Chick Dog

I think Tommy is getting a bit jealous about how much time I spend with the chickens!!

TV People

There was allot of activity on the morning walk today. By Royal Terrace there were about 3 transit vans and lots of people walking around and shouting directions at each other. I had no idea what they were up to, and Tommy was very curious about all these people. He stopped and sniffed through the railings a few times and one man spotted us. He walked through the other entrance and stopped to talk to us.

Tommy was kind of interested in this man who was going to speak to us. He had his head down but was still looking at the man, wagging his tail. The man bent down to stroke him. Tommy started barking.
'He's not the friendliest of Terriers I'm afraid', I apologised 'he's a rescue and can be quite nervous of people, its something we're working on'. I really should have said 'I'm terrified of him biting people, which makes me nervous, which makes him nervous so between the pair of us we're a bit rubbish'. I was thinking of training - keep the lead loose, deep breath, keep calm, nothing is going to happen here.
'Oh that's ok. Look, he is sending out mixed messages!' By this time Tommy had stopped barking and was wagging his tail more and half falling over in a I want you to stroke me but I'm scared kind of way.
'Its unusual to see so many people on our morning walk, what are you up to?'
'Filming the new Ford advert. It's such a great location here' He looked over the Adventure Island and the sea knowingly. 'When we came down to choose the location we had a meal at some Italian over that way' pointing towards Westcliff 'it was lovely.'
'That was probably Mama Mia's'
'Oh, don't mention that! I still get nightmares from working on that film set' - at this point I thought your name dropping.
'Well, must get on' I said politely. '~When will the advert be airing?'
'Soon we hope'
'I'll look out for it'
'Unless you know the interior of the hotel, I'm afraid you wont see much of Southend'.
'That's a shame' I replied.

We carried on our walk. It was nice to chat to the man - I'm still not sure what his job was, but he didn't give me a card to contact him about putting Tommy in the movies! Think we missed our big TV break...

Kayaking

Oh yes!

For my birthday, b/f bought us both Kayaks...he loves it!  I am quite keen and its nice to have something we do together.  We have been out a few times by ourselves, but this weekend we thought Tommy should come with us - after all, we did buy him a buoyancy aid for that reason!

We set off quite late - the normal Saturday stuff had got in the way of an earlier start unfortunately.  We went off to Paglesham as we needed somewhere close.  Tommy was very excited as we loaded the Kayaks on the car.  He had seen us do this a few times now, and had been desperate to see where we take the 'heavy plastic that smells of stuff'.  He jumped in the car before we had finished loading - he wasn't missing out this time!

We arrived at the place where we were launching and started to unload.  Tommy was tail wagging and looking at us in an expectant manner.  We put his buoyancy aid on.  His tail went to a half wag.  And then we took everything towards the quay.  He was trotting along, looking all round and seemed happy enough.  Then we got to the slip way.  This had big gaps in between the wood which Tommy wasn't keen on walking on, but with some persuasion, we carried on.  Then the kayaks in the water.  Then b/f passed down Tommy to sit with me.  I paddled away from the quay and he seemed quite happy.

B/f followed soon after and Tommy decided to see what b/f kayak was like - he dove in and swam across.  The best bit about a dog buoyancy aid is they have a handy handle on the back to pull him out of the water with!  B/f kept Tommy with him for about 3 minutes, then Tommy swam back to me!  Then back to b/f and then back to me again!  I'm not sure if he was enjoying it or if it was to see if we were both insane for being in heavy smelly plastic!

Once he'd settled with me, we paddled along for a while.  No where far as it was Tommys' first outing. Tommy seemed quite desperate at times to go back to shore, but all in all, once he'd settled he seemed quite happy.  In fact, after we'd been out for about 3/4 of an hour, he curled up by my feet and went to sleep.

I think he would benefit from having somewhere dry to sit, without the spray decks, water does come into the kayak.  But the swimming between the kayaks must be great exercise for him!  I hope next time he is more settled.  He will be a 'all action' dog if it's the last thing we do.

Barbeque

We held a barbecue last Saturday to celebrate Tommys 'second pick me' day, and my 40th(!).

