When we get back from a walk Rodders always seems to be energised and runs about playing for a while.
He did eventually settle down and had a rest on his bed pad for a little while before asking to go out in the garden. Once he came back in I put on my coat and told him that I needed to go out shopping and he needed to stay here and go in his bed. He wasn't happy and when I put his front feet in to the crate he tried to escape. I grabbed him and put all of him in the crate and he curled up as I locked it and said goodbye.
When I got back from Tesco he was obviously asleep as he didn't make a sound until I was in the kitchen and, when I let him out of the crate, his tummy was all warm and toasty.
After I had given him a fuss I started to put away the shopping and he was chasing about after me. He did try to stick his nose in the shopping bags but stopped when he was told no.
I hadn't been back very long when Kev called in with his daughter Emily who is home from Uni. It didn't take her and Rodders long to make friends and they sat on the floor playing with his toys for ages while Kev and I had a New year drink.
Emily is happy to walk Rodders if I need her to when she is home from Uni, wish I had known she was home for this week before I booked the dog walker!
Showing posts with label neighbours. Show all posts
Showing posts with label neighbours. Show all posts
Monday, 2 January 2012
Sunday, 1 January 2012
A quiet morning and a long walk
I woke up about 8.30am and there wasn't a peep out of Rodders until I started walking towards the bathroom. By the time I got down the stairs he was squeaking quite loudly.
He wanted a fuss and a snuggle before asking to go in the garden. While he was out there I made a cuppa and got his breakfast ready. As soon as he heard his bowls moving he dashed back in and started barking. I am trying to make him sit and wait so that I can put his bowls down without his nose in the way, we are almost there but he can't resist once they are an inch from the floor so it took about 5 minutes just to give him his breakfast this morning.
Once he had eaten his breakfast he was quite lively and chasing his toys around. He was also up to mischief and we have had a bit of a battle over the door stop and the door mat. OH wants to put the rugs back down after we take down the Christmas Tree but I think this might be a mistake. They are long pile, shaggy things and I think the temptation would be too much.
After a lot of playing inside and out and a fair amount of mischief Rodders eventually wanted a rest and came up on the sofa with me.
He seems to be able to find tissues from a mile away, even if they are hidden in pockets or behind cushions, and I have lost count of how many I have taken off him today.
I had brunch before emptying the washing machine and then getting washed and dressed so we could head out for a walk. I thought we would go towards the Nicky Line and see how muddy it is. Once we got there it looked quite good so we headed under the bridge and towards Queensway, stopping to swap to the extendable lead. Rodders loved running around sniffing as I wandered down the path and would be behind me one minute and flying past me to get in front the next. He stopped a couple of times and sat down so I called him to me and he came running. I wonder if the fact that there is an obvious path to follow makes him happier?
We walked over the bridge at Queensway, down the steps and in to the park. Rodders hadn't done this park before but he seemed to like it, we probably walked two thirds of it. He got to play with one dog for about 5 minutes. The two of them were chasing around his owner and I as we stood chatting, it was lovely to see.
As we were walking back towards the bridge I could hear my name being called. I looked up and saw Bob and Pat from next door standing on the bridge waving. Rodders and I made our way towards the steps and met them coming down with Gus, their Grand Dog. This was the first time Gus and Rodders had met. Gus is better with humans, Rodders is better with dogs so once they worked that out they were happy to ignore each other while we chatted. After a while we parted company so that we could head home and they could let Gus off for a run around and to chase his stick.
Rodders stayed a little closer on the way back so I thought we may have tired him out. No chance! Once we were back inside I made a cuppa and gave him his lunch and then he was running up and down after his ball, playing with his yoghurt pot and frizbee and then wanted out in to the garden. It had started to rain, I hope Bob and Pat aren't too long or they will be soaked,
Rodders was out there a while and has come in soaking. After being towelled off he was happy to lie on his bed pad for a snooze.
He wanted a fuss and a snuggle before asking to go in the garden. While he was out there I made a cuppa and got his breakfast ready. As soon as he heard his bowls moving he dashed back in and started barking. I am trying to make him sit and wait so that I can put his bowls down without his nose in the way, we are almost there but he can't resist once they are an inch from the floor so it took about 5 minutes just to give him his breakfast this morning.
Once he had eaten his breakfast he was quite lively and chasing his toys around. He was also up to mischief and we have had a bit of a battle over the door stop and the door mat. OH wants to put the rugs back down after we take down the Christmas Tree but I think this might be a mistake. They are long pile, shaggy things and I think the temptation would be too much.
After a lot of playing inside and out and a fair amount of mischief Rodders eventually wanted a rest and came up on the sofa with me.
He seems to be able to find tissues from a mile away, even if they are hidden in pockets or behind cushions, and I have lost count of how many I have taken off him today.
I had brunch before emptying the washing machine and then getting washed and dressed so we could head out for a walk. I thought we would go towards the Nicky Line and see how muddy it is. Once we got there it looked quite good so we headed under the bridge and towards Queensway, stopping to swap to the extendable lead. Rodders loved running around sniffing as I wandered down the path and would be behind me one minute and flying past me to get in front the next. He stopped a couple of times and sat down so I called him to me and he came running. I wonder if the fact that there is an obvious path to follow makes him happier?
We walked over the bridge at Queensway, down the steps and in to the park. Rodders hadn't done this park before but he seemed to like it, we probably walked two thirds of it. He got to play with one dog for about 5 minutes. The two of them were chasing around his owner and I as we stood chatting, it was lovely to see.
As we were walking back towards the bridge I could hear my name being called. I looked up and saw Bob and Pat from next door standing on the bridge waving. Rodders and I made our way towards the steps and met them coming down with Gus, their Grand Dog. This was the first time Gus and Rodders had met. Gus is better with humans, Rodders is better with dogs so once they worked that out they were happy to ignore each other while we chatted. After a while we parted company so that we could head home and they could let Gus off for a run around and to chase his stick.
