Messageboard
The Village HallÌý permalink
May Dog Club
This discussion has been closed.
-
Message 1.Ìý
Posted by solwright (U14953337) on Wednesday, 2nd May 2012
It's May, and here's the thread for dog-owners, dog-lovers and seekers of advice about canines.
Hope everyone is enjoying a sunny day. -
Message 2
Posted by Lilo (U12007400) on Wednesday, 2nd May 2012
Thanks for opening the kennels sol.
A dull, but dry day down here on the south coast.
So this morning, thinking the boys had a grooming session booked at 8.30, I walked them really early, sorted myself out, and walked into the village.
Waited, and waited, and walked them round the shops, and went back to the shop. Saw on the door. "Closed on Wednesdays".
Sighed, and walked home again. The Viking, enquires why I'd gone on the wrong day, and I enquired why he hadn't seen fit to flippin well say someething!!!! Er...came the reply...I was half awake and didn't think.
I wasn't cross with him, because he's just headed off for two days away. Going to a conference or something, but I suspect the entertainment side of it is a big attraction.
I thought this morning, with Isaac being so nervous of traffic, and the village bustle, that I should be pushing him harder with new situations, toughen him up a bit. Then I look at those big sad eyes...
No really, I am going to take him to different places more often.
Hoping there's nothing but good news for May. April was a bit of a mix of illnesses and triumphs and backward steps. Life, I suppose. -
Message 3
Posted by solwright (U14953337) on Wednesday, 2nd May 2012
Oh dear Lilo, what an effort for nothing. Hope you enjoyed the walk anyway. I'm sure I'm not the only dog-clubber looking forward to the photos of the newly groomed Murphy and Isaac.
Lady had her check-up yesterday and all is well. I feared a dental - her teeth are not great but not bad enough at the moment to inflict a general anaesthetic on her. She had to get several out two years ago and last year too. Apparently hounds' teeth are often poor.
I've had her two years exactly! It seems like longer - in a good way, I mean! She is such a good girl.
I do love having two of them. You get more than double the pleasure, I think. -
Message 4
Posted by Constance (U14594138) on Wednesday, 2nd May 2012
Hi from a sunny SW. Walked the slobberdog, DS and my little x for 2 hours this morning. For some reason slobberdog was being silly - probably because I referred to him earlier as such!
Then took Little Miss Evie down to the PO again, said hello to nice post mistress then went and sat on the bench again. Almost a different dog. Not phased by the passing cars, nor cars parked directly in front of us starting up. She accepted the lead and either sat by my leg or at one point lay down and stretched both sets of legs out front and back - almost a metre of Sheltie. After sitting there for 10 mins, we made our way slowly around the grass/tree/stream area over a little footbridge. A couple of times she showed signs of annoyance 'cos the lead wasn't letting her back track, but seem very relaxed generally and had a sniff or three.
Carried her back down the road - there is no pavement and it is mostly too narrow for cars to pass each other - and put her down in our gateway to watch more traffic. Then the young couple next door were out in their front garden with their dog (a client of mine) and they made a fuss of her when sitting. We had quite a long chat about agility and canni-x and LME sat or lay down without a fuss. So great progress today. Hope it's a good day for others.
Lilo - we've all done something like that. The boys will look smart once they get there! And yes, best posed photos please.
C -
Message 5
Posted by fellman (U14848647) on Wednesday, 2nd May 2012
Hi from a sunny SW. Walked the slobberdog, DS and my little x for 2 hours this morning. For some reason slobberdog was being silly - probably because I referred to him earlier as such!
Then took Little Miss Evie down to the PO again, said hello to nice post mistress then went and sat on the bench again. Almost a different dog. Not phased by the passing cars, nor cars parked directly in front of us starting up. She accepted the lead and either sat by my leg or at one point lay down and stretched both sets of legs out front and back - almost a metre of Sheltie. After sitting there for 10 mins, we made our way slowly around the grass/tree/stream area over a little footbridge. A couple of times she showed signs of annoyance 'cos the lead wasn't letting her back track, but seem very relaxed generally and had a sniff or three.
Carried her back down the road - there is no pavement and it is mostly too narrow for cars to pass each other - and put her down in our gateway to watch more traffic. Then the young couple next door were out in their front garden with their dog (a client of mine) and they made a fuss of her when sitting. We had quite a long chat about agility and canni-x and LME sat or lay down without a fuss. So great progress today. Hope it's a good day for others.
Lilo - we've all done something like that. The boys will look smart once they get there! And yes, best posed photos please.
C
Ìý I once many years ago before old timers desease set in made a round trip of almost 400 miles to go to a dog show- only to find I had arrived the day before the show!
T'was my ex's fault really I did the practical side of the dogs - she is a former very competant secretary in RL handled the parework!
Just finished a second cut of the grass - all exceptfor the wetland strip by the side of the drive - and could just do with a rub down with two house bricks I think.
Mrs F just returned from Hairdressers looking considerably less like a hippy!
Glad LME is adjusting so quickly - sounds like a bright puppy. -
Message 6
Posted by solwright (U14953337) on Wednesday, 2nd May 2012
Great progress, Constance.
I've just got back from my Wednesday afternoon class and..... no weeing accident! So a good day here too. -
Message 7
Posted by dondy (U3463640) on Wednesday, 2nd May 2012
Hi everyone
Just bookmarking. Not much new that is dog related to report here, so taking an interest in everyone else's news and progress instead.
dondy -
Message 8
Posted by Constance (U14594138) on Wednesday, 2nd May 2012
I haven't done that yet Fellman, though once or twice when heading along at silly o'clock when I haven't seen any other agility vehicles, thought 'have I got the right day / venue'? Also if heading north on the motorway had to concentrate on getting off at the right junction. Easy just to concentrate on the road and traffic and forget where you are actually going!
Yes, bright puppy has now proved she understands Sit by obliging on more than one occasion today.
C -
Message 9
Posted by fellman (U14848647) on Wednesday, 2nd May 2012
I haven't done that yet Fellman, though once or twice when heading along at silly o'clock when I haven't seen any other agility vehicles, thought 'have I got the right day / venue'? Also if heading north on the motorway had to concentrate on getting off at the right junction. Easy just to concentrate on the road and traffic and forget where you are actually going!
Yes, bright puppy has now proved she understands Sit by obliging on more than one occasion today.
C
Ìý Perhaps I was born with dimentia and am regressing tohwI should have been when younger - but wasn't!!
But the firstChampionship Show I ever entered was at Blackpool and it wa a typical Blackpool day - blustery and wet. So I was sheltering with Rupert (dat name) in the dorway of the benching tent watcing the lass before ours being judged
.When I made my appearance and sauntered to the ringside - I realised I had been wathcjing the class I should have apeared i being judged!