He was excited from the minute we got up on the Saturday because of the change in routine (we got up in the morning!).  Whilst b/f was at Asda, I done some last minute cleaning and moving of stuff, which Tommy watched with great anticipation.  Then 'the help' arrived, closely followed by b/f, and enough food to feed an army, let alone the 40 odd people that were due to arrive.  Tommy done his normal yapping at the Steves' and Matt, but they are well prepared for him now and ignore him till he calms down.  Then they are all quite happy to give Tommy a scratch and a good boy.

B/f decided to blow up balloons.  I was not impressed.  Tommy constantly barking the garden was not what I had in mind!  Even someone from up the road shouted to 'shut that bloody dog up'.  Not good.

I put a sign on the door with basic instructions on how to behave around Tommy - it took up an A4 sheet!  And everyone ignored it anyway...

People started to turn up.  Tommy was being his normal barking self to start with, but as the people kept coming, he kind of gave up.  He made great friends with 'the Steves' who were doing the cooking, and gradually made his way round everyone in the garden to beg for food!

He only growled at two people all day.  One of them was a lady I work with.  He moans at her at work as well.  The other one was a man from the pub who has a beard.   B/f had picked Tommy up and he was close to the other man's face.  I'm not sure Tommy had seen a beard that close before.

All in all, it was a good day.  Tommy quietened down about the balloons, and no one got bit.  It was more than I could have ever had hoped for.

Back to training?

Or not as the case may be.

Alan was unsure at the end of last term if he was going to continue, and I hadn't heard anything all summer, so it was with some in trepidation that I drove over to Rochford on Sunday.

I parked in the normal side road.  It gives me a chance to give Tommy a 10 - 15 minute walk to calm him down before we get to the training ground.  As I turned the last corner, my heart sunk.  There was no cars or vans parked outside.  Alan had decided not to carry on...

But what's that?  On the gate?  A sign!  He is carrying on but couldn't get the insurance sorted out in time!  Be here next week, normal time.

Excellent.  Am so pleased! :-)

Chickens!

Exciting stuff is happening from beside the railway lines!  I have started to keep chickens again!

Tommy was always excellent with the chickens we had at our old place, but when they got caught by a fox, I decided that I wasn't going to get any more until we'd moved.  Nearly a year later, I have finally purchased my three hens and their groovy new house!

Not the best picture I agree, but this is Tommy's blog! 

He has been happily laying in the sun with the ladies, carefully watching over them, sniffing the air for foxes.  I have missed keeping hens.

Dog attacks

Bit worried that the attack on a young boy down at Southend could be linked to this?
Could it be the same dog?  I now feel bad about not reporting the incident.

I think the picture the Evening Echo has used is a bit over the top....

Tommy got bitten again by another dog last night.  It was a playful nip by an enthusiastic toy poddle as they were playing.  He has bite marks round his muzzle.

Rat Boy

'You here for fat boy?' Emma said to me when I picked Tommy up on Friday.
'Fat boy?  I didn't think he was fat.  Is he fat?' I replied, worried because I'm paranoid enough about me being fat, but a fat dog, no way!
Not fat!  Rat!  Rat boy.  That's what we call him over the stables.  We're not long back.'  She turned around to get his lead and I stood there with a shocked expression on my face.  I must have looked at Emma as if she was mad because when she turned round she giggled and explained that 'Tommy is the best ratter we have over there.  He loves to chase the rats and rarely a week goes by when he doesn't catch  at least one'.
'Really?' I replied 'and he kills them?'
'Yeah' said Emma, now looking at me like I'm the mad one 'he can spend ages on the chase and then shakes them more than any stuffie I've ever seen him play with.  He loves it.'

Taking Tommy to Emma's is like taking him to another world...no wonder he loves it over there so much!

Bark Be Que

It was the end of term party today at training.  30 dogs, 15 children, about 50 adults and 3 barbeque's.  And surprisingly no problems!

As we were waiting for the barbeque's to heat up, we done some training easy training.  Well, with the puppy classes as well we couldn't do anything too testing.  Some walking on lead, sits, downs and round some of the agility equipment.  Alan went very easy on us!

