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 walk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label walk. Show all posts
Monday, 2 January 2012
Sunday, 25 December 2011
Christmas Day
Rodders woke up at 6.15am and we went straight in to the garden so he could have a piddle and then he had breakfast. We played with his ball for a while and then he settled on snuggle fleece and had a doze until everyone else got up.
We sneaked in to the lounge to check if Santa had been and there were lots of presents under the tree, I hope some of them are for us!
Once Ailie was up and dressed I left Rodders with her while I went to get myself washed and dressed in my new dress, special for Christmas Day.
As everyone started breakfast Rodders and I went in to the garden for a run around. As they were almost finished Rodders and I joined them as the bubbly was being served. It was then the to get everyone in to the lounge and hand out the Christmas presents. As family tradition dictates, we then each open a present in turn until they are all open. This takes hours as we have to stop for comfort breaks, drinks refresh and to let Rodders out for a piddle. Eventually all presents were open and we had all been very spoilt.
Rodders opened a couple of his own presents, paying more attention to the wrapping paper than the actual present, but had to have them taken off him as they are treats and he isn't allowed them at the moment, but he did get a couple of things that he is allowed - a duck from OH that he isn't sure of and he got a ball and thrower to play in the garden or park with.
Rodders and I had a nap, curled up on the sofa together, until it was time for his lunch and then we went out for a walk so that he could have a run around and use up some of his excess energy. This was a big fail, once we came back he just wanted to run around and play so we have been in and out of the garden for long periods of time so that he can play with sticks and chase about.
He still wouldn't settle and wanted to be in the kitchen to see wheat was going on in the hope that something scrummy would be dropped. When I tried to keep him in the lounge he barked and barked at the door to be let out.
Eventually, just after 5pm I have in and gave him his tea. It would appear that he is starving as, once that was eaten, he was happy to settle on snuggle fleece and go to sleep.
I am a little sad that he won't get to eat any christmas dinner but it is better that his tummy is OK. He has now finished the anti sickness and antibiotic tablets so fingers are firmly crossed that he is OK over the next day or so.
We sneaked in to the lounge to check if Santa had been and there were lots of presents under the tree, I hope some of them are for us!
Once Ailie was up and dressed I left Rodders with her while I went to get myself washed and dressed in my new dress, special for Christmas Day.
As everyone started breakfast Rodders and I went in to the garden for a run around. As they were almost finished Rodders and I joined them as the bubbly was being served. It was then the to get everyone in to the lounge and hand out the Christmas presents. As family tradition dictates, we then each open a present in turn until they are all open. This takes hours as we have to stop for comfort breaks, drinks refresh and to let Rodders out for a piddle. Eventually all presents were open and we had all been very spoilt.
Rodders opened a couple of his own presents, paying more attention to the wrapping paper than the actual present, but had to have them taken off him as they are treats and he isn't allowed them at the moment, but he did get a couple of things that he is allowed - a duck from OH that he isn't sure of and he got a ball and thrower to play in the garden or park with.
Rodders and I had a nap, curled up on the sofa together, until it was time for his lunch and then we went out for a walk so that he could have a run around and use up some of his excess energy. This was a big fail, once we came back he just wanted to run around and play so we have been in and out of the garden for long periods of time so that he can play with sticks and chase about.
He still wouldn't settle and wanted to be in the kitchen to see wheat was going on in the hope that something scrummy would be dropped. When I tried to keep him in the lounge he barked and barked at the door to be let out.
Eventually, just after 5pm I have in and gave him his tea. It would appear that he is starving as, once that was eaten, he was happy to settle on snuggle fleece and go to sleep.
I am a little sad that he won't get to eat any christmas dinner but it is better that his tummy is OK. He has now finished the anti sickness and antibiotic tablets so fingers are firmly crossed that he is OK over the next day or so.
Friday, 23 December 2011
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!
Another day at work
Rodders and I were up at 6.30am and, he was soon barking for his breakfast, after he had been out for a piddle.
He was quite cuddly so I was late going for a shower which meant that he only got a quick walk around the block. When it was time for me to go to work he went in to his crate without too much trouble, this really is amazing when he isn't getting any treats.