Rodders stayed a little closer on the way back so I thought we may have tired him out. No chance! Once we were back inside I made a cuppa and gave him his lunch and then he was running up and down after his ball, playing with his yoghurt pot and frizbee and then wanted out in to the garden. It had started to rain, I hope Bob and Pat aren't too long or they will be soaked,
Rodders was out there a while and has come in soaking. After being towelled off he was happy to lie on his bed pad for a snooze.
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, 23 December 2011
It's all go
We got back from the vets and I started to get everything ready to go away later in the day.
At 9.30am I popped Rodders back in to the car to nip to Puppy School to see Sam to explain that we can't do today's class as Rodders is poorly and, now I am working, we can't do the Friday class anymore so we will be back to the Saturday class in January. I also wanted to get Rodders a new choke chain. Sam checked and the only choke chain they had was a bit big for Rodders but we heeled around the room to make sure that he couldn't escape from it when it went slack. We had a chat about how he was doing and she can see how much more confident he is.
Back home I swapped jackets and put Rodders in his crate so that I could nip to Tesco as I needed some final bits to make dip - I would be sent home if I turned up at Christmas without it!
Rodders was a bit fed up of all the time I was spending in the kitchen making dip and he took himself off to his bed for a while. He was happier when I had finished and he came upstairs with me while I finished packing my bag. I started to bring down the bags of Christmas presents while he sat on the landing chewing my slipper.
He then wanted to go in the garden which meant that I could pack most of the car without worrying about him. Once he came in I took him for a quick walk around the neighbourhood while I delivered the last of the Christmas cards and then put him back in the lounge while I finished loading the car.
We managed to leave home just before 2pm and stopped at the pet shop at St Albans for some bits I had forgotten and then headed up the A1 towards Oakham. The weather was getting awful, what started as a cold morning had gone through drizzle and was now chucking it down with rain. At one point we were down to 50mph as the spray was so bad. Then we found out that there was a problem on the A1 and we may need to divert off. Then the traffic news said the road was open and then, when we were almost beyond the point of no return, they changed their mind. Grrrr.
We found our way off the A1 and on to the A47 and got stuck behind someone that thought it was good to drive at between 35-45mph. By the time we got to Uppingham there was quite a daisy chain of frustrated drivers behind him. Luckily for me he turned left as I turned right. Three hours after setting off we eventually got to my big sisters!
While in the car I managed to talk to both my sisters and OH. Rodders wasn't bothered by that or the fact that he had been in the car for ages and he didn't make a sound all the way.
After we had said hello to my brother in law and Ailie I took Rodders in to the garden for a piddle while they emptied my car. Ailie had great fun putting all the presents under the tree and Rodders hasn't really paid them any attention at all. My sister was away having her hair done and got back about half an hour later.
I gave Rodders his tea about 5.30pm and then took him up the road for a walk and let him have a runabout on his extendable lead. He kept getting bits of tree stuck in his legs and when this happens he just sits down until I remove it, bit difficult in the dark but we managed!
About 7.30pm my other two nieces arrived with a husband and a boyfriend. It was good to see them all together, I can't remember when that last happened. It was quite noisy and Rodders took a moment before he decided that he was happy with all these people around and then threw himself in to things and was getting lots of fuss. I made sure that everyone is aware that they cannot feed him anything because of his poorly tummy.
I tried to keep Rodders out of the kitchen while dinner preparation were afoot as he was trying to scavenge. We all sat down for dinner and Rodders was (mostly) on his snuggle fleece beside me. He did escape under the table a couple of times, I hope he didn't find anything to eat.
Once dinner was over I gave him his supper. He seems much happier of 75g and is taking a little longer to eat it.
There are so many people moving about that he found it hard to settle and probably didn't fall asleep on his bed pad until gone 10.30pm this evening. I will take him out in to the garden before bed, just not sure when that will be!
At 9.30am I popped Rodders back in to the car to nip to Puppy School to see Sam to explain that we can't do today's class as Rodders is poorly and, now I am working, we can't do the Friday class anymore so we will be back to the Saturday class in January. I also wanted to get Rodders a new choke chain. Sam checked and the only choke chain they had was a bit big for Rodders but we heeled around the room to make sure that he couldn't escape from it when it went slack. We had a chat about how he was doing and she can see how much more confident he is.
Back home I swapped jackets and put Rodders in his crate so that I could nip to Tesco as I needed some final bits to make dip - I would be sent home if I turned up at Christmas without it!
Rodders was a bit fed up of all the time I was spending in the kitchen making dip and he took himself off to his bed for a while. He was happier when I had finished and he came upstairs with me while I finished packing my bag. I started to bring down the bags of Christmas presents while he sat on the landing chewing my slipper.
He then wanted to go in the garden which meant that I could pack most of the car without worrying about him. Once he came in I took him for a quick walk around the neighbourhood while I delivered the last of the Christmas cards and then put him back in the lounge while I finished loading the car.
We managed to leave home just before 2pm and stopped at the pet shop at St Albans for some bits I had forgotten and then headed up the A1 towards Oakham. The weather was getting awful, what started as a cold morning had gone through drizzle and was now chucking it down with rain. At one point we were down to 50mph as the spray was so bad. Then we found out that there was a problem on the A1 and we may need to divert off. Then the traffic news said the road was open and then, when we were almost beyond the point of no return, they changed their mind. Grrrr.
We found our way off the A1 and on to the A47 and got stuck behind someone that thought it was good to drive at between 35-45mph. By the time we got to Uppingham there was quite a daisy chain of frustrated drivers behind him. Luckily for me he turned left as I turned right. Three hours after setting off we eventually got to my big sisters!
While in the car I managed to talk to both my sisters and OH. Rodders wasn't bothered by that or the fact that he had been in the car for ages and he didn't make a sound all the way.
After we had said hello to my brother in law and Ailie I took Rodders in to the garden for a piddle while they emptied my car. Ailie had great fun putting all the presents under the tree and Rodders hasn't really paid them any attention at all. My sister was away having her hair done and got back about half an hour later.
