At bedtime I had to wake Rodders up and carry him outside for a piddle. He wasn't happy to be out there and he stood for ages before having a stretch and then trying to go back in the house. I lifted him back on to the grass and he just sat down. We must have been out of there for about 15 minutes before he wandered off and had a piddle.
Back inside he didn't want to go in to his crate and was trying to climb on to my knee. I gave up asking him to get in to the crate and lifted his front feet in, the rest of him followed and he curled up and settled down for the night. As I climbed the stairs to bed there was silence for the first time in three nights.
Just after 5am I could hear Rodders squeaking and making a noise, I rolled over and hoped that he would settle, he certainly quietened down after about 10 minutes. This was a huge mistake on my part and I know that I mustn't do it again. At 5.30am he started up again and was barking quite loudly so I gave up and came downstairs. As soon as I walked in to the lounge I knew we had a problem by the smell. Rodders had pooped in his bed, luckily his tummy seems better and it was easy to clear up.
I gave him a quick fuss before he went out in to the garden leaving me to clear up and put his mattress topper in the wash. He came back in and was squeaking for his breakfast so I sorted that out. I wasn't awake enough to make him sit and wait while I put his bowls down. I then washed my hands before making myself a cuppa.
Rodders seemed to eat his breakfast at record speed and then went off to play in the conservatory. He gave one squeak and I got up to let him in the garden to find that he was just throwing up on the door mat. I put him straight in the garden and started to clear up again. It is obvious that this is just his breakfast as it is almost one solid lump and you can see undigested kibble in it (sorry of that is too much information for some!) but at least it is easy to clear up. And we now have the second load of washing ready for the washing machine already.
Showing posts with label stair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stair. 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.
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
A friend comes to see us
I got up and came downstairs as OH went up for a shower. While he was in the bathroom we both heard a strange noise and shot to the stairs. Rodders has taken to standing at the top and throwing one of his toys down, he then runs down to collect it and starts again! He does the same with slippers too but they don't make quite the same noise.
Once OH was showered and dressed he was ready to go off to work. Rodders went out to the gate with him but came running back when I called him.
He was happy to lie on his bed pad for a snooze while I was on the computer and he came upstairs with me when I went to get washed and dressed.
My bestest friend is here from America and we were expecting a visit. As she pulled up outside the postie was there too and Rodders was barking hello. I put him down as I went to the door and he decided to be shy and backed away as she came in. She was excited to see him as she had brought him a present - an amazing present! A whole turkey dinner on a plate but all soft toys and buggy type things! We took the plastic dome covering off it and left it on the floor. One by one he came and took each item: A turkey, a baked potato, a sweetcorn, some bread and some greens. He absolutely loves it!
She and I sat about gossiping and drinking tea for a while but, although he was happy to take gifts from her, Rodders was keeping his distance. She needed to do a bit of shopping so Rodders got put in his crate for a while so that we could go out.
Once back he was a little better with her and she managed to give him some treats while I cooked lunch. As we ate Rodders sat on snuggle fleece at my feet until he asked to go out in to the garden. While he was out there a hail storm started and he came running back in. Once it was over he asked to go back out and had a great time eating the build up of ice on the door step. I also spotted that he has been digging in the stones to the left of the door so he now realises that the stones go round three sides of the patio!
All too soon it was time to say goodbye to her. Just before she left Rodders did approach her and allowed her to fuss him. I am so pleased, this is one person we don't get to see very often but she is a very special friend and it is important that Rodders likes her too!
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Christmas Tree shopping with OH
On the way home I got a call from my best friend. She was on her way in to London and needed me to pay her congestion charge for her. I said I would ring her back as soon as I was home.
When I got home Rodders was so excited, first OH and then me! He was squeaking with pleasure and wanted to be with both of us at once. Apparently he heard OH open the gate and started to bark.
We both needed to get changed and I needed to get tonights dinner in the slow cooker and start the pan of soup for lunch. Rodders was up and down the stairs chasing us. We also had to get the Christmas decorations out of the loft and Rodders isn't too keen on anyone being up a ladder so he was barking a bit. He didn't seem too bothered by all the strange boxes being put in to the spare bedroom though and just gave them a cursory sniff. I also remembered to call my pal back and sort out her congestion charge.
Once we were done and he had been out in to the garden for a piddle it was time to go back in his crate so that we could go shopping. This is the first time that he has had to go back in there after a short period of freedom but it will be good practice if I go back to work. This time I gave him a puppy tubos as a special treat, he hasn't had one of these before and I hoped that it would keep him amused for a little while as it is much bigger than his normal treats.
We headed off to Homebase for some tinsel and to the sorting office for the parcel before heading out to the Christmas Tree Farm. We have been buying our tree's here for many years and they always have great tree's and do us a good deal. They are ex irish travellers and always have horses, dogs and children about. We found the perfect tree and, once it was put through the wrapper, we were soon on our way home.
OH propped the tree up at the corner of the conservatory and then we let Rodders out of his crate. He hadn't made a sound although I know he was watching us come in. After a quick fuss we let him out in to the garden. He went and sniffed the tree and then started to eat the wrapper!