I spent the morning going through the last bits of my handover with Debbie and then came home for lunch. Rodders was very pleased to see me and was barking by the time I came through the lounge door. He wasn't in any rush to go out in to the garden but did have a piddle eventually. I gave him his lunch and opened the post while I ate it. We then had a play of fetch and a snuggle before it was time for me to go back to work. He wasn't happy about going back in the crate and needed encouraging in. He sat with his back to me as I locked it and gave two barks and a whine as I walked away from the house, I couldn't hear him by the time I got to the car.
We had a slow afternoon and when it was time for me to come home Debbie, the lady I am taking over from, told me that she would be happy to puppy sit whenever I need her to. She lost her Cocker Spaniel, Eric, earlier this year and already looks after a couple of dogs for her friends. Is this the home from home I have been looking for?
He was quite cuddly so I was late going for a shower which meant that he only got a quick walk around the block. When it was time for me to go to work he went in to his crate without too much trouble, this really is amazing when he isn't getting any treats.
I spent the morning going through the last bits of my handover with Debbie and then came home for lunch. Rodders was very pleased to see me and was barking by the time I came through the lounge door. He wasn't in any rush to go out in to the garden but did have a piddle eventually. I gave him his lunch and opened the post while I ate it. We then had a play of fetch and a snuggle before it was time for me to go back to work. He wasn't happy about going back in the crate and needed encouraging in. He sat with his back to me as I locked it and gave two barks and a whine as I walked away from the house, I couldn't hear him by the time I got to the car.
We had a slow afternoon and when it was time for me to come home Debbie, the lady I am taking over from, told me that she would be happy to puppy sit whenever I need her to. She lost her Cocker Spaniel, Eric, earlier this year and already looks after a couple of dogs for her friends. Is this the home from home I have been looking for?
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
A better day
OH got up with Rodders this morning so I got a bit of a lie in. He sent Rodders up to wake me just before 6.30am and I came down for my cuppa and to give Rodders his breakfast. I then threw on my dog walking clothes just before OH left for work. Rodders didn't go out to the gate to say goodbye to OH this morning, he stood and watched from the patio until he heard the car go.
It is wet and miserable this morning so our walk was mainly on the roads on the estate with a short time on the very muddy and soggy rugby field.
I then had to wash and change for work. Rodders is such a good puppy but he doesn't understand why I am not giving him any treats and so he wouldn't walk in to his crate as normal and I had to lift him in. He still didn't make a sound.
At lunchtime I managed to get home, give Rodders a fuss, get him outside in the garden for a piddle, give him his lunch, make a cuppa and some toast for me, poop scoop the garden, give OH an update, play fetch with Rodders and put him back in his crate to be back at work in 45 minutes!
Tonight when I got home Rodders was more like his usual self and started to bark when he saw me. After a very quick fuss he wanted in to the garden for a long piddle and then went in to the kitchen to bark for his tea! After he had eaten and we had played for a little I went up to change and Rodders was running off with slippers and stealing socks from the laundry. OH called on his way to his hotel for the night and was pleased to hear that Rodders is feeling better and getting in to mischief.
I ate my tea while Rodders played on his own with his toys and then tried to keep him occupied as he kept going in to the kitchen and barking for food. When toys didn't seem to be working and he didn't want to be up on my knee or in the garden I put on my coat and his lead and we went out for a tramp around the streets for a little while.
I gave Rodders his supper at 8.30pm and after a trip to the garden he was happy to settle down next to me on the sofa. He wasn't too fussed when OH face timed us to say goodnight, after a quick listen and a glance he settled back down to sleep! It won't be too long before we go to bed.
It is wet and miserable this morning so our walk was mainly on the roads on the estate with a short time on the very muddy and soggy rugby field.
I then had to wash and change for work. Rodders is such a good puppy but he doesn't understand why I am not giving him any treats and so he wouldn't walk in to his crate as normal and I had to lift him in. He still didn't make a sound.
At lunchtime I managed to get home, give Rodders a fuss, get him outside in the garden for a piddle, give him his lunch, make a cuppa and some toast for me, poop scoop the garden, give OH an update, play fetch with Rodders and put him back in his crate to be back at work in 45 minutes!