I gave Rodders his tea about 5.30pm and then took him up the road for a walk and let him have a runabout on his extendable lead. He kept getting bits of tree stuck in his legs and when this happens he just sits down until I remove it, bit difficult in the dark but we managed!
About 7.30pm my other two nieces arrived with a husband and a boyfriend. It was good to see them all together, I can't remember when that last happened. It was quite noisy and Rodders took a moment before he decided that he was happy with all these people around and then threw himself in to things and was getting lots of fuss. I made sure that everyone is aware that they cannot feed him anything because of his poorly tummy.
I tried to keep Rodders out of the kitchen while dinner preparation were afoot as he was trying to scavenge. We all sat down for dinner and Rodders was (mostly) on his snuggle fleece beside me. He did escape under the table a couple of times, I hope he didn't find anything to eat.
Once dinner was over I gave him his supper. He seems much happier of 75g and is taking a little longer to eat it.
There are so many people moving about that he found it hard to settle and probably didn't fall asleep on his bed pad until gone 10.30pm this evening. I will take him out in to the garden before bed, just not sure when that will be!
Monday, 19 December 2011
Afternoon shift
I managed to concentrate on work for the afternoon and IT came up to sort out my computer. I managed to start finding my way around it on my own so it can't be too hard!
Looking at some of the spreadsheets they use I think there will need to be some basic macro's and look up tables done to make life easier.
It was soon 5pm and time to go home. As soon as I walked in the door Rodders started barking and I let him out the crate for a quick fuss and then we both went out in to the garden. To say he was desperate for a piddle is an understatement! I didn't think he was ever going to stop.
Once back inside he just wanted up for a snuggle and wouldn't stop licking me and nestling in to me. He didn't want to play or anything. Eventually he was happy to go down and started to sniff his bowl so I made his supper. After he had eaten a little he asked to go in the garden and then wanted to play.
Pat next door rang the bell to drop off a delivery and said that they didn't hear him at all today but he did howl when we went out last Thursday.
OH called to say he is on his way home but it could be a while as the traffic is awful and he needs to pick up an ebay purchase on route. I just need to know when he is 30 minutes from home so that I can prepare dinner!
Rodders has been running about playing and getting up to mischief, stopping briefly for a drink and a bit more supper. He did also try to get at one of the Christmas Tree ornaments but did stop when asked. He has also been upstairs with me when I went to get changed and was trying to bite the trousers I took off and the trackie bottoms I out on before running off with a slipper!
He is now in his toy box playing!
Looking at some of the spreadsheets they use I think there will need to be some basic macro's and look up tables done to make life easier.
It was soon 5pm and time to go home. As soon as I walked in the door Rodders started barking and I let him out the crate for a quick fuss and then we both went out in to the garden. To say he was desperate for a piddle is an understatement! I didn't think he was ever going to stop.
Once back inside he just wanted up for a snuggle and wouldn't stop licking me and nestling in to me. He didn't want to play or anything. Eventually he was happy to go down and started to sniff his bowl so I made his supper. After he had eaten a little he asked to go in the garden and then wanted to play.
Pat next door rang the bell to drop off a delivery and said that they didn't hear him at all today but he did howl when we went out last Thursday.
OH called to say he is on his way home but it could be a while as the traffic is awful and he needs to pick up an ebay purchase on route. I just need to know when he is 30 minutes from home so that I can prepare dinner!
Rodders has been running about playing and getting up to mischief, stopping briefly for a drink and a bit more supper. He did also try to get at one of the Christmas Tree ornaments but did stop when asked. He has also been upstairs with me when I went to get changed and was trying to bite the trousers I took off and the trackie bottoms I out on before running off with a slipper!
He is now in his toy box playing!
What am I like!
So everything went to plan, puppy walked, me showered, hair dry and dressed for work. It was very frosty and we were lucky not to slip over on the paths and patio this morning. Rodders also ate most of his chicken and rice.
When it came to telling Rodders that I needed to go to work and he had to stay here I was in tears :-( Soppy cow that I am! He didn't seem bothered and went straight in his crate for treats - he had been out to the garden for a piddle 5 minutes before.
So off I went for my first day and met with HR for a brief induction before being handed over to my Manager and then the girl I am replacing. By the end of the morning I had two pages of notes and things were starting to make sense. It does seem a bit of a disjointed system with some things being done manually but I am sure I will get to grips with it.
By lunchtime I was getting twitchy about Rodders and couldn't wait to get him, thank goodness it is less than 5 minutes away! I shouldn't have been worried, he was quiet when I came in the door and didn't make a sound until I spoke. He then started squeaking and was desperate to get out of the crate for a fuss. As soon as he had been given a fuss I took him in to the garden for a piddle before making a cuppa and heating and eating my lunch. While waiting for things to cool down we were playing fetch with the ball. Lunch eaten (Rodders finished this mornings Chicken and Rice), I popped Rodders lead on and we went out in to the rain to deliver the Christmas Cards around Pentland. Rodders then had another run around in the garden before it was time to pop him back in his crate for the afternoon. This time I gave him a big chew along with his normal treats.
When it came to telling Rodders that I needed to go to work and he had to stay here I was in tears :-( Soppy cow that I am! He didn't seem bothered and went straight in his crate for treats - he had been out to the garden for a piddle 5 minutes before.
So off I went for my first day and met with HR for a brief induction before being handed over to my Manager and then the girl I am replacing. By the end of the morning I had two pages of notes and things were starting to make sense. It does seem a bit of a disjointed system with some things being done manually but I am sure I will get to grips with it.
By lunchtime I was getting twitchy about Rodders and couldn't wait to get him, thank goodness it is less than 5 minutes away! I shouldn't have been worried, he was quiet when I came in the door and didn't make a sound until I spoke. He then started squeaking and was desperate to get out of the crate for a fuss. As soon as he had been given a fuss I took him in to the garden for a piddle before making a cuppa and heating and eating my lunch. While waiting for things to cool down we were playing fetch with the ball. Lunch eaten (Rodders finished this mornings Chicken and Rice), I popped Rodders lead on and we went out in to the rain to deliver the Christmas Cards around Pentland. Rodders then had another run around in the garden before it was time to pop him back in his crate for the afternoon. This time I gave him a big chew along with his normal treats.
