So first we shut ourselves in the kitchen with some toys while I made something to eat and when Rodders seemed to be playing happily I moved to the Dining Table, still in view but with him the other side of the baby gate. He played for a minute or two and then realised I had gone. He came to the gate and whimpered and then barked. I talked gently pointing out that I was still here and he could still see me . When he was quiet he got a puppy treat. We carried on like this while I finished eating. Then I went back in the kitchen and sat on the floor. Rodders climbed on top of me and wasnt moving for anything. Gradually he got braver and moved away from me so we stayed for a little longer.
Then I opened the gate and walked out the room and back again with him following me. In out, in out so he can see it is safe to be shut in there and safe to go in and out without being shut in.
We then had a run around the garden while his lunch stewed. So far he has gone back to it twice, once more and it will be lifted. But for the minute he is more interested in some rough play. I think after lunch a gentle walk to calm him down!
Showing posts with label treats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label treats. Show all posts
Monday, 17 October 2011
Busy morning, strange noises!
As soon as he woke we went out in to the garden for a piddle, much whooping and a puppy treat to be picked up off the step to try and help him get used to it.
Then bathroom time playing with the toilet roll inner while I got washed. I wandered about upstairs gathering my clothes with Rodders following me and adventuring which seemed to work, he hadn't seen much of the bedrooms before. Other than him walking off dragging a pairs of my knickers from the washing pile it seemed to go well! As I got dressed he ran off with the towel that hangs by the sink - may need to put that up out the way for a while!
Back down to have a play (after a piddle of course!) which involved much going up and down of the step and chasing squeaky toys but that got interrupted by strange noises at the front of the house. We went and stood on the front door step so that he could watch Bob next door strimming and trimming. Rodders wriggled a bit at the noise but I just held firm and spoke gentle in his ear until he calmed down. He earnt a fuss from Bob for that
Bit more play & he seemed quite happy to play on his own until I wanted to do something like make a phone call! So there am I on the phone to the window company to ask them to come and look at the patio door that is sticking and the flashing on the front window which has come loose, with a squeaky toy trying to distract Rodders, hope I didn't hurt the girls ears but it was that or him chewing something he shouldn't - squeaky toys are a great distraction!
Then there was a strange noise at the back and Rodders wanted to explore it. So back on to the patio to find not only do we have a strange noise but there is a man in the garden with a strange bit of equipment. Ah, only Bob from next door cutting the grass. So we went and had a sniff and say hello. Rodders was a wuss again and came to me. He eventually got brave and allowed Bob to give him a bit of a fuss and Rodders had a sniff off the lawnmower before we came back in.
One very tired puppy but with the noise going on in the garden he wasn't able to settle on the snuggle fleece on the floor and wanted to be in my lap. Eventually got him to give in to the yawns and he fell asleep so I moved him on to the floor where he is fast asleep at my feet.
At last, a chance to catch up with Denise from work to check she is OK and to send an email to buy cousin Elsa in Oz as I haven't yet introduced her to Rodders. Hope she likes him! Also uploaded a few more pictures to Facebook and caught up with my nieces plans for Kirsty's birthday - they want to go back to childhood and make plaster of paris animals, home made pizza and listen to music apparently!
Then bathroom time playing with the toilet roll inner while I got washed. I wandered about upstairs gathering my clothes with Rodders following me and adventuring which seemed to work, he hadn't seen much of the bedrooms before. Other than him walking off dragging a pairs of my knickers from the washing pile it seemed to go well! As I got dressed he ran off with the towel that hangs by the sink - may need to put that up out the way for a while!
Back down to have a play (after a piddle of course!) which involved much going up and down of the step and chasing squeaky toys but that got interrupted by strange noises at the front of the house. We went and stood on the front door step so that he could watch Bob next door strimming and trimming. Rodders wriggled a bit at the noise but I just held firm and spoke gentle in his ear until he calmed down. He earnt a fuss from Bob for that
Bit more play & he seemed quite happy to play on his own until I wanted to do something like make a phone call! So there am I on the phone to the window company to ask them to come and look at the patio door that is sticking and the flashing on the front window which has come loose, with a squeaky toy trying to distract Rodders, hope I didn't hurt the girls ears but it was that or him chewing something he shouldn't - squeaky toys are a great distraction!
Then there was a strange noise at the back and Rodders wanted to explore it. So back on to the patio to find not only do we have a strange noise but there is a man in the garden with a strange bit of equipment. Ah, only Bob from next door cutting the grass. So we went and had a sniff and say hello. Rodders was a wuss again and came to me. He eventually got brave and allowed Bob to give him a bit of a fuss and Rodders had a sniff off the lawnmower before we came back in.
One very tired puppy but with the noise going on in the garden he wasn't able to settle on the snuggle fleece on the floor and wanted to be in my lap. Eventually got him to give in to the yawns and he fell asleep so I moved him on to the floor where he is fast asleep at my feet.
At last, a chance to catch up with Denise from work to check she is OK and to send an email to buy cousin Elsa in Oz as I haven't yet introduced her to Rodders. Hope she likes him! Also uploaded a few more pictures to Facebook and caught up with my nieces plans for Kirsty's birthday - they want to go back to childhood and make plaster of paris animals, home made pizza and listen to music apparently!
Sunday, 16 October 2011
Supper and evening
Rodders woke and went in to the garden for a bit of a play before supper and was happy to fetch his toy as I threw it. There were some noisy kids/teenagers shouting, with motorbikes out the front so we went and stood on the front door step & Rodders didn't even shake or try burying his head.
