After I had drunk a cuppa and Rodders had been out for a play in the garden it was time to go for a walk.
As soon as he saw me put on my coat he was dancing about and jumping up which always makes it a bit difficult to get my wellies on and he did get told off for biting them but wellies with holes in are not good!
We eventually got out the door and headed for the Nicky Line, with Rodders barking to let everyone know he was about. He did walk to heel most of the time but can be easily distracted if there are people about. We walked towards the rugby field and, as the Nicky Line was a bit muddy, went on to the field as soon as we could. Rodders sat while I switched leads and was then off darting about sniffing and looking for treasure.
When we were walking the second side of the field a staffie came from nowhere to have a good sniff, Rodders didn't seem bothered by it but I was a little concerned at a loose dog with no visible owner. Then there was a shout from the Nicky Line and the staffie took off at a great rate of knots and I breathed a sigh of relief!
On the third side we met a man with a 10 month old Westie, he and Rodders had a good time playing for a little while.
When we got to the bottom of the third side he was quite happy to sit for a little while and watch and listen to a lady in the bus stop with two little ones in a pushchair. This is the most interest that he has shown in children!
As we got to the end of the fourth side he sat while I swapped leads back but he did need checking a few times to remind him that he was on a short lead.
By the time we got home the edges of my ears were freezing! Good job Christmas is around the corner as I think Santa may be sorting that out for me!
Showing posts with label wellies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wellies. Show all posts
Monday, 5 December 2011
Friday, 2 December 2011
Week 5 of puppy school
Just before we left for puppy school I managed to get the final bits of ice out of the freezer, cleaned up and switched it back on. It has taken 24 hours and I suspect that half the stuff in the cool box will now need to go to the tip :-(
Rodders asked to go out in to the garden just as I was about to get my coat and wellies on so I was able to do it in peace. Once in a slipped his lead on and we went out to the car. For some reason he cried for the first five minutes today.
Once there we spotted a new puppy in the car park, a 12 week old red setter called Juno, so we went over to say hello. This is his first week out on a lead so he was happy to see another puppy and kept batting Rodders with his paw. Rodders didn't seem to mind! Tarka joined us and then Tinker. Sam finished with the previous class and called us in to the hall, just as we were doing sit and wait at the door the little black cocker spaniel that Pete brought to class a couple of weeks ago joined us but this time with her owner.
To start with we just had the dogs sat with us while Sam introduced Juno and his opener. We then made our way out to the car park again and swapped puppies and handed out treats. Rodders still spends half his time looking to see where I am, possibly because the other puppies treats are too big for him, but he is getting better.
Then it was on to the field for some heel and sit and heel and down, Rodders still doesn't like going down and as the class wore on he was getting a bit snappy so earnt a good few checks. He did much better at slalom through the other dogs but is easily distracted and moves out of sit. When we moved on to playing with their tuggies and practicing leave he was a bit of a monkey and Sam thinks we need to move on from the puppy lead this week to have more control. She thinks we should also practice this at home with his lead on.
He didn't do so well at sit and wait out on the field today and Sam had to hold him while I walked away. We didn't even try sit and stay as he was being such a monkey so he had to be held in the down for about 5 minutes while the other puppy's did it (apart from Juno, bit much at a first lesson!)
We moved on to the agility course and Rodders did great at the jumps, the tunnel (which he loves) and the A Frame (much more confident this week) so we could have an agility dog in the making!
We walked back to the hall with the puppies at heel before doing the down command again. Rodders was better at this by the end of the day but we are going to need to practice this too. This was Tarka's last week at Puppy Class and she moves on to the lesson before us from next week.
Sam mentioned that his sit and wait at the door is much better and can see that we have been practicing. She also said there are some great pictures at the vets from Wednesday night and we had a laugh about Appa holding off the other dogs.
Back in the car Rodders was fine on the way home.
Rodders asked to go out in to the garden just as I was about to get my coat and wellies on so I was able to do it in peace. Once in a slipped his lead on and we went out to the car. For some reason he cried for the first five minutes today.
Once there we spotted a new puppy in the car park, a 12 week old red setter called Juno, so we went over to say hello. This is his first week out on a lead so he was happy to see another puppy and kept batting Rodders with his paw. Rodders didn't seem to mind! Tarka joined us and then Tinker. Sam finished with the previous class and called us in to the hall, just as we were doing sit and wait at the door the little black cocker spaniel that Pete brought to class a couple of weeks ago joined us but this time with her owner.
To start with we just had the dogs sat with us while Sam introduced Juno and his opener. We then made our way out to the car park again and swapped puppies and handed out treats. Rodders still spends half his time looking to see where I am, possibly because the other puppies treats are too big for him, but he is getting better.
Then it was on to the field for some heel and sit and heel and down, Rodders still doesn't like going down and as the class wore on he was getting a bit snappy so earnt a good few checks. He did much better at slalom through the other dogs but is easily distracted and moves out of sit. When we moved on to playing with their tuggies and practicing leave he was a bit of a monkey and Sam thinks we need to move on from the puppy lead this week to have more control. She thinks we should also practice this at home with his lead on.
He didn't do so well at sit and wait out on the field today and Sam had to hold him while I walked away. We didn't even try sit and stay as he was being such a monkey so he had to be held in the down for about 5 minutes while the other puppy's did it (apart from Juno, bit much at a first lesson!)
We moved on to the agility course and Rodders did great at the jumps, the tunnel (which he loves) and the A Frame (much more confident this week) so we could have an agility dog in the making!
We walked back to the hall with the puppies at heel before doing the down command again. Rodders was better at this by the end of the day but we are going to need to practice this too. This was Tarka's last week at Puppy Class and she moves on to the lesson before us from next week.
Sam mentioned that his sit and wait at the door is much better and can see that we have been practicing. She also said there are some great pictures at the vets from Wednesday night and we had a laugh about Appa holding off the other dogs.
Back in the car Rodders was fine on the way home.
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
Gadebridge Park Walk
I managed to get Rodders out of the house in record time, even if he did run off with my shoe as I was putting on my wellies!
We drove down to the only free carpark and then set off from there. Rodders is very nosy and wanted to have a good look at the Skate and BMX Park and is interested in what all passers by are doing.
He generally walks very well and comes back when called, unless there is something more interesting to be doing. But I am still not let him off the lead though!
He did allow a young girl, maybe 4, to give him a fuss, which was really good but he got a bit spooked by a bouncy Beagle.
We managed to walk all the way round two thirds of the park but he had started to slow down towards the end. He did also have his first encounter with water as we were walking alongside the River Gade, at one point I thought he might try to go in and test it out but he changed his mind.
Once home he was happy to settle down for a nap, I think I need one too but there is washing to bring in and I am in need of a cuppa!
We drove down to the only free carpark and then set off from there. Rodders is very nosy and wanted to have a good look at the Skate and BMX Park and is interested in what all passers by are doing.
He generally walks very well and comes back when called, unless there is something more interesting to be doing. But I am still not let him off the lead though!
He did allow a young girl, maybe 4, to give him a fuss, which was really good but he got a bit spooked by a bouncy Beagle.
We managed to walk all the way round two thirds of the park but he had started to slow down towards the end. He did also have his first encounter with water as we were walking alongside the River Gade, at one point I thought he might try to go in and test it out but he changed his mind.
Once home he was happy to settle down for a nap, I think I need one too but there is washing to bring in and I am in need of a cuppa!
A late breakfast
All Rodders wanted to do this morning was sleep, up on the sofa with me, on his new bed pad, on the landing, on the bathmat, on my bed, on my knee.