We settled down to some food and spent a very relaxing couple of hours generally chilling in the field.  It was really nice.

We then had the award ceremony, I collected my bronze certificate with pride!  I was secretly pleased to note that no one from my (intermediate) class passed the gold.

Alan is unsure whether he will continue the training in September.  I hope he does.  The crowd of people there are just so nice, and no one really cares about anything, except the dogs.

Vet trip

On Monday, we noticed Tommy was rubbing his eye more than normal with his paw and that there was 'sleep' on it.  I cleaned his eye with water, but within an hour the 'sleep' had returned...a vet visit I feel...

Booked him in for earlier today.  I was dreading it after the Silver Award which we don't talk about but tried to put that to the back of my mind - calm assertive behaviour otherwise it will go down the lead.

It wasn't Mr Gilmore who saw him which was a bit of a shame.  Tommy skulked round the examination room but I put him on the table once I'd explained what was wrong.

The vet put some drops in his eye and looked through an ultra violet light.  I was holding Tommy's head.  There were no scratches or anything so the vet thought he'd probably just caught his eye when running through the long grass.

The vet put a treat on the table which Tommy ate.  And then I realised the examination was over!  Tommy hadn't freaked at the vet!  I was so pleased...

The vet also mentioned that next time I could bathe the eye in tea (no milk or sugar) for 24-48 hours and that might clear it up without having to use drops or pay for the examination fee!  I never knew that tea could do that!  One to remember I think.

Don't Do Dock Dogs

We had the Robin of Sherwood (!) country show on this weekend, they have a massive 'Discover Dogs' theme throughout as well as Mountain Bike displays, ferret racing and Falconry display. I've been a couple of years, but have never managed to get their early enough to try Tommy on the 'Dock Dogs'. This year would be different!

I got in the queue at about 2o'clock and waited for my turn. Typically, we'd turned up just as a competition was about to start - so annoying! So we waited. Whilst waiting, a couple of staffies joined the queue and I think the bitch was in heat - Tommy was desperate to say hello - so unusual for him as he normally ignores Staffies. When I was kneeling down he pulled me over to try and get to her! And he was play bowing and barking, he needed to smell this bitch! I tried to get him to sit, he even ignored the ham I waved under his nose!  The owner of the bitch seemed oblivious, or didn't care. One of the two.

Anyway, after about 1/2 hour, it was our turn. I thought this would be easy, throw the ball, Tommy would jump in after, win / win situation and we'd all go home happy. It was not to be. Tommy was very interested in the ball, just not interested enough to jump into the pool or be distracted from the Staffie. Squeaky toy, not interested. The guy running it said maybe we could try him on the slope - he still wasn't having any of it. All he wanted to do was escape and sniff the Staffie. Which he managed to do. So I had to go and claim him back.

I'm a bit surprised Tommy didn't want to jump and swim for the tennis ball - I'm even more surprised he wanted to sniff the Staffie! Sometimes I wish he would focus more on what I want him to do rather than his very focused terrier / male dog instinct to do sniff dogs on heat! I mean, it's not like he could do anything, he's had the chop! FFS

And so to the silver award...

We had to wait quite a while after the bronze before we could start the test for the silver because we were waiting for other dogs to turn up. I started to get a bit bored; Tommy started to get very bored. He started rolling on his back, mock growling and biting his lead. Time for a short walk while we try to calm down just a bit…

Eventually the other dogs turned up and the test could start. The exercises are a bit harder than the bronze (obviously) but we had been practising a lot. The first exercise was ‘play with your dog in a controlled manner’ – if the examiner had been around 15 minutes before, she would have seen me play with the dog in a controlled manner / lose control / take dog for a walk to calm him, but still. Getting Tommy excited is no problem, and for some reason he was willing to work. When she said stop, I said down and Tommy dropped like a ton of bricks, tail wagging, waiting for the next instruction. I started to have some hope that this might go well.

