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 door. Show all posts
Showing posts with label door. Show all posts
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
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 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
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.
Friday, 30 December 2011
A bit of play, a bit of rest and a comb through
Rodders has been in and out of the garden playing for most of the afternoon. As it has been raining a fair bit this has also meant that he has had to be towelled off each time. Luckily he doesn't seem to mind.
He has also played quietly with his nylabone lying on the mat by the back door or he has laid on the snuggle fleece by the front radiator. He has also chased up and down after his ball, played with his yoghurt pot and beaten up his teddy so it hasn't all been quiet play.
He did come up on the sofa once I had put the new fleece blanket on it and he seems to approve as he was fast asleep for a while. When he woke up he wanted his tea and then went out in to the garden for a little while.
Once he was back in and dried off I popped him on the grooming table and combed him through and sorted out his gunky eye. He is such a fantastic puppy, he doesn't complain at all when I mess about with him like that. I really am so lucky!
It is obviously hard work being groomed as after a short play he is actually snoring on his bed pad at my feet!
He has also played quietly with his nylabone lying on the mat by the back door or he has laid on the snuggle fleece by the front radiator. He has also chased up and down after his ball, played with his yoghurt pot and beaten up his teddy so it hasn't all been quiet play.
He did come up on the sofa once I had put the new fleece blanket on it and he seems to approve as he was fast asleep for a while. When he woke up he wanted his tea and then went out in to the garden for a little while.
Once he was back in and dried off I popped him on the grooming table and combed him through and sorted out his gunky eye. He is such a fantastic puppy, he doesn't complain at all when I mess about with him like that. I really am so lucky!
It is obviously hard work being groomed as after a short play he is actually snoring on his bed pad at my feet!
Thursday, 29 December 2011
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!
Friday, 23 December 2011
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.
Monday, 19 December 2011
Rodders loves OH
When OH got home tonight Rodders had just settled down after running around like a lunatic since I got home from work.
As soon as he heard the back door go he went flying towards it barking, this soon changed to squeaks of delight and he was desperate to get up for a snuggle. OH had been in the car a while and needed the bathroom but Rodders wasn't having any of it, he was getting his snuggle first whatever!
Snuggle and bathroom visit over OH needed to go back out to empty the car but Rodders wanted up again and was snuggled in to OH's chest. After a few minutes I took Rodders from him so that he could get back outside. Rodders stayed in my arms for a whole two minutes and then started to wriggle and made it clear he wanted down. He then ran straight to the back door and wanted to go out and find OH but I couldn't let him until the gate shut. Rodders kept making a strange strangulated bark and was getting more agitated as I said wait. As soon as the gate was shut I let him out and he ran to OH and then danced his way around OH's feet back to the door.
He and OH then went upstairs so that OH could get changed and, if you saw the earlier post, you will see that Rodders brought both of his slippers down at the same time.
While all this was going on I was trying to make dinner, shame I forgot the garlic bread was in the oven as the rest of dinner was fine! Rodders also got a little more chicken and rice as he had wolfed down the last lot.
After dinner OH made a cuppa as I cleared up and then it was time for some boy time. They played fetch for a while and then OH lay down on the floor so Rodders could jump all over him - they seem to love doing this. Eventually Rodders climbed on top of him for a rest.
I think that the feeling is mutual!
As soon as he heard the back door go he went flying towards it barking, this soon changed to squeaks of delight and he was desperate to get up for a snuggle. OH had been in the car a while and needed the bathroom but Rodders wasn't having any of it, he was getting his snuggle first whatever!
Snuggle and bathroom visit over OH needed to go back out to empty the car but Rodders wanted up again and was snuggled in to OH's chest. After a few minutes I took Rodders from him so that he could get back outside. Rodders stayed in my arms for a whole two minutes and then started to wriggle and made it clear he wanted down. He then ran straight to the back door and wanted to go out and find OH but I couldn't let him until the gate shut. Rodders kept making a strange strangulated bark and was getting more agitated as I said wait. As soon as the gate was shut I let him out and he ran to OH and then danced his way around OH's feet back to the door.