He has had a couple of short bursts of play but it has really been sleep, sleep and more sleep.
At 9.45 I thought this was madness so I woke him up, popped his lead on, grabbed my coat and put on my wellies. This seemed to motivate him and we got out the door. He walked nicely to the Nicky Line but does bark at everyone he see's even if he does keep walking! We headed towards the rugby field and I swapped leads so that he could have a run about. He has a new game, dancing right in front of me! He was also on the hunt for treasure and found a McDonalds coffee cup that was huge and pranced about with that for a while, he also wanted to go and chase crows and to go and play with a greyhound. I wonder where he would be off to if he wasn't at the end of a lead! Generally he does come when called and will wait if asked, but with other distractions I am not so sure!
He sat and waited as I swapped leads as we came off the rugby field and had to be checked a couple of times to remind him that he still needs to walk to heel.
Back home he had a quick play before eating more than half of his breakfast and then asked to go in to the garden.
He wasn't ever so happy when I interrupted his play out there to hang out some washing but has come back inside to play with his yoghurt pots and to beat up teddy.
He has had a couple of short bursts of play but it has really been sleep, sleep and more sleep.
At 9.45 I thought this was madness so I woke him up, popped his lead on, grabbed my coat and put on my wellies. This seemed to motivate him and we got out the door. He walked nicely to the Nicky Line but does bark at everyone he see's even if he does keep walking! We headed towards the rugby field and I swapped leads so that he could have a run about. He has a new game, dancing right in front of me! He was also on the hunt for treasure and found a McDonalds coffee cup that was huge and pranced about with that for a while, he also wanted to go and chase crows and to go and play with a greyhound. I wonder where he would be off to if he wasn't at the end of a lead! Generally he does come when called and will wait if asked, but with other distractions I am not so sure!
He sat and waited as I swapped leads as we came off the rugby field and had to be checked a couple of times to remind him that he still needs to walk to heel.
Back home he had a quick play before eating more than half of his breakfast and then asked to go in to the garden.
He wasn't ever so happy when I interrupted his play out there to hang out some washing but has come back inside to play with his yoghurt pots and to beat up teddy.
Monday, 28 November 2011
Need to get him moving
Rodders has been very lazy today, not much playing and a lot of sleeping, so I put my wellies and coat on and we headed out for a walk.
As we got to the end of Pentland Sophie was just being dropped home from school and he started to bark at her. I made him sit and she came over to say hello and give Rodders a quick fuss, he didn't back away for once.
We made our way towards the Nicky Line and there were lots of people and traffic about as it was school chucking out time. He hasn't been very good around children so far but seemed better today and just carried on walking to heel, needing the odd check when he tried to pull.
As we got to the Nicky Line we met a lady with an Airedale and a Cavalier, the Airedale ignored us but the Cavvy said hello. We let them walk in front of us but the Cavvy kept coming back so we overtook and headed to the rugby field. To get out of their way we went on the rugby field at the first opportunity and I made Rodders sit so I could swap leads.
He loves the freedom of the extendable lead and will lag behind and then run past me. He will usually wait when told for me to catch him up if he is in front. This doesn't work too well if there are other dogs about though so we need to practice more but it does allow us the freedom to try without him being able to run off.
We did the whole field and Rodders was happy sniffing about and finding treasure to be dropped and left if he found something more exciting. Once he had something in his mouth he was prancing about and leaping off all fours like a spring lamb, very pleased with himself.
As we came off the field I made him sit so we could swap leads. He does seem to realise the difference and very quickly walks to heel again.
We walked back past Kev and Jane's and home with Rodders sitting and waiting at kerbs and doors.
As we got to the end of Pentland Sophie was just being dropped home from school and he started to bark at her. I made him sit and she came over to say hello and give Rodders a quick fuss, he didn't back away for once.
We made our way towards the Nicky Line and there were lots of people and traffic about as it was school chucking out time. He hasn't been very good around children so far but seemed better today and just carried on walking to heel, needing the odd check when he tried to pull.
As we got to the Nicky Line we met a lady with an Airedale and a Cavalier, the Airedale ignored us but the Cavvy said hello. We let them walk in front of us but the Cavvy kept coming back so we overtook and headed to the rugby field. To get out of their way we went on the rugby field at the first opportunity and I made Rodders sit so I could swap leads.
He loves the freedom of the extendable lead and will lag behind and then run past me. He will usually wait when told for me to catch him up if he is in front. This doesn't work too well if there are other dogs about though so we need to practice more but it does allow us the freedom to try without him being able to run off.
We did the whole field and Rodders was happy sniffing about and finding treasure to be dropped and left if he found something more exciting. Once he had something in his mouth he was prancing about and leaping off all fours like a spring lamb, very pleased with himself.
As we came off the field I made him sit so we could swap leads. He does seem to realise the difference and very quickly walks to heel again.
We walked back past Kev and Jane's and home with Rodders sitting and waiting at kerbs and doors.
Saturday, 26 November 2011
A windy walk
Rodders came in from one of his many trips to the garden full of energy, a game of tug and fetch with his ball was having no impact on this so I thought it was time for a walk.
I slipped his lead on, he doesn't get too excited about this anymore as we have been using it inside all week to stop him biting, but when I went for my coat he was literally doing summersaults. Luckily he let me put on my wellies without too many problems (he decided to put his nose in the shoes I was taking off for amusement) and it didn't take us too long to get out the door.
He walked (almost) to heel to the Nicky Line and then I let him have a little more freedom to sniff about. We walked up towards the rugby field but he kept sitting as leaves got caught in his legs and he didn't seem to like it much. I did stop and make him sit as a jogger came past and when he was pulling a bit too much we stopped and practiced sit and down. Once we got to the rugby field I swapped leads and he was happy to run about with much more freedom. He is still testing to see what he can and can't do on the extendable lead which is quite funny. He will sit and wait for me to walk away without being asked and then come running up and past me and then sit again until I overtake him, the game then starts again.
He soon got bored of that and was off sniffing about. He did bark as he saw people through the trees on the Nicky Line and he did want to go and play with a Jack Russell he spotted but he came back to me when called. We walked all the way around the rugby field and Rodders was very interested in a young lad sat by the trees on the far side. He went to investigate (roofers ran most of it) but when the lad got up he did he usual and ran back behind me.
As we came off the field Rodders sat and waited while I swapped leads and then we walked back home. Once indoors Rodders checked all his toys were where they should be and collapsed on snuggle fleece.
I am very glad I though to tie my hair up as it is very blowy out there, cold too. My ears are freezing! May have to resort to a hat before too much longer.
I slipped his lead on, he doesn't get too excited about this anymore as we have been using it inside all week to stop him biting, but when I went for my coat he was literally doing summersaults. Luckily he let me put on my wellies without too many problems (he decided to put his nose in the shoes I was taking off for amusement) and it didn't take us too long to get out the door.
He walked (almost) to heel to the Nicky Line and then I let him have a little more freedom to sniff about. We walked up towards the rugby field but he kept sitting as leaves got caught in his legs and he didn't seem to like it much. I did stop and make him sit as a jogger came past and when he was pulling a bit too much we stopped and practiced sit and down. Once we got to the rugby field I swapped leads and he was happy to run about with much more freedom. He is still testing to see what he can and can't do on the extendable lead which is quite funny. He will sit and wait for me to walk away without being asked and then come running up and past me and then sit again until I overtake him, the game then starts again.
He soon got bored of that and was off sniffing about. He did bark as he saw people through the trees on the Nicky Line and he did want to go and play with a Jack Russell he spotted but he came back to me when called. We walked all the way around the rugby field and Rodders was very interested in a young lad sat by the trees on the far side. He went to investigate (roofers ran most of it) but when the lad got up he did he usual and ran back behind me.