He was happy to sit on his snuggle blanket at my feet while I had my tea which made life so much easier, don't know why I didn't try this before!
He ate all of his supper, in three visits, before going back to the garden for a piddle - did the wooping and praise but didn't bother with the puppy treat as he isn't interested straight after dinner.
He then came in for a little play but was shattered and was quite happy to curl up at my feet for a while. He got up and went to the door so I let him out. After circling and sniffing to find the exact right spot he had a poo to much whooping and praise and a puppy treat. We came back in and he was asleep again very quickly. He didn't even notice when OH got in until I said who is that! He then had a wander about and a quick try of his new step - he was too dopey to really work it out I think.
Made OH a cuppa and once Rodders was back on his snuggle blanket I disappeared upstairs for a shower on my own leaving OH in charge downstairs. Bliss :-) Thanks, another thing I love you for! Apparently Rodders went to the bottom of the stairs once he realised where I had gone & had to be encouraged back in to the lounge, but no whinging.
He was very pleased to see me when I came back down and had a quick snuggle on my knee before going back on his snuggle blanket. Took a while to settle again but he is now fast asleep at my feet :-)
Need to wake him in an hour to make sure he goes out again. Fingers crossed for another good night!
He was happy to sit on his snuggle blanket at my feet while I had my tea which made life so much easier, don't know why I didn't try this before!
He ate all of his supper, in three visits, before going back to the garden for a piddle - did the wooping and praise but didn't bother with the puppy treat as he isn't interested straight after dinner.
He then came in for a little play but was shattered and was quite happy to curl up at my feet for a while. He got up and went to the door so I let him out. After circling and sniffing to find the exact right spot he had a poo to much whooping and praise and a puppy treat. We came back in and he was asleep again very quickly. He didn't even notice when OH got in until I said who is that! He then had a wander about and a quick try of his new step - he was too dopey to really work it out I think.
Made OH a cuppa and once Rodders was back on his snuggle blanket I disappeared upstairs for a shower on my own leaving OH in charge downstairs. Bliss :-) Thanks, another thing I love you for! Apparently Rodders went to the bottom of the stairs once he realised where I had gone & had to be encouraged back in to the lounge, but no whinging.
He was very pleased to see me when I came back down and had a quick snuggle on my knee before going back on his snuggle blanket. Took a while to settle again but he is now fast asleep at my feet :-)
Need to wake him in an hour to make sure he goes out again. Fingers crossed for another good night!
Late afternoon
Once Rodders woke up (just as the Grand prix was due to start - dammit) we went straight in the garden for a piddle. Cue lots of whooping and a puppy treat! He seemed keen to stay out there so we did. I tried to put the new cover on the garden seat but Rodders just thought this was a game. We came in a couple of times but he just wanted back in the garden, he loves it out there and will play quite happily without me joining in. He especially lies twigs to chew and removing the green stuff between cracks. If he needs some interaction we either run about together or I throw the squeaky toy for him to bring back.
I will be glad when OH gets here tonight with his step as it will make it so much easier for Rodders to get in and out by himself.
He does seem to like climbing and spends quite a lot if time indoor on top of the rolled up carpet, even dragging his toys up there. He is still trying to bite me and so I am turning my hands in to fists or walking away with my arms folded if he gets rough.
Once he got a bit manic I picked him up and went for a wander. He didn't seem to be as shaky this time so he must be getting used to it. We stopped to have a chat with Terry who used to live closer and has now moved around the corner. Rodders loved the fuss and wasn't bothered by Terry's bouncy spaniel.
Back home after half an hour or so we went straight in to the garden where Rodders performed both a piddle and a poo to much whooping and puppy treats. We came back in for a bit of a play but he is shattered again so is settled on his snuggle blanket at my feet. I am going to give him an hour before his final meal of the day.
Am also hoping that he will be a bit more lively this evening as OH will want a play when he gets here!
Also not sure if we should all go upstairs while I have a shower so he has some company to see it isn't that scary or if I should leave him down here with OH to see if he is OK without me. I have to go out for the day next saturday to a wedding and I know he will be well looked after by my niece Ailie but it would make her life easier if he didn't blow a fit when I leave him.
I will be glad when OH gets here tonight with his step as it will make it so much easier for Rodders to get in and out by himself.
He does seem to like climbing and spends quite a lot if time indoor on top of the rolled up carpet, even dragging his toys up there. He is still trying to bite me and so I am turning my hands in to fists or walking away with my arms folded if he gets rough.
Once he got a bit manic I picked him up and went for a wander. He didn't seem to be as shaky this time so he must be getting used to it. We stopped to have a chat with Terry who used to live closer and has now moved around the corner. Rodders loved the fuss and wasn't bothered by Terry's bouncy spaniel.
Back home after half an hour or so we went straight in to the garden where Rodders performed both a piddle and a poo to much whooping and puppy treats. We came back in for a bit of a play but he is shattered again so is settled on his snuggle blanket at my feet. I am going to give him an hour before his final meal of the day.
Am also hoping that he will be a bit more lively this evening as OH will want a play when he gets here!
Also not sure if we should all go upstairs while I have a shower so he has some company to see it isn't that scary or if I should leave him down here with OH to see if he is OK without me. I have to go out for the day next saturday to a wedding and I know he will be well looked after by my niece Ailie but it would make her life easier if he didn't blow a fit when I leave him.
Lunch, playing, email, leaving
Slipped in to look and OH has built him a step to help him get in and out the back door :-) His own custom designed step, how cool is that! Can't wait to try it out this evening!