The road walk went ok; some motorbikes went passed which freaked Tommy a bit. ‘It’s ok’ I said ‘nothing to worry about’. The examiner seemed to pick up on what I said and wrote something down – I hoped it was positive! Tommy was eager to jump in his cage in the car. Wagging his tail he circled and sat down. He almost seemed fed up when I let him out again!

The controlled greeting went well, as did the ignore food (I had to eat some bread pudding whilst Tommy wasn’t meant to be too interested). The sun came out for the two minute down stay (hurrah!) so I had to persuade Tommy that more work was coming and to move!

A basic recall was next – no problems at all (so why does he piss about so much over the park when I call him then!). The next exercise was come away from distractions off lead (the distractions was the other dogs). I was worried about this. Tommy had shown ‘interest’ in a couple of the other dogs – especially as he hadn’t had a class with them before. I took Tommy off the lead and walked towards the dogs. He trotted ahead a small amount and when instructed, I turned and called him for all I was worth! I broke into a jog and he followed! I was so pleased – especially as he went (waggy tailed) to say hello to a very bouncy bitch that he liked the look of!

Examination of the dog – the last exercise for Tommy - was soon upon us. I was nervous, too nervous really and I’m sure this ‘went down the lead’. Tommy isn’t great at being handled. I don’t know why. It must have been something from before we had him, and it can cause problems. B/f and I have no problems with him – I can do anything I like with Tommy with no fears but a stranger?? I was hoping that as the lady examiner had been around Tommy for a few hours he wouldn’t freak. I desperately watched how Archie behaved. He is the other ‘snappy’ dog in the class. He growled at her but all seemed under control – I felt encouraged. Another couple of dogs then it was our turn. I said straight away that I was dreading this part. Lots of good boys, clever boys and well dones later, the ‘business’ end was done. Then she done something I wasn’t expecting, she went round to the ‘other’ end to (I presume) check the balls (not that he’s got any) and rear legs. It caught me by surprise, I turned to look at Alan and in that split ½ second it happened. Tommy went for the examiner. She moves quickly when she wants to! She said that was just too close and I know it was. I felt sad, but always knew that would be his downside. And it’s my fault. I looked at what she had done with the other dogs – why did I not think she would try for Tommys rear? I felt silly and embarrassed.

She carried on along the line and then it was the questions again. Even though I knew I’d failed, I still went in to answer the questions. Just to rub it in, she asked me the same questions that she asked for the bronze – at least I got the puppy food one correct this time!

So that was that. I won’t be mentioning the Silver Award again. Although will try again next year.

Bronze Dog

I was worried when I woke on Sunday to see that it was overcast - the one minute down stay for the Good Citizen Bronze Award looked further away than it did last year! But I thought there is no way round it, and I shouldn't rely on the weather for Tommy to do the down.

It's ridiculous really - how nervous and apprehensive all the handlers get. It does transfer down the lead and makes the dogs nervous and apprehensive as well!

The test was going well. So well I began to believe he could do it - we could do it. The exercises seemed to go smoothly. Then it was my turn - the questions -

'When do you stop feeding puppy food'
'Six months' I said confidently
'Would you like to try another answer'
'Three months? I've never had a puppy' I confessed..
'Well, between 12 and 16 weeks really'

And then the warden who was testing us moved on. The answer was acceptable.

We passed! (The fact that the whole class passed has nothing to do with it...) Tommy and I passed!

I now have a bronze trained dog!

No car day

It was the air show this weekend and because of where we live, if the cars aren't parked home by 10:30, you can bet your life that you won’t be able to get a parking place within a mile for the rest of the day because of the day trippers.

The first item on the agenda was walking Tommy. We cycled to the park. It’s the first time I’ve actually cycled anywhere with him! He ran nicely alongside the bike once he realised that we weren’t going to stop and sniff every few minutes. It’s only one kilometre to the park and only cycled at his jogging pace so he was still full of beans and able to play with Duncan when we got there. I put him in my rucksack for the ride home as I didn’t want him too tired for training. I had allot of ‘oh look at that dog – how cool’ from the people we rode past. I’m not sure if Tommy thought it was cool, but he seemed unfazed when we got in – and I could ride faster!