As we came off the field Rodders sat and waited while I swapped leads and then we walked back home. Once indoors Rodders checked all his toys were where they should be and collapsed on snuggle fleece.
I am very glad I though to tie my hair up as it is very blowy out there, cold too. My ears are freezing! May have to resort to a hat before too much longer.
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Took a while
It really did take a while for Rodders to wake up this morning. Even when we went upstairs for me to get washed and dressed he wasn't interested in his Kong for ages and wanted to curl up on the bath mat. Eventually he ate the easy stiff, the kibble that had fallen out of the Kong. This is what was left from his supper last night and the first thing he has eaten, apart from treats, sine 6pm last night.
It did seem to perk him up and by the time we moved in to the bedroom to get dressed he was getting livelier. Getting dressed was interesting as he was trying to catch my clothes.
We came downstairs and he had a quick play in the conservatory before asking to go out in the garden for a poo. Once he was back in we got ready to go for a walk. As soon as my coat went on he started jumping up and getting excited but did contain himself so that I could get my wellies on without him knocking them over.
Once outside he spotted Adam and started to bark, he seemed quite keen to get to him but once we got close he hid behind me until he felt a bit braver and came out for a sniff. He so wants to greet people and he is getting braver, but there is a little bit of him that wants to hide still. No doubt he will get there.
We were joined by another neighbour, who got barked at as well, and she and I walked with Rodders to the mini roundabout before parting company. Rodders did bark at another lady as she passed us, she thought it was funny, I thought it deserved a check.
We got to the Nicky Line and turned right towards the rugby field. Rodders walked to heel a lot of the time, stopping to sniff but coming when called, even when he could hear lorries and air brakes. This is huge progress!
We walked the length of the rugby field and just as we were about to move on to the field itself OH called so I stood still while I talked to him and let Rodders have a sniff about. When I hung up we walked to the field and swapped leads.
I spoke to Nicci at Puppy Party last night and explained that I wasn't happy to let him off lead yet. A) Because I am not sure of his recall and B) If he didn't come back he isn't micro chipped yet. But he is desperate for some freedom and wants to run about. We talked about using the extendable lead and she talked about the pro's and cons and suggested that he is walked to a park or field on a normal lead and we then swap to let him have some freedom. We can also practice recall that way.
So today was his first time on the rugby field with his extendable lead and he loved it. To start with he didn't realise that he could get further away from me than normal and it was a bit of a shock when he realised I wasn't beside him. For a little while he would just stop behind me and wait to see how far I would go. I would then call him and he came running for a fuss and he would then try it again. Sometimes he wouldn't come straight away to see what I would do, he didn't take his eyes off me.
Once he got the hang of it he was happy to run about sniffing things and then running to catch up and get past me. As we came down the third side of the field he spotted a man on a bike on the path and started to run towards him barking. I locked the lead and called him, as he turned and came back towards me I let the lead recoil and we carried on down the field and did the fourth side before swapping back to his normal lead and heading for home.
He had a quick play while I grabbed something to eat but has now curled up on snuggle fleece at my feet.
It did seem to perk him up and by the time we moved in to the bedroom to get dressed he was getting livelier. Getting dressed was interesting as he was trying to catch my clothes.
We came downstairs and he had a quick play in the conservatory before asking to go out in the garden for a poo. Once he was back in we got ready to go for a walk. As soon as my coat went on he started jumping up and getting excited but did contain himself so that I could get my wellies on without him knocking them over.
Once outside he spotted Adam and started to bark, he seemed quite keen to get to him but once we got close he hid behind me until he felt a bit braver and came out for a sniff. He so wants to greet people and he is getting braver, but there is a little bit of him that wants to hide still. No doubt he will get there.
We were joined by another neighbour, who got barked at as well, and she and I walked with Rodders to the mini roundabout before parting company. Rodders did bark at another lady as she passed us, she thought it was funny, I thought it deserved a check.
We got to the Nicky Line and turned right towards the rugby field. Rodders walked to heel a lot of the time, stopping to sniff but coming when called, even when he could hear lorries and air brakes. This is huge progress!
We walked the length of the rugby field and just as we were about to move on to the field itself OH called so I stood still while I talked to him and let Rodders have a sniff about. When I hung up we walked to the field and swapped leads.
I spoke to Nicci at Puppy Party last night and explained that I wasn't happy to let him off lead yet. A) Because I am not sure of his recall and B) If he didn't come back he isn't micro chipped yet. But he is desperate for some freedom and wants to run about. We talked about using the extendable lead and she talked about the pro's and cons and suggested that he is walked to a park or field on a normal lead and we then swap to let him have some freedom. We can also practice recall that way.
So today was his first time on the rugby field with his extendable lead and he loved it. To start with he didn't realise that he could get further away from me than normal and it was a bit of a shock when he realised I wasn't beside him. For a little while he would just stop behind me and wait to see how far I would go. I would then call him and he came running for a fuss and he would then try it again. Sometimes he wouldn't come straight away to see what I would do, he didn't take his eyes off me.
Once he got the hang of it he was happy to run about sniffing things and then running to catch up and get past me. As we came down the third side of the field he spotted a man on a bike on the path and started to run towards him barking. I locked the lead and called him, as he turned and came back towards me I let the lead recoil and we carried on down the field and did the fourth side before swapping back to his normal lead and heading for home.
He had a quick play while I grabbed something to eat but has now curled up on snuggle fleece at my feet.
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Quite a walk
Rodders did his usual somersaults when I put my coat on and it was tricky getting my wellies on when he was jumping up and knocking them over but we were ready for our walk after about 5 minutes.
It took 3 attempts to get him to sit and wait at the door but we got there and could get on our way. We headed to the Nicky Line and then headed right to run parallel with the Rugby field. We walked right to the top and then on to the field itself. Rodders was very happy and so we walked two sides of it before coming back via the road. He sat down twice and lay down once on the Nicky Line but walked all the time in the field.
I have been trying to get him to walk to heel on the roads but giving him a little more freedom on paths and fields. Coming back today he was getting spooked by the traffic and I had to keep stopping him and making him sit as he was almost strangling himself trying to run ahead. He did eventually get the hang of it and I only needed to do gentle checks. He did sit and wait as we crossed the roads so we are getting somewhere.
Once home we had the same problem getting him to sit and wait at the door, 3 attempts. He then came in and ran around like a nutter for 5 minutes, behind chairs over carpets and back. He then collapsed at my feet on snuggle blanket and has been there for almost two hours.
I am not too bothered as I think Skevi will be in soon and I need him rested for Puppy Party tonight at the vets.
It took 3 attempts to get him to sit and wait at the door but we got there and could get on our way. We headed to the Nicky Line and then headed right to run parallel with the Rugby field. We walked right to the top and then on to the field itself. Rodders was very happy and so we walked two sides of it before coming back via the road. He sat down twice and lay down once on the Nicky Line but walked all the time in the field.
I have been trying to get him to walk to heel on the roads but giving him a little more freedom on paths and fields. Coming back today he was getting spooked by the traffic and I had to keep stopping him and making him sit as he was almost strangling himself trying to run ahead. He did eventually get the hang of it and I only needed to do gentle checks. He did sit and wait as we crossed the roads so we are getting somewhere.
Once home we had the same problem getting him to sit and wait at the door, 3 attempts. He then came in and ran around like a nutter for 5 minutes, behind chairs over carpets and back. He then collapsed at my feet on snuggle blanket and has been there for almost two hours.