We played outside for ages, Rodders got a bit spooked by some birds in flight but settled down fairly quickly. He also seems to be a gardening dog as he is removing the shrubbery from between the cracks in the back path - need to be careful as he could do Bob next door out of a job! Bob has been my gardener for years and really looks after me.
Once Rodders was worn out we came back in and I sat on the floor of the conservatory with him. After the disaster when I left him on Thursday I am keen to try it again but for way less than 2 hours and I needed to nip to the shop. As he was already dopey this seemed like a good opportunity. I put him in his crate with a couple of puppy treats and told him that I was going to the shop and would be back soon - OK so I am nuts talking to a dog but how else is he going to know? He was crying as I left, I dashed to the shop and back again and could hear him crying as I stood on the front door step, I had been 10 minutes absolute max. Hmmm, going to have to work on this one :-( I let myself in and as soon as he heard my voice the crying stopped.
Again he had pulled at the puppy pad and managed to move the sturdy water bowl but he was in his bed when I caught sight of him and not scrabbling to get out of his crate. I sat on the floor and talked to him for a second or two telling him that I had told him I wouldn't be long and then I let him out. He wanted a cuddle, which he got with lots of fuss as he was being quiet. I knew he was tired and when I put him down he headed straight for his snuggle blanket and is asleep at my feet again.
So this weeks task is going to be to leave him for a little while each day in the hope that I can get this stopped. I also need to read up on my "Perfect Puppy" book to see if I should have come back in when he was crying.
More playing, socialising & sleeping
So we played inside and outside and I am still walking away and ignoring Rodders if he plays too rough or try's to chew me. More piddles outside to much praise and puppy treats. He was also happy to run about chasing a squeaky toy and brought it back to me time and time again to throw again.
We went for a walk around the neighbourhood with him in my arms. This time we stopped to talk to a lady around the corner who was clearing her front garden. She fussed Rodders and told me about her 3 year old Westie Jackie who was a stud dog. She got him in June and has had him "done" and has been getting him groomed as he was in a bit of a state when he arrived. He had been kept in a pen and wasn't used to a house at all and needed to be toilet trained. He is fine now and getting on great. She brought him out to meet me but kept him at arms length as Rodders isn't allowed with other dogs yet. We heard lots of cars and spoke to a few people, including a chap who was walking his Yorkie, very nervous little dog around people. He gave Rodders a fuss and then we headed home and went straight in to the garden for a piddle (more fuss, more puppy treats!).
Rodders was reasonably happy playing and wandering about by himself while I ate breakfast and emptied the dishwasher. He then came and sat on his snuggle fleece and looked at me as though it was time for a rest. I came and sat down and he settled on his fleece for a snooze.
We went for a walk around the neighbourhood with him in my arms. This time we stopped to talk to a lady around the corner who was clearing her front garden. She fussed Rodders and told me about her 3 year old Westie Jackie who was a stud dog. She got him in June and has had him "done" and has been getting him groomed as he was in a bit of a state when he arrived. He had been kept in a pen and wasn't used to a house at all and needed to be toilet trained. He is fine now and getting on great. She brought him out to meet me but kept him at arms length as Rodders isn't allowed with other dogs yet. We heard lots of cars and spoke to a few people, including a chap who was walking his Yorkie, very nervous little dog around people. He gave Rodders a fuss and then we headed home and went straight in to the garden for a piddle (more fuss, more puppy treats!).
Rodders was reasonably happy playing and wandering about by himself while I ate breakfast and emptied the dishwasher. He then came and sat on his snuggle fleece and looked at me as though it was time for a rest. I came and sat down and he settled on his fleece for a snooze.
The other puppy!
He lay at my feet on his snuggle blanket most of the evening and I woke him to go out for a piddle twice and he earnt a puppy treat both times. He really does flop in the evening and doesn't want to play at all.
So last night was good, minimal whinging when I put him in his crate for the night and I awoke at about 6.40 to Rodders crying. I came down and lifted him while I put the kettle on for my cuppa and his breakfast and we went straight out in to the garden. He had a piddle straight away to much praise and a puppy treat! When he came in he took his puppy treat straight on to the rolled up carpet, he seems to like it up there! We had a little play and then he kept going towards the kitchen and barking so I gave him his breakfast. We had a hungry puppy and he ate most of it at first attempt, but he is easily distracted and I need to stand still and let him eat rather than faffing about for now. He will get the hang of it eventually. Over about 15 minutes he went back a further two times and then I lifted it.
We then went in to the conservatory to play and if he got too rough I stood up and put my back to him this seems to work. He was going to the door when he wanted out and he piddled and then pooped outside, getting slightly distracted by Bob next door going out to go fishing. But he still earnt a puppy treat when we came back in!
And then he spotted the other puppy while we were playing. It was still a bit dark outside and the conservatory light was on. As he was playing he spotted another puppy reflected back at him. He brought his toy to my side and carried on playing but kept stopping to check what the other puppy did. He didn't bark at it but he wasn't keen to move very far from me for a little while.
He did get a bit distracted playing and made a sudden dash for the door but it was too late and he could't quite make it. I put him out while I cleared up and he didn't earn a puppy treat :-(
We had a bit more play and a run around the garden (while I poop scooped) and then it was time for me to get dressed. Again I carried him about while I got everything and then put him on the bathroom floor while I got washed and dressed. He has a toilet roll inner than he seems to be happy playing with (mostly!) while I get ready. He does get a bit distracted by the bathmat and I did find him with my pants when I was drying my self off!!!!
We had a short play and then he seemed to be tired so I walked through to the lounge and he settled fairly quickly on his snuggle blanket and is snoozing happily at my feet.