He and OH then went upstairs so that OH could get changed and, if you saw the earlier post, you will see that Rodders brought both of his slippers down at the same time.
While all this was going on I was trying to make dinner, shame I forgot the garlic bread was in the oven as the rest of dinner was fine! Rodders also got a little more chicken and rice as he had wolfed down the last lot.
After dinner OH made a cuppa as I cleared up and then it was time for some boy time. They played fetch for a while and then OH lay down on the floor so Rodders could jump all over him - they seem to love doing this. Eventually Rodders climbed on top of him for a rest.
I think that the feeling is mutual!
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Puppy Party 4
OH managed to leave work early today so that he could be home in time for the final puppy party. Rodders was asleep when he came in the back door but got straight up and was barking until he saw who it was. The barks then turned to squeaks of delight and he rushed to the door to greet him and have a fuss and a snuggle.
OH then went straight out the front to sort out the Christmas Lights that have fallen and then in to the loft to get the spare stair gate before we both got changed ready for puppy party. I also managed to eat a slice of toast as I hadn't had anything all day.
We slipped on Rodders lead and went out to the car & OH popped him in the crate. He whinged for a minute or two but settled down quite quickly. A few minutes later and we were at the vets. Rodders seemed happy to walk in there and was greeted by Marley as soon as we were in the door. He didn't even seem to mind when Marley had his nose underneath him sniffing his bits!
Once we managed to get beyond the door he found Appa and said hello but he was quite happy once we sat down to be with OH. Molly joined us soon after and gave everyone her usual exuberant greeting, she is one powerful puppy.
Nicci started to hand out liver treats and threw out the toys. Appa managed to get to the dental kong first and was doing really well at getting the liver treat out of it before Marley was let loose and took it off him.
The noise level once the puppy's were let off tonight was quite high, mainly Rodders barking! He was desperate to play but he knew that Molly and Marley were a bit rough and Appa just tends to trundle around doing his own thing. A few times Rodders did get himself in there and found his way out and back to OH when things got a bit rough for him. He would sit there for a little while and then go back in to the fray. OH seemed to be a hit with Molly who came to have a fuss and chew at his beard and ears a couple of times.
We had to gather up the puppies a couple of times to stop them going in to pools of piddle (Thanks Molly and Marley!) and again once Marley pooped everywhere - he was still playing when he did it and so it ended up all over him as well. It was quite a clean up operation for the vet nurses and his owner.
We all got shown around the surgery and got to see all the different rooms and equipment they have. Poor Appa was sick so yet another clean up operation.
We also had to fill out a questionnaire to say what we thought of the puppy parties, mine was all positive as I think it has been a great experience for Rodders and I. Then it was time for final goodbyes, but it may not be the last time we meet as Nicci may organise a puppy walk in the new year for all of this years puppy graduates, that would be fun to see how they have all grown and progressed.
On the way home OH and I chatted about the other puppies and the vet practice, he seems quite impressed with them which is good. We also stopped to pick up a takeaway, I don't think Rodders was too impressed at being left in the car though!
OH then went straight out the front to sort out the Christmas Lights that have fallen and then in to the loft to get the spare stair gate before we both got changed ready for puppy party. I also managed to eat a slice of toast as I hadn't had anything all day.
We slipped on Rodders lead and went out to the car & OH popped him in the crate. He whinged for a minute or two but settled down quite quickly. A few minutes later and we were at the vets. Rodders seemed happy to walk in there and was greeted by Marley as soon as we were in the door. He didn't even seem to mind when Marley had his nose underneath him sniffing his bits!
Once we managed to get beyond the door he found Appa and said hello but he was quite happy once we sat down to be with OH. Molly joined us soon after and gave everyone her usual exuberant greeting, she is one powerful puppy.