Another time I ws 50 miles down the road to a show at Malvern when I realised Bramble the bitch I was taking - was still at home in the kitchen- so a smart about turn to get her!
Fingers crossed I have never done anything as silly - quite - but only last year - I arrived at Leeds show and opened the rear car dor to get my gag wth brush ets and my lunch - and - you guessed it - I had come without it! -
Message 10
Posted by RosaGallica (U3612905) on Wednesday, 2nd May 2012
I once had to attend monthly meetings on a Thursday. On several occasions I turned up on a Tuesday. They both begin with T you see......
More dog advice sought for Oscar, the now five month old welsh Springer.
Despite my best efforts he is still very timid and can be very barky and growly to other dogs and people. i'll give you an example of what I did today to help him build confidence.
I took him to a nearby shopping area and walked him about on his lead. We saw people, cars, lorries, a car wash and so on. Apart from barking at the first woman he saw he trotted along beside me happily enough. He was a bit startled by the car wash, but took his cue from me.
We went into a pet store which he disliked and promptly weed on the floor. We met someone I know, and he didn't bark, although he stayed firmly behind me. I didn't push the issue. We then went and sat on a bench to watch the world go by. He curled up by my feet, but was trembling.
Next we drove to the country park. I was feeling pleased with how well he had been doing, but the first person we saw was barked and growled at.
He sat under the bench while I had a coffee, and growled at another passerby. Again he was trembling.
Naturally the growling and barking gets immediate correction, until it stops.
He has gained confidence walking in the forest. At first he would stick to me like glue, but now he ventures off and has even chased a few squirrels and wood pigeons. He has excellent recall, prob because he doesn't want to be apart from me.
Am I doing the right things? Anything else I could try? A couple of people have suggested classes, but I wonder if it would be too much for him.
I was very dismayed yesterday when researching pup problems online to find many sites saying the window for socialisation closes at 12 weeks. Is this true? It's not like I wasn't socialising him as soon as we got him - much like Constance has been describing, but it has been an uphill battle.
The breed manual I own says Welshies can be shy, am I struggling with a breed trait here?
Any ideas welcome. Please. -
Message 11
Posted by Constance (U14594138) on Wednesday, 2nd May 2012
Hi RosaGallica,
Difficult to offer good advice as I haven't seen your dog or you together. But here are a few suggestions you might like to consider. Feel free to ignore!
Have you a friend with a steady older dog? If so, meet up in a quietish place. Walk together dogs on lead, side by side with the dogs on the 'outside' - so dog, person, person, dog.
Just walk and talk, relaxed shoulders, your dog on shortish relaxed lead held only in one hand. If your dog settles to this, you can change the arrangement to be dog, person, dog, person. More walking and talking in relaxed manner. If still OK, try person,dog,dog,person. Lots of chance to gossip and put the world to rights!
If all goes to plan you would do well to repeat this as often as you can. The older dog and both of you being calm and not really focussing on the dogs should give the message that all is OK and your dog can just trot along with you.
Although it is best to socialise a dog when young it is perfectly possible to do so much later. I have known people take on dogs at 18 months who've not been socialised and get them to accept other dogs, people etc. But - you know what's coming next - it takes time, patience and peristence!
Some people believe in swamping or immersion to overcome the fear, so the dog is 'forced' to stay in a busy place or lots of dogs until they accept it. But I wouldn't do that.
If it was my dog, I wouldn't do a training or socialisation class either - that would be swamping. Do you know if the others in the litter are behaving the same way?
Does Oscar like to play tug? If you can encourage him with something like a fleece tuggy, you could take it with you and play tuggy games in areas where he is nervous. As a distraction technique.
It does sound from your description that his barking and growling is based on nervous fear. Try to be as gentle as possible with your correction - so disagree rather than admonish. Sorry if you are already doing this. If he's growling/barking as you walk along, then make sure you are between him and the dog/person he's unsure of. He needs to understand you are there to protect him and will do so.
Hope some of this helps. I'll try to find a book title that would be useful to you. Try not to worry, it can and will get better.
C -
Message 12
Posted by fellman (U14848647) on Wednesday, 2nd May 2012
I once had to attend monthly meetings on a Thursday. On several occasions I turned up on a Tuesday. They both begin with T you see......
More dog advice sought for Oscar, the now five month old welsh Springer.
Despite my best efforts he is still very timid and can be very barky and growly to other dogs and people. i'll give you an example of what I did today to help him build confidence.
I took him to a nearby shopping area and walked him about on his lead. We saw people, cars, lorries, a car wash and so on. Apart from barking at the first woman he saw he trotted along beside me happily enough. He was a bit startled by the car wash, but took his cue from me.
We went into a pet store which he disliked and promptly weed on the floor. We met someone I know, and he didn't bark, although he stayed firmly behind me. I didn't push the issue. We then went and sat on a bench to watch the world go by. He curled up by my feet, but was trembling.
Next we drove to the country park. I was feeling pleased with how well he had been doing, but the first person we saw was barked and growled at.
He sat under the bench while I had a coffee, and growled at another passerby. Again he was trembling.
Naturally the growling and barking gets immediate correction, until it stops.
He has gained confidence walking in the forest. At first he would stick to me like glue, but now he ventures off and has even chased a few squirrels and wood pigeons. He has excellent recall, prob because he doesn't want to be apart from me.
Am I doing the right things? Anything else I could try? A couple of people have suggested classes, but I wonder if it would be too much for him.
I was very dismayed yesterday when researching pup problems online to find many sites saying the window for socialisation closes at 12 weeks. Is this true? It's not like I wasn't socialising him as soon as we got him - much like Constance has been describing, but it has been an uphill battle.
The breed manual I own says Welshies can be shy, am I struggling with a breed trait here?
Any ideas welcome. Please.Ìý Imho RosaG socialising classes would not help a great deal from the descriptions you give - as this appears to be nervousness/fear behaviour and oodles of patience and quiet assurance may well be the best way forward. I assume you do not correct him over harshly when he barks/growls as that could be counter productive i.e. give him one more thing to associate the approach of strangers with.
Old habits die hard with me and a simple 'that'l do' (which I used with sheep dogs to stop them ripping a leg off the sheep in their enthusiasm!) is sufficient normally to quell the most truculent of dogs - delivered in a hoarsish flat voice. and then bags of praise when they do desist.
Not an easy problem and one I would never have associated with a Welsh SP - I wish you all good luck. -
Message 13
Posted by RosaGallica (U3612905) on Thursday, 3rd May 2012
Thank-you fellman and Constance.
Correction is firm but not fierce, as I thought that would be counter-productive.