Please let today be as good as yesterday!
So last night was good, minimal whinging when I put him in his crate for the night and I awoke at about 6.40 to Rodders crying. I came down and lifted him while I put the kettle on for my cuppa and his breakfast and we went straight out in to the garden. He had a piddle straight away to much praise and a puppy treat! When he came in he took his puppy treat straight on to the rolled up carpet, he seems to like it up there! We had a little play and then he kept going towards the kitchen and barking so I gave him his breakfast. We had a hungry puppy and he ate most of it at first attempt, but he is easily distracted and I need to stand still and let him eat rather than faffing about for now. He will get the hang of it eventually. Over about 15 minutes he went back a further two times and then I lifted it.
We then went in to the conservatory to play and if he got too rough I stood up and put my back to him this seems to work. He was going to the door when he wanted out and he piddled and then pooped outside, getting slightly distracted by Bob next door going out to go fishing. But he still earnt a puppy treat when we came back in!
And then he spotted the other puppy while we were playing. It was still a bit dark outside and the conservatory light was on. As he was playing he spotted another puppy reflected back at him. He brought his toy to my side and carried on playing but kept stopping to check what the other puppy did. He didn't bark at it but he wasn't keen to move very far from me for a little while.
He did get a bit distracted playing and made a sudden dash for the door but it was too late and he could't quite make it. I put him out while I cleared up and he didn't earn a puppy treat :-(
We had a bit more play and a run around the garden (while I poop scooped) and then it was time for me to get dressed. Again I carried him about while I got everything and then put him on the bathroom floor while I got washed and dressed. He has a toilet roll inner than he seems to be happy playing with (mostly!) while I get ready. He does get a bit distracted by the bathmat and I did find him with my pants when I was drying my self off!!!!
We had a short play and then he seemed to be tired so I walked through to the lounge and he settled fairly quickly on his snuggle blanket and is snoozing happily at my feet.
Please let today be as good as yesterday!
Saturday, 15 October 2011
Almost done X Factor!
Part way through XFactor, during an ad break I woke Rodders up, encouraged him outside (ignored the ringing phone) and he piddled, got fussed and a treat, came back in and he settled on his snuggle blanket again.
Smug? Me? You bet :-)
Oh please let bedtime go better tonight!
Smug? Me? You bet :-)
Oh please let bedtime go better tonight!
Tea!
After his afternoon nap Rodders woke up and we went straight in the garden. He was quite dopey but went and had a piddle on the grass and earnt himself a lot of fuss and a puppy treat. We played in the garden for a little longer and then someone set off either a firework or a bird scarer, you should have seen Rodders bolt for the door. I called him back and picked him up to calm him down, talking gently. Once his little heart had slowed down I put him down and we carried on playing. I really hope this is the right thing to do but I need him to be able to cope with these sort of noises as Firework season here seems to go on for ages as they use them for almost every occasion including diwali, Guy Fawkes and New Year.
We then came back in to put the kettle on so I could have a cuppa and get his tea ready. He liked the smell and started to bark! Obviously a hungry puppy! Unfortunately we have to wait for it to cool down so we went in to the conservatory to play for a little time. He did keep going back to the kitchen for a bark towards his tea though! Looks like I did the right thing by lifting his bowl earlier even though he hadn't finished.
Rodders had been using an enamelled dish but at lunchtime he was a bit spooked when it moved and clanged a little. So tonights tea went in a proper dog bowl. He wolfed down half of it, moved away to burp (!) and then went back to it and had a bit more. He then wandered through the kitchen and back before having a bit more. An almost empty dish was lifted off the floor!
Back to the garden where I stood quietly to let him get on with it. He had a piddle to earn a puppy treat which he played with for a while - obviously not hungry after a big tea! We stayed out there with me still being quiet. He didn't make a sound when Bob and Pat next door went out. My patience paid off and he eventually pooped as well. More praise, more puppy treats :-)
We came in and played for a while. I turned my back on him when he got rough which seemed to work better. Rodders came in to the kitchen while I grabbed something to eat and made a cuppa. And then piddled on the floor :-( Ah well, so many successes today & the floor mops up OK!
Just before 7pm I came through to the lounge put his snuggle blanket at my feet and he has settled himself for a snooze.
Today is a much better day! I hope bedtime goes as well.
We then came back in to put the kettle on so I could have a cuppa and get his tea ready. He liked the smell and started to bark! Obviously a hungry puppy! Unfortunately we have to wait for it to cool down so we went in to the conservatory to play for a little time. He did keep going back to the kitchen for a bark towards his tea though! Looks like I did the right thing by lifting his bowl earlier even though he hadn't finished.
Rodders had been using an enamelled dish but at lunchtime he was a bit spooked when it moved and clanged a little. So tonights tea went in a proper dog bowl. He wolfed down half of it, moved away to burp (!) and then went back to it and had a bit more. He then wandered through the kitchen and back before having a bit more. An almost empty dish was lifted off the floor!
Back to the garden where I stood quietly to let him get on with it. He had a piddle to earn a puppy treat which he played with for a while - obviously not hungry after a big tea! We stayed out there with me still being quiet. He didn't make a sound when Bob and Pat next door went out. My patience paid off and he eventually pooped as well. More praise, more puppy treats :-)
We came in and played for a while. I turned my back on him when he got rough which seemed to work better. Rodders came in to the kitchen while I grabbed something to eat and made a cuppa. And then piddled on the floor :-( Ah well, so many successes today & the floor mops up OK!
Just before 7pm I came through to the lounge put his snuggle blanket at my feet and he has settled himself for a snooze.