I am not too bothered as I think Skevi will be in soon and I need him rested for Puppy Party tonight at the vets.
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Chewing, biting, walking
Once Rodders came in from the garden he was being a little horror, chewing the rolled up carpet and then trying to bite me when I said a firm no. I put the lead on him to make it easier to check him and he carried on trying to bite my arms or legs. So he kept getting checked.
This doesn't seem to bother him much and he rolled over on to his back to chew the lead!
I decided it was time for a walk to try and calm him down. He was very excited when I put on my coat and wellies and it was difficult to get him to sit and wait at the door but we managed it. We followed yesterdays route to the Nicky Line and back under the bridge. He walked better to heel getting there and I managed to keep him walking past another dog without him barking or wanting to stop and play but once we had got part way down the Nicky Line he was being a little odd and kept giving the odd whimper. He has not done this before and I stopped to check he was OK and had nothing obvious stuck to him.
We didn't seem to be making much progress forward so I turned around and started to head back the way we had come but went under the bridge and followed the path to the Rugby Field. He stopped whimpering and was walking quite nicely. Once we got to the field he wanted to run and I wished that I had the extendable lead with me. It seems a bit mean that he can't have much freedom yet.
We walked towards the main road but turned left before it and headed home past Kev & Jane's. Today as we reached roads we needed to cross I made Rodders stop, sit and wait each time and this was really successful. He was also walking to heel a lot of the time but had his nose down a lot too.
When we got home I made him sit and wait before he came in the door.
Once inside he went for a quick play before having a mad 5 minutes where he was running the full length of the house, round chairs and over the rolled up carpets. He then asked to go out for another run about the garden. By the time he came back in he was exhausted and flopped on to a snuggle fleece.
This doesn't seem to bother him much and he rolled over on to his back to chew the lead!
I decided it was time for a walk to try and calm him down. He was very excited when I put on my coat and wellies and it was difficult to get him to sit and wait at the door but we managed it. We followed yesterdays route to the Nicky Line and back under the bridge. He walked better to heel getting there and I managed to keep him walking past another dog without him barking or wanting to stop and play but once we had got part way down the Nicky Line he was being a little odd and kept giving the odd whimper. He has not done this before and I stopped to check he was OK and had nothing obvious stuck to him.
We didn't seem to be making much progress forward so I turned around and started to head back the way we had come but went under the bridge and followed the path to the Rugby Field. He stopped whimpering and was walking quite nicely. Once we got to the field he wanted to run and I wished that I had the extendable lead with me. It seems a bit mean that he can't have much freedom yet.
We walked towards the main road but turned left before it and headed home past Kev & Jane's. Today as we reached roads we needed to cross I made Rodders stop, sit and wait each time and this was really successful. He was also walking to heel a lot of the time but had his nose down a lot too.
When we got home I made him sit and wait before he came in the door.
Once inside he went for a quick play before having a mad 5 minutes where he was running the full length of the house, round chairs and over the rolled up carpets. He then asked to go out for another run about the garden. By the time he came back in he was exhausted and flopped on to a snuggle fleece.
Monday, 21 November 2011
A walk down the Nicky Line
Rodders was happy playing in the garden but he hadn't been out on his lead today so I got my wellies and coat on before calling him in.
As soon as he spotted what I was wearing he was bouncing around with excitement but I managed to get him to sit long enough to have his lead put on.
We walked out the house to the right and towards the mini roundabout before going left to the bridge and down the steps top the Nicky Line. We turned left and came back under the bridge. Rodders is walking so much better and most of the time is happy trotting along beside me. He will stop and sniff at things but usually moves on when asked.
We met a lady coming towards us with three dogs and we stopped for a chat. Rodders is the first Mini Schnauzer puppy she has seen and she thought he was gorgeous. She was also pleased to see that I didn't even try to pick him up when her dogs came towards him. I told her that I thought he needed to get used to them and as long as he doesn't seem upset by them I would never pick him up. She gave him a fuss before we turned around and headed back the way we had come.
Rodders started to pull a bit so I made him sit a couple of times and when that didn't work I started to use the choke chain to check him. By the time we got back to Pentland he was walking nicely again.
Doing this route means that he is exposed to traffic a little each way and I hope that this will help to settle him down a bit and get him used to it.
As soon as he spotted what I was wearing he was bouncing around with excitement but I managed to get him to sit long enough to have his lead put on.
We walked out the house to the right and towards the mini roundabout before going left to the bridge and down the steps top the Nicky Line. We turned left and came back under the bridge. Rodders is walking so much better and most of the time is happy trotting along beside me. He will stop and sniff at things but usually moves on when asked.
We met a lady coming towards us with three dogs and we stopped for a chat. Rodders is the first Mini Schnauzer puppy she has seen and she thought he was gorgeous. She was also pleased to see that I didn't even try to pick him up when her dogs came towards him. I told her that I thought he needed to get used to them and as long as he doesn't seem upset by them I would never pick him up. She gave him a fuss before we turned around and headed back the way we had come.
Rodders started to pull a bit so I made him sit a couple of times and when that didn't work I started to use the choke chain to check him. By the time we got back to Pentland he was walking nicely again.
Doing this route means that he is exposed to traffic a little each way and I hope that this will help to settle him down a bit and get him used to it.
Sunday, 20 November 2011
Off to the Park
Rodders was out playing in the garden so I managed to get my coat and wellies on without too much fuss but he nearly did summersaults once he spotted me so getting him to sit to have his lead on took a while, so did sit and wait at the front door.
Once outside John from over the green asked if he could meet Rodders and I explained that he is a bit nervous of people. Luckily John is used to dogs and so he waited for Rodders to approach him which he did quite quickly and then backed off.
I popped Rodders in his car crate with a treat and then drove down to the Old Town and found a spot to park along Gadebridge Park wall which meant parallel parking. It would seem Rodders doesn't like the noise the parking sensors make as he barked a bit!
I put his lead on and got him out the car. We walked through the gate and across the grass to the main path and turned left towards the town. Rodders walked quite nicely but he doesn't seem too keen on pushchairs or bikes. We met a lady with an elderly mini schnauzer (that can't see too well) and a sausage dog/jack russell cross. We let the dogs sniff each other and she gave Rodders a fuss.
We walked to the end of the park and turned left and left to come back down the Old Town High Street. I was being nosy as it is closed to traffic today for some filming. Must be something from around the time of the Queens Coronation by the decorations and bunting. They have also changed some of the shop windows to that period and there were a few old cars about. I think it must have been lunch break though as there wasn't much going on. Good job really as Rodders pooped half way down!
We then walked down the side of the dentist, across the car park and back in to the park and turned right back towards the car.
There were some children playing with a football and Rodders wanted to go and join in, it was a bit of a job to get him past them but we got there. We walked to the far gate and then along the road back to the car.
Once outside John from over the green asked if he could meet Rodders and I explained that he is a bit nervous of people. Luckily John is used to dogs and so he waited for Rodders to approach him which he did quite quickly and then backed off.
I popped Rodders in his car crate with a treat and then drove down to the Old Town and found a spot to park along Gadebridge Park wall which meant parallel parking. It would seem Rodders doesn't like the noise the parking sensors make as he barked a bit!
I put his lead on and got him out the car. We walked through the gate and across the grass to the main path and turned left towards the town. Rodders walked quite nicely but he doesn't seem too keen on pushchairs or bikes. We met a lady with an elderly mini schnauzer (that can't see too well) and a sausage dog/jack russell cross. We let the dogs sniff each other and she gave Rodders a fuss.
