OH arrived home and Rodders was busy chewing a cardboard tube on the door mat. OH stood outside and watched him for a moment before opening the door. Rodders leapt up, barked once and then started squeaking with delight. He was desperate to be picked up for a snuggle.
Once Rodders had calmed down a little we all headed upstairs so that OH and I could get changed in to our scruffs - so much easier when there is a chance of playing on the floor with a puppy or being leapt on with wet paws! Rodders had one attempt at raiding the laundry but one word from Oh and he stopped straight away.
I left OH and Rodders upstairs and came down to carry on with dinner. They soon joined me and were happy playing until it was time to eat.
Rodders always seems to ask to go out in to the garden while I am eating and so I am getting quite used to leaping up and down mid meal! OH thinks maybe we should swap sides so that he can take his turn.
After we had eaten Rodders was given his dinner by OH as I was clearing up and he sat and waited nicely while the bowls were put down. He was given the very last of a tin of id diet made up to 80g with kibble. It would appear that he was hungry as it disappeared fairly quickly. I have kept back 2 tins of id diet in case we have any similar problems in the future. Rodders seems to drink more when he is eating kibble which makes me happier, I know the id diet is wet food but I can't see how he can get all his water intake from that, I do like to see the levels on his water bowls decreasing! It is good to see that he is now drinking from the bowl in his crate.
Once he had finished eating he came through for a snuggle on the sofa with OH. OH was lying full length on the sofa and Rodders started off on his chest but soon went exploring. When I looked up he was standing on OH's feet peering over at me on the other sofa. He really is quite funny and very cute!
Once he asked to go down he was happy to snooze on his bed pad or, when he got too warm, on a snuggle fleece. He is still barking quite a lot but OH seems to be able to get him to quieten down easier than I can. Although he doesn't speak Rodders very well and can't tell when the bark means something like I have my toy stuck under a chair or somewhere inaccessible or if it means he wants to go out in the garden. So even when he is here it is still me that is leaping up and down!
At bedtime Rodders was happy to walk out in to the garden as long as I went with him but he took an age before he decided to piddle. As soon as that was done he wanted straight back in the house but had to be lifted in to his crate once I had locked up and switched the lights out. I gave him a few bits of kibble as a treat.
At just after 4am he started to bark the house down and OH shot out of bed (this makes up for not speaking Rodders!) and came downstairs to him. After a quick fuss it was obvious that Rodders was desperate to go out in the garden and he went straight out and pooped. Once back inside he wanted to play but OH wasn't having any of it. He enticed him back in to the crate with some kibble and said goodnight. Rodders wasn't happy and sat with his back to him and his tail out in the hope that the crate wouldn't shut, it did! Rodders gave a few whingy squeaks when OH came back to bed but soon settled back down.
When OH's alarm went off he switched it off and fell back to sleep so there was a bit if a panic when he did wake up. He went straight in the shower and had been in there for a few minutes before Rodders started to bark. I got up and came down to sort him out.
I gave Rodders a bit of a fuss and then he wanted out in to the garden for a piddle. He rushed back in when he heard OH come down and wanted a fuss. I got them both breakfast and made us a cuppa - Rodders doesn't get one of these! Rodders was slightly confused as there was only one bowl with something in it, I should have lifted the other one, silly me.
When OH was leaving for work Rodders went out with him but wouldn't come back when I called him so I had to go out and lift him up. As soon as OH was out of the gate I put him back down and he was happy to follow me inside.
I went up and got washed and dressed ready for a walk around the Rugby field. Rodders was very excited to be going out and it took a couple of attempts to make him sit and wait at the door. He also tried to pull on the lead to start with but we soon sorted that and by the time we got to the road he was happy to sit and wait before we crossed.
As we got to the field he sat and waited for me to swap leads and then he was off sniffing and running about. He stopped to poop and then waited while I cleaned up and we made our way up towards the bin to dispose of it. We finished our run around the field, swapped leads and headed home.
Once home I washed my hands and then made myself a sandwich to take to work, I only got crisps and chocolate yesterday and was so hungry by dinner time so I can't do that again. Rodders ate a bit more of his breakfast, but not all of it, and we had a snuggle on the sofa before I had to take off my jeans and jumper and throw on my dress and boots for work.
We had a quick snuggle on the sofa and checked how OH's journey was going before it was time to put Rodders in his crate, with some kibble, ad head to work. For the first time on my nice short commute I had to deal with queuing traffic! Still did the journey in 5 minutes though.
I popped home at lunchtime and once Rodders had calmed down a bit I gave him his lunch and then we went out in to the garden so I could poop scoop. Rodders came in with me while I went to the bin at the front door and then wanted to go back out. He came running in when the front door went. It was an asian gentleman trying to sell cavity wall insulation and Rodders didn't seem to like him and kept growling. I got rid of him fairly quickly and Rodders went back out for a piddle. Just as I put him back in the crate, with the dental kong full of kibble, the front door went again and it was Bob next door with a parcel for me. I took it off him as I went out the door.
After work the weather was horrid, howling gale and rain, and the traffic awful so it took me almost 15 minutes to get home. Rodders did go out for a piddle when I first got in but hasn't really gone out since. He has stuck his head out three times and I threw him out the fourth time he asked but he just stood on the patio getting blown about for a few minutes and then asked to come back in. He is going to have to go out before bedtime whether he likes it or not.
I cooked and ate my dinner, cleared up and sorted out Rodders supper which he got when he barked for it. He must have been hungry as this is the first meal he has finished all day.
Sue, the dog walker, came round tonight to meet Rodders, pick up a key and drop off the final paperwork for me to complete. She seems very nice and was well prepared for a shy puppy as she came armed with sausage. She will collect Rodders twice a week and he will probably be out of the house for a couple of hours, 1 hour will be spent collecting and dropping off other dogs and he will get a 1 hour walk. She usually has 4-6 dogs with her each time. She knows that he isn't allowed off lead yet and will wait for me to let her know when it is OK. We can drop a day any time we like by texting her the night before and, in an emergency, she can usually fit him in for an extra walk if needed. She doesn't approve of choke chains though so I may need to buy him another collar. She is also happy to out him back in his crate with a kong if I leave it out. We also talked about holiday cover as she does home from home boarding and she has provisionally booked Rodders in for July when OH and I are going to Gibraltar for a friends wedding.
Showing posts with label bark. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bark. Show all posts
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
Lunch and early evening
When I came home at lunch time Rodders was asleep and didn't make a sound until I was almost at his crate. He started squeaking as soon as he knew I was there and I let him out for a quick fuss before letting him out in to the garden. He stood on the patio looking back at me as if to say I'm not sure if you are going to abandon me so I went out with him. He had a quick piddle and was then happy to follow me back in.
I asked if he was a hungry boy and he barked before running towards the kitchen. He sat watching me as I weighed out his lunch and put it in the bowls and he sat until I had put it down for him. While he was eating I made a cuppa and filled his water bowls. He didn't eat all his kibble this time.
Once he had eaten he was happy to play so I got his ball thrower and we went back in to the garden. He loves chasing the ball but doesn't really get the hang of bringing it back. Although the weather was now dry and bright it was freezing so I left him out there happily playing with the ball for a little while.
Once he had got bored with playing with the ball I nipped out and got it and he came back in with me. All too soon is was time for me to go back to work. As his tummy seems to be OK I gave him some of his left over kibble as a treat as I popped him back in his crate.
As part of my job I have to go to the local bank which is about a 5 minute walk away. I looked at my watch at 3pm and thought shall I go now? I should have done as less than 20 minutes later it had gone pitch black outside and it was throwing out down with rain. Luckily it was only a short, sharp shower and by 4pm it had brightened up again so I dashed out then. The temperature had dropped and it was a bit breezy but I got some fresh air and it helps to break up the afternoon.
I left work at 5pm and was home by five past. Rodders seemed to be asleep again! I do hope he has been OK and hasn't barked the house down. He was happy to come out the crate and have a fuss and also went in to the garden on his own for a piddle.