We caught the train to training. It arrived with two minutes to spare before the start of training. Unfortunately, I left his training treats on the train and Tommy was looking at me in a ‘huh, forget it. You’re by yourself today love’ attitude. Spice’s dad spotted this and gave me some cheese. I’m forever in his debt.

I didn’t catch the train home after training. With all the trippers going into Southend, I thought it unwise, so we walked. It was nice to start, once we got off the main road. Along a path and through some fields. Once we’d crossed the busy road again, we walked by Prittle Brook. Tommy was hot so he had a drink and a swim before we carried on into Southend.

I took a wrong turn over the fields and ended up walking along the busy road again. It wasn’t really the nice walk I’d envisaged so when I spotted a lady standing at the bus stop I asked her how long until the bus was due. About 5 minutes. We waited and then caught the bus the remaining mile home. Tommy, as ever, was good on the bus. He sat for a while taking it all in, but soon laid down with his eyes half closed.

After such a busy day for a JRT he snoozed in the garden while I dead headed roses. Until the planes got too noisy that is! Then he went to his safe place, under the sideboard.

RIP Pam

Tommy's dog trainer, Pam, lost her battle with cancer on 16-05-11.

She was a lovely lady - firm but fair. She filled me with enough confidence to believe that I can train Tommy to do anything I wish.

It was her funeral today. She requested that 'her dogs' were there. We were. Over 55 handlers turned up - some had left their dogs at home, but there were still over 30 dogs there. We lined the crematorium road where the horse drawn carriage came in. Some of the handlers didn't stay for the service. For those that did, there was someone in the carpark to keep an eye on the dogs, so we left windows and boots open on the cars so we could celebrate Pam's life. Her funeral song was 'Easy Like Sunday Morning'...

Her trip to Rainbow Bridge will be welcomed by all the dogs that went before her - she will wait there for the rest.

I will miss her.

Rest In Peace, Pam.
x

The Ladies

I had some friends over on Saturday, not particular dog people and knowing what Tommy is like, I was stressing a bit about it. We don't have enough visitors to train Tommy what is the correct 'thing' to do when we have visitors, ie not jumping up, barking and trying to get these intruders out of the home. Lets face it, I'm not confident enough - I worry so much that he will bite someone that I try to avoid anyone touching him - which is a shame for both of us.

I had prepared them all, saying ignore Tommy when you come in - no look, no touch, no talk - but I was still uneasy about people coming round. I decided to muzzle him - I really didn't want to - but I thought it would save me worrying - which I hoped would save him worrying.

The first lady turned up, completely ignored Tommy whilst he jumped up and seemed happish. His tail was wagging and he was just barking, not aggressively I'll add. She knelt down next to Tommy who started to moan a bit, I told him no and wished my friend would stop, but luckily the door went - friend no 2. She was excellent, ignored him totally, even folded her arms! I made them both tea and settled them in the garden. Tommy sniffed them, walked round them and all the time his tail was wagging. Lady no 3 turned up, Tommy barked a bit but soon gave up - it was much more fun to sniff these people! Then lady no 4. By this time, he had given up being the big bad dog and was allot more interested in smelling these people.

We sat in the garden for another 15 minutes before I took Tommy's muzzle off and he was fine with the ladies. They all fussed him and even gave him treats! I was a bit nervous about them putting their faces too close to his, but once I mentioned it, they stopped. I was pleased I had chosen the correct thing to do. I felt more relaxed which in turn must have made Tommy feel more relaxed. If I have non dog - or even some dog - people over again, I will not hesitate to put his muzzle on.

Blue Tits

We saw a blue tit on our morning walk today. When I say saw, I nearly trod on it! A baby chick had fallen out of its nest, but was still alive. Tommy sniffed and was very curious about this ‘thing’ that didn’t immediately bolt when he came near – more because it couldn’t rather than not wanting to I feel. Unsure of the protocol about blue tit chicks fallen out of their nest, I carried on my way.