We walked to the end of the park and turned left and left to come back down the Old Town High Street. I was being nosy as it is closed to traffic today for some filming. Must be something from around the time of the Queens Coronation by the decorations and bunting. They have also changed some of the shop windows to that period and there were a few old cars about. I think it must have been lunch break though as there wasn't much going on. Good job really as Rodders pooped half way down!
We then walked down the side of the dentist, across the car park and back in to the park and turned right back towards the car.
There were some children playing with a football and Rodders wanted to go and join in, it was a bit of a job to get him past them but we got there. We walked to the far gate and then along the road back to the car.
Saturday, 19 November 2011
Best walk so far
Rodders was really good on this mornings walk!
He got excited as I put on my coat and was leaping about by the time I had my wellies on. I have started to make him sit and wait at the front door like we do in training and he did it at the second attempt (first attempt on the way back in).
He messed around a little on Pentland but was fine by the time we were heading to the rugby field. We walked a little way down the field and then turned on to the Nicky Line and walked parallel to the field. He was a bit interested in the squirrels but carried on walking when asked. We got to the end of the field and turned around at the gate but Rodders had spotted a Jack Russell and wanted to wait for it to catch up and say hello. He was fine with it and happy to let it sniff him and have a sniff himself but a little spooked when it barked at him. They played for a little while and then we got over taken by a load of bikes, he was happy to sit and watch them. We then said goodbye to the Jack Russell and headed back on to the field.
There were two Rottweilers coming towards us and they ignored him completely, he was happy to look and then carry on. He wanted to run a bit so we did. Then as we walked along the side of the rugby pitch where there was lots of interesting rubbish thrown about he was happy to leave when asked.
Once at the other side of the field we crossed on to the path and started heading towards home. He was fine in the trees but he starts to walk much quicker once we are on the road and is still spooked a little by cars but was a bit better with the bus, maybe because it didn't actually come past us. He wasn't too happy about walking past people at the bus stop but did it.
We then turned left in to the estate and headed for home. We had been out for about 30 minutes and we had managed to walk further than normal. He only really sat down once refusing to move and a quick pull (or is that a check?) got that sorted.
Since we got back he has been chasing his toys around the conservatory and he has just asked to go in the garden. Might go and grab myself some lunch, once he is a little dopey this afternoon I may go out shopping for an hour or so.
He got excited as I put on my coat and was leaping about by the time I had my wellies on. I have started to make him sit and wait at the front door like we do in training and he did it at the second attempt (first attempt on the way back in).
He messed around a little on Pentland but was fine by the time we were heading to the rugby field. We walked a little way down the field and then turned on to the Nicky Line and walked parallel to the field. He was a bit interested in the squirrels but carried on walking when asked. We got to the end of the field and turned around at the gate but Rodders had spotted a Jack Russell and wanted to wait for it to catch up and say hello. He was fine with it and happy to let it sniff him and have a sniff himself but a little spooked when it barked at him. They played for a little while and then we got over taken by a load of bikes, he was happy to sit and watch them. We then said goodbye to the Jack Russell and headed back on to the field.
There were two Rottweilers coming towards us and they ignored him completely, he was happy to look and then carry on. He wanted to run a bit so we did. Then as we walked along the side of the rugby pitch where there was lots of interesting rubbish thrown about he was happy to leave when asked.
Once at the other side of the field we crossed on to the path and started heading towards home. He was fine in the trees but he starts to walk much quicker once we are on the road and is still spooked a little by cars but was a bit better with the bus, maybe because it didn't actually come past us. He wasn't too happy about walking past people at the bus stop but did it.
We then turned left in to the estate and headed for home. We had been out for about 30 minutes and we had managed to walk further than normal. He only really sat down once refusing to move and a quick pull (or is that a check?) got that sorted.
Since we got back he has been chasing his toys around the conservatory and he has just asked to go in the garden. Might go and grab myself some lunch, once he is a little dopey this afternoon I may go out shopping for an hour or so.
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
More walk, sit, walk
We were late going for our first walk today as Rodders has slept for a lot of the morning and wasn't too lively first thing.
As soon as he saw his choke chain he was leaping around with excitement but it still took me 5 minutes to get it on, then 5 minutes to get my wellies and coat on while stopping him escaping up the stairs and a further 5 minutes to get him to sit long enough to have his lead on. So there you have it, 15 minutes to get out the house!
Rodders walked quite nicely around Pentland and almost to the Rugby field before sitting down. I got him going again but once we were on the field he was a nightmare and at one point lay down refusing to move. I took him through the trees on to the Nicky Line and the only time he sat down was when someone walked past us. He trotted along quite nicely until he got a leaf stuck to his leg and then he whinged until it fell off. He was quite happy to see another dog but wasn't very impressed when it ignored him.
We walked under the bridge for a little way and then came back and up the steps by the church. He sat each time a car came past and nearly lunged at a bus. He was happy to get off the main road and back in to the estate. By the time we were approaching home he was walking very nicely.
Once in the door he tried to escape upstairs but I wouldn't let him until his lead and choke chain was off. I managed to change out of my wellies before I went and got him back. He came down all by himself but needed a lot of encouragement again.
As soon as he saw his choke chain he was leaping around with excitement but it still took me 5 minutes to get it on, then 5 minutes to get my wellies and coat on while stopping him escaping up the stairs and a further 5 minutes to get him to sit long enough to have his lead on. So there you have it, 15 minutes to get out the house!
Rodders walked quite nicely around Pentland and almost to the Rugby field before sitting down. I got him going again but once we were on the field he was a nightmare and at one point lay down refusing to move. I took him through the trees on to the Nicky Line and the only time he sat down was when someone walked past us. He trotted along quite nicely until he got a leaf stuck to his leg and then he whinged until it fell off. He was quite happy to see another dog but wasn't very impressed when it ignored him.
We walked under the bridge for a little way and then came back and up the steps by the church. He sat each time a car came past and nearly lunged at a bus. He was happy to get off the main road and back in to the estate. By the time we were approaching home he was walking very nicely.
Once in the door he tried to escape upstairs but I wouldn't let him until his lead and choke chain was off. I managed to change out of my wellies before I went and got him back. He came down all by himself but needed a lot of encouragement again.
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
It was going so well
Rodders had been in the garden for ages, he has learnt to dig by the way, so I went out to check what he was up to - chasing leaves on the back patio up near the fence. He spotted me and followed me back inside.
He had a quick fuss and then disappeared between the dining table and the dresser so I went to check what he was doing - having a piddle :-( I grabbed him, saying a firm No, and threw him outside again. He wasn't happy and barked all the time I was cleaning up.
Once I let him back in he got a bit manic, chewing things he shouldn't so there was a lot of firm No's. After about half an hour of this he seemed to be full of energy so I decided it would be better to take him out for a walk.
It took us 15 minutes to get his choke chain and lead on plus my coat and wellies, good job we don't need to get anywhere is a hurry!
Once outside there was a lot of sit, walk, sit before we got out of Pentland and then I found out why. Rodders pooped outside No2 and while I was clearing that up he did it again! I cleared that up and then we were on our way.
We walked to the rugby field and once on there Rodders was running about, luckily my fast walking pace just about keeps up with him. Then all of a sudden he would sit and refuse to move for a few minutes, just looking about and taking his surrounding in. And then we were off again. We probably did about half the field and then came back via the road. He really doesn't seem to like busses and air brakes but he was alright with the traffic other than that.
When we got back I managed to get his collar and lead off before he ran upstairs. I then made him come down by himself and then he ran straight upstairs again, then got half way down and then back up and refused to come down on his own.