He has been so funny this evening. He has been in and out of the garden playing with the stones and running between the grass, leaping over the edge of the patio, dashing under the table, around a leg and back again. He has also managed to get the duck to quack and had a great time growling at it and he has been playing with his ball and frizzbee.
I also found time to pop him on the grooming table and come him through. He escaped from the noose that is supposed to help keep him still but it wasn't a problem as he still stood there (most of the time) and let me carry on. He even let me sort out his gunky eyes without complaint. When he did try to sit down I put my arm under his back legs and held him up. The only bit he doesn't seem keen on is when I try to get him to stand on his back legs so that I can do his tummy.
OH is on his way and dinner is already underway, good job as I am starving!
I asked if he was a hungry boy and he barked before running towards the kitchen. He sat watching me as I weighed out his lunch and put it in the bowls and he sat until I had put it down for him. While he was eating I made a cuppa and filled his water bowls. He didn't eat all his kibble this time.
Once he had eaten he was happy to play so I got his ball thrower and we went back in to the garden. He loves chasing the ball but doesn't really get the hang of bringing it back. Although the weather was now dry and bright it was freezing so I left him out there happily playing with the ball for a little while.
Once he had got bored with playing with the ball I nipped out and got it and he came back in with me. All too soon is was time for me to go back to work. As his tummy seems to be OK I gave him some of his left over kibble as a treat as I popped him back in his crate.
As part of my job I have to go to the local bank which is about a 5 minute walk away. I looked at my watch at 3pm and thought shall I go now? I should have done as less than 20 minutes later it had gone pitch black outside and it was throwing out down with rain. Luckily it was only a short, sharp shower and by 4pm it had brightened up again so I dashed out then. The temperature had dropped and it was a bit breezy but I got some fresh air and it helps to break up the afternoon.
I left work at 5pm and was home by five past. Rodders seemed to be asleep again! I do hope he has been OK and hasn't barked the house down. He was happy to come out the crate and have a fuss and also went in to the garden on his own for a piddle.
He has been so funny this evening. He has been in and out of the garden playing with the stones and running between the grass, leaping over the edge of the patio, dashing under the table, around a leg and back again. He has also managed to get the duck to quack and had a great time growling at it and he has been playing with his ball and frizzbee.
I also found time to pop him on the grooming table and come him through. He escaped from the noose that is supposed to help keep him still but it wasn't a problem as he still stood there (most of the time) and let me carry on. He even let me sort out his gunky eyes without complaint. When he did try to sit down I put my arm under his back legs and held him up. The only bit he doesn't seem keen on is when I try to get him to stand on his back legs so that I can do his tummy.
OH is on his way and dinner is already underway, good job as I am starving!
A quiet evening before going back to work
After a long walk and playing with Emily Rodders was exhausted and very happy to snooze on the bed pad.
He did come in to the kitchen with me for a little while when I cooked dinner but didn't hang about for long, the bed pad looked far more inviting than the cold kitchen floor!
Once I had eaten Rodders decided it was time for his supper and he could hardly wait as I weighed it out and filled his bowls. He was very good and sat and waited for me to put them down on the floor before tucking in.
He didn't even want to go out in the garden after supper and had to be woken up at bed time and taken out for a piddle. Once back inside he sat at the back door watching me as I locked up and switched out the lights. When I asked him to get in his bed he walked past me to try to get to his bed pad. I grabbed him and gave him a fuss before putting him in his crate for the night. He didn't make a sound as I went upstairs to bed.
Rodders didn't make any noise at all until I was in the bathroom this morning. As I came down stairs the barks turned to squeaks and he was happy to come out of his crate for a fuss before asking to go in the garden for a piddle. It really is evil put with a howling gale and driving rain so it looks as though we won't be going for a walk this morning.
When he came back in he wanted his breakfast and was dancing around the kitchen as I weighed it out and filled his bowls. He did sit and wait as I put them down and then ate it slowly.
He came up on the sofa for a little while before following me upstairs while I had a shower. He ran straight in to the bedroom to steal a sock and once that had been taken off him he played quite happily on the landing. When we came back downstairs he went out in to the garden to poop and was then playing with his toys until it was time to dry my hair and get dressed.
He sits really nicely on the bed while I dry my hair and potter about getting my clothes ready, even if he does sneakily steal my socks and then sit there as though butter wouldn't melt!
OH called as we came back downstairs and while we were talking Rodders wanted out in to the garden to play with the stones on the patio. Luckily as it was time to go to work OH got cut off and Rodders asked to come in!
Rodders knows the second I lock the patio door that someone is going out and he can tell if it includes him by the coat I put on. When he saw that it was not the dog walking coat he huffed a bit and then wandered off and wouldn't come near me. I got his new dental kong and got him interested in that so that I could catch hold of him and pop him in his crate with it. He is a good boy and once he is on there he just curls up and doesn't make a sound.
He did come in to the kitchen with me for a little while when I cooked dinner but didn't hang about for long, the bed pad looked far more inviting than the cold kitchen floor!
Once I had eaten Rodders decided it was time for his supper and he could hardly wait as I weighed it out and filled his bowls. He was very good and sat and waited for me to put them down on the floor before tucking in.
He didn't even want to go out in the garden after supper and had to be woken up at bed time and taken out for a piddle. Once back inside he sat at the back door watching me as I locked up and switched out the lights. When I asked him to get in his bed he walked past me to try to get to his bed pad. I grabbed him and gave him a fuss before putting him in his crate for the night. He didn't make a sound as I went upstairs to bed.
Rodders didn't make any noise at all until I was in the bathroom this morning. As I came down stairs the barks turned to squeaks and he was happy to come out of his crate for a fuss before asking to go in the garden for a piddle. It really is evil put with a howling gale and driving rain so it looks as though we won't be going for a walk this morning.
When he came back in he wanted his breakfast and was dancing around the kitchen as I weighed it out and filled his bowls. He did sit and wait as I put them down and then ate it slowly.
He came up on the sofa for a little while before following me upstairs while I had a shower. He ran straight in to the bedroom to steal a sock and once that had been taken off him he played quite happily on the landing. When we came back downstairs he went out in to the garden to poop and was then playing with his toys until it was time to dry my hair and get dressed.
He sits really nicely on the bed while I dry my hair and potter about getting my clothes ready, even if he does sneakily steal my socks and then sit there as though butter wouldn't melt!
OH called as we came back downstairs and while we were talking Rodders wanted out in to the garden to play with the stones on the patio. Luckily as it was time to go to work OH got cut off and Rodders asked to come in!
Rodders knows the second I lock the patio door that someone is going out and he can tell if it includes him by the coat I put on. When he saw that it was not the dog walking coat he huffed a bit and then wandered off and wouldn't come near me. I got his new dental kong and got him interested in that so that I could catch hold of him and pop him in his crate with it. He is a good boy and once he is on there he just curls up and doesn't make a sound.
Monday, 2 January 2012
A lazy morning
Rodders spent a lot of the morning asleep or running after me as I got washed and dressed and pottered about the house sorting out yet more washing.
While I had a late breakfast he was out playing in the garden and on the patio with the stones.
By late morning I was exhausted and he was happy to come up on the sofa with me where we both fell asleep until lunch time.
He seemed hungry and barked for his lunch. I gave him 50/50 id diet and kibble again, his tummy seems to be OK and he seems to have tolerated it OK. Well, at least he didn't throw it up straight away!
While I had a late breakfast he was out playing in the garden and on the patio with the stones.
By late morning I was exhausted and he was happy to come up on the sofa with me where we both fell asleep until lunch time.
He seemed hungry and barked for his lunch. I gave him 50/50 id diet and kibble again, his tummy seems to be OK and he seems to have tolerated it OK. Well, at least he didn't throw it up straight away!
He seems fine
Rodders came back in and carried on playing before asking to come up on the sofa with me. He didn't settle for long as the washing machine disturbed him and he started barking. He wanted to go outside but I made him come and see that it was just the washing machine.
He then went off to play again and was running up and down with his duck, managing to make it quack. He has been in and out of the garden too but had to be called back in once when he wouldn't stop barking.