Today is a much better day! I hope bedtime goes as well.
Saturday afternoon
So after a nap we went straight in to the garden for a piddle - cue lots of excited noise and a puppy treat :-)
Rodders was happy to play for a while which gave me a chance to read bits of The Perfect Puppy book. Hopefully this will show me where I am going wrong with his chewing and biting as he can get rough and doesn't know when to stop - so I need to stop it for him. If he is biting my hand I need to turn it in to a fist as it seems to be fingers they like. If he is getting too rough I need to stand up and ignore him. OK, we will try these 2 for today.
Rodders had his first mad 5 minutes and was haring around like a lunatic, it was a scream as he struggled to get traction on the laminate floor but he ran from the conservatory in to the lounge, round the pouffe and back several times. He was then happy to play chase with one of the squeaky toys. He then started to get rough and wouldn't settle down so it was time for a walk outside to quieten him.
We wandered through the neighbourhood and came across a stationary motorbike with it's engine running, a new sound. Rodders wasn't very keen to start with so we just stood still until he settled, then we walked closer to it and stopped & finally passed it. We had a peak at the Rugby field and saw 2 dogs being exercised with balls but they looked a bit bouncy so we ambled on to the Nicky Line and walked up towards the church, coming back via the mini roundabout. Rodders didn't seem phased by the bus that came past us and by the time we got home he was sleepy so I put him on his snuggle blanket, gave him a fuss and he is now snoozing peacefully at my feet.
We are doing so much better at pacing him today, but I hope he will settle this evening while I watch XFactor!
Rodders was happy to play for a while which gave me a chance to read bits of The Perfect Puppy book. Hopefully this will show me where I am going wrong with his chewing and biting as he can get rough and doesn't know when to stop - so I need to stop it for him. If he is biting my hand I need to turn it in to a fist as it seems to be fingers they like. If he is getting too rough I need to stand up and ignore him. OK, we will try these 2 for today.
Rodders had his first mad 5 minutes and was haring around like a lunatic, it was a scream as he struggled to get traction on the laminate floor but he ran from the conservatory in to the lounge, round the pouffe and back several times. He was then happy to play chase with one of the squeaky toys. He then started to get rough and wouldn't settle down so it was time for a walk outside to quieten him.
We wandered through the neighbourhood and came across a stationary motorbike with it's engine running, a new sound. Rodders wasn't very keen to start with so we just stood still until he settled, then we walked closer to it and stopped & finally passed it. We had a peak at the Rugby field and saw 2 dogs being exercised with balls but they looked a bit bouncy so we ambled on to the Nicky Line and walked up towards the church, coming back via the mini roundabout. Rodders didn't seem phased by the bus that came past us and by the time we got home he was sleepy so I put him on his snuggle blanket, gave him a fuss and he is now snoozing peacefully at my feet.
We are doing so much better at pacing him today, but I hope he will settle this evening while I watch XFactor!
Venturing out in the car again
Decided that we should have a short trip in the car as Rodders hasn't been out sine Tuesday and so we headed for Pets at Home - there are limited places you can take a puppy! He had a little whinge on the way down - he doest seem to like talk radio & was fine when I switched to music! He was happy to get out of his car crate and we ambled in to the shop. It was a bit busy and he was nervous so I carried on talking to him gently and encouraged others to stop and talk. There were lots of noises and people trying out squeaky things - he quite liked this noise. Got some more Puppy pads just incase and made our way to the till where he got a fuss and then they called for Kirsty who is Mini Schnauzer mad :-) She came and fussed Rodders and then took him for a cuddle, he seemed to like that. Note to self, make sure we ask for Kirsty the next time we visit. Should be easy to remember as she has the same name as my sister!
Rodders was quiet on the journey home until I stopped at the little Tesco to grab a couple of bits. He was quiet while I was in there but had a little whinge once we started moving. Again, he stopped once the music was playing.
When I got home he was shaking a little so I talked to him and gave him a fuss before I lifted him out of the crate.
We went straight in to the garden and he had a piddle so lots more fuss and a puppy treat.
Rodders was quiet on the journey home until I stopped at the little Tesco to grab a couple of bits. He was quiet while I was in there but had a little whinge once we started moving. Again, he stopped once the music was playing.
When I got home he was shaking a little so I talked to him and gave him a fuss before I lifted him out of the crate.
We went straight in to the garden and he had a piddle so lots more fuss and a puppy treat.
Friday night/Saturday morning
So Rodders slept at my feet from almost 7pm until about 10.45pm only getting up for a couple of piddles. It is obvious that we were both exhausted so at 10.55 I put him in his crate for the night.
He started to cry straight away but stopped as the upstairs light went out, yay I thought, we have cracked this! Oh how wrong can you be :-( Within a couple of minutes he was crying and yelping like he never had before and I really didn't know what to do.
I sent a text to OH and we were texting back and forwards for about 10 minutes as the noise went on. He was encouraging me to be strong and to ignore him for up to half an hour. As the noises changed I wasn't sure if I could do it. Rodders sounded so pitiful. He would quieten down for a moment and then start up again. He was trying so hard to draw me back downstairs, to try and prove that he was pack leader but I held out. After about 15 minutes it stopped and he had settled for the night. Not sure I would have managed without someone there to confirm I was doing the right thing. Thank you OH, I love you for that! And many other things of course :-)
I woke just before 7am to hear him crying and came down. He was very pleased to see me and had pooped in the crate which was a first. But he had been in there for 8 hours and he is only a little puppy. I made a cup of tea (I am not a morning person and don't function very well without tea!) and we went in to the conservatory to play. Rodders asked to go out after a few minutes so in to the garden we went. He did a piddle straight away to much praise and we came back in to a puppy treat :-)
I got his breakfast ready and then he played some more. I put his breakfast down once it had cooled enough he wolfed down about half of it before getting distracted. I left it on the floor for half an hour and he went back to it twice more. I then lifted it as I need him to understand that when food is there you eat it - I had been leaving it down earlier in the week when I was worried that he wasn't eating and drinking enough but the puppy book says this is a bad idea. If I lift it when he is done he will get used to feeding times and eat his fill in one go. Well, lets see how we get on with this!
