn't work I started to use the choke chain to check him. By the time we got back to Pentland he was walking nicely again.
Doing this route means that he is exposed to traffic a little each way and I hope that this will help to settle him down a bit and get him used to it.
Saturday, 19 November 2011
Best walk so far
Rodders was really good on this mornings walk!
He got excited as I put on my coat and was leaping about by the time I had my wellies on. I have started to make him sit and wait at the front door like we do in training and he did it at the second attempt (first attempt on the way back in).
He messed around a little on Pentland but was fine by the time we were heading to the rugby field. We walked a little way down the field and then turned on to the Nicky Line and walked parallel to the field. He was a bit interested in the squirrels but carried on walking when asked. We got to the end of the field and turned around at the gate but Rodders had spotted a Jack Russell and wanted to wait for it to catch up and say hello. He was fine with it and happy to let it sniff him and have a sniff himself but a little spooked when it barked at him. They played for a little while and then we got over taken by a load of bikes, he was happy to sit and watch them. We then said goodbye to the Jack Russell and headed back on to the field.
There were two Rottweilers coming towards us and they ignored him completely, he was happy to look and then carry on. He wanted to run a bit so we did. Then as we walked along the side of the rugby pitch where there was lots of interesting rubbish thrown about he was happy to leave when asked.
Once at the other side of the field we crossed on to the path and started heading towards home. He was fine in the trees but he starts to walk much quicker once we are on the road and is still spooked a little by cars but was a bit better with the bus, maybe because it didn't actually come past us. He wasn't too happy about walking past people at the bus stop but did it.
We then turned left in to the estate and headed for home. We had been out for about 30 minutes and we had managed to walk further than normal. He only really sat down once refusing to move and a quick pull (or is that a check?) got that sorted.
Since we got back he has been chasing his toys around the conservatory and he has just asked to go in the garden. Might go and grab myself some lunch, once he is a little dopey this afternoon I may go out shopping for an hour or so.
He got excited as I put on my coat and was leaping about by the time I had my wellies on. I have started to make him sit and wait at the front door like we do in training and he did it at the second attempt (first attempt on the way back in).
He messed around a little on Pentland but was fine by the time we were heading to the rugby field. We walked a little way down the field and then turned on to the Nicky Line and walked parallel to the field. He was a bit interested in the squirrels but carried on walking when asked. We got to the end of the field and turned around at the gate but Rodders had spotted a Jack Russell and wanted to wait for it to catch up and say hello. He was fine with it and happy to let it sniff him and have a sniff himself but a little spooked when it barked at him. They played for a little while and then we got over taken by a load of bikes, he was happy to sit and watch them. We then said goodbye to the Jack Russell and headed back on to the field.
There were two Rottweilers coming towards us and they ignored him completely, he was happy to look and then carry on. He wanted to run a bit so we did. Then as we walked along the side of the rugby pitch where there was lots of interesting rubbish thrown about he was happy to leave when asked.
Once at the other side of the field we crossed on to the path and started heading towards home. He was fine in the trees but he starts to walk much quicker once we are on the road and is still spooked a little by cars but was a bit better with the bus, maybe because it didn't actually come past us. He wasn't too happy about walking past people at the bus stop but did it.
We then turned left in to the estate and headed for home. We had been out for about 30 minutes and we had managed to walk further than normal. He only really sat down once refusing to move and a quick pull (or is that a check?) got that sorted.
Since we got back he has been chasing his toys around the conservatory and he has just asked to go in the garden. Might go and grab myself some lunch, once he is a little dopey this afternoon I may go out shopping for an hour or so.
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
More walk, sit, walk
We were late going for our first walk today as Rodders has slept for a lot of the morning and wasn't too lively first thing.
As soon as he saw his choke chain he was leaping around with excitement but it still took me 5 minutes to get it on, then 5 minutes to get my wellies and coat on while stopping him escaping up the stairs and a further 5 minutes to get him to sit long enough to have his lead on. So there you have it, 15 minutes to get out the house!