Sunday, 18 December 2011
We now have a little horror!
Rodders was having a quiet snooze on the sofa with me and then we got two interruptions. The first one was a christmas card being delivered and Sophie knocked incase Roders ate post, the second was Kevin and Polo coming to visit us.
Polo and Rodders have met before and they seemed to get on OK again today. Except someone piddled on the floor, not sure who :-( It was quite a big puddle and I am not convinced it was Rodders. I made Kev and I a cuppa and we sat nattering while Rodders chased Polo about and asking him to play. When Polo got fed up with being batted with a paw and teased by him I put his Rodders lead on and tried to make him sit. He threw a complete tantrum and was trying to bite me so he got severely checked. I then managed to get him to lie down and stood on the lead so he couldn't get up. He lay at my feet making play with me noises but at least he stayed down.
Once they left Rodders had the devil in him. He was running around getting in to mischief as I was trying to tidy up all the wrapping paper stuff and then I found him sitting in his toy box. At least that was keeping him quiet! He then decided to throw all his toys out of the toy box and the conservatory floor was covered, this is one spoilt puppy! I hope he doesn't get too many more for Christmas or we will be looking for a new, bigger, toy box.
As I cooked dinner he was under my feet in the kitchen waiting to see if anything dropped. He then asked for his dinner, the first time in ages, so he must be feeling better. He has eaten most of it too.
There are now fireworks going off and so he is barking at them. I think I have just managed to distract him as he has gone back to his toys.
Polo and Rodders have met before and they seemed to get on OK again today. Except someone piddled on the floor, not sure who :-( It was quite a big puddle and I am not convinced it was Rodders. I made Kev and I a cuppa and we sat nattering while Rodders chased Polo about and asking him to play. When Polo got fed up with being batted with a paw and teased by him I put his Rodders lead on and tried to make him sit. He threw a complete tantrum and was trying to bite me so he got severely checked. I then managed to get him to lie down and stood on the lead so he couldn't get up. He lay at my feet making play with me noises but at least he stayed down.
Once they left Rodders had the devil in him. He was running around getting in to mischief as I was trying to tidy up all the wrapping paper stuff and then I found him sitting in his toy box. At least that was keeping him quiet! He then decided to throw all his toys out of the toy box and the conservatory floor was covered, this is one spoilt puppy! I hope he doesn't get too many more for Christmas or we will be looking for a new, bigger, toy box.
As I cooked dinner he was under my feet in the kitchen waiting to see if anything dropped. He then asked for his dinner, the first time in ages, so he must be feeling better. He has eaten most of it too.
There are now fireworks going off and so he is barking at them. I think I have just managed to distract him as he has gone back to his toys.
Poor puppy, not getting too much attention
Rodders was in the garden barking so I went out to see why and he was talking to Bob and Pat next door over the fence. They had been away for the night and were just getting back and tell me the roads are very slippy.
Once Rodders came in we went upstairs so that I could get washed and dressed and then we went straight out for a walk. This is the first time that Rodders has been on the rugby field in days and he loved it! As usual I swapped to the extendable lead while we were on the field as it gives him some freedom to run and play. He loves to lag behind and them come running past me but I also made sure that he would actually come back to me, rather than keep on running and I got him to wait for me to catch up with him a couple of times. He kindly pooped near the bin which was handy! We also had two short flurries of snow so it really is flipping cold!
After we left the rugby field OH rang to check how we were and I was still chatting to him when I spotted Nicky & John from across the road. They wanted to say hello to Rodders so I hung up on OH so that I could stop and chat. They have spotted Roders and I leaving home a few times and think that he is walking beautifully on the lead and they also think that he has grown a lot in the last few weeks. We parted company and Rodders and I carried on home to get in the warm.
Back inside Rodders ate some more of his chicken and rice while I made a cuppa. I then got ready for the last of the Christmas wrapping marathon. Rodders wasn't too impressed when he saw what I was doing and he has mooched about playing with his toys or in the garden on his own most of the time. He did take offence to one of the gift bags and was trying to bite it and he has tried getting rubbish out the bin. When he has done this I have stopped to play fetch for a little while to try and alleviate his boredom. The next thing he tried to chew was on of OH's presents, luckily I caught him before he did any damage.
Just as I was on the final few bits one of my friends rang to check that I was going to do my traditional visit on Christmas Eve which I am. They have invited me for lunch and know that Rodders will be coming too. It will be good to catch up and see their children, especially the youngest as she is my goddaughter!
As soon as I finished wrapping I came and sat on the sofa so that I could watch the Show Jumping from Olympia. My bestest friend and I used to go every year until she moved to America. We started off in the cheap seats for one performance and ended up taking the week off work and going to every performance with members tickets!
Rodders is very happy that I have sat down at last and he is snuggled up beside me. Must think about something to eat soon, haven't had anything yet although I did spot that Rodders has cleared his bowl.
Once Rodders came in we went upstairs so that I could get washed and dressed and then we went straight out for a walk. This is the first time that Rodders has been on the rugby field in days and he loved it! As usual I swapped to the extendable lead while we were on the field as it gives him some freedom to run and play. He loves to lag behind and them come running past me but I also made sure that he would actually come back to me, rather than keep on running and I got him to wait for me to catch up with him a couple of times. He kindly pooped near the bin which was handy! We also had two short flurries of snow so it really is flipping cold!
After we left the rugby field OH rang to check how we were and I was still chatting to him when I spotted Nicky & John from across the road. They wanted to say hello to Rodders so I hung up on OH so that I could stop and chat. They have spotted Roders and I leaving home a few times and think that he is walking beautifully on the lead and they also think that he has grown a lot in the last few weeks. We parted company and Rodders and I carried on home to get in the warm.