I will have a think about friends with older steady dogs, one springs to mind. i'm sure she would be helpful. Her Max is a golden retriever and appears a very calm dog. I often used to meet a woman walking her two golden retrievers and eventually Oscar would calm down and even run along with them.
Looks like it will be plenty of patience and persistence then. Luckily I have a lot of both after spending years raising a large family and looking after my AP when he was developing dementia.
Of course that may have used up all my reserves of both!
I am going to contact his breeder today to see if any others of the litter are as nervous. Oscar showed no signs of this when we picked him. In fact I was concerned he may be too bold.
Thanks for your ideas. any more are welcome. -
Message 14
Posted by Lilo (U12007400) on Thursday, 3rd May 2012
Hi Rosa
Is Oscar a russet brown and white? My two run around with a Welsh Springer, and she's the most beautiful colour.
Anyway, the barking (but not growling) is very like Isaac's behaviour, and I wrote yesterday about walking him through the village to get him used to traffic, people walking closely to him, general noise. He was very, very nervous when we had him three months ago. (Puppy farm history) I've been watching him and I think the barking is a nervous reaction. A kind of bark first and then let's see...A classic example was yesterday, seeing Harley, an enormous dalmatian racing around the field, he rushed up to him, barking, racing in circles, and when he realised Harley just wanted to play, the barking stopped and they had a really good game together.
Harley's mum commented on how Isaac has changed from the shivering jelly that hid under the hedge. He does bark at everyone, all dogs, just a few times, and then he just goes off exploring.
It sounds like taking him with a calm golden retriever (love them, had two) would be a good idea. Can't hurt, can it? I'm a bit confused about the correction command. I've read that if you take notice of dogs when they're behaving badly, they think it's great and just carry on doing it. Ignoring it is the best. I can't do that. It's just not in me to keep quiet!
Ah patience. I never knew just how patient I was until I had Isaac.
Waiting to hear from the dog groomers just which day and time I *did* book! I think I've got poodle mumma brain...
sol
Poor old gumster and hurrah for no puddles! -
Message 15
Posted by RosaGallica (U3612905) on Thursday, 3rd May 2012
Morning Lilo,
Yes, both Oscar and big brother Milo are red and white, beautiful to look at. That is the only colour Welshies come in.
Your tales of persistence with Murph and Isaac have been very encouraging to me. Both your persistence and the results it gradually gets. Isaac's behaviour does sound similiar to Oscar's, although Oscar was never a shivering jelly under a hedge, that was far too far away from me. A shivering jelly under my feet was more like it.
I'm hoping that his gaining confidence on little forest walks will be followed by his gaining confidence around people and dogs. He used to stick very closely, slinking along like a little red panther. Now he quarters the long grass beside the forest rides and occasionally ventures into the tree line. Nose to ground. So that is great progress and it is good seeing his gundog instincts developing. Pigeons and squirrels startled him, now he takes off after them.
I ate the most delicious wood pigeon pasty last weekend. I see them differently now too. -
Message 16
Posted by Constance (U14594138) on Thursday, 3rd May 2012
Hi Lilo,
The ignoring unwanted behaviour is fine up to a point. I'm ignoring LMH's jumping up at me and when she stops and sits she gets fussed. However when she barks or chews the furniture, she gets the Ah Ah sound to indicate I don't want that behaviour.
This is because I don't want to reward the attention seeking behaviour, so that's ignored. The anti-social and destructive behaviour I won't ignore but will address with just enough intervention to stop it. It's not a punishment thing.
C -
Message 17
Posted by fellman (U14848647) on Thursday, 3rd May 2012
Thank-you fellman and Constance.
Correction is firm but not fierce, as I thought that would be counter-productive.
I will have a think about friends with older steady dogs, one springs to mind. i'm sure she would be helpful. Her Max is a golden retriever and appears a very calm dog. I often used to meet a woman walking her two golden retrievers and eventually Oscar would calm down and even run along with them.
Looks like it will be plenty of patience and persistence then. Luckily I have a lot of both after spending years raising a large family and looking after my AP when he was developing dementia.
Of course that may have used up all my reserves of both!
I am going to contact his breeder today to see if any others of the litter are as nervous. Oscar showed no signs of this when we picked him. In fact I was concerned he may be too bold.
Thanks for your ideas. any more are welcome.Ìý Hi Lilo and RosaG
I always find myself thinking - and saying - that we can never truly understand how an individual dog's mind is working. And that is with all due to respect to the trainers and authors of the miriad of books on the subject. If only a 'one size fits all' DID apply it would be the easy problem some would have us believe.
But I do believe dogs do adapt in part at least in response to their owners' responses and horsey people will talk with far more knowledge than I about emotions passing through the reigns to the horse. Substitute lead - and the same principal applies.
Shelties 'enjoyed' at one time and with some justification the reputation of nervous wee things. But in those far off days many of our breeders and indeed a lot of the owners were ladies who lived in almost isolation both geographically and socially from the rest of the world. But with the passing of these people has come a new generattion of breeders who do not keeplarge numbers - and actual kenneled dogs are very few an far between. I don't think the remarkable differene in the temperament of shelties is coincidental nor do I think it is purely down to selective breeding - as behind all of my dogs VERY many times - is one of the worst examples of a sheltie with a poor temperament (incredibly beautiful as he was) - and mine are all lunatics!
So yes patience is key - but also I believe is OUR getting a firm grip on our emotions. Difficult as it is - our anxiety or trepidation WLL imho communicate itself to the dogs - just as my lunacy does to ours!
I thik a straight jacket may be needed for me to temper the lunatic tendancies in urs though! -
Message 18
Posted by Lilo (U12007400) on Thursday, 3rd May 2012
Oh Oscar and Milo, you gorgeous boys! it's the most incredible colour Rosa.
Ah. Interesting, as always, Constance about the reward/displeasure. I had to smile at the Ah! Ah! because I do it with a very gruff voice and it always works. Rosa, I had to learn to stop treating Isaac with kid gloves, and after week one, my trainer friend said sternly" Lilo! The poor wickle Isaac has to stop right now. If you constantly cuddle him when he's scared, and coo at him in that drippy voice (she's a friend as well) he'll never get his confidence up."
She was absolutely right, and I do the brisk "come along" in a brisk nothing to worry about voice (this all sounds quite insane) when he starts cowering at traffic, and it does work! I've just deposited the pair of them to the grooming shop, and without a word opened the door and walked quickly in. Isaac had to be carried in, the first time he went. He actually wagged his tail at Karen, and while Murph went into his cabaret routine (was there ever a bigger show off?) sat and observed. As he does...with his dark sad eyes. A watcher of the world is isaac.