Rodders walked quite nicely around Pentland and almost to the Rugby field before sitting down. I got him going again but once we were on the field he was a nightmare and at one point lay down refusing to move. I took him through the trees on to the Nicky Line and the only time he sat down was when someone walked past us. He trotted along quite nicely until he got a leaf stuck to his leg and then he whinged until it fell off. He was quite happy to see another dog but wasn't very impressed when it ignored him.
We walked under the bridge for a little way and then came back and up the steps by the church. He sat each time a car came past and nearly lunged at a bus. He was happy to get off the main road and back in to the estate. By the time we were approaching home he was walking very nicely.
Once in the door he tried to escape upstairs but I wouldn't let him until his lead and choke chain was off. I managed to change out of my wellies before I went and got him back. He came down all by himself but needed a lot of encouragement again.
As soon as he saw his choke chain he was leaping around with excitement but it still took me 5 minutes to get it on, then 5 minutes to get my wellies and coat on while stopping him escaping up the stairs and a further 5 minutes to get him to sit long enough to have his lead on. So there you have it, 15 minutes to get out the house!
Rodders walked quite nicely around Pentland and almost to the Rugby field before sitting down. I got him going again but once we were on the field he was a nightmare and at one point lay down refusing to move. I took him through the trees on to the Nicky Line and the only time he sat down was when someone walked past us. He trotted along quite nicely until he got a leaf stuck to his leg and then he whinged until it fell off. He was quite happy to see another dog but wasn't very impressed when it ignored him.
We walked under the bridge for a little way and then came back and up the steps by the church. He sat each time a car came past and nearly lunged at a bus. He was happy to get off the main road and back in to the estate. By the time we were approaching home he was walking very nicely.
Once in the door he tried to escape upstairs but I wouldn't let him until his lead and choke chain was off. I managed to change out of my wellies before I went and got him back. He came down all by himself but needed a lot of encouragement again.
Thursday, 10 November 2011
Playing
Once I got back this morning Rodders slept for almost two hours and then woke up as a bundle of energy.
We went straight in to the garden so he could have a piddle - eventually - first of all he had to bark at Bob and Pat and then go and say hello over the garden fence and get a fuss. He has been on the go ever since. Running in and out of the garden, chasing his toys, playing fetch with his ball, tug with the monkey and he has even worked out that when the washing machine is on the water comes down the drain if he stands and waits long enough.
We have had the brushes out and given him a good groom so he looked nice and pretty for about five minutes.
At about 3.45 he decided it was time for a walk and went and stood at the lounge door and barked. Once I put my coat on he was nearly beside himself and when I went in to the hall to out on my wellies he ran up the stairs and stood at the top barking. I brought him back down, got my wellies on and then it took ages to get him to sit before I could put his lead on.
We eventually got out of the house and turned right. As we got to the top of Pentland we met Lillian and Chris, back from a shopping trip, and they stopped to talk to him (& me in the end!).
We walked to the Rugby Field and then on to the Nicky Line. He was walking much better, although rather than sitting down he did lie down one time! Once on the Nicky Line a Golden Retriever was following us and Rodders kept messing about until it caught us up so he could say hello. He was then nearly running to catch it up again. Until I man on a bike came towards us with a Shitzu.....
Rodders stood there, back legs splayed and let the dog approach him! They played for a little while and, even though I thought they were getting a bit rough, he didn't try to hide behind my legs at all. This sounds like progress to me!
Once they carried on we walked as far as the goal posts and then cut back in to the field and walked back towards home. Rodders spotted a King Charles playing ball and was fascinated and kept stopping to watch. He still seemed happy to walk so we turned right towards the road.
We haven't done much walking along the main road so I thought we should give it a try. He was very good and the only time he stopped to have a look was when a bus came past us.
We turned left, then right, back towards home and as we got to Pentland he almost ran the rest of the way home.
We went straight in to the garden so he could have a piddle - eventually - first of all he had to bark at Bob and Pat and then go and say hello over the garden fence and get a fuss. He has been on the go ever since. Running in and out of the garden, chasing his toys, playing fetch with his ball, tug with the monkey and he has even worked out that when the washing machine is on the water comes down the drain if he stands and waits long enough.
We have had the brushes out and given him a good groom so he looked nice and pretty for about five minutes.