He then went off to play in the conservatory with his toys before we played fetch from the conservatory to the lounge with his ball which kept him occupied for a while.
If he has been naughty today I have said a firm no, got his attention and made him sit before giving him praise for the good behaviour, not sure how this is working but he is sitting nicely!
Then he started to get tired and bitey and no amount of no was stopping him. I took myself off in to the kitchen behind the baby gate and he stood and barked, I ignored him and he got bored and went off to play. I came out of the kitchen and he started again so I put him in the kitchen. He just stood there and barked in temper. When he calmed down I went back in and he started to bite me so I came away again. More barking in temper. The next time I went in he sat nicely and gave me a lick so I let him out the kitchen.
We carried on like this for a while interspersed with playing nicely or up to mischief. This is the same everyday from about 4.30 to 6.30, he just gets the devil in him as he gets tired and refuses to give in. He does eventually collapse in a heap!
He did sit nicely on snuggle fleece while I ate a bowl of soup and he did eat his supper so it is not all bad!
I am sure OH thinks I am nothing but a whinge bag as he usually talks to me in the evenings when Rodders is at his worst, tonight I had to hang up on him to go and sort Rodders out.
He had a quick fuss and then disappeared between the dining table and the dresser so I went to check what he was doing - having a piddle :-( I grabbed him, saying a firm No, and threw him outside again. He wasn't happy and barked all the time I was cleaning up.
Once I let him back in he got a bit manic, chewing things he shouldn't so there was a lot of firm No's. After about half an hour of this he seemed to be full of energy so I decided it would be better to take him out for a walk.
It took us 15 minutes to get his choke chain and lead on plus my coat and wellies, good job we don't need to get anywhere is a hurry!
Once outside there was a lot of sit, walk, sit before we got out of Pentland and then I found out why. Rodders pooped outside No2 and while I was clearing that up he did it again! I cleared that up and then we were on our way.
We walked to the rugby field and once on there Rodders was running about, luckily my fast walking pace just about keeps up with him. Then all of a sudden he would sit and refuse to move for a few minutes, just looking about and taking his surrounding in. And then we were off again. We probably did about half the field and then came back via the road. He really doesn't seem to like busses and air brakes but he was alright with the traffic other than that.
When we got back I managed to get his collar and lead off before he ran upstairs. I then made him come down by himself and then he ran straight upstairs again, then got half way down and then back up and refused to come down on his own.
He then went off to play in the conservatory with his toys before we played fetch from the conservatory to the lounge with his ball which kept him occupied for a while.
If he has been naughty today I have said a firm no, got his attention and made him sit before giving him praise for the good behaviour, not sure how this is working but he is sitting nicely!
Then he started to get tired and bitey and no amount of no was stopping him. I took myself off in to the kitchen behind the baby gate and he stood and barked, I ignored him and he got bored and went off to play. I came out of the kitchen and he started again so I put him in the kitchen. He just stood there and barked in temper. When he calmed down I went back in and he started to bite me so I came away again. More barking in temper. The next time I went in he sat nicely and gave me a lick so I let him out the kitchen.
We carried on like this for a while interspersed with playing nicely or up to mischief. This is the same everyday from about 4.30 to 6.30, he just gets the devil in him as he gets tired and refuses to give in. He does eventually collapse in a heap!
He did sit nicely on snuggle fleece while I ate a bowl of soup and he did eat his supper so it is not all bad!
I am sure OH thinks I am nothing but a whinge bag as he usually talks to me in the evenings when Rodders is at his worst, tonight I had to hang up on him to go and sort Rodders out.
Monday, 14 November 2011
Tired boy
Rodders has a limited attention span this morning.
While he was snoozing I rang to book him in to the puppy party at the vets which takes place over four weeks from the 23rd. This will be great as it is limited to 6 puppies and he will get to play off lead.
He has been trembling quite a lot this morning in his sleep, not sure what that is all about.
He woke up from his nap and went to play with the yoghurt pot for about half an hour, chasing it around the conservatory and barking for help when it got stuck under a chair. He seems to love the noise it makes as he bounces it around the floor and he is getting quite good at ripping it to shreds, I worry that it will cut his mouth so take it off him when I think it has gone far enough.
We then went upstairs to get washed and dressed and Rodders doesn't seem to want to eat his breakfast this morning. He had a little when OH was down with him earlier and I put some in his Kong but he wasn't really bothered by it today and went to play with his squeaky toy instead.
When we came down I let him in the garden and he was playing happily while I got my wellies on. Then I saw him run back in and go straight to the rolled up carpet making a strange noise so I went to investigate. He had brought in a stone from the end of the patio and he wasn't very happy when I took it off him and put it back even though I explained that stones stay there.
I put my coat on and he started leaping around and it took me a while to get him to sit so I could put on his choke chain, then we had another battle to get his lead on but we eventually got out for a walk. He did so much better today so maybe being out with Finnan on Saturday has done some good. He did mess about a bit when he saw another dog but I managed to get him to sit and then concentrate on me before moving forward again. He did keep looking back but kept going in the right direction mostly. We made our way to the rugby field and then on to the Nicky Line heading towards the Bridge and Church. We came up the steps at the church and turned right towards the mini roundabout but he was getting a bit spooked by the traffic so we need to do more walking along the road but in short bursts. We turned right and walked back along through the estate and I tried to get him past Pentland but he wasn't having it. So I walked him back past home and then turned left and did a loop past Kev and Jane's before coming home.
Once I got him to sit and took his lead off he bolted up the stairs while I was taking my wellies off. He then stood there barking so I went nearly to the top and said you got yourself up here so you need to come back down yourself. With lots of encouragement he eventually came down a step at a time and got loads of fuss at the bottom.
Once back in he was happy to play for a little while with his toys and managed a sneaky chew at the carpet as I caught him with a bit of wool in his mouth. I sat on the floor with him giving him a fuss and he climbed up on to my knee.
Tiredy boy needs another nap!
While he was snoozing I rang to book him in to the puppy party at the vets which takes place over four weeks from the 23rd. This will be great as it is limited to 6 puppies and he will get to play off lead.
He has been trembling quite a lot this morning in his sleep, not sure what that is all about.
He woke up from his nap and went to play with the yoghurt pot for about half an hour, chasing it around the conservatory and barking for help when it got stuck under a chair. He seems to love the noise it makes as he bounces it around the floor and he is getting quite good at ripping it to shreds, I worry that it will cut his mouth so take it off him when I think it has gone far enough.
We then went upstairs to get washed and dressed and Rodders doesn't seem to want to eat his breakfast this morning. He had a little when OH was down with him earlier and I put some in his Kong but he wasn't really bothered by it today and went to play with his squeaky toy instead.
When we came down I let him in the garden and he was playing happily while I got my wellies on. Then I saw him run back in and go straight to the rolled up carpet making a strange noise so I went to investigate. He had brought in a stone from the end of the patio and he wasn't very happy when I took it off him and put it back even though I explained that stones stay there.
I put my coat on and he started leaping around and it took me a while to get him to sit so I could put on his choke chain, then we had another battle to get his lead on but we eventually got out for a walk. He did so much better today so maybe being out with Finnan on Saturday has done some good. He did mess about a bit when he saw another dog but I managed to get him to sit and then concentrate on me before moving forward again. He did keep looking back but kept going in the right direction mostly. We made our way to the rugby field and then on to the Nicky Line heading towards the Bridge and Church. We came up the steps at the church and turned right towards the mini roundabout but he was getting a bit spooked by the traffic so we need to do more walking along the road but in short bursts. We turned right and walked back along through the estate and I tried to get him past Pentland but he wasn't having it. So I walked him back past home and then turned left and did a loop past Kev and Jane's before coming home.