On the way back through the grave yard we passed the chick again. It had died. Tommy still wanted to sniff, which I let him. He looked at me with his tail doing a half wag. I’m not sure what that meant, but I picked up the dead chick and moved it off the path onto the grass near some graves. We carried on the way home.

Black and Tan Walking

A special mention really needs to be made to ‘Black and Tan Dog Walking’ and especially to Terry. On the Friday night, Tommy stayed with Terry and he made our night out in Brighton allot more alcoholic!

I contacted Terry a couple of weeks before, after find his site through this site. I emailed and told him of our plans, and if taking Tommy (collecting from the Hotel and dropping back the following day) was the kind of thing he does.

Terry would much prefer to meet the dogs before he takes them in but we had a chat on the phone regarding my assessment of Tommys’ temperament and then I gave him Emmas’ number who also chatted to him. Because of this second independent reference, Terry was allot happier about taking Tommy.

He met us at the hotel on the Friday, at the allotted time. He gave Tommy another name tag, some chicken and off they went. He texted us later in the evening to say Tommy had settled well.

The following morning, he texted again to say he was 5 minutes away and dropped Tommy back to the hotel right on schedule after his morning walk. Tommy was pleased to see us, but I can’t help thinking he had enjoyed Terrys’ company (and the company of the other dogs!) as well.

A few days later, I received an email from Terry with some photos of Tommys walk and overnight stay. I would recommend this first class service to anyone in the Brighton area that needs to have their dogs looked after.

South Downs Way

Is the first holiday that Tommy has come on with us – it’s also b/f and I first totally walking holiday. We headed out early Monday morning, driving first to Brighton to drop off one car and then onto Buriton, the start of our walk.

The idea was to walk from Buriton to Brighton, staying at B&Bs as we went. We hadn’t booked anywhere, we knew roughly how far to walk every day, there definitely wasn’t any agenda. The main thing was to keep it easy, and to not get lazy.

It was an excellent time. Tommy woke every morning stretching, play bowing and excited about the day’s walk. We managed to find accommodation every night bar one when we slept in our bivy bags under the stars (unfortunately, this was also the day that Tommy discovered that rolling in cow poo is the best thing ever, and he was sleeping in my sleeping bag!).

We saw deer, some lizards, even an adder which Tommy really wanted to follow but we managed to dissuade him. He was very excited at the cows and sheep (who were lambing!). By the end of the week, he knew that he wasn’t allowed to show too much interest and would walk in-between b/f and I.

When we got to Brighton, Tommy went to day-care and b/f and I went clubbing. It was a completely enjoyable and relaxing experience and I can’t wait to do it next year!

That's just great!

Tommy and I had been out for around 3/4 of an hour the other evening before we headed back. We walked down the alley and Tommy finally decided it was time to squat. Right at our neighbours gate. Not to one side, not for this dog. Right in the middle. That's just great I thought to myself and rolled my eyes. As I did, a man started walking up the alley. Yes, you've guessed it. My neighbour! 'Oh I'm so sorry, I've got my bag to clean up with'. 'That's ok' said the man not half as grumpy as I would have been if I'd caught a dog crapping on my path and having to STEP OVER the afore mentioned dog to get to my front door...oh the shame...

More proud moments

At training we are all practicing very hard for The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme, Silver level (not that Tommy and I have passed bronze…).
For the first time this week we tried the ‘down and leave the room’ exercise. Quite a toughy as dogs are loyal and to leave them in the down when they can’t see you is not a natural thing for them to do. Anyway, the training class all had their dogs in a steady down and one by one we were told to go to the cupboard at the end of the hall. The first 4 dogs all broke their down and then it was my turn. Luckily, Tommy had been playing with Duncan that morning and was quite tired; he was almost asleep on his mat when I told him to stay. Off I went. While I was in the cupboard, I could hear Pam saying how far Tommy had come. Alan said ‘considering I couldn’t even go near him when he first arrived he’s come a very long way’, and then Pam said about his coat and how good it was now when there wasn’t a hair on him when she first met him (a slight exaggeration) and what a wonderful job I’d done. I was beaming. I was then told to come out of the cupboard. Holding Tommy on a hand signal, with no eye contact, I made my way back to the mat. I told him good boy and he still stayed down!
The remaining dogs all broke the down when their owners left them. Some just to a sit, some trotted after their owners. Some excited on their owners return.
Tommy was the only one in the class that held his down stay. A very proud moment indeed.
By the end of the lesson he had spoilt it all obviously by getting bored and not wanting to do any more down stays, sits or waiting at gates but it was the best indoor lesson I’d ever had.