I kissed their woolly heads and walked out. I know the girls look after problem dogs, and he'll have Murph with him with him this time. See? I'm reflecting human emotions on to them. Wrong wrong wrong! They mustn't know you're worried.
I've been given instructions by my absent husband The Viking, to take pics of them today, while they're both fluffy and handsome. He's wondering how Isaac will react to him tomorrow with him having been away for two days and nights. Interesting...I'll let you know.
Lovely little Evie learning how to sit already. -
Message 19
Posted by Lilo (U12007400) on Thursday, 3rd May 2012
Oh and sol, you're absolutely right about two dogs. We have so much fun with the pair of them, and Murph isn't bored any more.
This morning, they had a very early morning walk (I was preparing for a possible 8.30 groom, although daft old bat that I am, it might have been next week for all I know) came home, but were faffing about.
I realised I'd put all their toys away in the cupboard yesterday, while I was tidying up. Out came the basket, and Isaac was actually throwing it up in the air, and Murph roared up and down stairs with the tuggy thing. Made me laugh out loud. -
Message 20
Posted by Constance (U14594138) on Thursday, 3rd May 2012
You are right Fellman - I've bored the pants off people with saying it's how you feel inside that has most effect on your dog. And horses and your team of people if you happen to have either of those.
Interesting points about old ladies and Shelties - I'll tell my friend who has one - she'll laugh at that. Now in receipt of her pension and bus pass, not that there are any buses where she is. She's a very outgoing and no nonsense person and with one exception her Shelties have been confident, happy little dogs.
I don't think you need a straight jacket just yet - leave it in the cupboard a bit longer.
Pleased to report that little x is much more accepting of LME (not lmh as I wrote earlier - that was an abbreviation for a block of offices belonging to the big organisation I once worked for!). Just now she gently put a paw on his back and he stood there and just looked at me. Even yesterday that would have elicited a snappy growl.
C -
Message 21
Posted by Constance (U14594138) on Thursday, 3rd May 2012
Talking of toy cupboards, Lilo, has reminded me of a late lovely dear friend who used to get her dogs' toy basket out, let them take one each then put the basket away - they had their toy for the day.
Several dogs is always fun - here is a very short bit of (not good quality - sorry) video of Evie and one of my guest dogs.
Will try to get a better one done this weekend. Here's one of dogs playing in the garden - my little x is seen in the background ignoring all the play going on.
C -
Message 22
Posted by Lilo (U12007400) on Thursday, 3rd May 2012
Love the video of them all playing. They actually look really synchronised, like a proper footie team!
Here are two of my fluffy pair. Ignore the silly scarves, they get taken off as soon as the pic is taken. The girls put them on all the dogs.
They're sitting in their "posing place" looking out of the front window. The fluff won't last more than a few days as the curls break through again.
Isaac's tail is usually curled upwards in case you were wondering...
posey pair... -
Message 23
Posted by Lilo (U12007400) on Thursday, 3rd May 2012
Ah yes, the girls said Isaac was really good, not nervous at all, and when I think how worried I was the first time he went...as for Murph, they just smiled and said "Murphy was...well just Murphy". Says it all really. oh dear...
-
Message 24
Posted by solwright (U14953337) on Thursday, 3rd May 2012
Just back from my exercise class and delighted to find videos and photos.
Love Constance' s wee x pottering around on his own while the others play their game, and Evie looking at ease with the bigger dog, and Lilo's curly-heads looking very very cute, especially posing in the second photo.
RosaGallica, many years ago I rehomed a little shaggy dog who'd been picked up as a stray. She was thought to be under a year old. She was very fearful and hid behind my legs when anyone passed by. My neighbours told me later that they didn't think I'd make anything of her. She also wet the floor until she got used to my routine. (Yes, Lilo, I've been there before).
I knew nothing about dog psychology, but picked up some tips from a tv programme, Pet Rescue?, the kind of thing that Constance and Lilo have mentioned already.
It took time but she became a star of the neighbourhood. Your dog isn't the same, but I do hope he'll gain in confidence as she did. -
Message 25
Posted by Constance (U14594138) on Thursday, 3rd May 2012
Great pics Lilo. Murphy sounds like he is his own man, well dog. I've had a few like that. It's lovely having dogs with different natures - keeps us on our toes, just when we think we have things taped....
At the risk of boring everyone, here is a vid of spaniels wrestling. Not sure if it's the same as poodle wrestling. This glut of videos is partly because I have been working out how to use Windows Live Movie Maker and get to grips with folders in my Photobucket account.
Please sob if you want to - (scroll on by!)
C -
Message 26
Posted by fellman (U14848647) on Thursday, 3rd May 2012
You are right Fellman - I've bored the pants off people with saying it's how you feel inside that has most effect on your dog. And horses and your team of people if you happen to have either of those.
Interesting points about old ladies and Shelties - I'll tell my friend who has one - she'll laugh at that. Now in receipt of her pension and bus pass, not that there are any buses where she is. She's a very outgoing and no nonsense person and with one exception her Shelties have been confident, happy little dogs.
I don't think you need a straight jacket just yet - leave it in the cupboard a bit longer.
Pleased to report that little x is much more accepting of LME (not lmh as I wrote earlier - that was an abbreviation for a block of offices belonging to the big organisation I once worked for!). Just now she gently put a paw on his back and he stood there and just looked at me. Even yesterday that would have elicited a snappy growl.
C
Ìý Oh dear I should have been time specific!! I an talking pre 1970 to some extent and pre 1960 for most shelties and their breeders! NOT including your friend in that time scale. Now I am sure was she the rather wound up and difficult person who tended to have them as pets way back. In fact we still have writ large in the Breed Stabdard - 'may show reserve towards strangers' Now a virtually redundant phrase as it has been many years I have seen a sheltie showing such reserve Disdaine - well sometimes - but mostly their reaction to 'strangers' varies between a slow wag of the tail - and outpourings of great joy.
Interestingly too - they now appeal to a much wider section of the community than ever they did and erhaps the largely solitary and independant ladies of yesterday who bred them mostly - may have selected from stock who showed the same preference for their own company rather than those who were 'party animals'
Nature versus nuture is one of those debates without resolution - as it is impossible to prove either.
Not so sure sometimes about the straight jacket remaining in the cupboard Constance - but next weeks sojurn in Great Langdale will restore a little more equilibrium in my life i think. AND I get to watch the working shep dogs from the farm across the beck.
Only one problem - is how I prevent Mrs F bringing back a Herdwick sheep! She has fallen in love with them and she has never replaced the 4 shetland sheep she had when I moved down here. -
Message 27
Posted by fellman (U14848647) on Thursday, 3rd May 2012
Love the video of them all playing. They actually look really synchronised, like a proper footie team!