Once I got him to sit and took his lead off he bolted up the stairs while I was taking my wellies off. He then stood there barking so I went nearly to the top and said you got yourself up here so you need to come back down yourself. With lots of encouragement he eventually came down a step at a time and got loads of fuss at the bottom.
Once back in he was happy to play for a little while with his toys and managed a sneaky chew at the carpet as I caught him with a bit of wool in his mouth. I sat on the floor with him giving him a fuss and he climbed up on to my knee.
Tiredy boy needs another nap!
Friday, 11 November 2011
Rodders and Lily
It took us a while to get going this morning as Rodders needed a nap around the time OH rang for a chat. Up to that point Rodders had been in and out the garden, playing in the conservatory, helping me to put the bin out the front, barking at Bob next door because he wasn't talking to him and the usual morning mayhem of beating up his toys.
As usual, I took a Kong filled with kibble upstairs to give me enough time to get washed and dressed. This works a treat and keeps Rodders quiet!
Once dressed we came downstairs and Rodders wanted in to the garden. He wasn't out there long as he heard me getting ready to go out. It is damp and miserable out there so I added a body warmer under my coat. Think I am going to need some proper wellie socks before too much longer too.
Rodders was doing summersaults as I put my coat on and even more excited by the time I got to my wellies. It took ages to get him to sit to have his lead put on and then all he wanted to do was sit and chew it!
We eventually got out of the door and headed out left to follow yesterdays route to the rugby field. Rodders spotted the chap from two doors down coming up behind us and so started messing about, I don't know why as they never talk to us & sure enough he carried straight on past without even looking at us let alone speaking.
We got to the end of Pentland and nearly to Kev & Jane's before Rodders started sitting down and refusing to walk, I just kept lifting his bum up and carrying on. We eventually got to the field and bumped straight in to a man with a dog. He knew instantly what Rodders was as his dog Lily is a Schnoodle (Schnauzer/Poodle Cross) and she is 14 months old - he reckons that is also how many brain cells she has, poor Lily! Anyway, Rodders seems to have learnt his lesson from the other day and, after they both had a quick sniff, he was ready to play. We stood chatting for about 10 minutes with these two chasing each other around our legs. Rodders got batted away a couple of times but came back for more and stood his ground when required. It really was lovely to see Rodders playing with another dog!
He was sorry to see Lily go but did walk away with a few backwards glances to check if he could still see her. After a little while he decided he didn't want to walk and by this time he was too wet for me to pick him up so I got him interested in his training toy and we played for a little while and then tried the leave it command. This worked for a little while and each time he dropped it I threw it a little way in front of us for him to chase. Eventually he got bored and wanted to walk again so we carried on towards home with him carrying the toy the whole way!
As usual, I took a Kong filled with kibble upstairs to give me enough time to get washed and dressed. This works a treat and keeps Rodders quiet!
Once dressed we came downstairs and Rodders wanted in to the garden. He wasn't out there long as he heard me getting ready to go out. It is damp and miserable out there so I added a body warmer under my coat. Think I am going to need some proper wellie socks before too much longer too.
Rodders was doing summersaults as I put my coat on and even more excited by the time I got to my wellies. It took ages to get him to sit to have his lead put on and then all he wanted to do was sit and chew it!
We eventually got out of the door and headed out left to follow yesterdays route to the rugby field. Rodders spotted the chap from two doors down coming up behind us and so started messing about, I don't know why as they never talk to us & sure enough he carried straight on past without even looking at us let alone speaking.
We got to the end of Pentland and nearly to Kev & Jane's before Rodders started sitting down and refusing to walk, I just kept lifting his bum up and carrying on. We eventually got to the field and bumped straight in to a man with a dog. He knew instantly what Rodders was as his dog Lily is a Schnoodle (Schnauzer/Poodle Cross) and she is 14 months old - he reckons that is also how many brain cells she has, poor Lily! Anyway, Rodders seems to have learnt his lesson from the other day and, after they both had a quick sniff, he was ready to play. We stood chatting for about 10 minutes with these two chasing each other around our legs. Rodders got batted away a couple of times but came back for more and stood his ground when required. It really was lovely to see Rodders playing with another dog!
He was sorry to see Lily go but did walk away with a few backwards glances to check if he could still see her. After a little while he decided he didn't want to walk and by this time he was too wet for me to pick him up so I got him interested in his training toy and we played for a little while and then tried the leave it command. This worked for a little while and each time he dropped it I threw it a little way in front of us for him to chase. Eventually he got bored and wanted to walk again so we carried on towards home with him carrying the toy the whole way!
Thursday, 10 November 2011
Playing
Once I got back this morning Rodders slept for almost two hours and then woke up as a bundle of energy.
We went straight in to the garden so he could have a piddle - eventually - first of all he had to bark at Bob and Pat and then go and say hello over the garden fence and get a fuss. He has been on the go ever since. Running in and out of the garden, chasing his toys, playing fetch with his ball, tug with the monkey and he has even worked out that when the washing machine is on the water comes down the drain if he stands and waits long enough.
We have had the brushes out and given him a good groom so he looked nice and pretty for about five minutes.
At about 3.45 he decided it was time for a walk and went and stood at the lounge door and barked. Once I put my coat on he was nearly beside himself and when I went in to the hall to out on my wellies he ran up the stairs and stood at the top barking. I brought him back down, got my wellies on and then it took ages to get him to sit before I could put his lead on.
We eventually got out of the house and turned right. As we got to the top of Pentland we met Lillian and Chris, back from a shopping trip, and they stopped to talk to him (& me in the end!).
We walked to the Rugby Field and then on to the Nicky Line. He was walking much better, although rather than sitting down he did lie down one time! Once on the Nicky Line a Golden Retriever was following us and Rodders kept messing about until it caught us up so he could say hello. He was then nearly running to catch it up again. Until I man on a bike came towards us with a Shitzu.....
Rodders stood there, back legs splayed and let the dog approach him! They played for a little while and, even though I thought they were getting a bit rough, he didn't try to hide behind my legs at all. This sounds like progress to me!
Once they carried on we walked as far as the goal posts and then cut back in to the field and walked back towards home. Rodders spotted a King Charles playing ball and was fascinated and kept stopping to watch. He still seemed happy to walk so we turned right towards the road.
We haven't done much walking along the main road so I thought we should give it a try. He was very good and the only time he stopped to have a look was when a bus came past us.
We turned left, then right, back towards home and as we got to Pentland he almost ran the rest of the way home.
We went straight in to the garden so he could have a piddle - eventually - first of all he had to bark at Bob and Pat and then go and say hello over the garden fence and get a fuss. He has been on the go ever since. Running in and out of the garden, chasing his toys, playing fetch with his ball, tug with the monkey and he has even worked out that when the washing machine is on the water comes down the drain if he stands and waits long enough.
We have had the brushes out and given him a good groom so he looked nice and pretty for about five minutes.
At about 3.45 he decided it was time for a walk and went and stood at the lounge door and barked. Once I put my coat on he was nearly beside himself and when I went in to the hall to out on my wellies he ran up the stairs and stood at the top barking. I brought him back down, got my wellies on and then it took ages to get him to sit before I could put his lead on.
We eventually got out of the house and turned right. As we got to the top of Pentland we met Lillian and Chris, back from a shopping trip, and they stopped to talk to him (& me in the end!).
We walked to the Rugby Field and then on to the Nicky Line. He was walking much better, although rather than sitting down he did lie down one time! Once on the Nicky Line a Golden Retriever was following us and Rodders kept messing about until it caught us up so he could say hello. He was then nearly running to catch it up again. Until I man on a bike came towards us with a Shitzu.....