Duncan

Tommy and I normally go to Southchurch Park on a Sunday before training, mainly so he can get rid of some of his excess 'terrier energy' and hopefully concentrate for more than two minutes. We meet up with other dogs and he plays. Not always nicely, but he’s know over there now. I’m also a lot more observant of other people and put him back on lead if other dog owners send out that ‘vibe’. He often plays with an American Bull dog called Lulu. She is big, muscular and only 10 months old! But not a bad bone in her body.
This week, Lulu was already playing with a JRT called Duncan. Duncan’s owner was the typical apologetic owner. She had extending lead in one hand, and muzzle in the other. I let Tommy join in the fun for a while but continued round the park when poor Lulu was stuck in between the two JRTs just barking at her!
Whilst going over the field, throwing Tommy’s tennis ball, Duncan came running over at full speed and beat Tommy to his ball. They started playing in that typical JRT style. All teeth, growls and play bows. It was lovely to see. Duncan’s owner walked with me round the park and started saying how Duncan is a little b*****d. Always trying to bite, dominate etc. Watching Duncan play with Tommy, I didn’t really see this. I saw two JRTs playing bitey face, me on top/you on top and other general dog games, albeit very vocal. I'm not saying Duncan isn't a little b*****d, maybe he just clicked with Tommy, either way, I was quite happy to let them play.
She also said she has been told off many a time by other dog owners. She has now learnt to keep Duncan close, always apologise for his behaviour and move on. I know exactly how she felt. She said several times ‘its lovely to see Duncan play so well with another dog, oh, look at them play’.
As we got closer to the gate, the dogs still playing as dogs do, I said we’re often over here on Sunday morning so if you like we can meet and let the dogs play. She was thrilled, and I’m sure she was close to tears.
So Tommy has a new friend, whether he likes it or not!

Proud!

Tommy got a 'much improved' at training today! I'm so proud!

Lessons we could learn from dogs…

o Live simply.
o Love generously.
o When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
o Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
o Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
o Take naps.
o Stretch before rising.
o Run, romp, and play daily.
o Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
o Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
o On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
o On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
o When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
o Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
o Be loyal.
o Never pretend to be something you're not.
o If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
o When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.


Swiped from this site. It's been a busy few weeks...

Upstairs

Where we lived before, we always had upstairs neighbours. Tommy was used to the sound of their door closing, people walking up the stairs and walking around overhead, as well as general background noise associated with having an ‘upstairs’. Since we moved into our new flat we haven’t had any upstairs neighbours. Until last week.

It all started on Monday evening of last week, when we heard the door opening and closing a few times, with the footsteps on the stairs, general walking around etc… The door to upstairs is right by our door, so to start with, it was very confusing for Tommy to hear the door open and close without anyone walking in our hall! He would get up from his bed, (a miracle in itself sometimes!) and bark in the hall towards the door. It didn’t help matters that we had forgotten how to placate Tommy with a ‘thank you Tommy’ and ignore him – we would moan and shout ‘shut up’ which to Tommy, made him think we were joining in.

The next few days, more people turned up to move in. We have 5 adults living upstairs now. That is a lot of footfall on the stairs! We remembered by Wednesday what it was we originally said to Tommy and it has worked. By Friday he had started it ignore the upstairs door opening and closing.

