When we get back from a walk Rodders always seems to be energised and runs about playing for a while.
He did eventually settle down and had a rest on his bed pad for a little while before asking to go out in the garden. Once he came back in I put on my coat and told him that I needed to go out shopping and he needed to stay here and go in his bed. He wasn't happy and when I put his front feet in to the crate he tried to escape. I grabbed him and put all of him in the crate and he curled up as I locked it and said goodbye.
When I got back from Tesco he was obviously asleep as he didn't make a sound until I was in the kitchen and, when I let him out of the crate, his tummy was all warm and toasty.
After I had given him a fuss I started to put away the shopping and he was chasing about after me. He did try to stick his nose in the shopping bags but stopped when he was told no.
I hadn't been back very long when Kev called in with his daughter Emily who is home from Uni. It didn't take her and Rodders long to make friends and they sat on the floor playing with his toys for ages while Kev and I had a New year drink.
Emily is happy to walk Rodders if I need her to when she is home from Uni, wish I had known she was home for this week before I booked the dog walker!
Showing posts with label leaving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label leaving. Show all posts
Monday, 2 January 2012
Saturday, 17 December 2011
Shopping, wrapping, playing
While Rodders was being dopey I took the opportunity to go and finish my Christmas shopping and to post a parcel. He was happy to go in his crate once he knew that treats were on offer and he was quiet when I left.
He was on his own for over two hours and was still quiet when I got back, he didn't make a noise until he could actually see me as I came in and put the shopping down first. He then started squeaking and I let him out of his crate for a fuss and we went straight in to the garden so he could have a piddle.
We both had some lunch and then he started to play as I was wrapping presents. Every now and again I would stop and give him a fuss or throw one of his toys for him to fetch and he seemed quite happy with that. When I had a break earlier he was sat on my lap and the show jumping from Olympia was on the TV. Rodders was so funny, he was making a funny barking noise as he watched them like he wanted to play! He then turned around to face me and was climbing up me, I have no idea where he was trying to go or what he wanted to do but it was very sweet. When I went back to wrapping he was happy playing in the conservatory or out in the garden.
After wrapping another three people's presents I stopped for a while to watch a bit of TV and Rodders fell asleep on my lap before being transferred to his bed pad at my feet.
He was on his own for over two hours and was still quiet when I got back, he didn't make a noise until he could actually see me as I came in and put the shopping down first. He then started squeaking and I let him out of his crate for a fuss and we went straight in to the garden so he could have a piddle.
We both had some lunch and then he started to play as I was wrapping presents. Every now and again I would stop and give him a fuss or throw one of his toys for him to fetch and he seemed quite happy with that. When I had a break earlier he was sat on my lap and the show jumping from Olympia was on the TV. Rodders was so funny, he was making a funny barking noise as he watched them like he wanted to play! He then turned around to face me and was climbing up me, I have no idea where he was trying to go or what he wanted to do but it was very sweet. When I went back to wrapping he was happy playing in the conservatory or out in the garden.
After wrapping another three people's presents I stopped for a while to watch a bit of TV and Rodders fell asleep on my lap before being transferred to his bed pad at my feet.
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Left him again!
I needed to slip out to collect things from the dressmaker and get the bits I forgot yesterday from Tesco. Rodders was busy playing in the conservatory so I called him over and made him sit. Once I had his attention I told him that I needed to go out and he had to stay here and go in his bed with some puppy treats. He made a squeaky noise and then went and sat on the rolled up carpet while I put on my boots and coat and sorted out his treats.
He wasn't going to walk in to his bed so I lifted him in and gave him his treats then locked the crate. He didn't make a sound as I walked out and locked the door.
When I came back an hour and a half later he didn't make a sound as I came in the front door but I could see him sitting up and looking in my direction as I came in the lounge. He let me put the shopping down before letting him out the crate and he wanted to come straight up for a snuggle. He makes really sweet squeaky noises that seem to say I thought you were never coming back but I am very glad to see you.
After about five minutes he is happy to go down and play with his toys so that I can go and make a cuppa and out the shopping away.
He never wants to go out in the garden straight away, it is always about half an hour after I get back. I suppose if I left him for longer than a couple of hours it may be different.
He wasn't going to walk in to his bed so I lifted him in and gave him his treats then locked the crate. He didn't make a sound as I walked out and locked the door.
When I came back an hour and a half later he didn't make a sound as I came in the front door but I could see him sitting up and looking in my direction as I came in the lounge. He let me put the shopping down before letting him out the crate and he wanted to come straight up for a snuggle. He makes really sweet squeaky noises that seem to say I thought you were never coming back but I am very glad to see you.
After about five minutes he is happy to go down and play with his toys so that I can go and make a cuppa and out the shopping away.
He never wants to go out in the garden straight away, it is always about half an hour after I get back. I suppose if I left him for longer than a couple of hours it may be different.
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Getting used to being left
I had to leave Rodders at home this morning to go to the job centre, do a little shopping and drop in to the garage.