When I got home Rodders was so excited, first OH and then me! He was squeaking with pleasure and wanted to be with both of us at once. Apparently he heard OH open the gate and started to bark.
We both needed to get changed and I needed to get tonights dinner in the slow cooker and start the pan of soup for lunch. Rodders was up and down the stairs chasing us. We also had to get the Christmas decorations out of the loft and Rodders isn't too keen on anyone being up a ladder so he was barking a bit. He didn't seem too bothered by all the strange boxes being put in to the spare bedroom though and just gave them a cursory sniff. I also remembered to call my pal back and sort out her congestion charge.
Once we were done and he had been out in to the garden for a piddle it was time to go back in his crate so that we could go shopping. This is the first time that he has had to go back in there after a short period of freedom but it will be good practice if I go back to work. This time I gave him a puppy tubos as a special treat, he hasn't had one of these before and I hoped that it would keep him amused for a little while as it is much bigger than his normal treats.
We headed off to Homebase for some tinsel and to the sorting office for the parcel before heading out to the Christmas Tree Farm. We have been buying our tree's here for many years and they always have great tree's and do us a good deal. They are ex irish travellers and always have horses, dogs and children about. We found the perfect tree and, once it was put through the wrapper, we were soon on our way home.
OH propped the tree up at the corner of the conservatory and then we let Rodders out of his crate. He hadn't made a sound although I know he was watching us come in. After a quick fuss we let him out in to the garden. He went and sniffed the tree and then started to eat the wrapper!
Sunday, 11 December 2011
An active puppy
Rodders slept on the bed pad at my feet until about 9.30 and then wanted in to the garden. Heaven knows where he found it but he came back in with some bubble wrap in his mouth.
We then went upstairs for me to wash and dress and he ate another kong full of kibble. While I was getting dressed he sat on the bed and, even though I had put my underwear on the pillow he left it alone when asked. He did try to help me put my socks on though.
Once I was dressed I put him on the floor while I sorted out some washing. He disappeared with one of my slippers and I could hear him squeaking and went to check where he was. He was squeaking because the door to the lounge was shut and he couldn't get in so I ignored him, the next minute he appeared in the bedroom and took my other slipper off. Oh well, at least they will both be downstairs!
I sorted the washing and went to go down stairs with it and found Rodders on the landing with both slippers so he can now carry them both down and upstairs.
As I put the washing on he asked to go in the garden and was running about sniffing and playing with the stones. It has started to rain by the time he came in and he was happy to play with his toys and yoghurt pots. He likes to hide the yoghurt pots under a chair and then pretend that he can't get to them. Once I am down on the floor trying to retrieve them he will jump all over me, he even barks at them in places he can easily get to.
He is just a bundle of energy this morning and I need to wear him out so that I can pop him in the crate while I go to Tesco to get this weeks shopping. Off to play ball for a while!
We then went upstairs for me to wash and dress and he ate another kong full of kibble. While I was getting dressed he sat on the bed and, even though I had put my underwear on the pillow he left it alone when asked. He did try to help me put my socks on though.
Once I was dressed I put him on the floor while I sorted out some washing. He disappeared with one of my slippers and I could hear him squeaking and went to check where he was. He was squeaking because the door to the lounge was shut and he couldn't get in so I ignored him, the next minute he appeared in the bedroom and took my other slipper off. Oh well, at least they will both be downstairs!
I sorted the washing and went to go down stairs with it and found Rodders on the landing with both slippers so he can now carry them both down and upstairs.
As I put the washing on he asked to go in the garden and was running about sniffing and playing with the stones. It has started to rain by the time he came in and he was happy to play with his toys and yoghurt pots. He likes to hide the yoghurt pots under a chair and then pretend that he can't get to them. Once I am down on the floor trying to retrieve them he will jump all over me, he even barks at them in places he can easily get to.
He is just a bundle of energy this morning and I need to wear him out so that I can pop him in the crate while I go to Tesco to get this weeks shopping. Off to play ball for a while!
Sunday, 4 December 2011
What a funny puppy!
I was cream crackered last night so at 10.30 I took Rodders out for a final piddle. It now seems to be the norm to sit on the grass for a few minutes before going for a piddle but I suppose that is OK if you have been woken up and taken out in to the cold.
Once back in Rodders sat on snuggle fleece while I locked up, switched out lights and got his treats ready and then climbed in to the crate and then his bed. I locked him in and said goodnight.
At about 5.15am he started his whingy noises and I rolled over and went back to sleep. At 6.40am he was barking a little but not desperate or continually so I left him a little longer and came downstairs at 6.45am. He came out of his crate for a fuss and then ran straight upstairs to check all the bedrooms. I followed him up and he was just checking if OH was in our bed. He was then happy to follow me downstairs and went in to the garden.
I thought he would be desperate for a piddle but he went straight to the drain and was trying to reach something in there, nothing would encourage him away. By this stage I was convinced that he must have wet his bed or had a piddle upstairs so went to check, no, nothing anywhere.
He eventually asked to come in and has been running about playing with his toys and asked to come up for a snuggle. Bur he is a bundle of energy and soon wanted down. I started to unpack his bag from yesterday and he heard his food bag and started to bark so I sorted out his breakfast. He ate half of it and then asked to go in to the garden for a poo and a sniff about and his just come back in to grab a drink and eat some more before dashing off to play in the conservatory.