Here are two of my fluffy pair. Ignore the silly scarves, they get taken off as soon as the pic is taken. The girls put them on all the dogs.
They're sitting in their "posing place" looking out of the front window. The fluff won't last more than a few days as the curls break through again.
Isaac's tail is usually curled upwards in case you were wondering...
posey pair...
Ìý Lovely photos Lilo and your groomers have done a great job
Perhaps if TV makes a big fuss of Murph - ignoring Isaac initially - Isaac may well try to muscle in and het his share of the affection - rather thanTV making an issue out of re-establishing relations with him. -
Message 28
Posted by RosaGallica (U3612905) on Thursday, 3rd May 2012
Ah yes, spaniel wrestling..... A constant in our home.
Interesting thoughts dog people. After your comments about dogs picking up on their owner's emotions I had a though about Oscar's first weeks with us.
As i said in the April thread, we went through a horrible time when we first brought Oscar home. One of my sons went inot the Royal London for what was supposed to be a simple surgery on his pancreas. He was expected to be home in a few hours but became very ill with pancreatitis and was in hospital for two weeks. He came close to death after one of his drugs was accidentally repeated after two hours instead of eight. Apart from the worry there was the stress of visiting him in a central London location, family members often staying over a few days.
No sooner was he home than my youngest son was attacked and ended up in another hospital for three days, having emergency surgery pinning his broken bones back together. Lots of hospital visits followed, it was horrible seeing him in so much pain and of course there was all the police involvement.
I thought I dealt with it all very well and calmly but just thinking it all through now brought tears to my eyes. So I doubt that was the best emotional atmosphere for a young puppy to find himself in.
Well onward and upward. Patience and persistence and calmness. Which I thought I did well, calmness that is, but perhaps not... -
Message 29
Posted by Constance (U14594138) on Thursday, 3rd May 2012
Oh I think a present to mark some occasion or other with a Herdwick or 3 might well be a good idea Fellman. All those Shelties and nothing for them to herd!
C -
Message 30
Posted by Constance (U14594138) on Thursday, 3rd May 2012
RG - I should have remembered your post with all those horrible things that happened at the time you got Oscar. I'm sure you dealt with it all very well, but yes, deep down you probably weren't in a balanced frame of mind at the time - no-one would be.
Don't beat yourself up about it - it happens and you are where you are with Oscar. The only way is Up. He will become a less timid dog, if not a positively outgoing one.
I've bought a CD of sounds to help both LME and my collie when I get him back, to get used to fireworks etc. Just started playing it very softly and so far no adverse reactions - just a bit of Oh, what's that noise. Wish I'd got one when I first got the villain collie. Maybe he wouldn't be so anxious as he's now become.
C -
Message 31
Posted by fellman (U14848647) on Thursday, 3rd May 2012
Oh I think a present to mark some occasion or other with a Herdwick or 3 might well be a good idea Fellman. All those Shelties and nothing for them to herd!
C
Ìý Well it is our 10th wedding anniversary on Friday11th - while we are up there but no chance ot those pesky Herdwicks being a present. Dn;t I have enough animals to look after?
They are only small sheep but they as wild as can be and are escapogists without equal.
There was little to no herding duties for the original Shetland Islands dogs to carry out (despite what some books on the breed claim!) - and the few shelties I have know who have had some abilty - of sirts - with sheep do so yapping the while at HIGH volume - and many sheep scatter to the four winds before barking dogs!
I looked for something nice for in Italy but had so little time - so I will have to keep my eyes open in the Lake District for something nice - to go with the already arranged Champers i will have brought to our dinner table.
I spoil the woman!! -
Message 32
Posted by fellman (U14848647) on Thursday, 3rd May 2012
Ah yes, spaniel wrestling..... A constant in our home.
Interesting thoughts dog people. After your comments about dogs picking up on their owner's emotions I had a though about Oscar's first weeks with us.
As i said in the April thread, we went through a horrible time when we first brought Oscar home. One of my sons went inot the Royal London for what was supposed to be a simple surgery on his pancreas. He was expected to be home in a few hours but became very ill with pancreatitis and was in hospital for two weeks. He came close to death after one of his drugs was accidentally repeated after two hours instead of eight. Apart from the worry there was the stress of visiting him in a central London location, family members often staying over a few days.
No sooner was he home than my youngest son was attacked and ended up in another hospital for three days, having emergency surgery pinning his broken bones back together. Lots of hospital visits followed, it was horrible seeing him in so much pain and of course there was all the police involvement.
I thought I dealt with it all very well and calmly but just thinking it all through now brought tears to my eyes. So I doubt that was the best emotional atmosphere for a young puppy to find himself in.
Well onward and upward. Patience and persistence and calmness. Which I thought I did well, calmness that is, but perhaps not...Ìý Could very well be RosaG.
After Mrs F Mk1 left me in '98 and when I got two of the dogs back from where they were secreted with others, I had two very morose dogs on my hands - which I put down at the time to missing mum - but I soon realised that they were responding to my depths of despondancy.
You can't fool dogs however hard you may try - but as I learned to cope better with the realisation of the situation I found myself in the dog's moods lifted noticeably and they seemed to know when the 'bad moments' would return before i was even aware they were on their way.
I think we underestimate at our peril - their abilities to tune into our moods.
I worried about Drew who arrived here only one week before Mrs F had her new knee fitted - so he got extra special attention - even thought it was hard to do. But he sailed through it in oblivious fashion perhaps because he was so young - and perhaps because his two aunties took him under their wings.
That must have been the nost dreadfully worrying time for you. -
Message 33
Posted by Constance (U14594138) on Thursday, 3rd May 2012
You are such a romantic Fellman, Mrs F is a lucky lady.
I found when I did some sheepdog work with the last collie before the current one, that 'dogged' sheep were best to practise on - proved by the farmer teaching me. We went into the small field and the sheep had got themselves into a deep bit by the hedge and where under overhanging branches. I went to move them out into the middle so we could begin the lesson, when he said Wait and blew his whistle as if his dog was there. The sheep all came trotting out as they had learned that usually a whistle meant the dog would be up to sort them out.
It's something I'd like to try again - the sheep herding bit. Working a dog is one thing. Having to second guess the sheep and get the dog in the right place at the right time was a really enjoyable, difficult and fascinating thing to try. I'm full of admiration for how they work brace and have different commands for each dog is at the speed required.
I have seen a video clip of a Sheltie supposedly working sheep, but it wasn't what I'd call really working them, just running around at the back and sides and naturally the sheep were moving away from it.
Time to get the evening feed done, then give LME a short ride in the van to the supermarket, so she can learn to stay quiet whilst I go and do 'stuff'.