Tonight when I got home Rodders was more like his usual self and started to bark when he saw me. After a very quick fuss he wanted in to the garden for a long piddle and then went in to the kitchen to bark for his tea! After he had eaten and we had played for a little I went up to change and Rodders was running off with slippers and stealing socks from the laundry. OH called on his way to his hotel for the night and was pleased to hear that Rodders is feeling better and getting in to mischief.
I ate my tea while Rodders played on his own with his toys and then tried to keep him occupied as he kept going in to the kitchen and barking for food. When toys didn't seem to be working and he didn't want to be up on my knee or in the garden I put on my coat and his lead and we went out for a tramp around the streets for a little while.
I gave Rodders his supper at 8.30pm and after a trip to the garden he was happy to settle down next to me on the sofa. He wasn't too fussed when OH face timed us to say goodnight, after a quick listen and a glance he settled back down to sleep! It won't be too long before we go to bed.
Sorry for being missing in action
Yesterday was quite a day and it started early.
OH got up with Rodders and woke me almost straight away to say that he had been sick in his bed. I came down as he was trying to clear it up but it was obvious that the bed pad was going to have to go in the washing machine as it was covered in undigested rice, he had also wet it. Rodders seemed OK, if a little sorry for himself, he still wanted to play and spend time in the garden. I took him for a quick walk up the rugby field and he was happy enough running about.
He was also hungry so, rather than chicken and rice which he A) didn't seem to be enjoying or B) fully digesting I gave him the smallest handful of kibble I could. He wolfed it down. He also wanted a carrot top while I was peeling vegetables ready to go in the slow cooker later.
When OH went off to work he wanted to go out to the gate as usual and came back when I called him.
I spoke to OH in the car after I had got ready for work and he reassured me that Rodders would be fine. I was concerned about him not having any water so while I was chatting I was googling for a water bowl that we can fit to the crate. I found one on Amazon and ordered it straight away, it should be here in a couple of days.
I was worried about leaving him to go to work but he seemed happy enough to go in to his crate with the other bed pad and some treats. I couldn't wait to get home at lunchtime and he was quiet when I walked in the door until he spotted me when he started squeaking. He had been sick again and had tried not to do it on his bed so it was mainly on the floor outside the crate. I took him in to the garden for a piddle and so I could check his poo from this morning - loose but not too runny. When we came back in I cleaned up the sick and turned the bed pad over as the first one wasn't yet dry and rang OH to let him know. He suggested I called the vets for advice.
I chatted to the vets and they brought his check up forward from tomorrow to tonight which would mean leaving work earlier, not the best thing during my first week but it can't be helped. The vet also suggested that I gave him a very small meal as they don't recommend starving puppies, and to make sure he still had water available.
I came off the phone and made him up a small amount of chicken and rice. The little monkey ate the chicken and left most of the rice. I managed to squeeze his water bowl in to the crate and Rodders drank from it straight away. He still wanted to play and have a fuss.
I also managed to put tonights dinner in the slow cooker but had to forego lunch as I just didn't have time, good job I had a bag of crisps earlier!
I had to leave him and go back to work and, the little star that he is, he went back in to his crate without any problems.
After finishing work at 4.30 I came straight home to find that he had been a little sick again and had managed to get most of it outside his crate. After clearing up and letting him in to the garden for a piddle I threw the bed pad in the washing machine and we went off to the vets. Luckily the bed pad washed earlier was dry so could go in to the car crate.
Rodders was his usual self in the vets and wanted to talk to everyone that was there. When I made him sit and wait he just barked his please let me play bark! After about 5 minutes we got called in to see the vet and he was very thorough and asked lots of questions as he was examining Rodders. He also weighed him and he is now 4.9k, so he has put on weight in the last week. He told me that his tummy was very noisy, so obviously upset about something. Again Rodders had to have the anti sickness injection and we have come away with more in tablet form for the next 4 days, more antibiotics and some special dog food. He isn't allowed anything else, no treats, no carrots, just this and water and he needs to be checked over again on Friday, earlier if I am worried. I am also to wait at least an hour before giving him anything to make sure the anti sickness injection works. We sat in the waiting room while they got the medicine and food ready and then paid the bill. Rodders was playing with one of the members of staff that he knows from puppy party, trying to attack her feet under the desk!
I rang OH, who was on his way home, as soon as we got out the vets to let him know how we got on. We are both so worried about the little fella.