It has taken until 9am for him to really settle down for a rest and he is now on his bed pad at my feet. I think I may need a nap later too!
He then went off to play again and was running up and down with his duck, managing to make it quack. He has been in and out of the garden too but had to be called back in once when he wouldn't stop barking.
It has taken until 9am for him to really settle down for a rest and he is now on his bed pad at my feet. I think I may need a nap later too!
Oh dear, not a good morning
At bedtime I had to wake Rodders up and carry him outside for a piddle. He wasn't happy to be out there and he stood for ages before having a stretch and then trying to go back in the house. I lifted him back on to the grass and he just sat down. We must have been out of there for about 15 minutes before he wandered off and had a piddle.
Back inside he didn't want to go in to his crate and was trying to climb on to my knee. I gave up asking him to get in to the crate and lifted his front feet in, the rest of him followed and he curled up and settled down for the night. As I climbed the stairs to bed there was silence for the first time in three nights.
Just after 5am I could hear Rodders squeaking and making a noise, I rolled over and hoped that he would settle, he certainly quietened down after about 10 minutes. This was a huge mistake on my part and I know that I mustn't do it again. At 5.30am he started up again and was barking quite loudly so I gave up and came downstairs. As soon as I walked in to the lounge I knew we had a problem by the smell. Rodders had pooped in his bed, luckily his tummy seems better and it was easy to clear up.
I gave him a quick fuss before he went out in to the garden leaving me to clear up and put his mattress topper in the wash. He came back in and was squeaking for his breakfast so I sorted that out. I wasn't awake enough to make him sit and wait while I put his bowls down. I then washed my hands before making myself a cuppa.
Rodders seemed to eat his breakfast at record speed and then went off to play in the conservatory. He gave one squeak and I got up to let him in the garden to find that he was just throwing up on the door mat. I put him straight in the garden and started to clear up again. It is obvious that this is just his breakfast as it is almost one solid lump and you can see undigested kibble in it (sorry of that is too much information for some!) but at least it is easy to clear up. And we now have the second load of washing ready for the washing machine already.
Back inside he didn't want to go in to his crate and was trying to climb on to my knee. I gave up asking him to get in to the crate and lifted his front feet in, the rest of him followed and he curled up and settled down for the night. As I climbed the stairs to bed there was silence for the first time in three nights.
Just after 5am I could hear Rodders squeaking and making a noise, I rolled over and hoped that he would settle, he certainly quietened down after about 10 minutes. This was a huge mistake on my part and I know that I mustn't do it again. At 5.30am he started up again and was barking quite loudly so I gave up and came downstairs. As soon as I walked in to the lounge I knew we had a problem by the smell. Rodders had pooped in his bed, luckily his tummy seems better and it was easy to clear up.
I gave him a quick fuss before he went out in to the garden leaving me to clear up and put his mattress topper in the wash. He came back in and was squeaking for his breakfast so I sorted that out. I wasn't awake enough to make him sit and wait while I put his bowls down. I then washed my hands before making myself a cuppa.
Rodders seemed to eat his breakfast at record speed and then went off to play in the conservatory. He gave one squeak and I got up to let him in the garden to find that he was just throwing up on the door mat. I put him straight in the garden and started to clear up again. It is obvious that this is just his breakfast as it is almost one solid lump and you can see undigested kibble in it (sorry of that is too much information for some!) but at least it is easy to clear up. And we now have the second load of washing ready for the washing machine already.
A fun evening with Rodders
Rodders snoozed for two hours and woke up full of mischief. He was happy playing with his toys until it was time for his tea. I got him to sit and wait until the bowl were a millimetre from the floor so some progress.
For the first time since the Christmas Tree went up he seems to be fascinated by it and now disappears off behind it with any treasure and has tried to eat some of the lower decorations. He does stop chewing the minute he is told no though.
He is still barking an awful lot and usually runs straight to the back door. It is difficult to know if he needs to go out in to the garden or not, half the time when I open the door he just sits there and looks out. If he does go out he spends most of his time standing on the patio barking. A couple of times I have made him come back in and another couple I have just gone out there and lifted him up to bring him in, this has backfired as he now runs off when he see's me coming so it is back to calling him in. Sometimes he comes and sometimes he doesn't so I shut the door which usually has him running.
I also found him eating a christmas card which I presume had fallen from the windowsill.
This all sounds like he has been a monkey all evening but he hasn't really. He seemed to play or get up to mischief for a couple of hours and then sleep for a couple of hours. He is so much fun to have around and I love the fact that he can play happily on his own with his toys or in the garden or with you throwing a ball or toy for him. He also talks by barking or squeaking to let you know what he wants (usually up on the sofa) and it can be fun to try and interpret what he wants.
Tonight I was a bad Mummy and it took me a while to work out what he was saying and I was mortified when I realised that he was trying to tell me his water bowl was completely empty. I quickly filled it and he had a small drink, thank goodness he wasn't really thirsty.
He is still putting some of his toys away by himself but can get over excited and take them all out and throw them about the place. When he does that I start to pick them up and drop them in ether for him, he talks to me as I do it and all of a sudden one toy will hardly hit the toy box before he leaps in and grabs it back.
For the first time since the Christmas Tree went up he seems to be fascinated by it and now disappears off behind it with any treasure and has tried to eat some of the lower decorations. He does stop chewing the minute he is told no though.
He is still barking an awful lot and usually runs straight to the back door. It is difficult to know if he needs to go out in to the garden or not, half the time when I open the door he just sits there and looks out. If he does go out he spends most of his time standing on the patio barking. A couple of times I have made him come back in and another couple I have just gone out there and lifted him up to bring him in, this has backfired as he now runs off when he see's me coming so it is back to calling him in. Sometimes he comes and sometimes he doesn't so I shut the door which usually has him running.
I also found him eating a christmas card which I presume had fallen from the windowsill.
This all sounds like he has been a monkey all evening but he hasn't really. He seemed to play or get up to mischief for a couple of hours and then sleep for a couple of hours. He is so much fun to have around and I love the fact that he can play happily on his own with his toys or in the garden or with you throwing a ball or toy for him. He also talks by barking or squeaking to let you know what he wants (usually up on the sofa) and it can be fun to try and interpret what he wants.
Tonight I was a bad Mummy and it took me a while to work out what he was saying and I was mortified when I realised that he was trying to tell me his water bowl was completely empty. I quickly filled it and he had a small drink, thank goodness he wasn't really thirsty.
He is still putting some of his toys away by himself but can get over excited and take them all out and throw them about the place. When he does that I start to pick them up and drop them in ether for him, he talks to me as I do it and all of a sudden one toy will hardly hit the toy box before he leaps in and grabs it back.
Sunday, 1 January 2012
Our first New Years Eve together
I checked to see how Rodders poo is today (lovely topic I know!) and it is firming up so his tummy seems to be getting used to the kibble again. Rodders missed his supper again today as he slept through so I am going to increase him to 3 x 80g tomorrow and go for 50/50 id diet/kibble for a day or so and see how that goes.
When he was awake this evening he was happy playing. At one point he was lying on the floor and moving his bed pad with his paws, it was really funny.
During the evening there were fireworks going off intermittently and he was barking at them. I think we need to remember to use the Clix noise CD more this time next year as he was far better with them around bonfire night.
By the time we got to midnight the amount and volume of the fireworks had increased and he just stood and barked. It didn't matter if he was inside or outside, on the floor or up on the sofa with me, he just barked and barked. It was almost 1am before he settled down again.
Rodders and I had a very quiet New Year together and made sure that we were in contact with the important people in our life. This is just how I wanted it, I always get a bit emotional at this time of the year, thinking of all the people no longer physically here with us and shed a tear for them. It seems sad that we are passing another milestone without them with us.
When he was awake this evening he was happy playing. At one point he was lying on the floor and moving his bed pad with his paws, it was really funny.
During the evening there were fireworks going off intermittently and he was barking at them. I think we need to remember to use the Clix noise CD more this time next year as he was far better with them around bonfire night.