Again I explained that I had to go out and he needed to stay here. He sat and watched me put on my boots and coat and sort out his treats but there was no way he was walking in to the crate of his own volition. At least he isn't trying to run away and I don't have to chase him.
I picked him up and put him in his bed and he lay down straight away. I gave him his treats, locked the crate and walked away to silence.
I was out for almost two hours and as the front door opened he started to bark and didn't let up even when I spoke to him. I put the shopping down in the kitchen before letting him out, he did at least stop barking. He was very happy to see me and wanted a great big fuss.
Once he calmed down he was happy to go and play in the conservatory and he didn't ask to go out for another 20 minutes, looks like he is going to be like my sisters dog in that respect.
Again I explained that I had to go out and he needed to stay here. He sat and watched me put on my boots and coat and sort out his treats but there was no way he was walking in to the crate of his own volition. At least he isn't trying to run away and I don't have to chase him.
I picked him up and put him in his bed and he lay down straight away. I gave him his treats, locked the crate and walked away to silence.
I was out for almost two hours and as the front door opened he started to bark and didn't let up even when I spoke to him. I put the shopping down in the kitchen before letting him out, he did at least stop barking. He was very happy to see me and wanted a great big fuss.
Once he calmed down he was happy to go and play in the conservatory and he didn't ask to go out for another 20 minutes, looks like he is going to be like my sisters dog in that respect.
A quiet morning
OH got ready for work and Rodders and I saw him off at the patio door. Once he had shut the gate I let Rodders out and he stood on the patio listening until OH drove away before going for a sniff about.
He came back in for a bit of a play but he was still quite dopey and soon wanted up on the sofa. I settled him on my knee and then moved him and snuggle fleece to the floor where he slept for over an hour.
Once he woke up he was happy to play in the conservatory for a while before asking to go in to the garden. He was out there for ages playing and gave a couple of barks but was generally quiet until he heard Bob next door, he deserves lots of barks apparently and it was almost as though they were having a conversation over the fence.
Rodders came back in and, because I had left the lounge door open, it wasn't long before he took himself upstairs. I grabbed his Kong and filled it with the rest of his kibble, OH had given him his breakfast but he hadn't eaten much, and followed him upstairs. He was very happy to chase his Kong around the bathroom floor and emptied it in record time so he must have been hungry. I washed and cleaned my teeth and then watched him playing.
We moved in to the bedroom and after a sniff about I let him up on the bed so that I could get dressed in relative peace.
He came back in for a bit of a play but he was still quite dopey and soon wanted up on the sofa. I settled him on my knee and then moved him and snuggle fleece to the floor where he slept for over an hour.
Once he woke up he was happy to play in the conservatory for a while before asking to go in to the garden. He was out there for ages playing and gave a couple of barks but was generally quiet until he heard Bob next door, he deserves lots of barks apparently and it was almost as though they were having a conversation over the fence.
Rodders came back in and, because I had left the lounge door open, it wasn't long before he took himself upstairs. I grabbed his Kong and filled it with the rest of his kibble, OH had given him his breakfast but he hadn't eaten much, and followed him upstairs. He was very happy to chase his Kong around the bathroom floor and emptied it in record time so he must have been hungry. I washed and cleaned my teeth and then watched him playing.
We moved in to the bedroom and after a sniff about I let him up on the bed so that I could get dressed in relative peace.
We go out for the evening
I had changed out of my slippers and in to my boots while OH & Rodders were upstairs and now it was time for us to go out and leave Rodders for the first time at night. It was also the first time that OH and I had left him at the same time, how was he going to react?
I told him that we needed to go out and he had to stay here and go in his bed and I would get him puppy treats. OH tried to encourage him in to his bed but ended up lifting him in. I gave him his treats and locked the crate and we walked out the room, out the front door and away.
There was silence, total silence. No crying, no barking. I really hope that he carries on like this while we are out.
I told him that we needed to go out and he had to stay here and go in his bed and I would get him puppy treats. OH tried to encourage him in to his bed but ended up lifting him in. I gave him his treats and locked the crate and we walked out the room, out the front door and away.
There was silence, total silence. No crying, no barking. I really hope that he carries on like this while we are out.
Saturday, 19 November 2011
Rodders got left
After running around playing in the garden helping me to poop scoop and playing chase Rodders was starting to settle on snuggle fleece at my feet so I thought it would be a chance to leave him without him getting to upset.
I changed in to my boots and he knew something was up and went and sat on the rolled up carpet. As I put on my coat I was explaining that I had to go shopping and he needed to stay here. He wasn't too happy and started to try and climb up my leg.
I carried on and got his treats and put his bone in his crate, he promptly removed it so I picked them both up and put him in his bed and the bone on the crate floor, I gave him his treats and locked him in the crate.
He was quiet as I walked out the door and there was silence as I walked towards the car. I stayed out for about two hours and I didn't hear anything on my return until I stepped through the door and Rodders started barking. I spoke to him as I made my way towards the crate and the barks changed to whimpers. He had turfed the snuggle fleece out of his bed but everything was OK other than that. As I let him out all he wanted to do was be picked up and have a snuggle, I obviously needed to be licked all over for having the temerity to leave him. I unlocked the patio door and took him in to the garden in case he needed a piddle but he was far too excited and would not leave my side for five minutes and he just kept whimpering.