Back inside Rodders ate some more of his chicken and rice while I made a cuppa. I then got ready for the last of the Christmas wrapping marathon. Rodders wasn't too impressed when he saw what I was doing and he has mooched about playing with his toys or in the garden on his own most of the time. He did take offence to one of the gift bags and was trying to bite it and he has tried getting rubbish out the bin. When he has done this I have stopped to play fetch for a little while to try and alleviate his boredom. The next thing he tried to chew was on of OH's presents, luckily I caught him before he did any damage.
Just as I was on the final few bits one of my friends rang to check that I was going to do my traditional visit on Christmas Eve which I am. They have invited me for lunch and know that Rodders will be coming too. It will be good to catch up and see their children, especially the youngest as she is my goddaughter!
As soon as I finished wrapping I came and sat on the sofa so that I could watch the Show Jumping from Olympia. My bestest friend and I used to go every year until she moved to America. We started off in the cheap seats for one performance and ended up taking the week off work and going to every performance with members tickets!
Rodders is very happy that I have sat down at last and he is snuggled up beside me. Must think about something to eat soon, haven't had anything yet although I did spot that Rodders has cleared his bowl.
Friday, 9 December 2011
We have had a nice afternoon
After his fairly long snooze Rodders woke up and wanted to play. I was just about to take him for a walk to use up some of the surplus energy but it was chucking it down with rain so we stayed home.
We played fetch with his ball and hide and seek with his crisp packet for a while and I used this as a training exercise to get him to stop playing and to sit and wait before we started again. I then combed him through without too much messing about so Rodders got a treat for this.
We then had a snuggle on the sofa before he went off to play with his yoghurt pots. He heard Bob and Pat next door going out so wanted to go in to the garden and bark. When he wouldn't stop barking I made him come back in.
I spotted that he had a gunky eye so we had a bit of a battle while I sorted that out. I think he is learning that if I want to do something like his eyes or coat it is easier not to fight me too much because I am going to do it anyway.
He has been back out in to the garden a couple of times and the wind is getting up so he has been standing with his head in to it so his ears go flying out behind him, he looks so funny!
About 5pm he went in to the kitchen and barked and barked so I asked if he was hungry and he started prancing about so I let him have his supper. He has eaten about two thirds of his kibble so I may put it back down again later of he asks for it.
When I was in the kitchen peeling potatoes for my dinner he obviously thought it was carrots and just stood and barked at me. I was telling OH about this and he told me I was being mean and should let him have a carrot. So nice Mummy I am I went and got him the last carrot top and he ran off to the conservatory munching it.
As I sat down to eat my dinner Rodders settled on his snuggle fleece and fell asleep. He has now moved through to his bed pad by the sofa but he won't be there too long as OH is calling in on his way past.
After another play with me and his ball he decided to play with the curtains but did stop when asked.
We played fetch with his ball and hide and seek with his crisp packet for a while and I used this as a training exercise to get him to stop playing and to sit and wait before we started again. I then combed him through without too much messing about so Rodders got a treat for this.
We then had a snuggle on the sofa before he went off to play with his yoghurt pots. He heard Bob and Pat next door going out so wanted to go in to the garden and bark. When he wouldn't stop barking I made him come back in.
I spotted that he had a gunky eye so we had a bit of a battle while I sorted that out. I think he is learning that if I want to do something like his eyes or coat it is easier not to fight me too much because I am going to do it anyway.
He has been back out in to the garden a couple of times and the wind is getting up so he has been standing with his head in to it so his ears go flying out behind him, he looks so funny!
About 5pm he went in to the kitchen and barked and barked so I asked if he was hungry and he started prancing about so I let him have his supper. He has eaten about two thirds of his kibble so I may put it back down again later of he asks for it.
When I was in the kitchen peeling potatoes for my dinner he obviously thought it was carrots and just stood and barked at me. I was telling OH about this and he told me I was being mean and should let him have a carrot. So nice Mummy I am I went and got him the last carrot top and he ran off to the conservatory munching it.
As I sat down to eat my dinner Rodders settled on his snuggle fleece and fell asleep. He has now moved through to his bed pad by the sofa but he won't be there too long as OH is calling in on his way past.
After another play with me and his ball he decided to play with the curtains but did stop when asked.
Monday, 5 December 2011
A short nap and lots of play
Rodders started to play as soon as we got back home and soon wanted in to the garden.
I made myself something to eat and was keeping an eye on him. He played with the stones and seems to be fascinated with the drain. At one point I lost sight of him and I was just getting concerned when he came back out from behind the tree.
Once he came back in he was happy to come and have a lie down with me for a short while but soon wanted to be up and playing again.
He has spent most of the afternoon in the garden playing so I joined him a couple of times to poop scoop and to chat with Pat next door to see how Bob is.
OH rang to say that he was on his way home. Yippee an early day, we don't get too many of these and I am sure Rodders will be very happy to see his play mate!
I did manage to comb Rodders through and de-gunk his eyes. He wasn't very impressed and had to be told off a couple of times.
I made myself something to eat and was keeping an eye on him. He played with the stones and seems to be fascinated with the drain. At one point I lost sight of him and I was just getting concerned when he came back out from behind the tree.
Once he came back in he was happy to come and have a lie down with me for a short while but soon wanted to be up and playing again.
He has spent most of the afternoon in the garden playing so I joined him a couple of times to poop scoop and to chat with Pat next door to see how Bob is.
OH rang to say that he was on his way home. Yippee an early day, we don't get too many of these and I am sure Rodders will be very happy to see his play mate!
I did manage to comb Rodders through and de-gunk his eyes. He wasn't very impressed and had to be told off a couple of times.
Thursday, 1 December 2011
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.
A slow start but a busy morning!
After OH left for work Rodders had a nap while I caught up with the blog. It was then time to get washed and dressed and he wasn't too interested in the kibble filled Kong but was quite happy to wander about with slippers in his mouth instead, he doesn't seem to mind if it is mine or OH's. It kept him quiet and gave me time to do things!
I then sorted out the front bedroom and changed it from a twin room back to a single room, put out fresh towels in the bathroom and brought the dirty ones down to put in the machine, put liver treats in the oven and then went out and cleared up leaves. Rodders helped (!) with the last activity.