Nicci started to hand out liver treats and threw out the toys. Appa managed to get to the dental kong first and was doing really well at getting the liver treat out of it before Marley was let loose and took it off him.
The noise level once the puppy's were let off tonight was quite high, mainly Rodders barking! He was desperate to play but he knew that Molly and Marley were a bit rough and Appa just tends to trundle around doing his own thing. A few times Rodders did get himself in there and found his way out and back to OH when things got a bit rough for him. He would sit there for a little while and then go back in to the fray. OH seemed to be a hit with Molly who came to have a fuss and chew at his beard and ears a couple of times.
We had to gather up the puppies a couple of times to stop them going in to pools of piddle (Thanks Molly and Marley!) and again once Marley pooped everywhere - he was still playing when he did it and so it ended up all over him as well. It was quite a clean up operation for the vet nurses and his owner.
We all got shown around the surgery and got to see all the different rooms and equipment they have. Poor Appa was sick so yet another clean up operation.
We also had to fill out a questionnaire to say what we thought of the puppy parties, mine was all positive as I think it has been a great experience for Rodders and I. Then it was time for final goodbyes, but it may not be the last time we meet as Nicci may organise a puppy walk in the new year for all of this years puppy graduates, that would be fun to see how they have all grown and progressed.
On the way home OH and I chatted about the other puppies and the vet practice, he seems quite impressed with them which is good. We also stopped to pick up a takeaway, I don't think Rodders was too impressed at being left in the car though!
Sunday, 11 December 2011
It had all been going so well
I have been pottering about this evening and it seems to have unsettled Rodders.
While I was stood at the dining table printing off and preparing for an interview tomorrow he came up and lay on his snuggle fleece beside me. Without making a sound he got up and moved to the patio door. As I turned around to see where he had gone he was mid piddle :-(
He got thrown out in to the garden while I cleared up and sprayed with stain and odour remover. He wasn't happy and kept barking to be let back in and I told him he had to wait. When I did let him in he slunk past me and wasn't sure where to go, he looked at his bed pad by the sofa and the snuggle fleece by the dining table but chose the rolled up carpet instead.
He is still there playing with his toys.
While I was stood at the dining table printing off and preparing for an interview tomorrow he came up and lay on his snuggle fleece beside me. Without making a sound he got up and moved to the patio door. As I turned around to see where he had gone he was mid piddle :-(
He got thrown out in to the garden while I cleared up and sprayed with stain and odour remover. He wasn't happy and kept barking to be let back in and I told him he had to wait. When I did let him in he slunk past me and wasn't sure where to go, he looked at his bed pad by the sofa and the snuggle fleece by the dining table but chose the rolled up carpet instead.
He is still there playing with his toys.
Rain and supper
While I was cooking my dinner the rain started to fall really heavily. To start with Rodders just barked at the noise on the conservatory roof but he then decided to go out in it. I delayed serving up as I knew that he was going to come in soaked and would need to be dried off, luckily he didn't stay out long.
OH has said several times that there is nothing wrong with Rodders hearing and today proves it. As I was pottering about doing things I was opening the lounge door to put things on the stairs to be taken up later or to go to the bin at the front door. Where ever Rodders was he came running incase I was going to go out without him.
After I had eaten I gave him his supper and he cleared the bowl! This is the first time I have been able to do the recommended thing and feed him after me. Usually he would be fast asleep from 7pm but he is now staying awake longer.
After supper he kept barking to go out but when I opened the door he changed his mind. The third time he actually went and came back in very wet so he was towelled off again.
After quite a long play with his toys and yoghurt pot and a game of fetch with his ball he asked to come up on my knee and once he settled down I moved him to the bed pad at my feet.
OH has said several times that there is nothing wrong with Rodders hearing and today proves it. As I was pottering about doing things I was opening the lounge door to put things on the stairs to be taken up later or to go to the bin at the front door. Where ever Rodders was he came running incase I was going to go out without him.
After I had eaten I gave him his supper and he cleared the bowl! This is the first time I have been able to do the recommended thing and feed him after me. Usually he would be fast asleep from 7pm but he is now staying awake longer.