Rodders stood there, back legs splayed and let the dog approach him! They played for a little while and, even though I thought they were getting a bit rough, he didn't try to hide behind my legs at all. This sounds like progress to me!
Once they carried on we walked as far as the goal posts and then cut back in to the field and walked back towards home. Rodders spotted a King Charles playing ball and was fascinated and kept stopping to watch. He still seemed happy to walk so we turned right towards the road.
We haven't done much walking along the main road so I thought we should give it a try. He was very good and the only time he stopped to have a look was when a bus came past us.
We turned left, then right, back towards home and as we got to Pentland he almost ran the rest of the way home.
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.
Walk,sit,walk,run
OH rang on his way to work to see how our night had gone, hadn't he read the blog, we updated it early enough!
The Kong filled with Kibble trick worked again this morning so I was able to get washed and dressed in relative peace.
Once I was downstairs it was time for a walk, how would that go today? Rodders was excited as I put on my coat and wellies and started to climb the stairs. In fact he got so excited he was at the top before he knew it and then made the silly squeaky noises because he couldn't get down! I went and got him and he sat nicely to have his lead put on.
We went out the front door and turned left and Rodders walked around the green towards Kevin and Jane's. He stopped and sat to watch a lady coming out of her house, then moved a bit further and stopped again to sit and watch a couple walking past on the other side of the road, then moved a bit further and stopped to watch a lady with a baby in a pushchair. Sometimes it was difficult to get him moving again with encouragement so I then lifted his back end up so he was standing, he soon moved then.
We eventually got to the Rugby field and he was off and running, walking, stopping to sniff, running some more. Watching a big black rook and thinking what fun it would be to chase if only I could get further than my lead!
We went straight up, almost to the first set of goal posts, before turning right towards the trees and right again towards home. We had only been out for twenty minutes so I wanted to go down the Nicky Line towards the bridge and back that way but there were a few lorries about and the air brake noise seemed to be scaring him and he wasn't going that way. I didn't want to force him and get him scared so that he stopped walking so I headed towards home. He was OK and walked nicely towards home. We came the long way back around Pentland to make up the time to make the time up to almost thirty minutes.
The Kong filled with Kibble trick worked again this morning so I was able to get washed and dressed in relative peace.
Once I was downstairs it was time for a walk, how would that go today? Rodders was excited as I put on my coat and wellies and started to climb the stairs. In fact he got so excited he was at the top before he knew it and then made the silly squeaky noises because he couldn't get down! I went and got him and he sat nicely to have his lead put on.
We went out the front door and turned left and Rodders walked around the green towards Kevin and Jane's. He stopped and sat to watch a lady coming out of her house, then moved a bit further and stopped again to sit and watch a couple walking past on the other side of the road, then moved a bit further and stopped to watch a lady with a baby in a pushchair. Sometimes it was difficult to get him moving again with encouragement so I then lifted his back end up so he was standing, he soon moved then.
We eventually got to the Rugby field and he was off and running, walking, stopping to sniff, running some more. Watching a big black rook and thinking what fun it would be to chase if only I could get further than my lead!
We went straight up, almost to the first set of goal posts, before turning right towards the trees and right again towards home. We had only been out for twenty minutes so I wanted to go down the Nicky Line towards the bridge and back that way but there were a few lorries about and the air brake noise seemed to be scaring him and he wasn't going that way. I didn't want to force him and get him scared so that he stopped walking so I headed towards home. He was OK and walked nicely towards home. We came the long way back around Pentland to make up the time to make the time up to almost thirty minutes.
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Rodders on the go
Rodders has been on the go since he woke at 11.15.
We have been in the garden, we have played inside and out and he might not be missing his sleep from last night, but I am :-(
He has been haring around the garden like a lunatic and taking his toys in and out. He came back in with a twig at one pint and was happy to take it to the rolled up carpet to chew for a while.
He started to get naughty and was trying to chew the curtains and the duvet hanging on the radiator and was being given a very firm no each time. The little horror kept going back to them and I was trying very hard not to lose patience.
Time for a walk! He got excited when I put on my coat and wellies so I had high hopes that we would get on better than this morning. He sat nicely to have his lead put on and we were off. He walked as far as the green without too much trouble and was walking along sniffing. Rodders then spotted Sophie from No 1 coming home from school and just stood and looked at her, she called him but he wouldn't move so she came towards him. He disappeared behind my legs and took a little while to come forward, she waited patiently and he was OK with her eventually.
We left her at the top of her path and got around the corner. Rodders was happy sniffing until some children were walking across the road, he stopped and looked at them until they were well past us and it took his training toy to get him moving. We got to the next corner and there was a man coming out the house across the road in to a van so we had to stop and watch him too.
A lady that lives in the houses behind us spotted him and came to say hello and give Rodders a fuss. He was very nervous to start with but soon settled down. She reckons she will come out each day to speak to him until he gets used to people - it was her teenager we spoke to the other morning, may even have been our first morning walk.
We started walking again and eventually got to the next corner. We saw three lads running like hell down the road, not sure what that was about but I am sure they were up to no good. Rodders just stood and watched them.
A bit further on and Rodders picked up some treasure (an empty cigarette packet) and from then he almost ran home! Once inside he couldn't wait to get to the rolled up carpet. I let him play with it for a while and then took it away.
He went out in the garden and was barking at someone in the garages behind us so I made him come in.
We played fetch with the ball up and down the lounge and then I made a cuppa. Rodders asked to come up on the sofa and settled down to sleep on snuggle fleece. They have been transferred to the floor at my feet.
We have been in the garden, we have played inside and out and he might not be missing his sleep from last night, but I am :-(
He has been haring around the garden like a lunatic and taking his toys in and out. He came back in with a twig at one pint and was happy to take it to the rolled up carpet to chew for a while.
He started to get naughty and was trying to chew the curtains and the duvet hanging on the radiator and was being given a very firm no each time. The little horror kept going back to them and I was trying very hard not to lose patience.
Time for a walk! He got excited when I put on my coat and wellies so I had high hopes that we would get on better than this morning. He sat nicely to have his lead put on and we were off. He walked as far as the green without too much trouble and was walking along sniffing. Rodders then spotted Sophie from No 1 coming home from school and just stood and looked at her, she called him but he wouldn't move so she came towards him. He disappeared behind my legs and took a little while to come forward, she waited patiently and he was OK with her eventually.
We left her at the top of her path and got around the corner. Rodders was happy sniffing until some children were walking across the road, he stopped and looked at them until they were well past us and it took his training toy to get him moving. We got to the next corner and there was a man coming out the house across the road in to a van so we had to stop and watch him too.
A lady that lives in the houses behind us spotted him and came to say hello and give Rodders a fuss. He was very nervous to start with but soon settled down. She reckons she will come out each day to speak to him until he gets used to people - it was her teenager we spoke to the other morning, may even have been our first morning walk.
We started walking again and eventually got to the next corner. We saw three lads running like hell down the road, not sure what that was about but I am sure they were up to no good. Rodders just stood and watched them.
A bit further on and Rodders picked up some treasure (an empty cigarette packet) and from then he almost ran home! Once inside he couldn't wait to get to the rolled up carpet. I let him play with it for a while and then took it away.
He went out in the garden and was barking at someone in the garages behind us so I made him come in.
We played fetch with the ball up and down the lounge and then I made a cuppa. Rodders asked to come up on the sofa and settled down to sleep on snuggle fleece. They have been transferred to the floor at my feet.
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