Once home we put the 2nd bed pad on the bathroom radiator to dry and sat and had a snuggle until OH was home. After giving Rodders a fuss we needed to go shopping so that OH could get Rodders some Christmas presents. We had a great time in Pets at Home, Rodders loves it in there and OH hasn't brought him any presents before so he went a little nuts! This really is one spoilt puppy!
We also stopped at the little Tesco to grab some bits for dinner. I left Rodders and OH in the car and came out to find them in the Car Park. OH needed to use the hole in the wall so we walked him around a little before putting him back in the crate.
As Rodders has been poorly on both bed pads he was allowed his new bed early. OH took the labels off and put it in the crate. It is a very posh bed pad with a fleece topper that attaches with press studs and OH also bought a spare topper. It is exactly the right size for the crate and Rodders seems to like it.
I gave Rodders his antibiotic and measured out the special food. he is to have 50 grammes, 4 times a day. It looks such a little amount in his bowl. He was obviously hungry as it disappeared in seconds.
Oh went upstairs to do his Christmas wrapping as I finished off dinner. Rodders was running between us and seemed to be helping OH with his wrapping from the comments I could hear! I shouted for him to come down as I put dinner on the table. Rodders pottered about as we ate. Once we were finished OH went back up to finish wrapping and I cleared the table.
When we were all done OH played with Rodders for a while before I gave him his 2nd feed and then we settled down to watch some TV before bed.
Rodders had been in and out the garden all evening and went out again with me before bed. It was hard putting him in his crate without any treats but he didn't complain. He is such a good puppy.
OH got up with Rodders and woke me almost straight away to say that he had been sick in his bed. I came down as he was trying to clear it up but it was obvious that the bed pad was going to have to go in the washing machine as it was covered in undigested rice, he had also wet it. Rodders seemed OK, if a little sorry for himself, he still wanted to play and spend time in the garden. I took him for a quick walk up the rugby field and he was happy enough running about.
He was also hungry so, rather than chicken and rice which he A) didn't seem to be enjoying or B) fully digesting I gave him the smallest handful of kibble I could. He wolfed it down. He also wanted a carrot top while I was peeling vegetables ready to go in the slow cooker later.
When OH went off to work he wanted to go out to the gate as usual and came back when I called him.
I spoke to OH in the car after I had got ready for work and he reassured me that Rodders would be fine. I was concerned about him not having any water so while I was chatting I was googling for a water bowl that we can fit to the crate. I found one on Amazon and ordered it straight away, it should be here in a couple of days.
I was worried about leaving him to go to work but he seemed happy enough to go in to his crate with the other bed pad and some treats. I couldn't wait to get home at lunchtime and he was quiet when I walked in the door until he spotted me when he started squeaking. He had been sick again and had tried not to do it on his bed so it was mainly on the floor outside the crate. I took him in to the garden for a piddle and so I could check his poo from this morning - loose but not too runny. When we came back in I cleaned up the sick and turned the bed pad over as the first one wasn't yet dry and rang OH to let him know. He suggested I called the vets for advice.
I chatted to the vets and they brought his check up forward from tomorrow to tonight which would mean leaving work earlier, not the best thing during my first week but it can't be helped. The vet also suggested that I gave him a very small meal as they don't recommend starving puppies, and to make sure he still had water available.
I came off the phone and made him up a small amount of chicken and rice. The little monkey ate the chicken and left most of the rice. I managed to squeeze his water bowl in to the crate and Rodders drank from it straight away. He still wanted to play and have a fuss.
I also managed to put tonights dinner in the slow cooker but had to forego lunch as I just didn't have time, good job I had a bag of crisps earlier!
I had to leave him and go back to work and, the little star that he is, he went back in to his crate without any problems.
After finishing work at 4.30 I came straight home to find that he had been a little sick again and had managed to get most of it outside his crate. After clearing up and letting him in to the garden for a piddle I threw the bed pad in the washing machine and we went off to the vets. Luckily the bed pad washed earlier was dry so could go in to the car crate.