C -
Message 34
Posted by fellman (U14848647) on Friday, 4th May 2012
You are such a romantic Fellman, Mrs F is a lucky lady.
I found when I did some sheepdog work with the last collie before the current one, that 'dogged' sheep were best to practise on - proved by the farmer teaching me. We went into the small field and the sheep had got themselves into a deep bit by the hedge and where under overhanging branches. I went to move them out into the middle so we could begin the lesson, when he said Wait and blew his whistle as if his dog was there. The sheep all came trotting out as they had learned that usually a whistle meant the dog would be up to sort them out.
It's something I'd like to try again - the sheep herding bit. Working a dog is one thing. Having to second guess the sheep and get the dog in the right place at the right time was a really enjoyable, difficult and fascinating thing to try. I'm full of admiration for how they work brace and have different commands for each dog is at the speed required.
I have seen a video clip of a Sheltie supposedly working sheep, but it wasn't what I'd call really working them, just running around at the back and sides and naturally the sheep were moving away from it.
Time to get the evening feed done, then give LME a short ride in the van to the supermarket, so she can learn to stay quiet whilst I go and do 'stuff'.
C
Ìý Oh I don't know that Mrs F thinks she is lucky - especially when I traipse grass cuttings all over the house like I did on Wednesday - or the miriad other things I do 'wrong'!! But I do try to make her feel special!!
The sheep in the Lake District have so many hiding places on the fell tops. Gullies - behind rock outcrops and dry stone wallsand even slight depressions can conceal a parcel of sheep and if you don;t see them - then you can't send the dogs to fetch them - so we too used to stand on a rock and whistle the 'send away' which invariable got the 'gone wild' sheep up there moving!
On the fells two dogs are essential and three are preferable to cover the enormous anount of open ground - and it does tax the grey matter sometimes to remeber which command the three dogs work to.
I was only 'part time, acting. unpaid assistant shepherd' and as such could not hold a candle to Alan who I worked with - but I did develop a strong admiration of both men and their dogs.
Incidentally the best (read most effective) 'working dog' I ever knew was the Lakeland Terrier owned by Jack Sutton from the next farm up the valley! Rip took no prisoners and the sheep literally shot into the fold!
The most effective 'tool' we had was Sooty a former cade lamb who followed us around the fell tops for the Spillers Shapes we carried in our pockets and which she was addicted to from her early days! All but the most awkward sheep would follow her into a holding fold. Happy days and lovely memories. Thanks for bringing them back to me. -
Message 35
Posted by Lilo (U12007400) on Friday, 4th May 2012
Fellman in particular and all you others, I have to tell you this!
The Viking has been away since Wednesday morning, the first time he's been away since we had Isaac. Fellman suggested that when he came home, he ignored Isaac and made a fuss of Murphy. Well! You know what i'm going to say! Isaac wouldn't be left out of the cuddles and fuss, and ended up laying next to TV with his head resting on his side, and a possessive paw on his leg! He spent ages like that, and even distributed a shy "kiss" which is unusual even for me.
TV is thrilled! Absolutely delighted, and that's despite leaving his work case at the hotel in Birmingham and having to fork out £180 for a courier to bring it down here by tonight. Ouch, but he does look deeply hungover and said it was very successful training session and how he got offered two jobs within the company because of his performance! Problem being both are not in the most accessible places, and he's happy where he is.
We're off for curry night soon with friends. I had to tell you all naturally. Another grey but mildish day. Oh I am so SICK of this weather! Enjoy the weekend with your furry lot. xx -
Message 36
Posted by solwright (U14953337) on Friday, 4th May 2012
Aaaaawww, I'm happy for the Lilo family. It's what makes taking on a 'second-hand' dog worthwhile, isn't it.
I hope their new haircuts were approved of too. -
Message 37
Posted by fellman (U14848647) on Friday, 4th May 2012
Fellman in particular and all you others, I have to tell you this!
The Viking has been away since Wednesday morning, the first time he's been away since we had Isaac. Fellman suggested that when he came home, he ignored Isaac and made a fuss of Murphy. Well! You know what i'm going to say! Isaac wouldn't be left out of the cuddles and fuss, and ended up laying next to TV with his head resting on his side, and a possessive paw on his leg! He spent ages like that, and even distributed a shy "kiss" which is unusual even for me.
TV is thrilled! Absolutely delighted, and that's despite leaving his work case at the hotel in Birmingham and having to fork out £180 for a courier to bring it down here by tonight. Ouch, but he does look deeply hungover and said it was very successful training session and how he got offered two jobs within the company because of his performance! Problem being both are not in the most accessible places, and he's happy where he is.
We're off for curry night soon with friends. I had to tell you all naturally. Another grey but mildish day. Oh I am so SICK of this weather! Enjoy the weekend with your furry lot. xxÌý Delighted for all concerned that my wee subterfuge worked with Isaac so well Lilo.
Oh I could just manage a nice curry - been ages since I had one - hope you enjoyed it.
I am tired of the weather too - and the forecast is not too promisung for our Holiday in the Lakes starting Sunday. I a clinging on to the hope that the forecasters still get the weather there as wrong as they did when I lived there. Six days without the dogs and the longest I have ever been apart fom my judging and lecture trip 'down under' some 5 years ago - and that part of the holiday I will not like!
Mrs F has written an epistle on how to care for them and the cats (including the stray who coes to be fed every evening - for the house/dog sitter - who - if he reads every word will not have any time to even feed the dogs! -
Message 38
Posted by Lilo (U12007400) on Saturday, 5th May 2012
Fellman and Mrs F
Enjoy your holiday, and don't be down-hearted about the weather, you know how things can change in this country. I bet your lot will miss you both, and so will we.
sol
Just to be clear. The bit about the *kiss* sounded like it was unusual for me to kiss The Viking!
Last night friends came round before we curried, and Tony was amazed when Isaac came up to him and let him touch his head. Everyone is commenting up the field, he is being a bit barky though. I think it's just nerves until he sees there's no thread. Ah well, we're expecting perfection.
TV loved their haircuts. I sent the one I posted on here, to his phone. He did laugh at Murph being so posey and Isaac looking like his namesake, Sir Isaac Newton. They're still soft and sweet-smelling with the curls just breaking through. It will not last...
Oh everyone is sick of the rain. There was a procession of dogs and owners trudging round the field this morning. Dogs not bothered at all, and owners bundled up in scarves and hats and even gloves, it's so cold here! Poor traders are going to suffer this bank holiday, the village is really quiet.
Nice quiet day today. Got a shift to do at the exhibition, find time for an afternoon nap (bad night's sleep) and catch up on my recorded telly.