I left the patio door open and came in to make a cuppa, Rodders at my heels. He eventually left me and went back in to the garden to play with the stones.
I changed in to my boots and he knew something was up and went and sat on the rolled up carpet. As I put on my coat I was explaining that I had to go shopping and he needed to stay here. He wasn't too happy and started to try and climb up my leg.
I carried on and got his treats and put his bone in his crate, he promptly removed it so I picked them both up and put him in his bed and the bone on the crate floor, I gave him his treats and locked him in the crate.
He was quiet as I walked out the door and there was silence as I walked towards the car. I stayed out for about two hours and I didn't hear anything on my return until I stepped through the door and Rodders started barking. I spoke to him as I made my way towards the crate and the barks changed to whimpers. He had turfed the snuggle fleece out of his bed but everything was OK other than that. As I let him out all he wanted to do was be picked up and have a snuggle, I obviously needed to be licked all over for having the temerity to leave him. I unlocked the patio door and took him in to the garden in case he needed a piddle but he was far too excited and would not leave my side for five minutes and he just kept whimpering.
I left the patio door open and came in to make a cuppa, Rodders at my heels. He eventually left me and went back in to the garden to play with the stones.
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
Taking advantage
I was so glad that Rodders was dopey as I needed to go to the Dr and do a bit of shopping. He seems to realise my what clothes and footwear I put on and sat quietly on the rolled up carpet watching me as I got sorted ready to go.
I explained to him that I had to go out and he needed to stay here and I would get him some puppy treats, he didn't take his eyes off me.
I put him in his bed with his treats and shut the crate door, he was silent as I walked away, locked the door and made my way to the car. It is so much easier and less stressful for me to go when he isn't crying or barking.
He was on his own for about and hour and a half. I stood as I got out the car and wondered if I could hear him, no, it was the children in the playground around the corner. I stood again on the doorstep, silence. I let myself in and walked through the lounge and he didn't make a sound until he saw me and heard me say have you been a good boy, then the puppy squeaks started. I let him out the crate and he rolled straight over for a tummy rub , then he wanted up for a snuggle.
He had been so good, no wrecked crate, no wrecked bed. This is a first, the first of many I hope. Five long heartbreaking weeks of seeing and hearing him so upset and he seems to have realised that I will always come back :-)
I walked to the door carrying him and put him on the grass but he wasn't interested in having a piddle so we came back in.
As I made a cuppa and something to eat he was playing with his yoghurt post and then asked to go outside. He was out there ages, playing with the stones and sniffing around before coming back in to beat up the yoghurt pot again.
I explained to him that I had to go out and he needed to stay here and I would get him some puppy treats, he didn't take his eyes off me.
I put him in his bed with his treats and shut the crate door, he was silent as I walked away, locked the door and made my way to the car. It is so much easier and less stressful for me to go when he isn't crying or barking.
He was on his own for about and hour and a half. I stood as I got out the car and wondered if I could hear him, no, it was the children in the playground around the corner. I stood again on the doorstep, silence. I let myself in and walked through the lounge and he didn't make a sound until he saw me and heard me say have you been a good boy, then the puppy squeaks started. I let him out the crate and he rolled straight over for a tummy rub , then he wanted up for a snuggle.
He had been so good, no wrecked crate, no wrecked bed. This is a first, the first of many I hope. Five long heartbreaking weeks of seeing and hearing him so upset and he seems to have realised that I will always come back :-)
I walked to the door carrying him and put him on the grass but he wasn't interested in having a piddle so we came back in.
As I made a cuppa and something to eat he was playing with his yoghurt post and then asked to go outside. He was out there ages, playing with the stones and sniffing around before coming back in to beat up the yoghurt pot again.
Thursday, 10 November 2011
Getting Rodders used to being left
My plan was to get home, swap wellies for boots and walking jacket for a better one and to put Rodders straight in to his bed and head off out for a while. This almost went to plan.
As I was swapping footwear he high tailed it up the stairs to steal my laundry. I went and got him back. I managed to change my coat without too much trouble and then explained that I was going out and he was going in his bed. I got his treats and put him in his bed and gave them to him, he was OK as I pulled down the cover on the crate but crying as I made my way to the door. As I stood on the front step locking up I could tell that he had stopped.
As I walked away, happy that he was quiet, I realised that my car key was in yesterday's jeans pocket - I had nipped out when Skevi was here to bring in his bed from the car crate - what a plonker! Nothing for it, I couldn't go back in, I would have to walk down to the local shop and back instead of my planned trip to town to check out M&S, Debenhams and Primarni! I rang OH to tell him so that he could laugh at me!
As I got down to the shops I spotted that the Community Centre Internet Cafe was open today so, after a wander around the shops and the purchase of magazines for the week and the local paper I headed there for a much needed cuppa and sausage sandwich, a bargain at £2.20 :-) I sat there scanning my way through the paper and spotted a BOGOF voucher for Pizza Express to be used by 30/11 - could be dinner one night?