After a rest and some breakfast it was time to empty the freezer in to the cool box and throw away anything that was past it's best and switch it off to defrost. I threw a chunk of ice at Rodders who was playing in the passage, he had a lot of fun chasing it about, picking it up and then dropping it to bat about with his paws.
Once we were back in the kitchen I emptied and filled the washing machine and he went for a play in the conservatory before asking to go out. He was investigating under the tree until he heard a noise in the garages and started barking. When he didn't let up I went to see what was wrong just as Pat next door came in the back gate. We stopped for a chat, apparently Bob has been inside all week with a hacking cough and is feeling quite rough. She said hello to Rodders and I lifted him up for a fuss over the fence. They did hear him one night this week but thought that Bob's coughing had disturbed him.
We stayed out and poop scooped the garden and Rodders was trying to bite the bag so got a firm no. He tried again and then tried to jump away he caught his leg on the trowel, after that he kept his distance. He stayed out there while I went to the bin at the front and has just come in. By the amount of mud on him I think he has been digging.
He is now dashing about the conservatory chasing yoghurt pots.
I then sorted out the front bedroom and changed it from a twin room back to a single room, put out fresh towels in the bathroom and brought the dirty ones down to put in the machine, put liver treats in the oven and then went out and cleared up leaves. Rodders helped (!) with the last activity.
After a rest and some breakfast it was time to empty the freezer in to the cool box and throw away anything that was past it's best and switch it off to defrost. I threw a chunk of ice at Rodders who was playing in the passage, he had a lot of fun chasing it about, picking it up and then dropping it to bat about with his paws.
Once we were back in the kitchen I emptied and filled the washing machine and he went for a play in the conservatory before asking to go out. He was investigating under the tree until he heard a noise in the garages and started barking. When he didn't let up I went to see what was wrong just as Pat next door came in the back gate. We stopped for a chat, apparently Bob has been inside all week with a hacking cough and is feeling quite rough. She said hello to Rodders and I lifted him up for a fuss over the fence. They did hear him one night this week but thought that Bob's coughing had disturbed him.
We stayed out and poop scooped the garden and Rodders was trying to bite the bag so got a firm no. He tried again and then tried to jump away he caught his leg on the trowel, after that he kept his distance. He stayed out there while I went to the bin at the front and has just come in. By the amount of mud on him I think he has been digging.
He is now dashing about the conservatory chasing yoghurt pots.
Monday, 28 November 2011
Need to get him moving
Rodders has been very lazy today, not much playing and a lot of sleeping, so I put my wellies and coat on and we headed out for a walk.
As we got to the end of Pentland Sophie was just being dropped home from school and he started to bark at her. I made him sit and she came over to say hello and give Rodders a quick fuss, he didn't back away for once.
We made our way towards the Nicky Line and there were lots of people and traffic about as it was school chucking out time. He hasn't been very good around children so far but seemed better today and just carried on walking to heel, needing the odd check when he tried to pull.
As we got to the Nicky Line we met a lady with an Airedale and a Cavalier, the Airedale ignored us but the Cavvy said hello. We let them walk in front of us but the Cavvy kept coming back so we overtook and headed to the rugby field. To get out of their way we went on the rugby field at the first opportunity and I made Rodders sit so I could swap leads.
He loves the freedom of the extendable lead and will lag behind and then run past me. He will usually wait when told for me to catch him up if he is in front. This doesn't work too well if there are other dogs about though so we need to practice more but it does allow us the freedom to try without him being able to run off.
We did the whole field and Rodders was happy sniffing about and finding treasure to be dropped and left if he found something more exciting. Once he had something in his mouth he was prancing about and leaping off all fours like a spring lamb, very pleased with himself.
As we came off the field I made him sit so we could swap leads. He does seem to realise the difference and very quickly walks to heel again.
We walked back past Kev and Jane's and home with Rodders sitting and waiting at kerbs and doors.
As we got to the end of Pentland Sophie was just being dropped home from school and he started to bark at her. I made him sit and she came over to say hello and give Rodders a quick fuss, he didn't back away for once.
We made our way towards the Nicky Line and there were lots of people and traffic about as it was school chucking out time. He hasn't been very good around children so far but seemed better today and just carried on walking to heel, needing the odd check when he tried to pull.
As we got to the Nicky Line we met a lady with an Airedale and a Cavalier, the Airedale ignored us but the Cavvy said hello. We let them walk in front of us but the Cavvy kept coming back so we overtook and headed to the rugby field. To get out of their way we went on the rugby field at the first opportunity and I made Rodders sit so I could swap leads.
He loves the freedom of the extendable lead and will lag behind and then run past me. He will usually wait when told for me to catch him up if he is in front. This doesn't work too well if there are other dogs about though so we need to practice more but it does allow us the freedom to try without him being able to run off.
We did the whole field and Rodders was happy sniffing about and finding treasure to be dropped and left if he found something more exciting. Once he had something in his mouth he was prancing about and leaping off all fours like a spring lamb, very pleased with himself.
As we came off the field I made him sit so we could swap leads. He does seem to realise the difference and very quickly walks to heel again.
We walked back past Kev and Jane's and home with Rodders sitting and waiting at kerbs and doors.
Sunday, 27 November 2011
Saturday night/Sunday Morning
Rodders slept on my knee for a lot of yesterday evening, each time I put him & snuggle fleece down on the floor he woke up and squeaked until I gave in and let him back up.
I had to carry him out in to the garden for a piddle at bedtime. Neither of us wanted to be out there as it was blowing a gale so as soon as he had done what he had to do he ran back in to the house.
Because of a battle over the bed pad the crate door was pushed too so he couldn't out himself to bed. Must remember to open it on the way out if that happens again.
He sat on snuggle fleece as I locked up and switched off the lights and had to be lifted in to his bed as I gave him his treats, said goodnight and locked the crate.
Not a peep from him until 6.50 this morning, very surprising as it was really windy overnight.