Bye for now Fellman and stay safe. -
Message 39
Posted by What larks (U14260755) on Saturday, 5th May 2012
Have a lovely holiday Fellman; at least you won't have muddy dogs to clean off after your walks. That is almost the worst thing about this weather; muddy dogs, muddy towels, muddy paws; my washing machine seems constantly full of muddy something or other at the moment.
-
Message 40
Posted by Thursday Next (U2257911) on Saturday, 5th May 2012
Have a lovely holiday Fellman.
Just skimming through the mails of the last few days. LMH seems to be doing very well, as is Isaac with TV. Will read all posts and look at pictures shortly. -
Message 41
Posted by fellman (U14848647) on Saturday, 5th May 2012
Fellman and Mrs F
Enjoy your holiday, and don't be down-hearted about the weather, you know how things can change in this country. I bet your lot will miss you both, and so will we.
sol
Just to be clear. The bit about the *kiss* sounded like it was unusual for me to kiss The Viking!
Last night friends came round before we curried, and Tony was amazed when Isaac came up to him and let him touch his head. Everyone is commenting up the field, he is being a bit barky though. I think it's just nerves until he sees there's no thread. Ah well, we're expecting perfection.
TV loved their haircuts. I sent the one I posted on here, to his phone. He did laugh at Murph being so posey and Isaac looking like his namesake, Sir Isaac Newton. They're still soft and sweet-smelling with the curls just breaking through. It will not last...
Oh everyone is sick of the rain. There was a procession of dogs and owners trudging round the field this morning. Dogs not bothered at all, and owners bundled up in scarves and hats and even gloves, it's so cold here! Poor traders are going to suffer this bank holiday, the village is really quiet.
Nice quiet day today. Got a shift to do at the exhibition, find time for an afternoon nap (bad night's sleep) and catch up on my recorded telly.
Bye for now Fellman and stay safe.
Ìý Thanks lilo et al for the holiday wishes.
Mrs F is in a pcking frenzie just now and the car is fuel filled and ready to go at 9am tomorrow. Silly old romantic wants me to stop at Crnforth Rail Station on the way which now has a visitors centre based a on that old Black and White film of the sleazy looking guy in a trilby saying a fond farewell to a lass young enough to e his daughter!!
I just want to mell the peat listento the chattering becks and the sheep on the fellsides as quickly as possible!!
You mean TXV gets kisses? What are they? Oh yes those are the things Mrs f bestows on canines and felines alike her - and I had great hopes of moving up one place in the pecking rder when the goldfish died!!
One of the Dexter Cows in the field behind us has just 10 minutes ago given birth right against our hedge - so much billying and cooing is going on from our bedroom between screeching at the bengals who want to get into the suitcase!
The weather 'y up there' doesnt bother me - and there is a Cumbrian saying "If you don;t like the weather just now - wait 15 minutes"! -
Message 42
Posted by Constance (U14594138) on Saturday, 5th May 2012
I'll add my very best wishes to you and Mrs F, Fellman, I'm sure you will have a great time and will finish the holiday with mixed feelings - leaving your beloved fells and wanting to be home for the dogs and cats.
I love Dexters - a friend of ours has a few on his small holding. They do go for meat, but only have to travel about 3 miles to become so; though he says he is finding it harder and harder to send his animals off on their final journey.
It's actually been dry for 2 days down here - so only slightly dirty dogs due to the mud and puddles left. LME is progressing very well. She had her second lead wallk today and kept up really well. She's a lot more confident with the traffic; though we did avoid going out when there were about 100 fancy dress cyclists stopped at the pub just along from us. Gathering by the loud voices I don't think this was their first pub halt.
Hope you all have a good weekend and get to enjoy some good walks.
C -
Message 43
Posted by solwright (U14953337) on Saturday, 5th May 2012
It might be lovely, Fellman. Up here we've been having a cold wind but lots of sunshine, better than the forecast said. Mind you, the east coast isn't so wet anyway, as you know.
Relax and enjoy it, you'll soon be home again! -
Message 44
Posted by fellman (U14848647) on Saturday, 5th May 2012
It might be lovely, Fellman. Up here we've been having a cold wind but lots of sunshine, better than the forecast said. Mind you, the east coast isn't so wet anyway, as you know.
Relax and enjoy it, you'll soon be home again!Ìý I am fairly relaxed most of the time - but back home I am so relaxed I make Dillon off the the Magic Roundabout seem completely hyper!!
I took a different route back home from Lincoln this morning and the back road I was on was still flooded from the rain we have had this past month or so Solwright! So much for living in the dryer east!!
Tomorrow is given as periodic sunshine and a late shower or two - so if I manage to get ger away from Carnforth at a reasonable time -I may get the benefit of some nice weather!
Time passes quickly up there. Too quickly - but by Wednesday we will be both missing the dogs. -
Message 45
Posted by fellman (U14848647) on Saturday, 5th May 2012
I'll add my very best wishes to you and Mrs F, Fellman, I'm sure you will have a great time and will finish the holiday with mixed feelings - leaving your beloved fells and wanting to be home for the dogs and cats.
I love Dexters - a friend of ours has a few on his small holding. They do go for meat, but only have to travel about 3 miles to become so; though he says he is finding it harder and harder to send his animals off on their final journey.
It's actually been dry for 2 days down here - so only slightly dirty dogs due to the mud and puddles left. LME is progressing very well. She had her second lead wallk today and kept up really well. She's a lot more confident with the traffic; though we did avoid going out when there were about 100 fancy dress cyclists stopped at the pub just along from us. Gathering by the loud voices I don't think this was their first pub halt.
Hope you all have a good weekend and get to enjoy some good walks.
C
Ìý Thanks Constance.
Very true - I think it took Mts F 5 years before she dragged me back there for a holiday - and were it not that my God daughter was t be married - I doubt I would have agreed to it then.
Sounds a daft thing to say I know but leaving gets harder each time I go back and were it not for the dogs - I think I would live in one of the many caves in the area as a hermit and never come back!
I can understand your friend with the Dexters - they are a very affable breed and the bull and the oldest cow come for their ear scratching session each morning.
I had Drew in the garden late this afternoon and although we are more than a 100 yards from the lane a procession of Hell's Angels on Harleys came roaring down the hill. We only recieve visitations from them in dry weather and Drew had not encountered them before - but he reacted very well. So well in fact I think I will have to het them to ride around the show ring at his first show! He stretched his neck and his ears were pefect - and I didn;t have a camera with me! -
Message 46
Posted by Thursday Next (U2257911) on Saturday, 5th May 2012
We only recieve visitations from them in dry weather and Drew had not encountered them before - but he reacted very well. So well in fact I think I will have to het them to ride around the show ring at his first show! He stretched his neck and his ears were pefect - and I didn;t have a camera with me!Ìý
I've heard of double handling but that is rather extreme!