Having wasted an hour I headed home to silence. Rodders was still quiet as I opened the door and came in and only squeaked as I lifted the cover on the crate. He had wrecked the puppy pad but everything else was intact.
After a fuss we went in to the garden, Rodders was almost talking to me with the squeaky noises, probably saying how day you leave me! He wasn't really interested in having a piddle, he just wanted to be with me.
Bob next door started to talk to us over the garden fence, Rodders stayed sitting on the path looking at him and didn't move when I went over to talk to him. We kept talking and eventually he ventured over and once he was feeling braver I lifted him up for a fuss. Having passed the time of day we headed back inside and Rodders wanted up for a fuss, he soon fell asleep on my knee and he and snuggle fleece have been transferred to the floor.
As I was swapping footwear he high tailed it up the stairs to steal my laundry. I went and got him back. I managed to change my coat without too much trouble and then explained that I was going out and he was going in his bed. I got his treats and put him in his bed and gave them to him, he was OK as I pulled down the cover on the crate but crying as I made my way to the door. As I stood on the front step locking up I could tell that he had stopped.
As I walked away, happy that he was quiet, I realised that my car key was in yesterday's jeans pocket - I had nipped out when Skevi was here to bring in his bed from the car crate - what a plonker! Nothing for it, I couldn't go back in, I would have to walk down to the local shop and back instead of my planned trip to town to check out M&S, Debenhams and Primarni! I rang OH to tell him so that he could laugh at me!
As I got down to the shops I spotted that the Community Centre Internet Cafe was open today so, after a wander around the shops and the purchase of magazines for the week and the local paper I headed there for a much needed cuppa and sausage sandwich, a bargain at £2.20 :-) I sat there scanning my way through the paper and spotted a BOGOF voucher for Pizza Express to be used by 30/11 - could be dinner one night?
Having wasted an hour I headed home to silence. Rodders was still quiet as I opened the door and came in and only squeaked as I lifted the cover on the crate. He had wrecked the puppy pad but everything else was intact.
After a fuss we went in to the garden, Rodders was almost talking to me with the squeaky noises, probably saying how day you leave me! He wasn't really interested in having a piddle, he just wanted to be with me.
Bob next door started to talk to us over the garden fence, Rodders stayed sitting on the path looking at him and didn't move when I went over to talk to him. We kept talking and eventually he ventured over and once he was feeling braver I lifted him up for a fuss. Having passed the time of day we headed back inside and Rodders wanted up for a fuss, he soon fell asleep on my knee and he and snuggle fleece have been transferred to the floor.
Monday, 7 November 2011
Rodders isn't silly
Rodders could tell that I was going out by the change of clothes and footwear. Just before I put my coat on I spotted that he had pooped by the lounge door. As he had been playing in the conservatory and sitting on snuggle fleece beside me I have no idea when he did that, but it had to be after we came down from getting dressed and he hasn't asked to go out.
I cleaned up and sprayed with stain and odour removal and left him in the lounge while I went to the bin by the front door, he barked once. I put on my coat and as I got everything ready he sat on snuggle fleece by the dining table and had a whimper. Makes me feel awful, but at least he didn't run away.
He seemed happy to go in his crate and get his treats and he didn't make a sound as I pulled the cover down. But when I walked away towards the door he started crying, I could still hear him as I locked the door and walked away.
Job Centre and a little shopping done I headed home 90 minutes later. Not a peep as I got to the door, or when I walked through the house and put the shopping down. I think he must have been asleep as he didn't make a sound until I spoke. When I lifted the cover I could see that he has chewed the puppy pad but the water bowl had not been upended today and he was dry.
We went straight in to the garden and it took a while before he was happy to leave my side and have a piddle. We came back in and he played while I made a cuppa and something to eat. As I spotted him chewing the rolled up carpet or the stool I called him and made sure I had his attention before saying gently no biting. He came away each time :-)
Once I had finished eating he came up on my knee on the sofa and very quickly fell asleep. He is now at my feet on snuggle fleece.
OH will be here later, yippeeeee!!!! I love having him around, so does Rodders, and it is good to have some backup!
I cleaned up and sprayed with stain and odour removal and left him in the lounge while I went to the bin by the front door, he barked once. I put on my coat and as I got everything ready he sat on snuggle fleece by the dining table and had a whimper. Makes me feel awful, but at least he didn't run away.
He seemed happy to go in his crate and get his treats and he didn't make a sound as I pulled the cover down. But when I walked away towards the door he started crying, I could still hear him as I locked the door and walked away.
Job Centre and a little shopping done I headed home 90 minutes later. Not a peep as I got to the door, or when I walked through the house and put the shopping down. I think he must have been asleep as he didn't make a sound until I spoke. When I lifted the cover I could see that he has chewed the puppy pad but the water bowl had not been upended today and he was dry.