Once back in Rodders sat on snuggle fleece while I locked up, switched out lights and got his treats ready and then climbed in to the crate and then his bed. I locked him in and said goodnight.
At about 5.15am he started his whingy noises and I rolled over and went back to sleep. At 6.40am he was barking a little but not desperate or continually so I left him a little longer and came downstairs at 6.45am. He came out of his crate for a fuss and then ran straight upstairs to check all the bedrooms. I followed him up and he was just checking if OH was in our bed. He was then happy to follow me downstairs and went in to the garden.
I thought he would be desperate for a piddle but he went straight to the drain and was trying to reach something in there, nothing would encourage him away. By this stage I was convinced that he must have wet his bed or had a piddle upstairs so went to check, no, nothing anywhere.
He eventually asked to come in and has been running about playing with his toys and asked to come up for a snuggle. Bur he is a bundle of energy and soon wanted down. I started to unpack his bag from yesterday and he heard his food bag and started to bark so I sorted out his breakfast. He ate half of it and then asked to go in to the garden for a poo and a sniff about and his just come back in to grab a drink and eat some more before dashing off to play in the conservatory.
Saturday, 3 December 2011
Back home
Once back home Rodders went upstairs to help Sue pack while I put the kettle on for a cuppa and the little horror piddled a little bit on the landing, this is only the second time he has done this. I think he knew what he had done as he came down the stairs and asked to go out in to the garden.
While he was out I nipped upstairs and cleared up and sprayed liberally with stain and odour remover, haven't had to use that much this week.
Sue left us to head off home and I started to update the blog while Rodders had a play and about half of his supper. He then wanted to come up on my knee for a little while but is now on his bed pad at my feet.
While he was out I nipped upstairs and cleared up and sprayed liberally with stain and odour remover, haven't had to use that much this week.
Sue left us to head off home and I started to update the blog while Rodders had a play and about half of his supper. He then wanted to come up on my knee for a little while but is now on his bed pad at my feet.
A day in London
The plan was to meet at my niece Louise's flat in Shepherds Bush where Pete, Ailie's boyfriend, was going to look after Rodders. We had already heard that Ailie was poorly and that Pete had been dispatched to the shops for some Imodium before he headed over to meet us.
It was quite an easy drive in to London and we found a free parking spot quite close by. Rodders walked really nicely to Louise's and managed up three flights of stairs without too much bother. Louise told us that Ailie was on her way with Pete, brave girl, not sure I would fancy the tube with a dodgy tummy.
Louise was out of milk so I carried Rodders downstairs and we all walked to the local supermarket for some. Rodders and I had to stay outside and I got him to go down and stood over him like we do at training school. He was so good, we were there for about 15 minutes and he only moved when a man approached him. Rodders tried to get behind me but did go back in to a sit between my legs. This man did seem to know about dogs and he spent about 5 minutes gently talking to both Rodders and I and did manage to fuss him. Rodders wasn't so impressed when a local drinker (the alcohol fumes would have knocked you out and it was only 10.30am) stopped to talk to him!
We walked back to Louise's and he climbed the stairs again. Ailie and Peter arrived as we were drinking tea. I had got a couple of toys out for Rodders to play with to try and stop him from chewing the Reindeer Rug. We all sat about chatting and decided that Pete would join us for lunch so he and Rodders went off to my car to bring back the crate. Once they returned, and Rodders had climbed the stairs again, I made sure that Pete knew what Rodders could and couldn't do and we went off to Westfield shopping.
Poor Ailie really wasn't well and kept going very pale over the day, how she managed to shop at all is beyond me. I think we now know where all the loo's are in the shopping centre though. Even at lunchtime she could only manage water.
When Pete joined us for lunch he said that Rodders had slept for most of the morning but he was planning a trip to the park for the afternoon.
After lunch we hit the shops again and Sue finished her Christmas shopping and I made a start on mine. It wasn't our most successful shopping trip! We wandered around for hours and the girls tried on a fair bit but just not the right bits!
We walked back to Louise's and Rodders was very pleased to see me. The report from Pete is that he has been really good but I am not sure that he would tell me if he hadn't!
I nipped off to get the car, much to Rodders disgust, and then said goodbye to everyone before heading downstairs with Rodders. Lucky me, Pete carried the crate and Sue carried my shopping!
It was quite an easy drive in to London and we found a free parking spot quite close by. Rodders walked really nicely to Louise's and managed up three flights of stairs without too much bother. Louise told us that Ailie was on her way with Pete, brave girl, not sure I would fancy the tube with a dodgy tummy.
Louise was out of milk so I carried Rodders downstairs and we all walked to the local supermarket for some. Rodders and I had to stay outside and I got him to go down and stood over him like we do at training school. He was so good, we were there for about 15 minutes and he only moved when a man approached him. Rodders tried to get behind me but did go back in to a sit between my legs. This man did seem to know about dogs and he spent about 5 minutes gently talking to both Rodders and I and did manage to fuss him. Rodders wasn't so impressed when a local drinker (the alcohol fumes would have knocked you out and it was only 10.30am) stopped to talk to him!