On our last walk Saturday night, he saw a cat, which never fails to ‘pump him up’. Then on the walk back down the road, there were two people standing by their car having a cigarette. They were talking loudly and waving their arms around. This also ‘stimulated’ Tommy and he had a couple of barks. I told him it was nothing to do with him and to walk on. He was still ears and tail up but had come down from ‘defcon 1’. When we got in I settled him down in the kitchen, but he was still quite alert. It was about 2:30am. Then upstairs came in. The door opening and closing was just too much for Tommy who started on a big barking session only to have me come out of the bedroom to tell him off. He gruffed but went back to bed. Then someone else came in. Tommy went a bit gruffy but not enough to warrant getting out of bed again. Then the door opened for a third time! This time boyfriend got up and shut Tommy in the kitchen. This is something we never do, although it worked and from 3:30am he slept.

We have now found out that most of upstairs works at the casino. We’re hoping that Tommy will get used to the door opening, shutting and footfall on the stairs very quickly otherwise I have no idea when we’ll sleep again!

More Nudes in Colour, Southend

I kid you not!

Whilst walking Tommy Monday morning I was confronted by these pieces of art. It did make me smile. I wonder how long before they are covered in graffiti? It’s nice to know other people have as much mis-placed faith in the area as me.

They will be there until April, which means I get a smile not only from walking Tommy every morning, but from looking at bums too!

Busy morning!

For once... Normally when we go out for the morning walk the streets are deserted apart from a few people going to work. We sometimes see a man walking his staffie and schnauzer but otherwise nothing. Maybe that's why I like the morning walks!

This morning was a different matter. I noticed straight away that the mornings are getting a bit brighter, which makes the whole thing a lot less depressing. We turned the corner to go along the dual carriage way and saw a fox. Dead, but the sight / smell was enough to get Tommy dancing on the end of his lead. When the fox didn't run off, he approached very cautiously. I let him sniff the carcase a bit and we carried on our walk.

There was a rough sleeper on the top of the Cliffs, proves how mild its getting - first one I've seen this year.

On the way back we met a lady walking her staffie and her cross breed. Both of us shortened our leads with a bright cheery 'morning' to each other. Her staffie moaned at Tommy, for once, he stayed quiet.

We then met the man with the Maltese Terrier. We called this morning to each other - Tommy had a grumble.

Then the lady with the greyhound. Now, I know the greyhound goes nuts at Tommy, but I couldn't cross the road at this stage. 'Woof woof woof' says the greyhound. Tommy just walked straight on.

As we came up to the traffic lights, I could see a man holding back with his staffie. When the crossing turned green, we walked on, the man carried on walking, his dog being well behaved. This was an unprecedented amount of dogs!

When we walked passed the green, there was the man with his staffie and schnauzer. It made the set complete. I hope it's not this busy every morning!

Holiday walking

We went out for a couple of long walks during the holidays. I love to get out of the house at this time of year! Tommy was well behaved for most of them! We had two incidents of barking at people, but these were called to a halt very quickly (one of them was well deserved though – why do people find it necessary to act in an aggressive manner?!).

We saw ‘Daisy May’, a terrier that is in our training group over the woods one day. She came bounding over to say hello, seemed to recognise Tommy and they had a dash about. I didn’t see her owner anywhere, although I could hear her calling Daisy back. I can imagine Daisy running back saying ‘Mom, Tommy’s over here! You know, Tommy from training, come on! Lets go play’ and Daisy’s mom just wondering what was so exciting over there, through the woods.

Tommy was also on the receiving end of dogs being protective too. We were walking along a path in Ashingdon on our way to Hockley Woods. The surrounding fields had horses grazing so we kept Tommy on lead. The muddy path turned to tarmac and as we were approaching houses, Tommy stayed on lead. Two dogs were coming towards us and were ‘skulking’. They were not happy that they had intruders on their path and went for Tommy! It was scary and Tommy screamed. They were called back by their owner, but they were much more interested in getting this bold (but small) dog away from their den. How dare he continue coming towards them! They circled and skulked while their owner called them again. One went back, the other was slower to retreat. She didn’t put them on lead, or even issue us an apology. I understand that Boris and Max were protecting their house, but I feel more control from the owner wouldn’t have gone a miss. B/f said it was because they have money – don’t admit to anything then it’s not your fault. It’s a shame because it spoilt what would have been a lovely day.

Lastly, I'd like to wish all my readers a happy 2011. Enjoy your walks!