By the time we got to midnight the amount and volume of the fireworks had increased and he just stood and barked. It didn't matter if he was inside or outside, on the floor or up on the sofa with me, he just barked and barked. It was almost 1am before he settled down again.
Rodders and I had a very quiet New Year together and made sure that we were in contact with the important people in our life. This is just how I wanted it, I always get a bit emotional at this time of the year, thinking of all the people no longer physically here with us and shed a tear for them. It seems sad that we are passing another milestone without them with us.
Welcome to 2012 everyone! I hope it brings us all health, wealth and happiness in many ways.
Quite a busy day
After I showered and dressed OH called in to see us for an hour. As he arrived I was putting on some washing and Rodders was playing in the conservatory. He didn't hear the back door until almost the last moment but was thrilled to see who it was and wanted straight up for a snuggle. We all ended up having a group hug as I think it was the only way I was going to get to say hello too!
OH and I had a cuppa and a bit of breakfast and then he had a play with Rodders while I brought the bin back in. OH and I then popped upstairs to fit my new cool pad to my bed in the hope that it helps me to sleep better. Finally we all had a snuggle on the sofa before it was time for OH to go. As OH and I had a hug goodbye Rodders was making some strange noises, I think he is getting a bit jealous.
As normal Rodders trotted out to the gate with OH but when I called him back he got halfway and stopped for a piddle. OH managed to get out the gate safely which is the main thing. Rodders stayed out there for a little while sniffing about and squeaking a bit. I don't think he had heard OH's car go as he parked somewhere different today.
I emptied & reloaded the washing machine and Rodders chased his toys about.
Once my hair was dry I put on my dog walking gear and got one of my new hat and glove sets ready so that we could head to Gadebridge Park. Rodders was very excited to be going out and was jumping up. I managed to get him to sit and wait at the door and walked him to the car.
Once parked I got him out the car and put his lead back on. As we were walking to the edge of the park two ladies with three dogs were coming off. Their dogs started barking and so Rodders joined in, they seemed to be giving us a wide berth so I didn't let Rodders say hello to them.
As we got to the park I made him sit and swapped to the extendable lead so that he could have more freedom. He was very happy running about and he got to meet many dogs that were off the lead. Rodders wanted to run off and play with some of them and wasn't happy to be on his lead. Luckily some of them were happy to play with him and he got to run about with a Golden Retriever and a Chocolate Lab amongst others.
Rodders was very good at coming when called and he was happy to just sit and watch what was going on about him several times. We walked our way around the whole park and the only time he was a little nervous was when some children came past us on bikes and scooters. He wasn't bothered by a young lad in a wheelchair, even when he asked if he was Toto from the wizard of Oz. Rodders had a good look at the River Gade and looked as though he might try to go in there at one point but he saw another dog which distracted him. As we got back to where we started he sat while I swapped leads again so that we could walk to the car.
As we were about to get in the car he spotted a Staffie pup and wanted to play. It looked like a smaller version of Molly from Puppy Party and was called Fletcher. They started off sniffing each other but it was obvious that Fletcher wanted to play. When Fletcher got a bit rough Rodders put him in his place by barking at him, when Fletcher tried again Rodders let him play for a little while and then growled at him. The couple with him were not very happy about it but I explained that they were just playing and working out where the boundaries are and both dogs had their tales up. After a little while we parted company and I put Rodders back in his car crate.
Once we were back home I gave Rodders his lunch and after a bit of a play and a trip to the garden he was happy to have a snooze.
He woke up with the devil in him and, as well as playing with his toys, he was up to all sorts of mischief. The door stop kept being dragged across the floor and then he started to take the washing off the radiator. He was found chewing the door mat at the back door when I thought he was playing quietly with his bone.
He was in and out of the garden and it was nice to hear him playing with the stones on the patio again. I don't think he has done this properly for almost two weeks.
He is barking a lot today and it is sometimes difficult to work out why. I really hope my neighbours can't hear him or don't mind too much.
OH and I had a cuppa and a bit of breakfast and then he had a play with Rodders while I brought the bin back in. OH and I then popped upstairs to fit my new cool pad to my bed in the hope that it helps me to sleep better. Finally we all had a snuggle on the sofa before it was time for OH to go. As OH and I had a hug goodbye Rodders was making some strange noises, I think he is getting a bit jealous.
As normal Rodders trotted out to the gate with OH but when I called him back he got halfway and stopped for a piddle. OH managed to get out the gate safely which is the main thing. Rodders stayed out there for a little while sniffing about and squeaking a bit. I don't think he had heard OH's car go as he parked somewhere different today.
I emptied & reloaded the washing machine and Rodders chased his toys about.
Once my hair was dry I put on my dog walking gear and got one of my new hat and glove sets ready so that we could head to Gadebridge Park. Rodders was very excited to be going out and was jumping up. I managed to get him to sit and wait at the door and walked him to the car.
Once parked I got him out the car and put his lead back on. As we were walking to the edge of the park two ladies with three dogs were coming off. Their dogs started barking and so Rodders joined in, they seemed to be giving us a wide berth so I didn't let Rodders say hello to them.
As we got to the park I made him sit and swapped to the extendable lead so that he could have more freedom. He was very happy running about and he got to meet many dogs that were off the lead. Rodders wanted to run off and play with some of them and wasn't happy to be on his lead. Luckily some of them were happy to play with him and he got to run about with a Golden Retriever and a Chocolate Lab amongst others.
Rodders was very good at coming when called and he was happy to just sit and watch what was going on about him several times. We walked our way around the whole park and the only time he was a little nervous was when some children came past us on bikes and scooters. He wasn't bothered by a young lad in a wheelchair, even when he asked if he was Toto from the wizard of Oz. Rodders had a good look at the River Gade and looked as though he might try to go in there at one point but he saw another dog which distracted him. As we got back to where we started he sat while I swapped leads again so that we could walk to the car.
As we were about to get in the car he spotted a Staffie pup and wanted to play. It looked like a smaller version of Molly from Puppy Party and was called Fletcher. They started off sniffing each other but it was obvious that Fletcher wanted to play. When Fletcher got a bit rough Rodders put him in his place by barking at him, when Fletcher tried again Rodders let him play for a little while and then growled at him. The couple with him were not very happy about it but I explained that they were just playing and working out where the boundaries are and both dogs had their tales up. After a little while we parted company and I put Rodders back in his car crate.
Once we were back home I gave Rodders his lunch and after a bit of a play and a trip to the garden he was happy to have a snooze.
He woke up with the devil in him and, as well as playing with his toys, he was up to all sorts of mischief. The door stop kept being dragged across the floor and then he started to take the washing off the radiator. He was found chewing the door mat at the back door when I thought he was playing quietly with his bone.
He was in and out of the garden and it was nice to hear him playing with the stones on the patio again. I don't think he has done this properly for almost two weeks.
He is barking a lot today and it is sometimes difficult to work out why. I really hope my neighbours can't hear him or don't mind too much.
Saturday, 31 December 2011
Hmmm, that was odd
Rodders only got three meals today as he didn't wake up for his supper.
Just before 11pm Rodders woke up and asked to go in to the garden for a piddle so I decided it was bed time. While he was out there he could hear people up the road making a noise and so he was barking at them.
When he came in he didn't want to go in to his bed and had to be encouraged in to the crate. No sooner was I upstairs and half undressed than he started barking. I was just about to come downstairs when he stopped so I carried on getting undressed and in to bed. Five minutes later he started again and wasn't showing any signs of stopping. Concerned in case his tummy was playing him up still I came down and let him in to the garden. He stood out there and barked and barked so I made him come in and put him back in his bed.
He was then quiet until about 7.30am. I came down and let him out in to the garden and then prepared his breakfast and my cuppa. I knew that OH would already be on the road so I gave him a call to see how he was doing.
I suddenly realised that the bin men were outside and I hadn't put my bin out. I left Rodders in the lounge and went and moved it to make sure it was emptied. Rodders wasn't happy and made a lot of noise about being left on his own.
Just before 11pm Rodders woke up and asked to go in to the garden for a piddle so I decided it was bed time. While he was out there he could hear people up the road making a noise and so he was barking at them.