We walked back to Louise's and he climbed the stairs again. Ailie and Peter arrived as we were drinking tea. I had got a couple of toys out for Rodders to play with to try and stop him from chewing the Reindeer Rug. We all sat about chatting and decided that Pete would join us for lunch so he and Rodders went off to my car to bring back the crate. Once they returned, and Rodders had climbed the stairs again, I made sure that Pete knew what Rodders could and couldn't do and we went off to Westfield shopping.
Poor Ailie really wasn't well and kept going very pale over the day, how she managed to shop at all is beyond me. I think we now know where all the loo's are in the shopping centre though. Even at lunchtime she could only manage water.
When Pete joined us for lunch he said that Rodders had slept for most of the morning but he was planning a trip to the park for the afternoon.
After lunch we hit the shops again and Sue finished her Christmas shopping and I made a start on mine. It wasn't our most successful shopping trip! We wandered around for hours and the girls tried on a fair bit but just not the right bits!
We walked back to Louise's and Rodders was very pleased to see me. The report from Pete is that he has been really good but I am not sure that he would tell me if he hadn't!
I nipped off to get the car, much to Rodders disgust, and then said goodbye to everyone before heading downstairs with Rodders. Lucky me, Pete carried the crate and Sue carried my shopping!
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!
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
A better night
I took Rodders out in to the garden for a piddle at 11pm and once back in he had to be encouraged in to his bed but did get there by himself. I locked up, switched out lights, gave him his treats and closed the crate.
I didn't hear anything until 5.45am. When I let him out of his crate he wanted a quick fuss before darting to the door to go out for a piddle. He came back in for another fuss and then asked to go out again for a poo.
When he came back in he went straight to the rolled up carpet in the lounge and had a quick play with his new toy and then, when I curled up on the sofa, he asked to come too so I put a snuggle fleece down between my head and knees and popped him on it. He wanted to lick me to death for 5 minutes and then settled down. The pair of us slept there until 7.30 when I needed to go upstairs to use the bathroom.
Rodders followed me up but then stretched himself out on the landing and didn't move when I came back downstairs. I went and made a cuppa and got his breakfast ready before he started to squeak. When I went to check he had got himself halfway down the stairs and was sat on a step squeaking at me. I encouraged him down the rest of the way and he came in to the lounge and curled up on his new bed pad.
Not ready for breakfast yet then!
I didn't hear anything until 5.45am. When I let him out of his crate he wanted a quick fuss before darting to the door to go out for a piddle. He came back in for another fuss and then asked to go out again for a poo.
When he came back in he went straight to the rolled up carpet in the lounge and had a quick play with his new toy and then, when I curled up on the sofa, he asked to come too so I put a snuggle fleece down between my head and knees and popped him on it. He wanted to lick me to death for 5 minutes and then settled down. The pair of us slept there until 7.30 when I needed to go upstairs to use the bathroom.
Rodders followed me up but then stretched himself out on the landing and didn't move when I came back downstairs. I went and made a cuppa and got his breakfast ready before he started to squeak. When I went to check he had got himself halfway down the stairs and was sat on a step squeaking at me. I encouraged him down the rest of the way and he came in to the lounge and curled up on his new bed pad.
Not ready for breakfast yet then!
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Rodders & OH
There is no doubt that OH loves Rodders, who else would give up so much sleep for him? I know that he does it as he loves me too and knows what a grouch I am if I don't get my sleep, but he also does it because he loves Rodders. Luckily it is a mutual appreciation society!
Rodders adores him and, when I put him on the bed when I am here on my own with him, the first thing he does is goes to OH's side of the bed and has a good sniff, to breathe him in.
When OH is here Rodders is very happy to be in his company. Like this morning, once I got up and came downstairs Rodders is happy to stay upstairs with him. I could hear OH go in the shower and call him and then I could hear thump, thump, thump. When I went to investigate Rodders was on the landing playing with his slipper. Mean Mummy would have had him shut in the bathroom with her!
When OH got out of the shower Rodders went to lap up the water from the shower tray and then off of OH's legs and feet. He did also try to get the towel but was quite good when he was told no.
OH picked up his slipper on route to the bedroom and as he was getting dressed Rodders dragged his spare shoes, in their carry bag, all the way from the other side of the bed to the landing.
Once OH was dressed he came downstairs but Rodders didn't seem to want to come too, until he said bye bye - he shot down the stairs then.
As OH went out the back door Rodders went too, I could hear OH struggling to get out the gate so I called him and he came running which gave OH time to get out and shut the gate. Rodders then went back to sniff the gate and bark as he listened to OH getting in the car and driving away. Once he was sure he had gone he was happy to come back in and settle down for a rest on his new bed pad.
Rodders adores him and, when I put him on the bed when I am here on my own with him, the first thing he does is goes to OH's side of the bed and has a good sniff, to breathe him in.
When OH is here Rodders is very happy to be in his company. Like this morning, once I got up and came downstairs Rodders is happy to stay upstairs with him. I could hear OH go in the shower and call him and then I could hear thump, thump, thump. When I went to investigate Rodders was on the landing playing with his slipper. Mean Mummy would have had him shut in the bathroom with her!