He then managed to pee on the floor twice near the door so got put straight outside. It is much easier to clear up with him outside as he loves to chase the kitchen roll as I wipe the floor. He the did a piddle on the patio so more praise and treats.
Lots more playing, he seems to like chasing things and bringing them back for you to throw again, wonder if I can get him interested in a ball soon?
I carried him upstairs so that I could get washed and dressed and, as I have done for the last couple of days, I wandered about with him in my arms until I had everything and then put him on the bathroom floor. He wandered about sniffing and chewed the bathmat (also tried to wander off with my bra & got stopped fairly quickly) but generally allowed me to get dressed in peace.
We then came down in to the conservatory and played some more and he was getting a bit rough and biting me - I know he is teething & not trying to hurt me. No amount of swapping my hand for a toy would do. He asked to go out a few times and would play happily for a few minutes chasing and chewing leaves before coming back inside. We need to find a way for him to get back in as the step is a bit high and OH is working on that - Soon please if you are reading!!!!!
I needed to get Rodders to calm down a bit as I have learnt over the last few days that he can get over tired. I tried to settle him on his snuggle blanket on my knee but he wasn't interested so we had a bit more play time. I can distract him from things he shouldn't be chewing with a squeaky toy. He is still being a bit rough and biting me so I decided we should go for a wander with him in my arms.
Rodders wasn't sure about the noise Lillian's car was making as she stopped for a chat and was shaking a little but we persevered. When she went off we carried on our wander around the block and I talked to him the whole time, rubbish about the nice gardens or a hedge or a lamppost - I'm going to get known as the crazy woman that talks to a dog shortly! We saw a few more cars and vans and then we were almost home when Pom and Christopher came out the house and came to say hello. Rodders was shaking again and they asked if he was cold. No, just a bit nervous!
Christopher was just off to work apparently! I asked what he is doing and he is volunteering for Cancer Research UK, helping to sort out bags. What a great lad this young man is turning in to :-) Helps that he has lovely parents who have done a fantastic job with their two children :-)
We came back in the house and I put the snuggle blanket on my knee. Rodders very quickly settled down and I moved him on to the floor. He is currently asleep at my feet.
He started to cry straight away but stopped as the upstairs light went out, yay I thought, we have cracked this! Oh how wrong can you be :-( Within a couple of minutes he was crying and yelping like he never had before and I really didn't know what to do.
I sent a text to OH and we were texting back and forwards for about 10 minutes as the noise went on. He was encouraging me to be strong and to ignore him for up to half an hour. As the noises changed I wasn't sure if I could do it. Rodders sounded so pitiful. He would quieten down for a moment and then start up again. He was trying so hard to draw me back downstairs, to try and prove that he was pack leader but I held out. After about 15 minutes it stopped and he had settled for the night. Not sure I would have managed without someone there to confirm I was doing the right thing. Thank you OH, I love you for that! And many other things of course :-)
I woke just before 7am to hear him crying and came down. He was very pleased to see me and had pooped in the crate which was a first. But he had been in there for 8 hours and he is only a little puppy. I made a cup of tea (I am not a morning person and don't function very well without tea!) and we went in to the conservatory to play. Rodders asked to go out after a few minutes so in to the garden we went. He did a piddle straight away to much praise and we came back in to a puppy treat :-)
I got his breakfast ready and then he played some more. I put his breakfast down once it had cooled enough he wolfed down about half of it before getting distracted. I left it on the floor for half an hour and he went back to it twice more. I then lifted it as I need him to understand that when food is there you eat it - I had been leaving it down earlier in the week when I was worried that he wasn't eating and drinking enough but the puppy book says this is a bad idea. If I lift it when he is done he will get used to feeding times and eat his fill in one go. Well, lets see how we get on with this!
He then managed to pee on the floor twice near the door so got put straight outside. It is much easier to clear up with him outside as he loves to chase the kitchen roll as I wipe the floor. He the did a piddle on the patio so more praise and treats.
Lots more playing, he seems to like chasing things and bringing them back for you to throw again, wonder if I can get him interested in a ball soon?
I carried him upstairs so that I could get washed and dressed and, as I have done for the last couple of days, I wandered about with him in my arms until I had everything and then put him on the bathroom floor. He wandered about sniffing and chewed the bathmat (also tried to wander off with my bra & got stopped fairly quickly) but generally allowed me to get dressed in peace.
We then came down in to the conservatory and played some more and he was getting a bit rough and biting me - I know he is teething & not trying to hurt me. No amount of swapping my hand for a toy would do. He asked to go out a few times and would play happily for a few minutes chasing and chewing leaves before coming back inside. We need to find a way for him to get back in as the step is a bit high and OH is working on that - Soon please if you are reading!!!!!
I needed to get Rodders to calm down a bit as I have learnt over the last few days that he can get over tired. I tried to settle him on his snuggle blanket on my knee but he wasn't interested so we had a bit more play time. I can distract him from things he shouldn't be chewing with a squeaky toy. He is still being a bit rough and biting me so I decided we should go for a wander with him in my arms.