We went straight in to the garden and it took a while before he was happy to leave my side and have a piddle. We came back in and he played while I made a cuppa and something to eat. As I spotted him chewing the rolled up carpet or the stool I called him and made sure I had his attention before saying gently no biting. He came away each time :-)
Once I had finished eating he came up on my knee on the sofa and very quickly fell asleep. He is now at my feet on snuggle fleece.
OH will be here later, yippeeeee!!!! I love having him around, so does Rodders, and it is good to have some backup!
Sunday, 6 November 2011
A short afternoon
I made sure that he had been for a piddle and then put him in his crate with some treats so I could nip to the shops. He wasn't happy about this and cried as I went out of the front door even though I had covered the crate.
When I got back about half an hour later he was silent until he heard me walk in and then whimpered a bit. As I lifted the cover off the crate I could see that he had been scratching at the puppy pad and he had managed to empty the water bowl. He was very happy to see me and was desperate for a fuss as we headed to the garden.
We stayed out there for about half an hour with Rodders chasing one of his toys as I threw it for him. Leaving him seems to have woken him up but it is cold and windy out so I am not going to take him for another walk today, at least in the garden he is sheltered from it.
He got a fuss over the garden fence from Pat next door and then went back to playing and running about while we talked.
We came in and went upstairs so I could get changed in to something warmer. He seems to forget that he can climb stairs and stopped at the bottom crying until I said come on then. He then came running up and got a fuss at the top.
He has been playing in the conservatory while I put the shopping away and tidied the kitchen (yesterdays bomb site now looks OK again) and he came i and barked then went to the conservatory door and barked to go in the garden. A quick piddle and he came running back in.
We have played with his ball, chasing it up and down from the conservatory to the lounge and he has just gone back out in the garden to sit and listen to Bob next door unload his fishing gear and put the car away. Bob usually throws his net over the fence to dry, when he did it today it set Rodders off barking. I let him bark a little and then went out and made him go and say hello to Bob and get a fuss. He then had a sniff of the net and was OK after that.
Bob caught 42lb today, nowhere near good enough for the winners 150lb!
Sunday, 30 October 2011
So happy!
Well I let Rodders in the garden before I went to Tesco and then put him in his crate with his puppy treats and covered the crate. He cried as I made my way to the door and he cried as I walked away :-(
I did the shopping, feeling stressed out, and wondered what I would find when I got home.
I walked in to silence, I put the shopping down in the kitchen and then spoke to him as I lifted the cover. And there he was, sat in his bed, and everything else was as I had left it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, the puppy treats had gone obviously :-)
So happy with my little boy!!!!!!!!! He got so much fuss and we went to have a run around the garden to celebrate :-)
He was happy to see me too!
I did the shopping, feeling stressed out, and wondered what I would find when I got home.
I walked in to silence, I put the shopping down in the kitchen and then spoke to him as I lifted the cover. And there he was, sat in his bed, and everything else was as I had left it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, the puppy treats had gone obviously :-)
So happy with my little boy!!!!!!!!! He got so much fuss and we went to have a run around the garden to celebrate :-)
He was happy to see me too!
Friday, 28 October 2011
Leaving Rodders
I had to nip out to the shop and post office and Rodders isn't allowed in to either of them so he had to be left at home in his crate.
I made sure that he had piddled and pooped and it was close to his usual nap time before I went and then out him in his crate with some treats. He was crying by the time I reached the door and I could still hear him as I made my way to the car. I had covered the crate so it wasn't that.
When I got back 40 minutes later all was quiet and I was talking to him as I put the shopping down and then I lifted the cover on the crate. The puppy pad is wrecked and the water bowl is empty but he is sat in his bed looking OK. I really wish I knew how to stop this.
We went straight in to the garden but he wasn't interested in doing anything, he just wanted to be by me. We came back in and he followed me as I put the shopping away and made a cuppa. I then gathered everything I needed and went and sat on the sofa. Rodders fell asleep in my arms almost instantly so he can't have rested much while I was out. I have transferred him and snuggle fleece to the floor and he is asleep with his head on my foot.
I made sure that he had piddled and pooped and it was close to his usual nap time before I went and then out him in his crate with some treats. He was crying by the time I reached the door and I could still hear him as I made my way to the car. I had covered the crate so it wasn't that.
When I got back 40 minutes later all was quiet and I was talking to him as I put the shopping down and then I lifted the cover on the crate. The puppy pad is wrecked and the water bowl is empty but he is sat in his bed looking OK. I really wish I knew how to stop this.
We went straight in to the garden but he wasn't interested in doing anything, he just wanted to be by me. We came back in and he followed me as I put the shopping away and made a cuppa. I then gathered everything I needed and went and sat on the sofa. Rodders fell asleep in my arms almost instantly so he can't have rested much while I was out. I have transferred him and snuggle fleece to the floor and he is asleep with his head on my foot.
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
The Dog Trainer
Before OH got home we had fireworks going off all around us and Rodders was not stirring at all. Today is Dawali apparently.