When he came in he didn't want to go in to his bed and had to be encouraged in to the crate. No sooner was I upstairs and half undressed than he started barking. I was just about to come downstairs when he stopped so I carried on getting undressed and in to bed. Five minutes later he started again and wasn't showing any signs of stopping. Concerned in case his tummy was playing him up still I came down and let him in to the garden. He stood out there and barked and barked so I made him come in and put him back in his bed.
He was then quiet until about 7.30am. I came down and let him out in to the garden and then prepared his breakfast and my cuppa. I knew that OH would already be on the road so I gave him a call to see how he was doing.
I suddenly realised that the bin men were outside and I hadn't put my bin out. I left Rodders in the lounge and went and moved it to make sure it was emptied. Rodders wasn't happy and made a lot of noise about being left on his own.
Friday, 30 December 2011
Late evening/early morning
Rodders didn't settle until very late last night, he was running about playing and up to mischief until 10.30pm when he flopped on his bed pad. I had to wake him to go out in to the garden for a piddle at 11.45pm and he didn't really want to go in to his crate. When he does this I lift his front paws in and then he usually walks the rest of the way in by himself and curls up. With his new black bed cover and a black fleece in there it is sometimes difficult to see him in there!
He started to grizzle just after 5.15am and I left him to see if he would settle. By 5.30am he was barking quite loudly so I got up and came down. He wanted a quick fuss but he was desperate to get out in to the garden for a piddle and a poo. When he came back in he was starving so I gave him his breakfast (50g id diet, 25g kibble) which he wolfed down. The two bowl trick is working, what I clever OH to come up with that!
Rodders also drank out of his new travel bowl which is great, he had been giving it a wide birth. Just need him to start drinking out of the water bowl in his crate and I will be very happy! I hate the fact that he had no water in his crate but there was no room for it with the new bed pad and, when he did have one, he spent more time upending it than drinking from it. We have bought him a small bowl that hangs from the side of the crate, it only holds about a mug full but is better than nothing. If he gets on OK with it I can try to find a bigger one.
After breakfast he was happy to play for an hour (oh whoopee!) before asking to come up on the sofa. He took a while to settle but once he did he slept for over 2 hours. Not sure he would have woken then but he heard me upstairs getting washed and dressed and came to investigate and run off with my slippers. He doesn't seem to run too far, he can normally be found on the landing with them.
He has been back out in to the garden and was barking at Bob next door. Once Bob stopped to talk to him he stopped barking, this is huge progress! Rodders is now lying on a snuggle fleece chewing his dental kong, once his tummy is all better and he is back on treats this should keep him quiet for ages as we can put liver treats in it and squidge toothpaste down the outside.
I made contact with a local dog walking service today to see if they can fit Rodders in for a couple of walks a week. They are going to give me a call back later to talk in more details but it looks good so far. They also provide home from home boarding so, if Rodders gets on OK with her, this could be an option for when OH and I go away in July.
He started to grizzle just after 5.15am and I left him to see if he would settle. By 5.30am he was barking quite loudly so I got up and came down. He wanted a quick fuss but he was desperate to get out in to the garden for a piddle and a poo. When he came back in he was starving so I gave him his breakfast (50g id diet, 25g kibble) which he wolfed down. The two bowl trick is working, what I clever OH to come up with that!
Rodders also drank out of his new travel bowl which is great, he had been giving it a wide birth. Just need him to start drinking out of the water bowl in his crate and I will be very happy! I hate the fact that he had no water in his crate but there was no room for it with the new bed pad and, when he did have one, he spent more time upending it than drinking from it. We have bought him a small bowl that hangs from the side of the crate, it only holds about a mug full but is better than nothing. If he gets on OK with it I can try to find a bigger one.
After breakfast he was happy to play for an hour (oh whoopee!) before asking to come up on the sofa. He took a while to settle but once he did he slept for over 2 hours. Not sure he would have woken then but he heard me upstairs getting washed and dressed and came to investigate and run off with my slippers. He doesn't seem to run too far, he can normally be found on the landing with them.
He has been back out in to the garden and was barking at Bob next door. Once Bob stopped to talk to him he stopped barking, this is huge progress! Rodders is now lying on a snuggle fleece chewing his dental kong, once his tummy is all better and he is back on treats this should keep him quiet for ages as we can put liver treats in it and squidge toothpaste down the outside.
I made contact with a local dog walking service today to see if they can fit Rodders in for a couple of walks a week. They are going to give me a call back later to talk in more details but it looks good so far. They also provide home from home boarding so, if Rodders gets on OK with her, this could be an option for when OH and I go away in July.
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Afternoon & early evening
Once OH had gone I nipped upstairs to put my hair up and then put on my dog walking gear ready to go out. Rodders was very excited as I put on his collar and lead and couldn't wait to get out.
We headed up towards the rugby field and Rodders walked very nicely all the way. As soon as we got there I made him sit while I swapped leads and then let him run around investigating and sniffing. He was having a lovely time barking at birds, other dog walkers in the distance and the wind. We came across an elderly man walking back from the rugby club and Rodders barked at him too. He stood stock still and waited for Rodders to approach him which took a while, we were both feeling the effects of the cold by the time that happened so after a quick fuss we were on our way again.
Rodders carried on sniffing and running around until we got back to the edge of the field and then sat while I swapped leads back. He walks so nicely on his lead (most of the time) and usually only needs to be told once to sit at kerbs and at the door.
Once we came back in I made a cuppa and checked how OH was doing on his journey home and then Rodders and I settled down to watch David Copperfield on television. Well, I watched and he slept through most of it.
Once Rodders woke up he wanted in to the garden and I got his tea ready. When he came in and saw what I was doing he started barking and could hardly wait for me to put his bowls down. He cleared both of them fairly quickly and then wanted in to the garden again.
When he came back in he wanted to play so we got his ball and were playing fetch for a while. He then went off to chew his new nylabone. Then he seemed to have the devil in him, first the curtains went for a walk between his teeth and then he came out of the kitchen with the oven gloves. I started playing again in the hope that he could be distracted, it almost worked!
I then spotted that all his toys were out of the toy box so I started to pick them up and put them back. Half an hour later half of them are back out and Rodders is back in the garden.
We headed up towards the rugby field and Rodders walked very nicely all the way. As soon as we got there I made him sit while I swapped leads and then let him run around investigating and sniffing. He was having a lovely time barking at birds, other dog walkers in the distance and the wind. We came across an elderly man walking back from the rugby club and Rodders barked at him too. He stood stock still and waited for Rodders to approach him which took a while, we were both feeling the effects of the cold by the time that happened so after a quick fuss we were on our way again.
Rodders carried on sniffing and running around until we got back to the edge of the field and then sat while I swapped leads back. He walks so nicely on his lead (most of the time) and usually only needs to be told once to sit at kerbs and at the door.
Once we came back in I made a cuppa and checked how OH was doing on his journey home and then Rodders and I settled down to watch David Copperfield on television. Well, I watched and he slept through most of it.
Once Rodders woke up he wanted in to the garden and I got his tea ready. When he came in and saw what I was doing he started barking and could hardly wait for me to put his bowls down. He cleared both of them fairly quickly and then wanted in to the garden again.
When he came back in he wanted to play so we got his ball and were playing fetch for a while. He then went off to chew his new nylabone. Then he seemed to have the devil in him, first the curtains went for a walk between his teeth and then he came out of the kitchen with the oven gloves. I started playing again in the hope that he could be distracted, it almost worked!
I then spotted that all his toys were out of the toy box so I started to pick them up and put them back. Half an hour later half of them are back out and Rodders is back in the garden.
Such a happy puppy (& Maty)
OH rang to see how we were doing today and I was part way through updating him when he said "you had better out the kettle on". I asked where he was as I walked in to the kitchen and spotted him pulling up outside the back gate. I have told him during the week that Rodders was missing him and would go nuts when he saw him next and I wasn't wrong.