Rodders wasn't sure about the noise Lillian's car was making as she stopped for a chat and was shaking a little but we persevered. When she went off we carried on our wander around the block and I talked to him the whole time, rubbish about the nice gardens or a hedge or a lamppost - I'm going to get known as the crazy woman that talks to a dog shortly! We saw a few more cars and vans and then we were almost home when Pom and Christopher came out the house and came to say hello. Rodders was shaking again and they asked if he was cold. No, just a bit nervous!
Christopher was just off to work apparently! I asked what he is doing and he is volunteering for Cancer Research UK, helping to sort out bags. What a great lad this young man is turning in to :-) Helps that he has lovely parents who have done a fantastic job with their two children :-)
We came back in the house and I put the snuggle blanket on my knee. Rodders very quickly settled down and I moved him on to the floor. He is currently asleep at my feet.
Friday, 14 October 2011
Up to date, now blogging in realtime!
I knew that we were getting visitors today so I wanted to try and pace Rodders a bit better. We got up and had breakfast and a bit of play. We also went to put the bin out as it is a strange noise and then we stood on the doorstep when the bin men collected so that he could hear the noise they make and hear the lorry. I then put him on my knee on his snuggle blanket and got him calm and dopey. Once he falls asleep I can put him and the blanket on the floor and he is happy there as long as I don't move too far.
My sister Kirsty and her friend Gill arrived and Rodders was a bit shy to start with and wanted me close. After a while he got braver, especially once Gill opened the puppy treats she brought him! They got to see him playing with his toys, peeing on his paper, dashing around the garden like a loony and sitting quietly with me. (They did also see him peeing on the floor so it wasn't all good).
When we sat at the table for lunch he asked to go out and played happily in the garden while we ate. He was always in sight and seemed to be having a great time.
After they left I got him to settle down for a nap for an hour but he seemed to be hyper when he woke up. We played inside and out but he wasn't calming down so I decided to take him for a walk (in my arms) around the corner to a slightly busier road to get him used to some different noises and places. When he seemed frightened I stopped walking and talked gently to him until he calmed down. We saw cars, vans and a couple of noisy children before reaching my local garage. We went in to see James and get a bit of a fuss before heading home again.
We got stopped at the corner by our neighbours Sue and Sophie who hadn't yet met Rodders. he seemed to like the fuss and we may have ourselves a puppy walker if I need to go back to work :-)
Got in and Rodders was still hyper. We tried playing but he was getting rough and nipping me rather than his chew toys. I have tried yelping like his litter mates do and, although it has worked in the past, it didn't today. I tried getting him to settle on my knee with the snuggle blanket but he wasn't having any of it. I tried wearing him out in the garden. I tried distraction. I tried squeaky toys. He wanted to pee and poo on the floor and he wanted to chew my rug. Eventually I had to resort to putting him in his crate for 5 minutes while I took the rug up and loaded the dishwasher. He wasn't happy about it and cried, whined, pulled at the puppy pad, stood in his water bowl (now a heavier one he can't move) and tried to climb up the side of the crate. When he was quieter (and me too!) I let him out. He was calmer, but still a little manic.
And then just before 7pm this evening he flopped on his snuggle blanket and he is still there. I suspect that he won't want supper again tonight.
He has woken a couple of times so far when I went to make a drink. Once he peed on the floor and the second time he went on the paper with a bit of encouragement. It is soooo much easier when he is dopey rather than hyper though!
My sister Kirsty and her friend Gill arrived and Rodders was a bit shy to start with and wanted me close. After a while he got braver, especially once Gill opened the puppy treats she brought him! They got to see him playing with his toys, peeing on his paper, dashing around the garden like a loony and sitting quietly with me. (They did also see him peeing on the floor so it wasn't all good).
When we sat at the table for lunch he asked to go out and played happily in the garden while we ate. He was always in sight and seemed to be having a great time.
After they left I got him to settle down for a nap for an hour but he seemed to be hyper when he woke up. We played inside and out but he wasn't calming down so I decided to take him for a walk (in my arms) around the corner to a slightly busier road to get him used to some different noises and places. When he seemed frightened I stopped walking and talked gently to him until he calmed down. We saw cars, vans and a couple of noisy children before reaching my local garage. We went in to see James and get a bit of a fuss before heading home again.
We got stopped at the corner by our neighbours Sue and Sophie who hadn't yet met Rodders. he seemed to like the fuss and we may have ourselves a puppy walker if I need to go back to work :-)
Got in and Rodders was still hyper. We tried playing but he was getting rough and nipping me rather than his chew toys. I have tried yelping like his litter mates do and, although it has worked in the past, it didn't today. I tried getting him to settle on my knee with the snuggle blanket but he wasn't having any of it. I tried wearing him out in the garden. I tried distraction. I tried squeaky toys. He wanted to pee and poo on the floor and he wanted to chew my rug. Eventually I had to resort to putting him in his crate for 5 minutes while I took the rug up and loaded the dishwasher. He wasn't happy about it and cried, whined, pulled at the puppy pad, stood in his water bowl (now a heavier one he can't move) and tried to climb up the side of the crate. When he was quieter (and me too!) I let him out. He was calmer, but still a little manic.
And then just before 7pm this evening he flopped on his snuggle blanket and he is still there. I suspect that he won't want supper again tonight.
He has woken a couple of times so far when I went to make a drink. Once he peed on the floor and the second time he went on the paper with a bit of encouragement. It is soooo much easier when he is dopey rather than hyper though!