I gave the Dog Trainer a call and I think he is going to be quite strict, good, but strict. He has been training dogs for over 42 years and certainly knows his stuff. He also breeds Cocker Spaniels and Spinoni's and will only let people buy them if they promise not to leave them in the first two weeks! That would have been me out then!
He currently runs puppy classes on Saturday and Sunday mornings but may also do a class in the week. I explained that I am currently unemployed so Rodders and I can go anytime.
We talked about Rodders being upset when left and he gave me a few pointers - no toys, leave food type stuff to chew and keep him occupied including frozen kongs stuffed with sausage meat and dog chews.
It looks as though we can start on the weekend after next which I think will be good as Rodders is ready. But we can't get that confirmed until we have delivered the registration form to them with the fee.
We were on the phone for almost half an hour!
I gave the Dog Trainer a call and I think he is going to be quite strict, good, but strict. He has been training dogs for over 42 years and certainly knows his stuff. He also breeds Cocker Spaniels and Spinoni's and will only let people buy them if they promise not to leave them in the first two weeks! That would have been me out then!
He currently runs puppy classes on Saturday and Sunday mornings but may also do a class in the week. I explained that I am currently unemployed so Rodders and I can go anytime.
We talked about Rodders being upset when left and he gave me a few pointers - no toys, leave food type stuff to chew and keep him occupied including frozen kongs stuffed with sausage meat and dog chews.
It looks as though we can start on the weekend after next which I think will be good as Rodders is ready. But we can't get that confirmed until we have delivered the registration form to them with the fee.
We were on the phone for almost half an hour!
At last!
Rodders really hasn't been himself all day and has been quite dopey and sleepy. I am sure that it is the after effects of his jab yesterday.
He hasn't been bothered at all by Skevi pottering about being our lady that does and has been happy to sit on snuggle fleece at my feet. He has asked to go out a couple of times but has done what he needs to and has come straight back in.
OH and I were going to go out for something to eat tonight but we are not sure it is a good idea. We will make a decision once he gets home.
And then, all of a sudden, it was like someone flicked a switch, and he wanted to play! Do I have my little boy back to normal?
He hasn't been bothered at all by Skevi pottering about being our lady that does and has been happy to sit on snuggle fleece at my feet. He has asked to go out a couple of times but has done what he needs to and has come straight back in.
OH and I were going to go out for something to eat tonight but we are not sure it is a good idea. We will make a decision once he gets home.
And then, all of a sudden, it was like someone flicked a switch, and he wanted to play! Do I have my little boy back to normal?
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Final jabs
Rodders and I went off to the vet, he had been a bundle of energy and was still squirming as I carried him out to the car. Once in the car crate I gave him a puppy treat and he seemed OK. He gave the odd whinge but settled very quickly.
By the time I had got to Great Road he was quiet. Then a minor disaster, the police had closed the road ahead and we had to turn around and go back to Queensway, down to Lower Adeyfield Road and on to Midland Road that way. Luckily we were not late.
We walked in and there was a lady with a King Charles, Rodders wasn't interested at all. After we booked in he sat on my knee very happily ignoring it! Well it had snubbed it's nose at him. Waddya mean it will always look like that? Poor thing!
We got called in and it was a different vet to last time. Rodders went down on to the examination table and just sat there as we were talking. She seemed a bit concerned about how nervous he was and was asking questions about the litter. As we were talking and I was fussing him she could see that he was beginning to relax so she got him a treat. He sniffed it for a minute and played with it a bit. She then moved him to the scales and he has put on almost half a kilo. Anyone know what that is in real money? Once he was back with me he hastily ate the treat and then spotted another one and made a dive for that, looking very pleased with himself. He is still too little for his chip though so we will need to come back for that.
I fussed his head and ears as she gave him his injection, he didn't even flinch. What a little star he is :-) Smug? Me? You bet!
We talked about how often he eats and she was fine with him having 3 larger meals to compensate for him not being interested in food after he collapses at night and we talked about how brilliant he is at night but how bad he is during the day if he is left. She did ask if he has to be shut in his crate when I leave during the day, maybe need to think about that. Puppy play pen? Possibly! We also talked about how much he drinks now and that I didn't have to use the powders they gave me. Wetter food worked and now he is drinking I am making it a bit dryer.
She then examined him and we still seem to have a missing testicle, so getting him done seems more likely :-( We then went on to discuss flea and worm treatment. She has given me 4 doses for the size he is now but we may need to pop back in for a nurse appointment before the last dose as it will probably not be enough for him. We can also check then if he is big enough for his chip.
When we came out there was an 8 week old Golden Lab puppy in the waiting room, it was bigger than Rodders! And very cute :-) Then from the other examination room came a big Lab Cross with an older lady and gentlemen. Both the lady and the Lab X had been in the wars :-( She got pulled over and cracked a few ribs when he got attacked by a Pit Bull Type dog that was bigger than him a week ago and has some very nasty wounds on his neck. They obviously had to operate as he has shaved patches on his two front legs. I didn't ask if the other dog was put down but it was beaten off by a policeman with a truncheon. This all happened up near the little Tesco's so we won't be walking up there!