Rodders had followed me through to the kitchen and was sniffing about my feet when the back door went. He barked twice as he dashed towards the door and then his tone changed to squeaks of delight and he wanted up for a snuggle where he stayed for ages. Rodders looked so happy to see OH, it showed in every little bit of him.
Eventually OH managed to put him down and I got a hug hello, Rodders wasn't sure about that at all and gave the odd strangled bark. OH told him not to be so stupid.
From then on Rodders followed OH everywhere he went as he pottered about doing things and didn't want to leave his side. I had a really heavy box in the car and OH went to get it for me and I thought Rodders was going to actually cry. You would have thought that OH had been away for hours rather than a few minutes by the greeting he got when he came back in the door.
I took the opportunity to go upstairs and have a bath and get dressed in peace. When I came back downstairs they were both cuddled up on the sofa. I left them to it and went outside to poop scoop so that I could check they looked OK before calling the vets with an update. Rodders didn't like me being outside without him and wanted down. He greeted me at the door squeaking.
I rang the vet and explained what I have been doing and how Rodders is. They will pass the message on to Roger and give me a call back if they need to. Him eating from two bowls is fine, as long as it works.
OH needed some help with his year end accounts which we sorted out and then I made us some lunch and then gave Rodders his in two bowls. So far, everything he has had today has stayed put which is great. We then all sat, cuddled up on the sofa, watching television for a while until it was time for OH to go. Rodders went to the gate with him and then came back when called.
Both of us are so much happier for our surprise visit!
Rodders had followed me through to the kitchen and was sniffing about my feet when the back door went. He barked twice as he dashed towards the door and then his tone changed to squeaks of delight and he wanted up for a snuggle where he stayed for ages. Rodders looked so happy to see OH, it showed in every little bit of him.
Eventually OH managed to put him down and I got a hug hello, Rodders wasn't sure about that at all and gave the odd strangled bark. OH told him not to be so stupid.
From then on Rodders followed OH everywhere he went as he pottered about doing things and didn't want to leave his side. I had a really heavy box in the car and OH went to get it for me and I thought Rodders was going to actually cry. You would have thought that OH had been away for hours rather than a few minutes by the greeting he got when he came back in the door.
I took the opportunity to go upstairs and have a bath and get dressed in peace. When I came back downstairs they were both cuddled up on the sofa. I left them to it and went outside to poop scoop so that I could check they looked OK before calling the vets with an update. Rodders didn't like me being outside without him and wanted down. He greeted me at the door squeaking.
I rang the vet and explained what I have been doing and how Rodders is. They will pass the message on to Roger and give me a call back if they need to. Him eating from two bowls is fine, as long as it works.
OH needed some help with his year end accounts which we sorted out and then I made us some lunch and then gave Rodders his in two bowls. So far, everything he has had today has stayed put which is great. We then all sat, cuddled up on the sofa, watching television for a while until it was time for OH to go. Rodders went to the gate with him and then came back when called.
Both of us are so much happier for our surprise visit!
Hmmm, wish I knew what was going on
Rodders wasn't sick again and he spent most of the afternoon and early evening playing both inside and out and really was quite lively, but he is barking a lot. I talked to OH about him and he wonders if giving him two bowls, one with kibble and one with the id diet will make a difference. I shall try this tomorrow rather than risk him being sick in the night. I did spot a mark on his fleece in his bed and wonder if he was sick in there in the night but ate it, would dogs do that? Anyway it had been washed and is hanging on the radiator to dry.
He barked for his tea and his supper and I just gave him the id diet, without any kibble. He wolfed it down as normal.
From about 8.30pm he slept on his bed pad until midnight when I woke him up to go out in the garden for a piddle.
I heard him give one bark about 3am and then he started barking for a piddle about 6.50am so I got up and came downstairs to let him out. He was very pleased to see me and wanted a fuss before being let in to the garden. The wind has got up overnight and it is blowing a gale out there and feels pretty cold.
When he came back in he was happy to come up on the sofa beside me but he wouldn't settle. His tummy seems very noisy again which isn't good. After about half an hour he wanted his breakfast so I weighed out 55g of id diet and 20g of kibble and put them in separate bowls. He wolfed down the id diet and had a little kibble before asking to go in the garden. When he came back in he ate the rest of the kibble.
He has been back in to the garden twice more and is now playing with his toys.
He barked for his tea and his supper and I just gave him the id diet, without any kibble. He wolfed it down as normal.
From about 8.30pm he slept on his bed pad until midnight when I woke him up to go out in the garden for a piddle.
I heard him give one bark about 3am and then he started barking for a piddle about 6.50am so I got up and came downstairs to let him out. He was very pleased to see me and wanted a fuss before being let in to the garden. The wind has got up overnight and it is blowing a gale out there and feels pretty cold.
When he came back in he was happy to come up on the sofa beside me but he wouldn't settle. His tummy seems very noisy again which isn't good. After about half an hour he wanted his breakfast so I weighed out 55g of id diet and 20g of kibble and put them in separate bowls. He wolfed down the id diet and had a little kibble before asking to go in the garden. When he came back in he ate the rest of the kibble.
He has been back in to the garden twice more and is now playing with his toys.
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
A quiet evening, other than the barking
Rodders and I stayed home this evening.
He pottered about while I cooked myself a nice dinner and while I ate it he was being very quiet so I got up to see why. He was very happily shredding a tissue on the kitchen floor.
After dinner he was happy to come and lie down on his bed pad until it was time for his supper. He has been so hungry today that he wolfed down his tea an hour early and then supper had to be early too. Luckily he was happy to settle down for the evening after a trip to the garden and didn't want anything else to eat. He did bark intermittently through the evening though.
At 11.30pm I woke him up to go out for a piddle and then had to encourage him in to his crate for the night. Tomorrow he is allowed some kibble mixed in to his dinner, I wonder how that will go.
He pottered about while I cooked myself a nice dinner and while I ate it he was being very quiet so I got up to see why. He was very happily shredding a tissue on the kitchen floor.
After dinner he was happy to come and lie down on his bed pad until it was time for his supper. He has been so hungry today that he wolfed down his tea an hour early and then supper had to be early too. Luckily he was happy to settle down for the evening after a trip to the garden and didn't want anything else to eat. He did bark intermittently through the evening though.
At 11.30pm I woke him up to go out for a piddle and then had to encourage him in to his crate for the night. Tomorrow he is allowed some kibble mixed in to his dinner, I wonder how that will go.
The barking puppy
Rodders just seems to want to bark today.
When he is hungry he stands and barks at his dish, when he gets a toy stuck he barks until I rescue it for him, he stands in the garden and barks at nothing, if he see's someone out in their garden he barks, if he hears a noise out the back he barks, he sits on his bed pad and barks, he sits on my knee and barks, he stands at the door and barks even if he doesn't want to go out.
I am not sure what this is all about but I do hope it isn't disturbing the neighbours.
When he is hungry he stands and barks at his dish, when he gets a toy stuck he barks until I rescue it for him, he stands in the garden and barks at nothing, if he see's someone out in their garden he barks, if he hears a noise out the back he barks, he sits on his bed pad and barks, he sits on my knee and barks, he stands at the door and barks even if he doesn't want to go out.
I am not sure what this is all about but I do hope it isn't disturbing the neighbours.
Sunday, 25 December 2011
Christmas Day
Rodders woke up at 6.15am and we went straight in to the garden so he could have a piddle and then he had breakfast. We played with his ball for a while and then he settled on snuggle fleece and had a doze until everyone else got up.
We sneaked in to the lounge to check if Santa had been and there were lots of presents under the tree, I hope some of them are for us!
Once Ailie was up and dressed I left Rodders with her while I went to get myself washed and dressed in my new dress, special for Christmas Day.
As everyone started breakfast Rodders and I went in to the garden for a run around. As they were almost finished Rodders and I joined them as the bubbly was being served. It was then the to get everyone in to the lounge and hand out the Christmas presents. As family tradition dictates, we then each open a present in turn until they are all open. This takes hours as we have to stop for comfort breaks, drinks refresh and to let Rodders out for a piddle. Eventually all presents were open and we had all been very spoilt.