When OH got out of the shower Rodders went to lap up the water from the shower tray and then off of OH's legs and feet. He did also try to get the towel but was quite good when he was told no.
OH picked up his slipper on route to the bedroom and as he was getting dressed Rodders dragged his spare shoes, in their carry bag, all the way from the other side of the bed to the landing.
Once OH was dressed he came downstairs but Rodders didn't seem to want to come too, until he said bye bye - he shot down the stairs then.
As OH went out the back door Rodders went too, I could hear OH struggling to get out the gate so I called him and he came running which gave OH time to get out and shut the gate. Rodders then went back to sniff the gate and bark as he listened to OH getting in the car and driving away. Once he was sure he had gone he was happy to come back in and settle down for a rest on his new bed pad.
Sunday, 27 November 2011
Breakfast and getting dressed
Rodders has started to go in to the kitchen and bark when he is hungry! I fed him his breakfast and he ate it in two go's with a short play in the middle.
He came upstairs with me while I got washed and dressed and had a little of the kibble from yesterday's Kong but wasn't really too interested.
I trapped him in the bedroom with me so that I didn't have to retrieve slippers from the stairs. He now rounds up both mine and OH's slippers to play with (and have a bit of a chew) if they are lying about.
When I came downstairs he stayed on the landing. I just carried on and left him there and went to make a cuppa. After a few minutes I called him and he came to find me wagging his tail.
He came upstairs with me while I got washed and dressed and had a little of the kibble from yesterday's Kong but wasn't really too interested.
I trapped him in the bedroom with me so that I didn't have to retrieve slippers from the stairs. He now rounds up both mine and OH's slippers to play with (and have a bit of a chew) if they are lying about.
When I came downstairs he stayed on the landing. I just carried on and left him there and went to make a cuppa. After a few minutes I called him and he came to find me wagging his tail.
Saturday, 26 November 2011
Not very active
Rodders hasn't been too active today, he did some running about for a couple of hours this morning and then almost three hours this afternoon and evening but he has now collapsed in a heap at my feet on snuggle fleece. So is five hours activity in a day enough? Will he have me up at the crack of dawn tomorrow?
That said, when he has been active he has been very active (and very vocal today). He has run about the rugby field and the garden, played with the stones on the patio, chased toys up and down the house, run up and down stairs several times and jumped up me many times. He has barked, woofed and squeaked all day. Sometimes I know what he is saying, other times I haven't a clue.
We had a bit of a battle earlier over him chewing the carpet but generally he has been very good.
That said, when he has been active he has been very active (and very vocal today). He has run about the rugby field and the garden, played with the stones on the patio, chased toys up and down the house, run up and down stairs several times and jumped up me many times. He has barked, woofed and squeaked all day. Sometimes I know what he is saying, other times I haven't a clue.
We had a bit of a battle earlier over him chewing the carpet but generally he has been very good.
Slippers!
Rodders slept for almost two hours this morning and I think the only reason he woke then was because I was on the phone to my sister. He wandered through to the conservatory as I was talking for a bit of a play.
Once I hung up it was time to go upstairs to get washed and dressed and I filled the Kong with what was left of his breakfast kibble. Rodders was not interested and wandered off to the bedroom to get OH's slipper which he started to carry down the stairs. When that one was half way down he went back for the other one! Cheeky monkey, looks like OH may need new slippers for Christmas!
Once I went in to the bedroom he followed me in and walked off with one of my slippers. He was happy playing and he doesn't actually seem to be chewing them (too much) but he does like to carry them about. He does love to help you put on socks but the rest of the time he now seems happy to let me get dressed in peace, this is a huge improvement from trying to chew everything as you valiantly tried to out it on while he was trying to tug it off.
Every morning as I throw back the curtains Rodders comes running. I lift him up so that he can see out of the window and say good morning to Pentland! Just a silly part of our morning routine!
I retrieved the slippers from the stair and threw them back in the bedroom shutting the door behind me. I came down stairs and expected Rodders to follow me. He stayed at the top of the stair for a while but eventually followed me down.
He talks much more now, little squeaks, huffs and woofs. Sometimes I know what he is trying to say and sometimes I don't. He does always like to have the last word so if you say no to him he now comes away but has a bit of a huff. Or he will stand at the lounge door and bark, this usually means he wants to go upstairs to check if OH is there. He has a different bark for going out and coming in the door to the garden to that of there is someone about that you need to know about. More lessons in dog speak required!
Since he came downstairs he has been out in to the garden twice. It is a bit windy out so I am not sure how he will feel out for a walk but the garden does shelter him a bit.
For now, he is happy chasing yoghurt pots around the conservatory.
Once I hung up it was time to go upstairs to get washed and dressed and I filled the Kong with what was left of his breakfast kibble. Rodders was not interested and wandered off to the bedroom to get OH's slipper which he started to carry down the stairs. When that one was half way down he went back for the other one! Cheeky monkey, looks like OH may need new slippers for Christmas!