And then a man on crutches came in with a child to pick up some dog food, and a lady with 3 cat's in baskets (you get 10% discount for 3 apparently!), and another lady with a single cat. I was trying to juggle Rodders and sort out payment for the Flea & Worm treatment so one of the staff took Rodders before I dropped him!
We beat a hasty retreat and left them to the chaos! I put Rodders back in his car crate with another treat. He didn't make a sound on the way home :-)
By the time I had got to Great Road he was quiet. Then a minor disaster, the police had closed the road ahead and we had to turn around and go back to Queensway, down to Lower Adeyfield Road and on to Midland Road that way. Luckily we were not late.
We walked in and there was a lady with a King Charles, Rodders wasn't interested at all. After we booked in he sat on my knee very happily ignoring it! Well it had snubbed it's nose at him. Waddya mean it will always look like that? Poor thing!
We got called in and it was a different vet to last time. Rodders went down on to the examination table and just sat there as we were talking. She seemed a bit concerned about how nervous he was and was asking questions about the litter. As we were talking and I was fussing him she could see that he was beginning to relax so she got him a treat. He sniffed it for a minute and played with it a bit. She then moved him to the scales and he has put on almost half a kilo. Anyone know what that is in real money? Once he was back with me he hastily ate the treat and then spotted another one and made a dive for that, looking very pleased with himself. He is still too little for his chip though so we will need to come back for that.
I fussed his head and ears as she gave him his injection, he didn't even flinch. What a little star he is :-) Smug? Me? You bet!
We talked about how often he eats and she was fine with him having 3 larger meals to compensate for him not being interested in food after he collapses at night and we talked about how brilliant he is at night but how bad he is during the day if he is left. She did ask if he has to be shut in his crate when I leave during the day, maybe need to think about that. Puppy play pen? Possibly! We also talked about how much he drinks now and that I didn't have to use the powders they gave me. Wetter food worked and now he is drinking I am making it a bit dryer.
She then examined him and we still seem to have a missing testicle, so getting him done seems more likely :-( We then went on to discuss flea and worm treatment. She has given me 4 doses for the size he is now but we may need to pop back in for a nurse appointment before the last dose as it will probably not be enough for him. We can also check then if he is big enough for his chip.
When we came out there was an 8 week old Golden Lab puppy in the waiting room, it was bigger than Rodders! And very cute :-) Then from the other examination room came a big Lab Cross with an older lady and gentlemen. Both the lady and the Lab X had been in the wars :-( She got pulled over and cracked a few ribs when he got attacked by a Pit Bull Type dog that was bigger than him a week ago and has some very nasty wounds on his neck. They obviously had to operate as he has shaved patches on his two front legs. I didn't ask if the other dog was put down but it was beaten off by a policeman with a truncheon. This all happened up near the little Tesco's so we won't be walking up there!
And then a man on crutches came in with a child to pick up some dog food, and a lady with 3 cat's in baskets (you get 10% discount for 3 apparently!), and another lady with a single cat. I was trying to juggle Rodders and sort out payment for the Flea & Worm treatment so one of the staff took Rodders before I dropped him!
We beat a hasty retreat and left them to the chaos! I put Rodders back in his car crate with another treat. He didn't make a sound on the way home :-)
Saturday, 22 October 2011
Leaving was hard to do
Pete came down just before I went to get ready and Rodders was a little shy with him to start with. They advanced on each other slowly but when Rodders thought Pete had got close enough he hot footed it in to the conservatory. I encouraged him back and he was OK.
I got my hair blow-dried for the first time in almost 2 weeks and got my togs on to go off to Sheila & Robins Wedding.
Rodders was concerned about the choice of clothes and knew that something was going on. I took him straight in to the garden but all he was interested in was sniffing me. We came back in and I spotted a piddle on the kitchen floor. I shut him in the lounge while I cleared that up and gave my boots a quick polish. Then it was time for me to leave and I felt torn. I know that he has to learn to be independent from me and that he would be in safe hands but he has been by my side and under my control for most of the last two weeks. So with a quick explanation I ran for it.
I got my hair blow-dried for the first time in almost 2 weeks and got my togs on to go off to Sheila & Robins Wedding.
Rodders was concerned about the choice of clothes and knew that something was going on. I took him straight in to the garden but all he was interested in was sniffing me. We came back in and I spotted a piddle on the kitchen floor. I shut him in the lounge while I cleared that up and gave my boots a quick polish. Then it was time for me to leave and I felt torn. I know that he has to learn to be independent from me and that he would be in safe hands but he has been by my side and under my control for most of the last two weeks. So with a quick explanation I ran for it.
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
A big yay!!!!
I woke Rodders from his snooze and took him out for a piddle, he wasn't impressed at all! First he lay on the grass as though he was sleeping but with a bit of encouragement he performed as requested.
I then brought him in, put some puppy treats is his bed and locked him in his crate with the blanket pulled over and said I was going shopping and would be back soon. A couple of whimpers as I made my way to the front door but all was quiet as I turned the key in the lock.