Our first full day
So OH seen off to work and breakfast eaten we carried on playing and resting, biting and chewing toys and me.
Rodders seemed to have a problem with thresholds and wasn't too keen on me going in to the kitchen or conservatory so I needed to work on this a bit. Sitting on the floor at the far end of the kitchen, tapping with my fingers and calling "Rodders" seemed to work and he would come to me for a fuss. As soon as the fuss stopped he ran back to the door again.
I have to eat and drink so he was going to have to get used to me being in the kitchen. It is such a fine line between socialising him and frightening him and I want to make sure that I get it right so we are going slowly for now. Each new experience for him is a huge thing for a little puppy.
We went and sat on the patio for a few minutes but he didn't seem to keen on the breeze so we came back in.
I gave him a puppy treat today but he wasn't sure what to do with it and just played with it on the floor.
He is happy to follow me about as I potter about the house, but still not keen on joining me in the kitchen. He sits at the door so that I am in sight and will venture in for a fuss but still beats a hasty retreat. I did manage to cook dinner in time for OH coming home but it was a struggle - what have I been doing all day? We decided to shower in shifts so that someone was always with Rodders. He doesn't seem to be bothered by the usual household noises of the TV, kettle, dishwasher, running taps, stereo, doorbell but he isn't very keen on me clattering about with pans or tin foil & isn't too sure about me blowing my nose.
Rodders is still eating OK but I am concerned that he isn't drinking so much. To counteract this I started to up the liquid with his feed and that seemed to work.
The new crate got delivered today so when OH got in from work he opened the box and built it for us. Once in place, under the end of the Dining Table and in view of the kitchen, I moved his water bowl in to there with his bed, bed pad, snuggly fleece (we have a few of these so he has one on the floor, one in the car crate, one in the house crate and a spare in case one needs washing).
Rodders still isn't drinking much and we wondered if it was the bowl as it has a picture in the bottom, swapped it for another one and he seemed happier with that.
He carried on playing with me and OH through the evening without too much of a break and was ready for bed. He still cried but only for 5 minutes.
Rodders seemed to have a problem with thresholds and wasn't too keen on me going in to the kitchen or conservatory so I needed to work on this a bit. Sitting on the floor at the far end of the kitchen, tapping with my fingers and calling "Rodders" seemed to work and he would come to me for a fuss. As soon as the fuss stopped he ran back to the door again.
I have to eat and drink so he was going to have to get used to me being in the kitchen. It is such a fine line between socialising him and frightening him and I want to make sure that I get it right so we are going slowly for now. Each new experience for him is a huge thing for a little puppy.
We went and sat on the patio for a few minutes but he didn't seem to keen on the breeze so we came back in.
I gave him a puppy treat today but he wasn't sure what to do with it and just played with it on the floor.
He is happy to follow me about as I potter about the house, but still not keen on joining me in the kitchen. He sits at the door so that I am in sight and will venture in for a fuss but still beats a hasty retreat. I did manage to cook dinner in time for OH coming home but it was a struggle - what have I been doing all day? We decided to shower in shifts so that someone was always with Rodders. He doesn't seem to be bothered by the usual household noises of the TV, kettle, dishwasher, running taps, stereo, doorbell but he isn't very keen on me clattering about with pans or tin foil & isn't too sure about me blowing my nose.
Rodders is still eating OK but I am concerned that he isn't drinking so much. To counteract this I started to up the liquid with his feed and that seemed to work.
The new crate got delivered today so when OH got in from work he opened the box and built it for us. Once in place, under the end of the Dining Table and in view of the kitchen, I moved his water bowl in to there with his bed, bed pad, snuggly fleece (we have a few of these so he has one on the floor, one in the car crate, one in the house crate and a spare in case one needs washing).
Rodders still isn't drinking much and we wondered if it was the bowl as it has a picture in the bottom, swapped it for another one and he seemed happier with that.
He carried on playing with me and OH through the evening without too much of a break and was ready for bed. He still cried but only for 5 minutes.
Thursday, 13 October 2011
More preparations
I had a borrowed crate for the house but once I checked it over it seemed to have gone a bit rusty :-( It was duly attacked with wire wool but it wasn't making much difference - time to think again, can't have Rodders chewing that & little puppies love to chew. So back to Titmuss I went to get an indoor crate!
Unfortunately I am not so good with a tape measure and the one I got was huuuuuuge and wouldn't fit where it needed to go. So do I make do for now and order the smaller size and then eBay the bigger one? Or pack the bigger one away and make do with the car crate to start? A search of the web says Titmuss don't do the smaller one but I found another company that do them mail order so it is on it's way.
What else did I buy?
- Toys
- puppy treats (need to check what age they can have each treat as some are suitable from 4 weeks, 8 weeks or 12 weeks)
- Puppy collar and lead
- Snuggle blanket
I already had bowls from dog sitting for my sister's dog and we were getting a loan of her small dog bed and pad.
Unfortunately I am not so good with a tape measure and the one I got was huuuuuuge and wouldn't fit where it needed to go. So do I make do for now and order the smaller size and then eBay the bigger one? Or pack the bigger one away and make do with the car crate to start? A search of the web says Titmuss don't do the smaller one but I found another company that do them mail order so it is on it's way.
What else did I buy?
- Toys
- puppy treats (need to check what age they can have each treat as some are suitable from 4 weeks, 8 weeks or 12 weeks)
- Puppy collar and lead
- Snuggle blanket
I already had bowls from dog sitting for my sister's dog and we were getting a loan of her small dog bed and pad.
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