I came down and let him in to the garden and he had a piddle and came straight back in for a snuggle before asking to go back out for a poo. He also started to bark at Bob next door who was off fishing so I went out to say hello and quieten Rodders down. It was spitting with rain so I told Bob he was brave to be going out in this and to make sure he was anchored down.
We came back in and Rodders was happy to come up on my knee for a while.
I had to carry him out in to the garden for a piddle at bedtime. Neither of us wanted to be out there as it was blowing a gale so as soon as he had done what he had to do he ran back in to the house.
Because of a battle over the bed pad the crate door was pushed too so he couldn't out himself to bed. Must remember to open it on the way out if that happens again.
He sat on snuggle fleece as I locked up and switched off the lights and had to be lifted in to his bed as I gave him his treats, said goodnight and locked the crate.
Not a peep from him until 6.50 this morning, very surprising as it was really windy overnight.
I came down and let him in to the garden and he had a piddle and came straight back in for a snuggle before asking to go back out for a poo. He also started to bark at Bob next door who was off fishing so I went out to say hello and quieten Rodders down. It was spitting with rain so I told Bob he was brave to be going out in this and to make sure he was anchored down.
We came back in and Rodders was happy to come up on my knee for a while.
Friday, 25 November 2011
Tired puppy, lively puppy
Once we got home from School Rodders said hello to OH and then went for a nap on snuggle fleece for a while and I cooked lunch.
OH had fallen over while we were away and has hurt his knee, hope he is OK.
Once Rodders woke up he went to play in the conservatory and then asked to go out in to the garden. He had a piddle and then was happy sniffing about, playing with the stones at the end of the patio. It is amazing how determined he is to dig to the bottom and I went out and kicked the stones back in a couple of times much to his disgust. He also barked at Pat next door as she took in her washing so I went out to say hello. She says that he ignored her when she was out earlier as he was too busy chewing a twig.
Rodders has only eaten about half of his lunch, I thought he would be hungrier after a busy morning.
OH had fallen over while we were away and has hurt his knee, hope he is OK.
Once Rodders woke up he went to play in the conservatory and then asked to go out in to the garden. He had a piddle and then was happy sniffing about, playing with the stones at the end of the patio. It is amazing how determined he is to dig to the bottom and I went out and kicked the stones back in a couple of times much to his disgust. He also barked at Pat next door as she took in her washing so I went out to say hello. She says that he ignored her when she was out earlier as he was too busy chewing a twig.
Rodders has only eaten about half of his lunch, I thought he would be hungrier after a busy morning.
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Took a while
It really did take a while for Rodders to wake up this morning. Even when we went upstairs for me to get washed and dressed he wasn't interested in his Kong for ages and wanted to curl up on the bath mat. Eventually he ate the easy stiff, the kibble that had fallen out of the Kong. This is what was left from his supper last night and the first thing he has eaten, apart from treats, sine 6pm last night.
It did seem to perk him up and by the time we moved in to the bedroom to get dressed he was getting livelier. Getting dressed was interesting as he was trying to catch my clothes.
We came downstairs and he had a quick play in the conservatory before asking to go out in the garden for a poo. Once he was back in we got ready to go for a walk. As soon as my coat went on he started jumping up and getting excited but did contain himself so that I could get my wellies on without him knocking them over.
Once outside he spotted Adam and started to bark, he seemed quite keen to get to him but once we got close he hid behind me until he felt a bit braver and came out for a sniff. He so wants to greet people and he is getting braver, but there is a little bit of him that wants to hide still. No doubt he will get there.
We were joined by another neighbour, who got barked at as well, and she and I walked with Rodders to the mini roundabout before parting company. Rodders did bark at another lady as she passed us, she thought it was funny, I thought it deserved a check.
We got to the Nicky Line and turned right towards the rugby field. Rodders walked to heel a lot of the time, stopping to sniff but coming when called, even when he could hear lorries and air brakes. This is huge progress!
We walked the length of the rugby field and just as we were about to move on to the field itself OH called so I stood still while I talked to him and let Rodders have a sniff about. When I hung up we walked to the field and swapped leads.
I spoke to Nicci at Puppy Party last night and explained that I wasn't happy to let him off lead yet. A) Because I am not sure of his recall and B) If he didn't come back he isn't micro chipped yet. But he is desperate for some freedom and wants to run about. We talked about using the extendable lead and she talked about the pro's and cons and suggested that he is walked to a park or field on a normal lead and we then swap to let him have some freedom. We can also practice recall that way.
So today was his first time on the rugby field with his extendable lead and he loved it. To start with he didn't realise that he could get further away from me than normal and it was a bit of a shock when he realised I wasn't beside him. For a little while he would just stop behind me and wait to see how far I would go. I would then call him and he came running for a fuss and he would then try it again. Sometimes he wouldn't come straight away to see what I would do, he didn't take his eyes off me.
Once he got the hang of it he was happy to run about sniffing things and then running to catch up and get past me. As we came down the third side of the field he spotted a man on a bike on the path and started to run towards him barking. I locked the lead and called him, as he turned and came back towards me I let the lead recoil and we carried on down the field and did the fourth side before swapping back to his normal lead and heading for home.
He had a quick play while I grabbed something to eat but has now curled up on snuggle fleece at my feet.
It did seem to perk him up and by the time we moved in to the bedroom to get dressed he was getting livelier. Getting dressed was interesting as he was trying to catch my clothes.
We came downstairs and he had a quick play in the conservatory before asking to go out in the garden for a poo. Once he was back in we got ready to go for a walk. As soon as my coat went on he started jumping up and getting excited but did contain himself so that I could get my wellies on without him knocking them over.
Once outside he spotted Adam and started to bark, he seemed quite keen to get to him but once we got close he hid behind me until he felt a bit braver and came out for a sniff. He so wants to greet people and he is getting braver, but there is a little bit of him that wants to hide still. No doubt he will get there.
We were joined by another neighbour, who got barked at as well, and she and I walked with Rodders to the mini roundabout before parting company. Rodders did bark at another lady as she passed us, she thought it was funny, I thought it deserved a check.