Rodders was his usual self in the vets and wanted to talk to everyone that was there. When I made him sit and wait he just barked his please let me play bark! After about 5 minutes we got called in to see the vet and he was very thorough and asked lots of questions as he was examining Rodders. He also weighed him and he is now 4.9k, so he has put on weight in the last week. He told me that his tummy was very noisy, so obviously upset about something. Again Rodders had to have the anti sickness injection and we have come away with more in tablet form for the next 4 days, more antibiotics and some special dog food. He isn't allowed anything else, no treats, no carrots, just this and water and he needs to be checked over again on Friday, earlier if I am worried. I am also to wait at least an hour before giving him anything to make sure the anti sickness injection works. We sat in the waiting room while they got the medicine and food ready and then paid the bill. Rodders was playing with one of the members of staff that he knows from puppy party, trying to attack her feet under the desk!
I rang OH, who was on his way home, as soon as we got out the vets to let him know how we got on. We are both so worried about the little fella.
Once home we put the 2nd bed pad on the bathroom radiator to dry and sat and had a snuggle until OH was home. After giving Rodders a fuss we needed to go shopping so that OH could get Rodders some Christmas presents. We had a great time in Pets at Home, Rodders loves it in there and OH hasn't brought him any presents before so he went a little nuts! This really is one spoilt puppy!
We also stopped at the little Tesco to grab some bits for dinner. I left Rodders and OH in the car and came out to find them in the Car Park. OH needed to use the hole in the wall so we walked him around a little before putting him back in the crate.
As Rodders has been poorly on both bed pads he was allowed his new bed early. OH took the labels off and put it in the crate. It is a very posh bed pad with a fleece topper that attaches with press studs and OH also bought a spare topper. It is exactly the right size for the crate and Rodders seems to like it.
I gave Rodders his antibiotic and measured out the special food. he is to have 50 grammes, 4 times a day. It looks such a little amount in his bowl. He was obviously hungry as it disappeared in seconds.
Oh went upstairs to do his Christmas wrapping as I finished off dinner. Rodders was running between us and seemed to be helping OH with his wrapping from the comments I could hear! I shouted for him to come down as I put dinner on the table. Rodders pottered about as we ate. Once we were finished OH went back up to finish wrapping and I cleared the table.
When we were all done OH played with Rodders for a while before I gave him his 2nd feed and then we settled down to watch some TV before bed.
Rodders had been in and out the garden all evening and went out again with me before bed. It was hard putting him in his crate without any treats but he didn't complain. He is such a good puppy.
Monday, 19 December 2011
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
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.
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Puppy Party 4
OH managed to leave work early today so that he could be home in time for the final puppy party. Rodders was asleep when he came in the back door but got straight up and was barking until he saw who it was. The barks then turned to squeaks of delight and he rushed to the door to greet him and have a fuss and a snuggle.
OH then went straight out the front to sort out the Christmas Lights that have fallen and then in to the loft to get the spare stair gate before we both got changed ready for puppy party. I also managed to eat a slice of toast as I hadn't had anything all day.
We slipped on Rodders lead and went out to the car & OH popped him in the crate. He whinged for a minute or two but settled down quite quickly. A few minutes later and we were at the vets. Rodders seemed happy to walk in there and was greeted by Marley as soon as we were in the door. He didn't even seem to mind when Marley had his nose underneath him sniffing his bits!
Once we managed to get beyond the door he found Appa and said hello but he was quite happy once we sat down to be with OH. Molly joined us soon after and gave everyone her usual exuberant greeting, she is one powerful puppy.
Nicci started to hand out liver treats and threw out the toys. Appa managed to get to the dental kong first and was doing really well at getting the liver treat out of it before Marley was let loose and took it off him.
The noise level once the puppy's were let off tonight was quite high, mainly Rodders barking! He was desperate to play but he knew that Molly and Marley were a bit rough and Appa just tends to trundle around doing his own thing. A few times Rodders did get himself in there and found his way out and back to OH when things got a bit rough for him. He would sit there for a little while and then go back in to the fray. OH seemed to be a hit with Molly who came to have a fuss and chew at his beard and ears a couple of times.
We had to gather up the puppies a couple of times to stop them going in to pools of piddle (Thanks Molly and Marley!) and again once Marley pooped everywhere - he was still playing when he did it and so it ended up all over him as well. It was quite a clean up operation for the vet nurses and his owner.
We all got shown around the surgery and got to see all the different rooms and equipment they have. Poor Appa was sick so yet another clean up operation.