Which will be his first show? -
Message 47
Posted by Lilo (U12007400) on Sunday, 6th May 2012
Fellman and Mrs F sound rather like me and my beloved, when we go away.
I rush around like a headless chicken, stressing and wittling, and he just stays calm, and only says anything to shut me up when the squeaking becomes intoleratble. I admit it, I get very very stressed about travelling. I'm ok when I do on my own. Which is odd, because you'd think it was the opposite. We go to Denmark a week next Tuesday. See how it's so imprinted on my mind. I'm not looking forward to it one bit.
Anyway, let's hope they've got away and not arguing in the car like we do. Ahem...
So anyway, dog stuff.
I have a question. For some time I've been struggling with my two and James Wellbeloved complete dry food. I read all the reviews and websites and they all recommend it. Well my two don't really like it!
Isaac has a very sensitive tummy. Remember the saga of the chicken, well I do, and it wasn't funny. Murph is greedier but still picks at JW.
They both seem to love wet food. I've been giving them tiny tasters of a good brand (not JW because it's not easy to buy just anywhere) just to see. I have to watch Murph's weight and keep Isaac's weight up because he is a skinny dog. I was thinking of slowly getting them over to JW wet food mixed with a bland biscuit mix, such as Pets at Ö÷²¥´óÐã, because quite frankly I can't afford fancy tins and mixer as well. I'm working on the principle that it's probably better to spend more on the meat side of a diet.
As always, your thoughts will be welcome.
How fed up I am. Another early morning squelch round the field, freezing cold. One good thing about yesterday's walk, Shep the collie who belongs to an elderly couple (I did write about him a while back, and how frustrated he seemed to be on the lead) was up there, with the owner and a younger woman and her son, presumably his daughter. Anyway, Shep was off the lead! Racing around getting the ball thrown by all three of them and he looked so happy! Like a different dog. I was really thrilled to see it.
Going out for lunch with good friends today. The boys can take up guard duty in the window as usual. Now you've seen for yourself how they love to nosey at the neighbours.
Hoping Dodie and Marlowe are up to wrestling speed, and little Evie is continuing to enjoy her adventures. Love to the lurchers as well, as always oh and to Constance's gang....too many to remember. -
Message 48
Posted by solwright (U14953337) on Sunday, 6th May 2012
It's another nice sunny day and we were due to go on a greyhound walk with lots of rescued greyhounds, but Lady is not well. It started shortly after her breakfast - she was fine first thing.
She's terrible for eating Sticky Willy and she did eat some this morning but it's never caused a problem before.
She was lying on the floor trembling every time she breathed in. Now she's just standing with her tail between her legs. I hope she improves soon.
Sorry I've ignored your post,Lilo. -
Message 49
Posted by Constance (U14594138) on Sunday, 6th May 2012
Lilo - feeding our dogs is such a varied experience. I know some people swear by James Wellbeloved, others find it not at all the thing for their dogs. DD#2 (vet nurse) used to go on at me because I didn't feed any of my dogs with Burns. But now she is trying to save some money (finally!) she has her sprollie on Chappie all in one kibble. He's absolutely fine - energy, bright eyes, shiny coat etc.
I feed the collie on Skinners field and trial (maintenance), the little x has to have prescription diet - Hill's kd, and the pup is on royal canin. Interestingly the conversation I had with the breeders. They feed royal canin until 12 months, then switch to a cheap locally produced feed they buy in bulk with a family member from their farmers' store. And do well in the show ring.
I put a bit of tinned chappie in with all my dogs' dried dinners, just enough to make it more interesting and the collie has a bit of water too as he scoffis it down then struggles to swallow it otherwise. Have also fed nature's diet - comes in trays. You could always feed some of that with a dried kibble. As long as it's balanced and not full of additives and colouring. I have 2 guest dogs about to go home (hurray!) in a while - they are fed on bakers, which someone says is like feeding a child KFC and McD's all the time. They don't have good coats.
Funny how we view travel. The few times we do it, OH selects what he wants to take then I pack it. But I find it helpful to have a list, to check I've got all we need and it is packed. Hope you eventually enjoy your trip to Denmark.
Solwright - we are lucky enough with a dry, sunny-ish day, but not warm, day here in the SW. My dogs like sticky willy too, haven't noticed a problem - hope Lady recovers very soon.
Quick LME update - lead work going well; house training not quite so well - probably my fault I forget they need to go out more often. Although I seem to spend a lot of time walking up and down the lawn encouraging her. Give up, go indoors only to find 10 mins later there is an indiscretion! Luckily we have vinyl and laminate flooring in the rooms she's allowed in.
I measured her just now and she is already 13" at the shoulder so will almost certainly be in Medium for agility. She took a flying leap at the box stool where my little x sleeps and managed to get up in one go. It's 18" high. I have also put 2 plastic poles on the back lawn and have thrown a toy across them for her to go after - no problem, she's quite happy to run over them. She has seemed to quite like being groomed too, so I'm pleased with her progress so far - and she's already found a secure niche in my heart!
C -
Message 50
Posted by Dapply (U2437462) on Sunday, 6th May 2012
I have a question. For some time I've been struggling with my two and James Wellbeloved complete dry food. I read all the reviews and websites and they all recommend it. Well my two don't really like it!
Isaac has a very sensitive tummy. Remember the saga of the chicken, well I do, and it wasn't funny. Murph is greedier but still picks at JW.Ìý
Lilo have you thought about trying Chappie Complete? We used to feed ours on JW and apart from it being so dashed (other words could be used) expensive, ours didn't really like it. We then used Wafcol, which stopped production of everything apart from their premium (read expensive) range. So we switched to Chappie Complete and they all love(d) it. Now don't get me wrong if ours needed an expensive nosh they would have it but no sense in spending money without the need for it.
Saffie when she came to us was on Royal Canin which is even more expensive than JW and as soon as we could we changed her to Chappie at about a 1/3 of the price. She loves it and thrives on it as have they all.
Okay so she occasionally; like any rummage hound gets the squits but that soon clears up, and it is caused by eating something either long dead, poo, or not designed for doggies in the first place.
About this Board
Welcome to the Archers Messageboard.
or Ìýto take part in a discussion.
The message board is currently closed for posting.
This messageboard is now closed.
This messageboard is .
Find out more about this board's
Search this Board
Ö÷²¥´óÐã iD
Ö÷²¥´óÐã navigation
Ö÷²¥´óÐã links
Ö÷²¥´óÐã © 2014 The Ö÷²¥´óÐã is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.