Once I went in to the bedroom he followed me in and walked off with one of my slippers. He was happy playing and he doesn't actually seem to be chewing them (too much) but he does like to carry them about. He does love to help you put on socks but the rest of the time he now seems happy to let me get dressed in peace, this is a huge improvement from trying to chew everything as you valiantly tried to out it on while he was trying to tug it off.
Every morning as I throw back the curtains Rodders comes running. I lift him up so that he can see out of the window and say good morning to Pentland! Just a silly part of our morning routine!
I retrieved the slippers from the stair and threw them back in the bedroom shutting the door behind me. I came down stairs and expected Rodders to follow me. He stayed at the top of the stair for a while but eventually followed me down.
He talks much more now, little squeaks, huffs and woofs. Sometimes I know what he is trying to say and sometimes I don't. He does always like to have the last word so if you say no to him he now comes away but has a bit of a huff. Or he will stand at the lounge door and bark, this usually means he wants to go upstairs to check if OH is there. He has a different bark for going out and coming in the door to the garden to that of there is someone about that you need to know about. More lessons in dog speak required!
Since he came downstairs he has been out in to the garden twice. It is a bit windy out so I am not sure how he will feel out for a walk but the garden does shelter him a bit.
For now, he is happy chasing yoghurt pots around the conservatory.
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Happy to see me
When I got back a couple of hours later all was quiet until I opened the door and then Rodders started barking. As I came in I could see that his snuggle fleece was out of his bed but everything else was OK.
I put the shopping down in the kitchen and let him out the crate. He always makes a lot of squeaky noises as if to say how dare you leave me and wants to come up for a fuss. He has no interest in going in to the garden until he has calmed down.
Once he was calmer he played with a toy in the conservatory and then asked to go out in the garden. He was happy sniffing about and playing with the stones on the patio, he also barked to let me know that there was someone in the garages.
I put the shopping away but by the time I had started to unload the washing machine he wanted in. He was really good, he came in to the kitchen with me but did not try to catch things as they were coming out of the machine after the initial no.
He came with me while I hung everything on the radiators upstairs and was happy to come downstairs by himself.
I put the shopping down in the kitchen and let him out the crate. He always makes a lot of squeaky noises as if to say how dare you leave me and wants to come up for a fuss. He has no interest in going in to the garden until he has calmed down.
Once he was calmer he played with a toy in the conservatory and then asked to go out in the garden. He was happy sniffing about and playing with the stones on the patio, he also barked to let me know that there was someone in the garages.
I put the shopping away but by the time I had started to unload the washing machine he wanted in. He was really good, he came in to the kitchen with me but did not try to catch things as they were coming out of the machine after the initial no.
He came with me while I hung everything on the radiators upstairs and was happy to come downstairs by himself.
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
OH gets changed
Rodders was happy to follow OH upstairs to help (!) him get changed. They seemed to be having fun and Rodders hardly even noticed when I slipped upstairs to use the bathroom.
Once OH was changed it was time to come downstairs. Amazingly Rodders came down all by himself, in front of OH! Looks like the little monkey has been having me on.
Once OH was changed it was time to come downstairs. Amazingly Rodders came down all by himself, in front of OH! Looks like the little monkey has been having me on.
Monday, 21 November 2011
Not such a good night
Att 11pm I woke Rodders up and took him in to the garden for a piddle. He wanted to come straight back in but came back when I said he couldn't go to bed without a piddle.
As we walked back across the patio I stupidly kicked a stone in to the gully and Rodders thought it was maybe time to play, so I repeated that it was bedtime and he toddled off in to the house and his bed. He sits there very nicely while I lock up, put out lights and get his treats. Usually as I lock the crate he is munching his way through what he has been left.
Once I was upstairs he did give out a couple of barks, possibly because I was walking about doing things.
At 3am this morning he was barking so I got up to let him out in the garden, he was desperate for a piddle but I also noticed that next doors security light was on. As he came back in Rodders ran to the stairs to grab a slipper but was swiftly collected and put back in his bed and told it was bedtime. He cried for about 5 minutes while I tossed and turned for an hour!
I didn't hear him again until 6.50am. I came down and let him out of his crate for a quick fuss before letting him in the garden. He was out there a while so I went to check where he was, he came trotting over and back in for a play in the conservatory.
He also led me to a piddle on the floor :-( Not sure when he did it as the edges were dry, but he knew that it shouldn't be there. He let me clean up without attacking the kitchen roll but he did show some interest in the stain and odour remover.
OH rang to see how we were, at which point Rodders wanted up for a snuggle, OH could hear the puppy squeaks down the phone. Rodders went and sat on the rolled up carpet when I put him down looking for mischief. He soon found it so I slipped his lead on, he isn't bothered by this at all, it is just something else to chew!
He was trying to bite my coat and me so earnt himself a few checks. When he tired of being told off he asked to go in the garden so I took his lead off as I let him out. When he came back in he picked it up and went and sat on the rolled up carpet waiting for me to put it back on. Obviously knew that he was still in mischief mode.
I have put the Clix noise and sounds CD back on this morning. We hadn't used it for about a week but his reaction to fireworks last night shows we need a bit more training. We had got up to volume 2 but that was bothering him this morning so I have turned it down to 1 and he is fine with it.