We also had to fill out a questionnaire to say what we thought of the puppy parties, mine was all positive as I think it has been a great experience for Rodders and I. Then it was time for final goodbyes, but it may not be the last time we meet as Nicci may organise a puppy walk in the new year for all of this years puppy graduates, that would be fun to see how they have all grown and progressed.
On the way home OH and I chatted about the other puppies and the vet practice, he seems quite impressed with them which is good. We also stopped to pick up a takeaway, I don't think Rodders was too impressed at being left in the car though!
OH then went straight out the front to sort out the Christmas Lights that have fallen and then in to the loft to get the spare stair gate before we both got changed ready for puppy party. I also managed to eat a slice of toast as I hadn't had anything all day.
We slipped on Rodders lead and went out to the car & OH popped him in the crate. He whinged for a minute or two but settled down quite quickly. A few minutes later and we were at the vets. Rodders seemed happy to walk in there and was greeted by Marley as soon as we were in the door. He didn't even seem to mind when Marley had his nose underneath him sniffing his bits!
Once we managed to get beyond the door he found Appa and said hello but he was quite happy once we sat down to be with OH. Molly joined us soon after and gave everyone her usual exuberant greeting, she is one powerful puppy.
Nicci started to hand out liver treats and threw out the toys. Appa managed to get to the dental kong first and was doing really well at getting the liver treat out of it before Marley was let loose and took it off him.
The noise level once the puppy's were let off tonight was quite high, mainly Rodders barking! He was desperate to play but he knew that Molly and Marley were a bit rough and Appa just tends to trundle around doing his own thing. A few times Rodders did get himself in there and found his way out and back to OH when things got a bit rough for him. He would sit there for a little while and then go back in to the fray. OH seemed to be a hit with Molly who came to have a fuss and chew at his beard and ears a couple of times.
We had to gather up the puppies a couple of times to stop them going in to pools of piddle (Thanks Molly and Marley!) and again once Marley pooped everywhere - he was still playing when he did it and so it ended up all over him as well. It was quite a clean up operation for the vet nurses and his owner.
We all got shown around the surgery and got to see all the different rooms and equipment they have. Poor Appa was sick so yet another clean up operation.
We also had to fill out a questionnaire to say what we thought of the puppy parties, mine was all positive as I think it has been a great experience for Rodders and I. Then it was time for final goodbyes, but it may not be the last time we meet as Nicci may organise a puppy walk in the new year for all of this years puppy graduates, that would be fun to see how they have all grown and progressed.
On the way home OH and I chatted about the other puppies and the vet practice, he seems quite impressed with them which is good. We also stopped to pick up a takeaway, I don't think Rodders was too impressed at being left in the car though!
Sunday, 11 December 2011
An busy afternoon
Once the shopping was all away I sat down with Rodders for a few minutes and then said that I needed to go in to the kitchen. He started to squeak again, telling me he was quite happy where he was I assume!
I put him down and went in to the kitchen anyway. I made the spag bol, unloaded the dishwasher and washing machine and sorted the recycling out. Rodders was pottering about playing or getting under my feet. He then stood at my feet barking and I asked if he was hungry. He went straight to the kitchen door so I picked up his bowl and went to get some kibble for him.
Once he had eaten he wanted to go out in to the garden and was barking so I made him come back in and come upstairs with me while I hung the washing on radiators.
The next time he went in to the garden he was happily playing for a while but started barking again so I went out to see why. I couldn't see or hear anything but did spot where he has been digging in the border. He wasn't very happy when I got the trowel and filled his hole in and even more disgruntled when I cleaned his feet as we came in the door!
I went upstairs to use the bathroom and he came too. By this point he just seemed to be getting more and more naughty. Is he tired or does he need to get rid of some energy?
I needed to move things around in the back bedroom to get to the underbed storage to get out the Christmas Cards, they really need to be in the post this week. While I was doing that Rodders was chewing a roll of wrapping paper, when that was taken off him he found some tissue paper.
Christmas cards found and another load of washing for the machine in my arms I started down the stairs. Rodders followed me with a slipper in his mouth!