I went to Sainbugs and picked up some photo's that I haven't dared look at yet. It is from an old film in my camera and I just know there are some of Mum taken a couple of weeks before she died. Later, when I am feeling brave.....
I got back home to silence. I unlocked the door to silence and came in to the room to silence. I was talking as I lifted the cover and there was a sleepy puppy who had not wrecked his bed or his crate. Well done Rodders!!!!!! So much fuss and tummy rubs I can't tell you. We went in to the garden but he was much too excited to do anything other than run about so after a little while we came back in so that I could make us both some lunch. He was a hungry puppy and has scoffed his, almost at the first sitting. There is a little left for him to go back to.
I have upped what he is getting as he was still sniffing around his bowl when it had all gone yesterday. Even I can see how much he has grown in the last week.
He is happily playing in the conservatory with the kitchen roll inner he carried through from the kitchen. Good job I have been saving them as this one is nearly wrecked and will have to be taken off him shortly.
Some things nobody warns you about a new puppy is the amount of time they take, the worry they cause or the number of times you will have to wash your hands in a day - mine are like sandpaper, they are so dry. Must move some hand cream down to the kitchen!
I then brought him in, put some puppy treats is his bed and locked him in his crate with the blanket pulled over and said I was going shopping and would be back soon. A couple of whimpers as I made my way to the front door but all was quiet as I turned the key in the lock.
I went to Sainbugs and picked up some photo's that I haven't dared look at yet. It is from an old film in my camera and I just know there are some of Mum taken a couple of weeks before she died. Later, when I am feeling brave.....
I got back home to silence. I unlocked the door to silence and came in to the room to silence. I was talking as I lifted the cover and there was a sleepy puppy who had not wrecked his bed or his crate. Well done Rodders!!!!!! So much fuss and tummy rubs I can't tell you. We went in to the garden but he was much too excited to do anything other than run about so after a little while we came back in so that I could make us both some lunch. He was a hungry puppy and has scoffed his, almost at the first sitting. There is a little left for him to go back to.
I have upped what he is getting as he was still sniffing around his bowl when it had all gone yesterday. Even I can see how much he has grown in the last week.
He is happily playing in the conservatory with the kitchen roll inner he carried through from the kitchen. Good job I have been saving them as this one is nearly wrecked and will have to be taken off him shortly.
Some things nobody warns you about a new puppy is the amount of time they take, the worry they cause or the number of times you will have to wash your hands in a day - mine are like sandpaper, they are so dry. Must move some hand cream down to the kitchen!
A small success
While he was asleep I quietly got up to go upstairs to the bathroom, Rodders stirred so I told him where I was going but carried on. When I came back down he was watching for me from his snuggle fleece and quickly settled back down.
This is good as I want he to remain calm when I leave him, however long I am gone for, and to know that I will always come back.
This is good as I want he to remain calm when I leave him, however long I am gone for, and to know that I will always come back.
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Grrrrrr
So Rodders came out of his crate and we went in to the garden where he piddled and had a run about. Then back in so I could put the shopping away. I shut Rodders in the kitchen with me behind the baby gate,and he was (mostly) happy to amuse himself.
Then we went in to the conservatory, it was a great day weatherise so the patio door was wide open. The little horror started to piddle on the floor so I grabbed him and put him out, he rushed back in when he heard me cleaning up. Less than 5 minutes later he did it again and I couldn't get to him quick enough. This time he got put in the kitchen behind the baby gate while I cleared up. We are not allowing this to turn in to a game Mister!
A little late he was sniffing about with me following him and I said "Do you want to go in to the garden?" He shot out the door and after a sniff about had a poo. I was almost doing cartwheels with lots of whooping and praise and he earnt a puppy treat.
More playing and each time he got a bit rough jumping up my leg and trying to bite I put myself in the kitchen away from him. He wasn't happy with this and barked a bit but soon quietened himself when he wasn't getting a reaction and went off to play. I quietly followed him out.
Once he started to get too wound up I lifted him and we went for a walk up the road. He is getting much better at this and didn't shake at all. He did start to wriggle when we were close to home though!
Then we went in to the conservatory, it was a great day weatherise so the patio door was wide open. The little horror started to piddle on the floor so I grabbed him and put him out, he rushed back in when he heard me cleaning up. Less than 5 minutes later he did it again and I couldn't get to him quick enough. This time he got put in the kitchen behind the baby gate while I cleared up. We are not allowing this to turn in to a game Mister!
A little late he was sniffing about with me following him and I said "Do you want to go in to the garden?" He shot out the door and after a sniff about had a poo. I was almost doing cartwheels with lots of whooping and praise and he earnt a puppy treat.
More playing and each time he got a bit rough jumping up my leg and trying to bite I put myself in the kitchen away from him. He wasn't happy with this and barked a bit but soon quietened himself when he wasn't getting a reaction and went off to play. I quietly followed him out.
Once he started to get too wound up I lifted him and we went for a walk up the road. He is getting much better at this and didn't shake at all. He did start to wriggle when we were close to home though!
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