After another trip to the garden and a bit more playing he is now resting at my feet on snuggle fleece. Almost shower time I think.
As we walked back across the patio I stupidly kicked a stone in to the gully and Rodders thought it was maybe time to play, so I repeated that it was bedtime and he toddled off in to the house and his bed. He sits there very nicely while I lock up, put out lights and get his treats. Usually as I lock the crate he is munching his way through what he has been left.
Once I was upstairs he did give out a couple of barks, possibly because I was walking about doing things.
At 3am this morning he was barking so I got up to let him out in the garden, he was desperate for a piddle but I also noticed that next doors security light was on. As he came back in Rodders ran to the stairs to grab a slipper but was swiftly collected and put back in his bed and told it was bedtime. He cried for about 5 minutes while I tossed and turned for an hour!
I didn't hear him again until 6.50am. I came down and let him out of his crate for a quick fuss before letting him in the garden. He was out there a while so I went to check where he was, he came trotting over and back in for a play in the conservatory.
He also led me to a piddle on the floor :-( Not sure when he did it as the edges were dry, but he knew that it shouldn't be there. He let me clean up without attacking the kitchen roll but he did show some interest in the stain and odour remover.
OH rang to see how we were, at which point Rodders wanted up for a snuggle, OH could hear the puppy squeaks down the phone. Rodders went and sat on the rolled up carpet when I put him down looking for mischief. He soon found it so I slipped his lead on, he isn't bothered by this at all, it is just something else to chew!
He was trying to bite my coat and me so earnt himself a few checks. When he tired of being told off he asked to go in the garden so I took his lead off as I let him out. When he came back in he picked it up and went and sat on the rolled up carpet waiting for me to put it back on. Obviously knew that he was still in mischief mode.
I have put the Clix noise and sounds CD back on this morning. We hadn't used it for about a week but his reaction to fireworks last night shows we need a bit more training. We had got up to volume 2 but that was bothering him this morning so I have turned it down to 1 and he is fine with it.
After another trip to the garden and a bit more playing he is now resting at my feet on snuggle fleece. Almost shower time I think.
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
More walk, sit, walk
We were late going for our first walk today as Rodders has slept for a lot of the morning and wasn't too lively first thing.
As soon as he saw his choke chain he was leaping around with excitement but it still took me 5 minutes to get it on, then 5 minutes to get my wellies and coat on while stopping him escaping up the stairs and a further 5 minutes to get him to sit long enough to have his lead on. So there you have it, 15 minutes to get out the house!
Rodders walked quite nicely around Pentland and almost to the Rugby field before sitting down. I got him going again but once we were on the field he was a nightmare and at one point lay down refusing to move. I took him through the trees on to the Nicky Line and the only time he sat down was when someone walked past us. He trotted along quite nicely until he got a leaf stuck to his leg and then he whinged until it fell off. He was quite happy to see another dog but wasn't very impressed when it ignored him.
We walked under the bridge for a little way and then came back and up the steps by the church. He sat each time a car came past and nearly lunged at a bus. He was happy to get off the main road and back in to the estate. By the time we were approaching home he was walking very nicely.
Once in the door he tried to escape upstairs but I wouldn't let him until his lead and choke chain was off. I managed to change out of my wellies before I went and got him back. He came down all by himself but needed a lot of encouragement again.
As soon as he saw his choke chain he was leaping around with excitement but it still took me 5 minutes to get it on, then 5 minutes to get my wellies and coat on while stopping him escaping up the stairs and a further 5 minutes to get him to sit long enough to have his lead on. So there you have it, 15 minutes to get out the house!
Rodders walked quite nicely around Pentland and almost to the Rugby field before sitting down. I got him going again but once we were on the field he was a nightmare and at one point lay down refusing to move. I took him through the trees on to the Nicky Line and the only time he sat down was when someone walked past us. He trotted along quite nicely until he got a leaf stuck to his leg and then he whinged until it fell off. He was quite happy to see another dog but wasn't very impressed when it ignored him.
We walked under the bridge for a little way and then came back and up the steps by the church. He sat each time a car came past and nearly lunged at a bus. He was happy to get off the main road and back in to the estate. By the time we were approaching home he was walking very nicely.
Once in the door he tried to escape upstairs but I wouldn't let him until his lead and choke chain was off. I managed to change out of my wellies before I went and got him back. He came down all by himself but needed a lot of encouragement again.
Squeaky noises
I left Rodders curled up on snuggle fleece while I went upstairs to hang up the wet washing. He did lift his head and I told him I would only be a minute and to stay there.
He did for a little while and then he trotted down to the lounge door and made some very strange squeaky noises, louder than his usually puppy noises. When I came back down the stairs he did jump up the lounge door until I opened it and was jumping up my legs making squeaky puppy noises until I lifted him up for a snuggle. He licked me as though I had been away hours rather than just a few minutes.
He was happy to go straight back on snuggle fleece. I think he has been asleep more than awake this morning!
He did for a little while and then he trotted down to the lounge door and made some very strange squeaky noises, louder than his usually puppy noises. When I came back down the stairs he did jump up the lounge door until I opened it and was jumping up my legs making squeaky puppy noises until I lifted him up for a snuggle. He licked me as though I had been away hours rather than just a few minutes.