After supper he kept barking to go out but when I opened the door he changed his mind. The third time he actually went and came back in very wet so he was towelled off again.
After quite a long play with his toys and yoghurt pot and a game of fetch with his ball he asked to come up on my knee and once he settled down I moved him to the bed pad at my feet.
An busy afternoon
Once the shopping was all away I sat down with Rodders for a few minutes and then said that I needed to go in to the kitchen. He started to squeak again, telling me he was quite happy where he was I assume!
I put him down and went in to the kitchen anyway. I made the spag bol, unloaded the dishwasher and washing machine and sorted the recycling out. Rodders was pottering about playing or getting under my feet. He then stood at my feet barking and I asked if he was hungry. He went straight to the kitchen door so I picked up his bowl and went to get some kibble for him.
Once he had eaten he wanted to go out in to the garden and was barking so I made him come back in and come upstairs with me while I hung the washing on radiators.
The next time he went in to the garden he was happily playing for a while but started barking again so I went out to see why. I couldn't see or hear anything but did spot where he has been digging in the border. He wasn't very happy when I got the trowel and filled his hole in and even more disgruntled when I cleaned his feet as we came in the door!
I went upstairs to use the bathroom and he came too. By this point he just seemed to be getting more and more naughty. Is he tired or does he need to get rid of some energy?
I needed to move things around in the back bedroom to get to the underbed storage to get out the Christmas Cards, they really need to be in the post this week. While I was doing that Rodders was chewing a roll of wrapping paper, when that was taken off him he found some tissue paper.
Christmas cards found and another load of washing for the machine in my arms I started down the stairs. Rodders followed me with a slipper in his mouth!
It has been drizzly, dark and horrid most of the day so I decided we would do some road walking to try and wear Rodders out. We just went through the estate and up to the shops and back and I was making him sit and wait each time we crossed a road. He was mainly walking to heel and he wasn't pulling much but he does like to bark at people a lot of the time. We were out for over half an hour and, as soon as we got back, Rodders had a mad five minutes.
I then heard him growl, a much different sound to anything he has done before so I went to investigate. He was bring to drag a bag off a chair and it wasn't working! I made him come away and he is now having a snooze on the bed pad at my feet.
I put him down and went in to the kitchen anyway. I made the spag bol, unloaded the dishwasher and washing machine and sorted the recycling out. Rodders was pottering about playing or getting under my feet. He then stood at my feet barking and I asked if he was hungry. He went straight to the kitchen door so I picked up his bowl and went to get some kibble for him.
Once he had eaten he wanted to go out in to the garden and was barking so I made him come back in and come upstairs with me while I hung the washing on radiators.
The next time he went in to the garden he was happily playing for a while but started barking again so I went out to see why. I couldn't see or hear anything but did spot where he has been digging in the border. He wasn't very happy when I got the trowel and filled his hole in and even more disgruntled when I cleaned his feet as we came in the door!
I went upstairs to use the bathroom and he came too. By this point he just seemed to be getting more and more naughty. Is he tired or does he need to get rid of some energy?
I needed to move things around in the back bedroom to get to the underbed storage to get out the Christmas Cards, they really need to be in the post this week. While I was doing that Rodders was chewing a roll of wrapping paper, when that was taken off him he found some tissue paper.
Christmas cards found and another load of washing for the machine in my arms I started down the stairs. Rodders followed me with a slipper in his mouth!
It has been drizzly, dark and horrid most of the day so I decided we would do some road walking to try and wear Rodders out. We just went through the estate and up to the shops and back and I was making him sit and wait each time we crossed a road. He was mainly walking to heel and he wasn't pulling much but he does like to bark at people a lot of the time. We were out for over half an hour and, as soon as we got back, Rodders had a mad five minutes.
I then heard him growl, a much different sound to anything he has done before so I went to investigate. He was bring to drag a bag off a chair and it wasn't working! I made him come away and he is now having a snooze on the bed pad at my feet.