We got to the Nicky Line and turned right towards the rugby field. Rodders walked to heel a lot of the time, stopping to sniff but coming when called, even when he could hear lorries and air brakes. This is huge progress!
We walked the length of the rugby field and just as we were about to move on to the field itself OH called so I stood still while I talked to him and let Rodders have a sniff about. When I hung up we walked to the field and swapped leads.
I spoke to Nicci at Puppy Party last night and explained that I wasn't happy to let him off lead yet. A) Because I am not sure of his recall and B) If he didn't come back he isn't micro chipped yet. But he is desperate for some freedom and wants to run about. We talked about using the extendable lead and she talked about the pro's and cons and suggested that he is walked to a park or field on a normal lead and we then swap to let him have some freedom. We can also practice recall that way.
So today was his first time on the rugby field with his extendable lead and he loved it. To start with he didn't realise that he could get further away from me than normal and it was a bit of a shock when he realised I wasn't beside him. For a little while he would just stop behind me and wait to see how far I would go. I would then call him and he came running for a fuss and he would then try it again. Sometimes he wouldn't come straight away to see what I would do, he didn't take his eyes off me.
Once he got the hang of it he was happy to run about sniffing things and then running to catch up and get past me. As we came down the third side of the field he spotted a man on a bike on the path and started to run towards him barking. I locked the lead and called him, as he turned and came back towards me I let the lead recoil and we carried on down the field and did the fourth side before swapping back to his normal lead and heading for home.
He had a quick play while I grabbed something to eat but has now curled up on snuggle fleece at my feet.
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
A quiet morning
OH got ready for work and Rodders and I saw him off at the patio door. Once he had shut the gate I let Rodders out and he stood on the patio listening until OH drove away before going for a sniff about.
He came back in for a bit of a play but he was still quite dopey and soon wanted up on the sofa. I settled him on my knee and then moved him and snuggle fleece to the floor where he slept for over an hour.
Once he woke up he was happy to play in the conservatory for a while before asking to go in to the garden. He was out there for ages playing and gave a couple of barks but was generally quiet until he heard Bob next door, he deserves lots of barks apparently and it was almost as though they were having a conversation over the fence.
Rodders came back in and, because I had left the lounge door open, it wasn't long before he took himself upstairs. I grabbed his Kong and filled it with the rest of his kibble, OH had given him his breakfast but he hadn't eaten much, and followed him upstairs. He was very happy to chase his Kong around the bathroom floor and emptied it in record time so he must have been hungry. I washed and cleaned my teeth and then watched him playing.
We moved in to the bedroom and after a sniff about I let him up on the bed so that I could get dressed in relative peace.
He came back in for a bit of a play but he was still quite dopey and soon wanted up on the sofa. I settled him on my knee and then moved him and snuggle fleece to the floor where he slept for over an hour.
Once he woke up he was happy to play in the conservatory for a while before asking to go in to the garden. He was out there for ages playing and gave a couple of barks but was generally quiet until he heard Bob next door, he deserves lots of barks apparently and it was almost as though they were having a conversation over the fence.
Rodders came back in and, because I had left the lounge door open, it wasn't long before he took himself upstairs. I grabbed his Kong and filled it with the rest of his kibble, OH had given him his breakfast but he hadn't eaten much, and followed him upstairs. He was very happy to chase his Kong around the bathroom floor and emptied it in record time so he must have been hungry. I washed and cleaned my teeth and then watched him playing.
We moved in to the bedroom and after a sniff about I let him up on the bed so that I could get dressed in relative peace.
Monday, 21 November 2011
Back home
Once we came in Rodders had a mad 5 minutes running about all over the place before asking to go in the garden. Isn't it strange how a walk seems to have this effect on him!
He was happy running about the garden and found his strawberry for another chew before spotting Bob and Pat going out. They deserved a bark of course! Bob and Pat are brilliant, if Rodders is in the garden they always stop to speak to him, even when all he does is bark in return. I went out to see what he was barking at all called him to me. As soon as he is by my side he stops barking so that we can pass the time of day and I pick him up to go and get a fuss over the fence.
He was happy to stay out in the garden and play on his own while I came back inside. I was keeping an eye on him, even once I was on the phone talking to yet another recruitment agency about a potential 6 month contract.
I was doing quite a good job at explaining my work experience but had to ask them to hold on a moment while I stopped him chewing the cover on the seat outside and brought him in. Luckily she has 10 week old kittens and knew that they could go from being good to destructive in a second! I managed to carry on talking to them while he was trying to bite me and so I also had to slip his lead on and check him a couple of times. At one point, I was carrying him about as I talked.
Eventually he was happy to go down and has now curled up on snuggle fleece. Time for me to have a look at my cv and forward it on.
He was happy running about the garden and found his strawberry for another chew before spotting Bob and Pat going out. They deserved a bark of course! Bob and Pat are brilliant, if Rodders is in the garden they always stop to speak to him, even when all he does is bark in return. I went out to see what he was barking at all called him to me. As soon as he is by my side he stops barking so that we can pass the time of day and I pick him up to go and get a fuss over the fence.
He was happy to stay out in the garden and play on his own while I came back inside. I was keeping an eye on him, even once I was on the phone talking to yet another recruitment agency about a potential 6 month contract.
I was doing quite a good job at explaining my work experience but had to ask them to hold on a moment while I stopped him chewing the cover on the seat outside and brought him in. Luckily she has 10 week old kittens and knew that they could go from being good to destructive in a second! I managed to carry on talking to them while he was trying to bite me and so I also had to slip his lead on and check him a couple of times. At one point, I was carrying him about as I talked.
Eventually he was happy to go down and has now curled up on snuggle fleece. Time for me to have a look at my cv and forward it on.
Rodders loves the garden
Rodders has been playing out in the garden most of the morning, he loves it out there. He spends his time playing with the stones on the patio, sniffing about the borders for an elusive strawberry (he found a very green one today) and letting me know the coming and goings of our neighbours by barking.
He can get very wet out there but he is happy to chase about for ages.
He can get very wet out there but he is happy to chase about for ages.
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