Rodders opened a couple of his own presents, paying more attention to the wrapping paper than the actual present, but had to have them taken off him as they are treats and he isn't allowed them at the moment, but he did get a couple of things that he is allowed - a duck from OH that he isn't sure of and he got a ball and thrower to play in the garden or park with.
Rodders and I had a nap, curled up on the sofa together, until it was time for his lunch and then we went out for a walk so that he could have a run around and use up some of his excess energy. This was a big fail, once we came back he just wanted to run around and play so we have been in and out of the garden for long periods of time so that he can play with sticks and chase about.
He still wouldn't settle and wanted to be in the kitchen to see wheat was going on in the hope that something scrummy would be dropped. When I tried to keep him in the lounge he barked and barked at the door to be let out.
Eventually, just after 5pm I have in and gave him his tea. It would appear that he is starving as, once that was eaten, he was happy to settle on snuggle fleece and go to sleep.
I am a little sad that he won't get to eat any christmas dinner but it is better that his tummy is OK. He has now finished the anti sickness and antibiotic tablets so fingers are firmly crossed that he is OK over the next day or so.
We sneaked in to the lounge to check if Santa had been and there were lots of presents under the tree, I hope some of them are for us!
Once Ailie was up and dressed I left Rodders with her while I went to get myself washed and dressed in my new dress, special for Christmas Day.
As everyone started breakfast Rodders and I went in to the garden for a run around. As they were almost finished Rodders and I joined them as the bubbly was being served. It was then the to get everyone in to the lounge and hand out the Christmas presents. As family tradition dictates, we then each open a present in turn until they are all open. This takes hours as we have to stop for comfort breaks, drinks refresh and to let Rodders out for a piddle. Eventually all presents were open and we had all been very spoilt.
Rodders opened a couple of his own presents, paying more attention to the wrapping paper than the actual present, but had to have them taken off him as they are treats and he isn't allowed them at the moment, but he did get a couple of things that he is allowed - a duck from OH that he isn't sure of and he got a ball and thrower to play in the garden or park with.
Rodders and I had a nap, curled up on the sofa together, until it was time for his lunch and then we went out for a walk so that he could have a run around and use up some of his excess energy. This was a big fail, once we came back he just wanted to run around and play so we have been in and out of the garden for long periods of time so that he can play with sticks and chase about.
He still wouldn't settle and wanted to be in the kitchen to see wheat was going on in the hope that something scrummy would be dropped. When I tried to keep him in the lounge he barked and barked at the door to be let out.
Eventually, just after 5pm I have in and gave him his tea. It would appear that he is starving as, once that was eaten, he was happy to settle on snuggle fleece and go to sleep.
I am a little sad that he won't get to eat any christmas dinner but it is better that his tummy is OK. He has now finished the anti sickness and antibiotic tablets so fingers are firmly crossed that he is OK over the next day or so.
Friday, 23 December 2011
Back to the vets
OH was up with Rodders at 6am and I came down at 6.30am. Rodders hadn't had his breakfast yet so I sorted that out and then made OH some toast.
Rodders went upstairs with OH when he went for a shower and then came down with the bath mat to go in the washing machine, well he got it to the bottom of the stairs but needed help to get it any further. This is the third load of washing in 12 hours as we have done his towels and fleeces so they are clean for going away.
Once OH was ready for work we had a cuddle and said goodbye, for once Rodders seemed to be jealous and was barking at us. OH gave him a fuss too. Rodders went out to the gate with OH and came back to the patio when I called him. The little monkey then thought better of it and was heading back to the gate, luckily OH spotted him and shut the gate very quickly.
Rodders and I had a snuggle before we went upstairs so that I could get washed and dressed as we needed to head off to the vet for Rodders check up.
I am so lucky that Rodders likes going to the vets and he trots in there quite happily, barking as he goes so that everyone knows that he is there. He was very happy to see that Nicci was there but not so happy that she didn't give him any liver treats. We sat in the waiting room for a little while and then Roger called us in.
We talked through how Rodders has been over the last few days and the fact that he seems to be starving. Roger admitted that we have given him the absolute minimum to eat so he wasn't surprised by this. We weighed Rodders and he is back to 4.6k so he has lost weight over the last few days and is back where he was when we weighed him last week. Roger checked him over and seems happy with him but, because it is Christmas and we are going away, he wants to keep him on the i.d. diet until next Wednesday before re-introducing kibble slowly (75/25% on Wednesday, 50/50 Thursday and 25/75 on Friday) but if there are any signs that it is upsetting him we need to go straight back to the i.d. diet. We can also increase him to 75g per meal. And no treats at all for at least 2 weeks but, once he is back on kibble, I can use some of this to use as treats. I also need to call on Thursday to let them know how he is doing.
I mentioned his choke chain and Roger says that he would have been able to cut it off if necessary but he is obviously a growing boy and we need to get a bigger one. It iOS difficult to say how much bigger his head will get.
We left the consulting room and Rodders got lots of fuss from the girls while I was paying the bill and collecting his food. I also picked up a different slicker brush that looks like it will be gentler on him. Once we were back in the car we called OH to let him know how we got on.
Rodders went upstairs with OH when he went for a shower and then came down with the bath mat to go in the washing machine, well he got it to the bottom of the stairs but needed help to get it any further. This is the third load of washing in 12 hours as we have done his towels and fleeces so they are clean for going away.
Once OH was ready for work we had a cuddle and said goodbye, for once Rodders seemed to be jealous and was barking at us. OH gave him a fuss too. Rodders went out to the gate with OH and came back to the patio when I called him. The little monkey then thought better of it and was heading back to the gate, luckily OH spotted him and shut the gate very quickly.
Rodders and I had a snuggle before we went upstairs so that I could get washed and dressed as we needed to head off to the vet for Rodders check up.
I am so lucky that Rodders likes going to the vets and he trots in there quite happily, barking as he goes so that everyone knows that he is there. He was very happy to see that Nicci was there but not so happy that she didn't give him any liver treats. We sat in the waiting room for a little while and then Roger called us in.
We talked through how Rodders has been over the last few days and the fact that he seems to be starving. Roger admitted that we have given him the absolute minimum to eat so he wasn't surprised by this. We weighed Rodders and he is back to 4.6k so he has lost weight over the last few days and is back where he was when we weighed him last week. Roger checked him over and seems happy with him but, because it is Christmas and we are going away, he wants to keep him on the i.d. diet until next Wednesday before re-introducing kibble slowly (75/25% on Wednesday, 50/50 Thursday and 25/75 on Friday) but if there are any signs that it is upsetting him we need to go straight back to the i.d. diet. We can also increase him to 75g per meal. And no treats at all for at least 2 weeks but, once he is back on kibble, I can use some of this to use as treats. I also need to call on Thursday to let them know how he is doing.
I mentioned his choke chain and Roger says that he would have been able to cut it off if necessary but he is obviously a growing boy and we need to get a bigger one. It iOS difficult to say how much bigger his head will get.
We left the consulting room and Rodders got lots of fuss from the girls while I was paying the bill and collecting his food. I also picked up a different slicker brush that looks like it will be gentler on him. Once we were back in the car we called OH to let him know how we got on.
A Christmas Evening with OH
On the way home from work I stopped at the little Tesco so that I could make OH one of his favourite dinners so I was a little later home than normal. OH rang as I pulled up outside the house so we had a very quick chat before I came in to see how my beautiful boy was.
Rodders was very pleased to see me, and barking as I came in the door, but desperate to go out for a piddle. He then came back in for a fuss, a play and his tea.
OH called again, he is having a great journey home so far so I started chopping things for dinner. Usually when I am chopping Rodders gets a carrot top or something but as he is on his special diet I couldn't do this. He just sat beside me barking and no amount of being told no was cutting it.
He was so busy barking he didn't even hear OH arriving home until he was actually in the back door! They had a snuggle and then went upstairs for OH to get changed. Good job as I had just had a calgon tablet crumble all over the kitchen floor and I needed to clear up before Rodders was allowed back in there!
When they came down they both went straight out in to the garden and I couldn't see what they were doing but they were up to something!