Left him to go shopping!
Rodders was ready for a snooze eventually so I asked him to go in to his crate. He can tell when I am going to go out, he starts to squeak as I lock the back door and if the dog walking coat doesn't go on he the squeaks turn in to moans of disgust! That said, he did go in to his crate without complaining. It was probably the treats.
I headed off to Tesco and spent a fortune but I have enough meat for at least this month, a spag bol kit for the freezer and some stuff to make soup with for tomorrow so I should only need to buy bread, milk and fresh vegetables until January. I knew that I would not get all the shopping in to the house in one go so I pulled up at the back and dropped it just inside the back gate before parking at the front and coming in.
I am not sure if Rodders heard the back gate but as soon as I came in the front door he started to bark. I let him out of his crate and he was squeaking and rolled straight on to his back for a tummy rub and then wanted to come up for a snuggle. Once he settled a little I opened the back door and we went to bring in the shopping. He was dancing in front of me and nearly tripped me up.
He was trying to bite the bags so I chucked him out the kitchen behind the baby gate and gave him a dentastik chew to keep him quiet. He gets through about three quarters of them before he gets bored but it does give me a bit of peace if there is something I need to do.
I headed off to Tesco and spent a fortune but I have enough meat for at least this month, a spag bol kit for the freezer and some stuff to make soup with for tomorrow so I should only need to buy bread, milk and fresh vegetables until January. I knew that I would not get all the shopping in to the house in one go so I pulled up at the back and dropped it just inside the back gate before parking at the front and coming in.
I am not sure if Rodders heard the back gate but as soon as I came in the front door he started to bark. I let him out of his crate and he was squeaking and rolled straight on to his back for a tummy rub and then wanted to come up for a snuggle. Once he settled a little I opened the back door and we went to bring in the shopping. He was dancing in front of me and nearly tripped me up.
He was trying to bite the bags so I chucked him out the kitchen behind the baby gate and gave him a dentastik chew to keep him quiet. He gets through about three quarters of them before he gets bored but it does give me a bit of peace if there is something I need to do.
Friday, 9 December 2011
OH pops in
OH popped in for a cuppa and a quick snuggle with Rodders to break up his journey home.
Rodders was fast asleep on his bed pad and didn't hear anything until OH was almost in the door. He ran off towards the conservatory barking but stopped and started squeaking as soon as he realised who it was. He adores OH and was jumping up to be lifted for a snuggle. OH obliged and Rodders was soon giving him a quick wash and snuggling in to his beard.
I made a cuppa and we all went through to the conservatory where Rodders was happy to be up on OH's chest for a while. He then wanted down for a little while before coming to sit on me.
OH went up to use the bathroom and Rodders couldn't wait to get off my knee and run after him. When they came back down it was time for OH to go. Rodders was rooting around the back of the rolled up carpet so OH went to check why. One half chewed carrot top! He made Rodders sit and wait before he gave it him back.
As Rodders had the carrot he didn't seem too bothered that OH disappeared out the door. Five minutes later when he realised he wasn't coming back he asked to go out and went straight to the gate to check before coming back to the grass for a piddle and back in the house.
He has had a mad few minutes running up and down playing and has given Teddy a seeing too but has now come to sit on his bed pad.
Rodders was fast asleep on his bed pad and didn't hear anything until OH was almost in the door. He ran off towards the conservatory barking but stopped and started squeaking as soon as he realised who it was. He adores OH and was jumping up to be lifted for a snuggle. OH obliged and Rodders was soon giving him a quick wash and snuggling in to his beard.
I made a cuppa and we all went through to the conservatory where Rodders was happy to be up on OH's chest for a while. He then wanted down for a little while before coming to sit on me.
OH went up to use the bathroom and Rodders couldn't wait to get off my knee and run after him. When they came back down it was time for OH to go. Rodders was rooting around the back of the rolled up carpet so OH went to check why. One half chewed carrot top! He made Rodders sit and wait before he gave it him back.