He was happy to go straight back on snuggle fleece. I think he has been asleep more than awake this morning!
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
It was going so well
Rodders had been in the garden for ages, he has learnt to dig by the way, so I went out to check what he was up to - chasing leaves on the back patio up near the fence. He spotted me and followed me back inside.
He had a quick fuss and then disappeared between the dining table and the dresser so I went to check what he was doing - having a piddle :-( I grabbed him, saying a firm No, and threw him outside again. He wasn't happy and barked all the time I was cleaning up.
Once I let him back in he got a bit manic, chewing things he shouldn't so there was a lot of firm No's. After about half an hour of this he seemed to be full of energy so I decided it would be better to take him out for a walk.
It took us 15 minutes to get his choke chain and lead on plus my coat and wellies, good job we don't need to get anywhere is a hurry!
Once outside there was a lot of sit, walk, sit before we got out of Pentland and then I found out why. Rodders pooped outside No2 and while I was clearing that up he did it again! I cleared that up and then we were on our way.
We walked to the rugby field and once on there Rodders was running about, luckily my fast walking pace just about keeps up with him. Then all of a sudden he would sit and refuse to move for a few minutes, just looking about and taking his surrounding in. And then we were off again. We probably did about half the field and then came back via the road. He really doesn't seem to like busses and air brakes but he was alright with the traffic other than that.
When we got back I managed to get his collar and lead off before he ran upstairs. I then made him come down by himself and then he ran straight upstairs again, then got half way down and then back up and refused to come down on his own.
He then went off to play in the conservatory with his toys before we played fetch from the conservatory to the lounge with his ball which kept him occupied for a while.
If he has been naughty today I have said a firm no, got his attention and made him sit before giving him praise for the good behaviour, not sure how this is working but he is sitting nicely!
Then he started to get tired and bitey and no amount of no was stopping him. I took myself off in to the kitchen behind the baby gate and he stood and barked, I ignored him and he got bored and went off to play. I came out of the kitchen and he started again so I put him in the kitchen. He just stood there and barked in temper. When he calmed down I went back in and he started to bite me so I came away again. More barking in temper. The next time I went in he sat nicely and gave me a lick so I let him out the kitchen.
We carried on like this for a while interspersed with playing nicely or up to mischief. This is the same everyday from about 4.30 to 6.30, he just gets the devil in him as he gets tired and refuses to give in. He does eventually collapse in a heap!
He did sit nicely on snuggle fleece while I ate a bowl of soup and he did eat his supper so it is not all bad!
I am sure OH thinks I am nothing but a whinge bag as he usually talks to me in the evenings when Rodders is at his worst, tonight I had to hang up on him to go and sort Rodders out.
He had a quick fuss and then disappeared between the dining table and the dresser so I went to check what he was doing - having a piddle :-( I grabbed him, saying a firm No, and threw him outside again. He wasn't happy and barked all the time I was cleaning up.
Once I let him back in he got a bit manic, chewing things he shouldn't so there was a lot of firm No's. After about half an hour of this he seemed to be full of energy so I decided it would be better to take him out for a walk.
It took us 15 minutes to get his choke chain and lead on plus my coat and wellies, good job we don't need to get anywhere is a hurry!
Once outside there was a lot of sit, walk, sit before we got out of Pentland and then I found out why. Rodders pooped outside No2 and while I was clearing that up he did it again! I cleared that up and then we were on our way.
We walked to the rugby field and once on there Rodders was running about, luckily my fast walking pace just about keeps up with him. Then all of a sudden he would sit and refuse to move for a few minutes, just looking about and taking his surrounding in. And then we were off again. We probably did about half the field and then came back via the road. He really doesn't seem to like busses and air brakes but he was alright with the traffic other than that.
When we got back I managed to get his collar and lead off before he ran upstairs. I then made him come down by himself and then he ran straight upstairs again, then got half way down and then back up and refused to come down on his own.
He then went off to play in the conservatory with his toys before we played fetch from the conservatory to the lounge with his ball which kept him occupied for a while.
If he has been naughty today I have said a firm no, got his attention and made him sit before giving him praise for the good behaviour, not sure how this is working but he is sitting nicely!
Then he started to get tired and bitey and no amount of no was stopping him. I took myself off in to the kitchen behind the baby gate and he stood and barked, I ignored him and he got bored and went off to play. I came out of the kitchen and he started again so I put him in the kitchen. He just stood there and barked in temper. When he calmed down I went back in and he started to bite me so I came away again. More barking in temper. The next time I went in he sat nicely and gave me a lick so I let him out the kitchen.
We carried on like this for a while interspersed with playing nicely or up to mischief. This is the same everyday from about 4.30 to 6.30, he just gets the devil in him as he gets tired and refuses to give in. He does eventually collapse in a heap!
He did sit nicely on snuggle fleece while I ate a bowl of soup and he did eat his supper so it is not all bad!
I am sure OH thinks I am nothing but a whinge bag as he usually talks to me in the evenings when Rodders is at his worst, tonight I had to hang up on him to go and sort Rodders out.
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