It has been drizzly, dark and horrid most of the day so I decided we would do some road walking to try and wear Rodders out. We just went through the estate and up to the shops and back and I was making him sit and wait each time we crossed a road. He was mainly walking to heel and he wasn't pulling much but he does like to bark at people a lot of the time. We were out for over half an hour and, as soon as we got back, Rodders had a mad five minutes.
I then heard him growl, a much different sound to anything he has done before so I went to investigate. He was bring to drag a bag off a chair and it wasn't working! I made him come away and he is now having a snooze on the bed pad at my feet.
I put him down and went in to the kitchen anyway. I made the spag bol, unloaded the dishwasher and washing machine and sorted the recycling out. Rodders was pottering about playing or getting under my feet. He then stood at my feet barking and I asked if he was hungry. He went straight to the kitchen door so I picked up his bowl and went to get some kibble for him.
Once he had eaten he wanted to go out in to the garden and was barking so I made him come back in and come upstairs with me while I hung the washing on radiators.
The next time he went in to the garden he was happily playing for a while but started barking again so I went out to see why. I couldn't see or hear anything but did spot where he has been digging in the border. He wasn't very happy when I got the trowel and filled his hole in and even more disgruntled when I cleaned his feet as we came in the door!
I went upstairs to use the bathroom and he came too. By this point he just seemed to be getting more and more naughty. Is he tired or does he need to get rid of some energy?
I needed to move things around in the back bedroom to get to the underbed storage to get out the Christmas Cards, they really need to be in the post this week. While I was doing that Rodders was chewing a roll of wrapping paper, when that was taken off him he found some tissue paper.
Christmas cards found and another load of washing for the machine in my arms I started down the stairs. Rodders followed me with a slipper in his mouth!
It has been drizzly, dark and horrid most of the day so I decided we would do some road walking to try and wear Rodders out. We just went through the estate and up to the shops and back and I was making him sit and wait each time we crossed a road. He was mainly walking to heel and he wasn't pulling much but he does like to bark at people a lot of the time. We were out for over half an hour and, as soon as we got back, Rodders had a mad five minutes.
I then heard him growl, a much different sound to anything he has done before so I went to investigate. He was bring to drag a bag off a chair and it wasn't working! I made him come away and he is now having a snooze on the bed pad at my feet.
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.
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Tuesday morning
Rodders and I spent Tuesday morning mooching about, me having a shower & drying my hair and packing for our next adventure.
Rodders spent a lot of time in the garden but we also found the time to go for a walk round the neighbourhood and rugby field - we gave the Nicky Line a miss as it seems very muddy at the moment.
For once I found the need to have a cooked breakfast, not sure if it is because the weather has turned colder or just because I was hungry!
Rodders ate most of his lunch, amazing what an added bit of chicken can do to the taste of kibble!
I also gave Rodders a good comb through and sorted out his gunky eye and dirty bottom. He wasn't very impressed and was trying to bite me a little so he earnt a telling off.
While I packed the car Rodders stayed by the door of the lounge and only barked once. It doesn't matter if I have been away for two minutes or two hours, I still get an amazing greeting from him.
Rodders spent a lot of time in the garden but we also found the time to go for a walk round the neighbourhood and rugby field - we gave the Nicky Line a miss as it seems very muddy at the moment.
For once I found the need to have a cooked breakfast, not sure if it is because the weather has turned colder or just because I was hungry!
Rodders ate most of his lunch, amazing what an added bit of chicken can do to the taste of kibble!
I also gave Rodders a good comb through and sorted out his gunky eye and dirty bottom. He wasn't very impressed and was trying to bite me a little so he earnt a telling off.
While I packed the car Rodders stayed by the door of the lounge and only barked once. It doesn't matter if I have been away for two minutes or two hours, I still get an amazing greeting from him.
Monday, 5 December 2011
Our first cold walk
After I had drunk a cuppa and Rodders had been out for a play in the garden it was time to go for a walk.
As soon as he saw me put on my coat he was dancing about and jumping up which always makes it a bit difficult to get my wellies on and he did get told off for biting them but wellies with holes in are not good!
We eventually got out the door and headed for the Nicky Line, with Rodders barking to let everyone know he was about. He did walk to heel most of the time but can be easily distracted if there are people about. We walked towards the rugby field and, as the Nicky Line was a bit muddy, went on to the field as soon as we could. Rodders sat while I switched leads and was then off darting about sniffing and looking for treasure.