As Rodders had the carrot he didn't seem too bothered that OH disappeared out the door. Five minutes later when he realised he wasn't coming back he asked to go out and went straight to the gate to check before coming back to the grass for a piddle and back in the house.
He has had a mad few minutes running up and down playing and has given Teddy a seeing too but has now come to sit on his bed pad.
Another little thing
I have been meaning to mention this for a few days.
When Rodders wants to come on from the garden he used to stand on his step and bark. It was always difficult to open the door to let him in as he was stood in the way.
He has now learnt to stand with his front feet on the step as he barks. When he sees me approach the door he now takes his feet off the step so that he can hop in the door as quickly as I open it.
What a clever puppy!
When Rodders wants to come on from the garden he used to stand on his step and bark. It was always difficult to open the door to let him in as he was stood in the way.
He has now learnt to stand with his front feet on the step as he barks. When he sees me approach the door he now takes his feet off the step so that he can hop in the door as quickly as I open it.
What a clever puppy!
Puppy Class No 6
Rodders and I left for puppy class and he whimpered a bit in the car to start with, this is becoming a bit of a habit :-(
When we got there Juno was waiting and we could see Tinker still in the car (her owner has another dog that does the class before). Molly joined us in the car park and just as the class began Molly's brother joined us. We also got to see Tarka to find out how she got on at the next level class - it was much harder apparently.
Sam joined us and she greeted all the puppy's, Rodders even seemed pleased to see her! We all swapped puppies and after a quick look to see where I was Rodders was happy to accept treats and fuss from other people. He was still pleased to come back to me though.
We went straight out to the field as it was very sunny and bright (flipping cold though!) with Rodders and I in the front. He was walking nicely to heel until we got to the field and then wanted to run and sniff. This could be because he is a bundle of energy or it could be because I usually allow him freedom on fields so I am going to try a couple of things: 1. We will do a walk before Puppy School next week to make sure he has got rid of the excess energy and 2. At least one walk a week on the field will be on his normal lead.
We were all walking around some posts to heel and he was still being a monkey but we had to stop and clear up as he pooped. By the time we caught up we were doing heel & down rather than heel and sit. He did OK at this and was going in to the down position better than he had been.
We then played with tuggy's and I was having to say no and check him two or three times before he would give up his toy so Sam came and showed me how she would do it. Rodders nearly went in to the next field! It would appear I need to be tougher. But after Sam had checked him he wasn't too interested in the toy and wanted to eat mud and rabbit poo. Another thing I need to practice when we are on the rugby field.
We then tried recall by making the puppy's sit, wait and then come. Rodders wouldn't wait until Sam stood on his lead but when asked to come he couldn't wait to get to me for a treat. We did this twice and he was as bad both times.
We then did a bit more heel work before going on to down and stay. He did a little better at this but I was only ever a lead length away and didn't let go.
We then heeled over to the agility course but we were running out of time so we only did the A Frame and the tunnel. Neither were a problem but it would be better if he would wait at the start of the tunnel without Sam having to hold him.
As we were walking back at the hall I was chatting with Sam and telling her about our week. She thinks that all the extra socialisation is working well and she can see how much more confident he is. She also thinks that him getting bolder may mean that he is testing his limits and I need to be a little firmer with him.
We got back in to the hall and he did a good sit and wait at the door. Once inside he went in to down as we wrapped up but when everyone else made their way back to the door he was happy to stay where he was!
I did get him to come out and got him in to the car and for the first time in days he wanted his treat. On the way back I ran in to the little Tesco for bread and milk and left him in the car. He was silent until I got back in and then gave a few squeaks to make sure I knew he was there!
Back home he has had a quick play, has eaten about half a bowl of kibble, has been in to the garden twice and is now having a snooze.
When we got there Juno was waiting and we could see Tinker still in the car (her owner has another dog that does the class before). Molly joined us in the car park and just as the class began Molly's brother joined us. We also got to see Tarka to find out how she got on at the next level class - it was much harder apparently.