At about 3.45 he decided it was time for a walk and went and stood at the lounge door and barked. Once I put my coat on he was nearly beside himself and when I went in to the hall to out on my wellies he ran up the stairs and stood at the top barking. I brought him back down, got my wellies on and then it took ages to get him to sit before I could put his lead on.
We eventually got out of the house and turned right. As we got to the top of Pentland we met Lillian and Chris, back from a shopping trip, and they stopped to talk to him (& me in the end!).
We walked to the Rugby Field and then on to the Nicky Line. He was walking much better, although rather than sitting down he did lie down one time! Once on the Nicky Line a Golden Retriever was following us and Rodders kept messing about until it caught us up so he could say hello. He was then nearly running to catch it up again. Until I man on a bike came towards us with a Shitzu.....
Rodders stood there, back legs splayed and let the dog approach him! They played for a little while and, even though I thought they were getting a bit rough, he didn't try to hide behind my legs at all. This sounds like progress to me!
Once they carried on we walked as far as the goal posts and then cut back in to the field and walked back towards home. Rodders spotted a King Charles playing ball and was fascinated and kept stopping to watch. He still seemed happy to walk so we turned right towards the road.
We haven't done much walking along the main road so I thought we should give it a try. He was very good and the only time he stopped to have a look was when a bus came past us.
We turned left, then right, back towards home and as we got to Pentland he almost ran the rest of the way home.
Sunday, 6 November 2011
A strange walk
We went upstairs to get washed and dressed and it would appear that Rodders likes running water. As I was filling the sink with water he was grizzling because he couldn't play but he was very happy when the toilet flushed, strange puppy!
When we came downstairs I put on my coat and gathered everything for our walk, Rodders was nearly beside himself with glee as I put on my wellies and sat on the second step of the stairs for his lead to be put on. He was so excited to be out and we tried to walk to heel and we managed for a little while, Rodders sat at the road and got a liver treat ( this could be a mistake). We crossed the road and walked to heel a little and then Rodders sat down. He wasn't going to move without some encouragement but he did eventually move. We got to the rugby field and we walked a little way but it was very windy and Rodders just lay down. I decided to head towards the Nicky Line where we would be sheltered by the trees.
Rodders walked nicely along the Nicky Line and up the steps by the church. He walked a little way towards home and then sat down, licking his lips. I gave him a liver treat and he walked about 4 steps and sat down again, more liver treats. He then stopped to poo and let me clear up before we walked a bit further. We got to the corner at the mini roundabout and he sat down and refused to walk. After 5 minutes of coaxing I gave in, lifted him up and walked around the corner and across the road.
Once I put him down again he was happy to walk until we got in to Pentland and it was windy. He sat down and didn't move until I got the keys out of my pocket. He then trotted home quite happily!
So if he thinks he will get a liver treat every time he sits is this why he keeps stopping? Or is it because of the wind? From his early days home as a puppy he didn't like being outside when it was windy.
When we came downstairs I put on my coat and gathered everything for our walk, Rodders was nearly beside himself with glee as I put on my wellies and sat on the second step of the stairs for his lead to be put on. He was so excited to be out and we tried to walk to heel and we managed for a little while, Rodders sat at the road and got a liver treat ( this could be a mistake). We crossed the road and walked to heel a little and then Rodders sat down. He wasn't going to move without some encouragement but he did eventually move. We got to the rugby field and we walked a little way but it was very windy and Rodders just lay down. I decided to head towards the Nicky Line where we would be sheltered by the trees.
Rodders walked nicely along the Nicky Line and up the steps by the church. He walked a little way towards home and then sat down, licking his lips. I gave him a liver treat and he walked about 4 steps and sat down again, more liver treats. He then stopped to poo and let me clear up before we walked a bit further. We got to the corner at the mini roundabout and he sat down and refused to walk. After 5 minutes of coaxing I gave in, lifted him up and walked around the corner and across the road.
Once I put him down again he was happy to walk until we got in to Pentland and it was windy. He sat down and didn't move until I got the keys out of my pocket. He then trotted home quite happily!
So if he thinks he will get a liver treat every time he sits is this why he keeps stopping? Or is it because of the wind? From his early days home as a puppy he didn't like being outside when it was windy.
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