Once they were back in today's dinner of Fajita's was out on the table, OH already knew what he was getting as I had forgotten the wraps and had to send him to Tesco for them on his way home so the surprise was spoilt.
Once we had dinner we swapped Christmas cards. I got a special one from Rodders to a No1 Mum, signed with a muddy paw print, and a lovely one from OH. He always finds cards with lovely words and always manages to bring a tear to my eye, this year was no exception.
As we don't spend Christmas together we always swap presents before Christmas and tonight was the night. I was a very spoilt girl as I got Red Hunter Wellies, a grooming table for Rodders and I to use and a cool pad for my bed. Rodders also bought me a yummy box of chocolates :-) All things that I need and I am one happy girl, well maybe chocolates aren't needed but they were very much appreciated! Rodders wasn't left out and he opened a new fleece and some special dog bubbles which he and OH played with straight away, Rodders seemed to like them! He also has some more presents to open on Christmas day.
Once all the presents had been unwrapped OH set up the grooming table in the passage for me while I sorted out the wrapping paper and cleared up the rubbish.
Rodders then got put up on the grooming table so that could comb him through before giving him his first bath at home as we want him clean and lovely for Santa. I also trimmed his bottom to make him a bit more hygienic. It is important that he has all tangles removed before he is wet as this makes them impossible to remove.
OH and I took him up to the bathroom and I made sure that we had everything we needed to hand before getting the temperature right on the shower head. OH tried to take off Rodders choke chain but it would appear it is now too small to come over his head so we had a bit of a panic, worst case scenario we would have to ask the vets to cut it off in the morning.
We put Rodders in the bath and I soaked all his body before shampooing him and rinsing him off. I then moved on to his head and he really didn't like this bit and was trying to escape from the bath. OH was doing a sterling job of keeping him in there and calm. He also managed to get the choke chain off, yippee!
Once all the soap was out OH picked Rodders up in a towel and brought him downstairs to dry him off a bit whilst playing. I followed them down with the hair drier and Rodders got put back on the grooming table to get him dry and make sure he looks smart. He wasn't so sure about this bit and OH had to keep hold of him while I dried. We then swapped over and OH was using the slicker to fluff up Rodders legs as we dried. He really does dry quite quickly. The last bit was to try and cut the hair between his pads. I managed to get his front feet done but he was a bit fed up by the time I got to his back feet so we gave up for the night, it is not worth upsetting him if we don't have to and they can wait for another day.
We found Rodders puppy collar and OH extended it so I can use that until I get to training school to buy a bigger chile chain.
After a busy evening it was time to sit down, relax and watch a bit of TV before bed. Rodders came up on the sofa with me until I got too warm and moved him to the bed pad.
Rodders was very pleased to see me, and barking as I came in the door, but desperate to go out for a piddle. He then came back in for a fuss, a play and his tea.
OH called again, he is having a great journey home so far so I started chopping things for dinner. Usually when I am chopping Rodders gets a carrot top or something but as he is on his special diet I couldn't do this. He just sat beside me barking and no amount of being told no was cutting it.
He was so busy barking he didn't even hear OH arriving home until he was actually in the back door! They had a snuggle and then went upstairs for OH to get changed. Good job as I had just had a calgon tablet crumble all over the kitchen floor and I needed to clear up before Rodders was allowed back in there!
When they came down they both went straight out in to the garden and I couldn't see what they were doing but they were up to something!
Once they were back in today's dinner of Fajita's was out on the table, OH already knew what he was getting as I had forgotten the wraps and had to send him to Tesco for them on his way home so the surprise was spoilt.
Once we had dinner we swapped Christmas cards. I got a special one from Rodders to a No1 Mum, signed with a muddy paw print, and a lovely one from OH. He always finds cards with lovely words and always manages to bring a tear to my eye, this year was no exception.
As we don't spend Christmas together we always swap presents before Christmas and tonight was the night. I was a very spoilt girl as I got Red Hunter Wellies, a grooming table for Rodders and I to use and a cool pad for my bed. Rodders also bought me a yummy box of chocolates :-) All things that I need and I am one happy girl, well maybe chocolates aren't needed but they were very much appreciated! Rodders wasn't left out and he opened a new fleece and some special dog bubbles which he and OH played with straight away, Rodders seemed to like them! He also has some more presents to open on Christmas day.
Once all the presents had been unwrapped OH set up the grooming table in the passage for me while I sorted out the wrapping paper and cleared up the rubbish.
Rodders then got put up on the grooming table so that could comb him through before giving him his first bath at home as we want him clean and lovely for Santa. I also trimmed his bottom to make him a bit more hygienic. It is important that he has all tangles removed before he is wet as this makes them impossible to remove.
OH and I took him up to the bathroom and I made sure that we had everything we needed to hand before getting the temperature right on the shower head. OH tried to take off Rodders choke chain but it would appear it is now too small to come over his head so we had a bit of a panic, worst case scenario we would have to ask the vets to cut it off in the morning.
We put Rodders in the bath and I soaked all his body before shampooing him and rinsing him off. I then moved on to his head and he really didn't like this bit and was trying to escape from the bath. OH was doing a sterling job of keeping him in there and calm. He also managed to get the choke chain off, yippee!
Once all the soap was out OH picked Rodders up in a towel and brought him downstairs to dry him off a bit whilst playing. I followed them down with the hair drier and Rodders got put back on the grooming table to get him dry and make sure he looks smart. He wasn't so sure about this bit and OH had to keep hold of him while I dried. We then swapped over and OH was using the slicker to fluff up Rodders legs as we dried. He really does dry quite quickly. The last bit was to try and cut the hair between his pads. I managed to get his front feet done but he was a bit fed up by the time I got to his back feet so we gave up for the night, it is not worth upsetting him if we don't have to and they can wait for another day.
We found Rodders puppy collar and OH extended it so I can use that until I get to training school to buy a bigger chile chain.
After a busy evening it was time to sit down, relax and watch a bit of TV before bed. Rodders came up on the sofa with me until I got too warm and moved him to the bed pad.
Another day at work
Rodders and I were up at 6.30am and, he was soon barking for his breakfast, after he had been out for a piddle.
He was quite cuddly so I was late going for a shower which meant that he only got a quick walk around the block. When it was time for me to go to work he went in to his crate without too much trouble, this really is amazing when he isn't getting any treats.
I spent the morning going through the last bits of my handover with Debbie and then came home for lunch. Rodders was very pleased to see me and was barking by the time I came through the lounge door. He wasn't in any rush to go out in to the garden but did have a piddle eventually. I gave him his lunch and opened the post while I ate it. We then had a play of fetch and a snuggle before it was time for me to go back to work. He wasn't happy about going back in the crate and needed encouraging in. He sat with his back to me as I locked it and gave two barks and a whine as I walked away from the house, I couldn't hear him by the time I got to the car.
We had a slow afternoon and when it was time for me to come home Debbie, the lady I am taking over from, told me that she would be happy to puppy sit whenever I need her to. She lost her Cocker Spaniel, Eric, earlier this year and already looks after a couple of dogs for her friends. Is this the home from home I have been looking for?
He was quite cuddly so I was late going for a shower which meant that he only got a quick walk around the block. When it was time for me to go to work he went in to his crate without too much trouble, this really is amazing when he isn't getting any treats.
I spent the morning going through the last bits of my handover with Debbie and then came home for lunch. Rodders was very pleased to see me and was barking by the time I came through the lounge door. He wasn't in any rush to go out in to the garden but did have a piddle eventually. I gave him his lunch and opened the post while I ate it. We then had a play of fetch and a snuggle before it was time for me to go back to work. He wasn't happy about going back in the crate and needed encouraging in. He sat with his back to me as I locked it and gave two barks and a whine as I walked away from the house, I couldn't hear him by the time I got to the car.
We had a slow afternoon and when it was time for me to come home Debbie, the lady I am taking over from, told me that she would be happy to puppy sit whenever I need her to. She lost her Cocker Spaniel, Eric, earlier this year and already looks after a couple of dogs for her friends. Is this the home from home I have been looking for?
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