Sam joined us and she greeted all the puppy's, Rodders even seemed pleased to see her! We all swapped puppies and after a quick look to see where I was Rodders was happy to accept treats and fuss from other people. He was still pleased to come back to me though.
We went straight out to the field as it was very sunny and bright (flipping cold though!) with Rodders and I in the front. He was walking nicely to heel until we got to the field and then wanted to run and sniff. This could be because he is a bundle of energy or it could be because I usually allow him freedom on fields so I am going to try a couple of things: 1. We will do a walk before Puppy School next week to make sure he has got rid of the excess energy and 2. At least one walk a week on the field will be on his normal lead.
We were all walking around some posts to heel and he was still being a monkey but we had to stop and clear up as he pooped. By the time we caught up we were doing heel & down rather than heel and sit. He did OK at this and was going in to the down position better than he had been.
We then played with tuggy's and I was having to say no and check him two or three times before he would give up his toy so Sam came and showed me how she would do it. Rodders nearly went in to the next field! It would appear I need to be tougher. But after Sam had checked him he wasn't too interested in the toy and wanted to eat mud and rabbit poo. Another thing I need to practice when we are on the rugby field.
We then tried recall by making the puppy's sit, wait and then come. Rodders wouldn't wait until Sam stood on his lead but when asked to come he couldn't wait to get to me for a treat. We did this twice and he was as bad both times.
We then did a bit more heel work before going on to down and stay. He did a little better at this but I was only ever a lead length away and didn't let go.
We then heeled over to the agility course but we were running out of time so we only did the A Frame and the tunnel. Neither were a problem but it would be better if he would wait at the start of the tunnel without Sam having to hold him.
As we were walking back at the hall I was chatting with Sam and telling her about our week. She thinks that all the extra socialisation is working well and she can see how much more confident he is. She also thinks that him getting bolder may mean that he is testing his limits and I need to be a little firmer with him.
We got back in to the hall and he did a good sit and wait at the door. Once inside he went in to down as we wrapped up but when everyone else made their way back to the door he was happy to stay where he was!
I did get him to come out and got him in to the car and for the first time in days he wanted his treat. On the way back I ran in to the little Tesco for bread and milk and left him in the car. He was silent until I got back in and then gave a few squeaks to make sure I knew he was there!
Back home he has had a quick play, has eaten about half a bowl of kibble, has been in to the garden twice and is now having a snooze.
Friday, 2 December 2011
My big sis
Once Rodders calmed down he went and lay on his bed pad for a snooze which enabled me to potter about and tidy up a bit before my big sister arrived for the night - we are off out with my nieces tomorrow for our annual Christmas Shopping trip.
When Sue arrived and rang the door bell Rodders barked but didn't bother to move off the bed pad until she was actually in the door when he came to the end of the sofa and peeked around then end. Rodders barked and barked at her, and it has taken about three hours for him to be confident enough to go anywhere near her. When he did it was to try and chew her slipper or to bite her cardigan!
He settled back down for a snooze and only really became active for about an hour and a half. In that time we played tug and he played fetch with his ball, played in the conservatory with his toys on his own and has been out to the garden for a piddle and a play. He did go in to the kitchen and bark for his dinner and actually ate almost all of it in one sitting.
When we sat down for dinner he settled down on snuggle fleece at my feet.
When Sue arrived and rang the door bell Rodders barked but didn't bother to move off the bed pad until she was actually in the door when he came to the end of the sofa and peeked around then end. Rodders barked and barked at her, and it has taken about three hours for him to be confident enough to go anywhere near her. When he did it was to try and chew her slipper or to bite her cardigan!
He settled back down for a snooze and only really became active for about an hour and a half. In that time we played tug and he played fetch with his ball, played in the conservatory with his toys on his own and has been out to the garden for a piddle and a play. He did go in to the kitchen and bark for his dinner and actually ate almost all of it in one sitting.