When we were walking the second side of the field a staffie came from nowhere to have a good sniff, Rodders didn't seem bothered by it but I was a little concerned at a loose dog with no visible owner. Then there was a shout from the Nicky Line and the staffie took off at a great rate of knots and I breathed a sigh of relief!
On the third side we met a man with a 10 month old Westie, he and Rodders had a good time playing for a little while.
When we got to the bottom of the third side he was quite happy to sit for a little while and watch and listen to a lady in the bus stop with two little ones in a pushchair. This is the most interest that he has shown in children!
As we got to the end of the fourth side he sat while I swapped leads back but he did need checking a few times to remind him that he was on a short lead.
By the time we got home the edges of my ears were freezing! Good job Christmas is around the corner as I think Santa may be sorting that out for me!
As soon as he saw me put on my coat he was dancing about and jumping up which always makes it a bit difficult to get my wellies on and he did get told off for biting them but wellies with holes in are not good!
We eventually got out the door and headed for the Nicky Line, with Rodders barking to let everyone know he was about. He did walk to heel most of the time but can be easily distracted if there are people about. We walked towards the rugby field and, as the Nicky Line was a bit muddy, went on to the field as soon as we could. Rodders sat while I switched leads and was then off darting about sniffing and looking for treasure.
When we were walking the second side of the field a staffie came from nowhere to have a good sniff, Rodders didn't seem bothered by it but I was a little concerned at a loose dog with no visible owner. Then there was a shout from the Nicky Line and the staffie took off at a great rate of knots and I breathed a sigh of relief!
On the third side we met a man with a 10 month old Westie, he and Rodders had a good time playing for a little while.
When we got to the bottom of the third side he was quite happy to sit for a little while and watch and listen to a lady in the bus stop with two little ones in a pushchair. This is the most interest that he has shown in children!
As we got to the end of the fourth side he sat while I swapped leads back but he did need checking a few times to remind him that he was on a short lead.
By the time we got home the edges of my ears were freezing! Good job Christmas is around the corner as I think Santa may be sorting that out for me!
Saturday, 3 December 2011
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
How quick?
We went out for our usual walk up the Nicky Line and then on to the Rugby Field. With the speed that Rodders now runs we may soon be doing two laps of the rugby field!
Interestingly he only seems to bark at people when he is on the short lead, once he is on the extendable lead he just want to chase after them!
He looks as though he is about to settle down for a snooze so I think I may pop him in to his bed and nip to the sorting office to pick up yesterdays parcel.
Interestingly he only seems to bark at people when he is on the short lead, once he is on the extendable lead he just want to chase after them!
He looks as though he is about to settle down for a snooze so I think I may pop him in to his bed and nip to the sorting office to pick up yesterdays parcel.
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.
Another long snooze
Once we were back from our walk and we had been upstairs for me to use the bathroom and get a load of washing to out on Rodders wanted to come up. Once he was up on my knee he curled up and went back to sleep for another hour or so - I did move him on to his new bed pad though.
When he woke I was lying on the sofa and he wanted up with me. I did let him for 15 minutes, on snuggle fleece of course!
When he woke I was lying on the sofa and he wanted up with me. I did let him for 15 minutes, on snuggle fleece of course!
First walk of the day
For our first walk of the day we went up to the local shops to use the Post Box.
This isn't very far and is all on pavements so I used it as an opportunity to get Rodders to walk nicely to heel. He was brilliant until we needed to walk past a bus stop with a lady in it when he just sat down and refused to move! We did eventually get past that and we got stopped by another lady asking where we sent him to be groomed, she was amazed when I said I did it myself :-)
Rodders sat and waited before we crossed roads and sat and waited at the door as we went in and out, a successful walk!
This isn't very far and is all on pavements so I used it as an opportunity to get Rodders to walk nicely to heel. He was brilliant until we needed to walk past a bus stop with a lady in it when he just sat down and refused to move! We did eventually get past that and we got stopped by another lady asking where we sent him to be groomed, she was amazed when I said I did it myself :-)
Rodders sat and waited before we crossed roads and sat and waited at the door as we went in and out, a successful walk!
Saturday, 26 November 2011
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.
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.
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