When we sat down for dinner he settled down on snuggle fleece at my feet.
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Rodders gets a fright
Rodders was fast asleep when I went to check on the freezer.
For those of you that don't know my house it is a mid terrace and used to have a passageway at the side of the house that goes from the front of the house to the back and it has a large under stairs cupboard off it. Over the years all the houses incorporated the passageways in to their houses by putting doors at each end. My freezer is in the under stairs cupboard.
I was trying to get some of the ice off and was making a bit of noise which woke Rodders up and I heard a bark that I haven't heard before. It was a real warning to anyone trying to get in to the house, not like he makes when he hears OH at the back door or when he hears the doorbell ring. This was a real warning bark!
I shouted for him to come to me but he just carried on barking so I made my way to him telling him that it was on;y me making a noise. he wasn't happy with that and carried on barking until I opened the door to let him see out the back.
It would appear that I have quite a good guard dog!
For those of you that don't know my house it is a mid terrace and used to have a passageway at the side of the house that goes from the front of the house to the back and it has a large under stairs cupboard off it. Over the years all the houses incorporated the passageways in to their houses by putting doors at each end. My freezer is in the under stairs cupboard.
I was trying to get some of the ice off and was making a bit of noise which woke Rodders up and I heard a bark that I haven't heard before. It was a real warning to anyone trying to get in to the house, not like he makes when he hears OH at the back door or when he hears the doorbell ring. This was a real warning bark!
I shouted for him to come to me but he just carried on barking so I made my way to him telling him that it was on;y me making a noise. he wasn't happy with that and carried on barking until I opened the door to let him see out the back.
It would appear that I have quite a good guard dog!
Visitor
After Skevi left Rodders came upstairs to the bathroom with me and ate the rest of his breakfast (!) from his Kong, so that is two meals he has eaten today.
He is obviously tired as he couldn't be bothered to walk down the stairs and had to be encouraged down step by step. Once back in the lounge he collapsed on his new bed pad for a snooze. He had only been asleep a short time when Kev called in for a natter. Rodders barked when the door went and came as far as the end of the sofa to see who it was and he barked again when Kev came in the door.
As Kev and I sat at the Dining Table Rodders wasn't sure if he wanted to sit by me or on his bed pad. I threw out some treats in the space between Kev and I to see if Rodders would approach him, it would seem he will do anything for treats! Once he had eaten the treats he retreated to his bed pad until Kev was going when he stood at the end of the sofa to watch him go!
He is obviously tired as he couldn't be bothered to walk down the stairs and had to be encouraged down step by step. Once back in the lounge he collapsed on his new bed pad for a snooze. He had only been asleep a short time when Kev called in for a natter. Rodders barked when the door went and came as far as the end of the sofa to see who it was and he barked again when Kev came in the door.
As Kev and I sat at the Dining Table Rodders wasn't sure if he wanted to sit by me or on his bed pad. I threw out some treats in the space between Kev and I to see if Rodders would approach him, it would seem he will do anything for treats! Once he had eaten the treats he retreated to his bed pad until Kev was going when he stood at the end of the sofa to watch him go!
Caught him out
Rodders went in to his crate without too much trouble while I did a tour of the local sorting offices to collect the parcel - went to the wrong one first. And even more disappointing, the parcel isn't even for me, its for OH!
When I got back I was shouting across the green, passing the time of day with Lillian, and I was sure that Rodders would have heard me and expected him to start barking.
Not a sound as I came in the door and walked in to the lounge and only a minor squeak as I got to the crate. Rodders must have been out for the count as his tummy was very warm and toasty as he came out of the crate for a fuss.
When I got back I was shouting across the green, passing the time of day with Lillian, and I was sure that Rodders would have heard me and expected him to start barking.
Not a sound as I came in the door and walked in to the lounge and only a minor squeak as I got to the crate. Rodders must have been out for the count as his tummy was very warm and toasty as he came out of the crate for a fuss.
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