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.
Showing posts with label dogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dogs. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Monday, July 04, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
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
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
Thursday, April 21, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
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!
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!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
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...
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...
Thursday, January 13, 2011
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!
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!
Monday, January 03, 2011
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!
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!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Christmas time
Christmas is over and done with at last.
Christmas is a good time to be a JRT in our house. Owners are around more, food is about more and people come visiting more. That roughly translates as I have company and more walks, I get lots of treats and I get to bark at people!
Tommy had done very well this year with his Christmas presents. A lot of food based presents, some of which are too big for him - they turn him ‘silly’. He gets all protective and agitated when he has them. Visitors walking around are obviously not going to the toilet, or getting a drink. They are trying to distract Tommy so they can steal his treat. It’s just not worth Tommy getting all upset over (by that I mean him growing, barking, and generally snapping). I’m quite happy to give him a rawhide chew of a smaller stature, or a pig’s ear, sometimes even a dried bone, but the large treats, or the very hard treats are just not worth it.
Personally, I’d prefer stuffed squeaky toys as a present. They last about the same time before being totally destroyed!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Dog poo
'Excuse me' called the (suspected) drug dealer from his window 'can you not let your dog poo there'.
'Don't judge others by your low standards, just because you don't pick up your dogs poo and if you didn't have a smelly carpet halfway across the pavement that the bin men haven't collected for the last month because they don't collect carpets he wouldn't even be sniffing here anyway! And why are you looking out of your window at 1:30am on a Saturday morning, waiting for another customer' I thought...
'He's just sniffing and I pick it up anyway' I repiled...
'Don't judge others by your low standards, just because you don't pick up your dogs poo and if you didn't have a smelly carpet halfway across the pavement that the bin men haven't collected for the last month because they don't collect carpets he wouldn't even be sniffing here anyway! And why are you looking out of your window at 1:30am on a Saturday morning, waiting for another customer' I thought...
'He's just sniffing and I pick it up anyway' I repiled...
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Snow - FTM...
Forgot to mention... Monday mornings walk it was extremely icy. Mainly due to the snow thawing a bit before the temperature dropping and turning it to sheet ice. I slipped over heavy on my left knee, ripping my best jeans (I know, I shouldn't be wearing my best jeans to walk Tommy). To add insult to injury, Tommy jumped on me very excitedly as he thought it was a game 'great! Moms on all fours too - that never happens!'.
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Snow time!
Life, in general, is very exciting when you are a JRT. Life becomes ‘fit to burst’ exciting when there is snow on the ground! Yes, the snow came and now that it’s nearly all gone, here is the JRT highlights…
The snow started last Monday night, in time for last walk. Tommy wasn’t that impressed with the wetness of the snow on his nose as he left the warmth of the flat, but was soon distracted by the white stuff that flies everywhere if you play bow it. From my perspective, it was a really nice change to see the street covered in white with the moons reflection making the night walk an almost summer affair because it was so light out. The bitter cold had also turned into something warmer.
By the morning, the roads were impassable and we had 6 inches of snow on the pavement. Tommy loved his (much shorter) morning walk and play was on the cards! He loves to chase the snow to try to catch it and seems bemused that it just disappears further into the blanket. The smells of chicken bones were covered so the sniffing was less and the walk enjoyable. By the time we got back, b/f needed to inspect the main roads to see if he could get into work. Definitely not, but Tommy loved the extra 5 minute walk to get up the road. B/f worked from home, and took Tommy round the block lunchtime. He was running around b/f on the end of his extender lead, we now call this ‘doing the helicopter’. It warms the heart to watch.
Getting Tommy out of the flat whilst the snow got thicker was still not a problem. Even when, by Friday, the snow was up to his shoulder he was still bounding along the pavements. Tommy’s eyes have been so bright and his tail held so high! We saw other dogs (obviously) out and about during our evening walks, and the owners, although through gritted teeth because of the cold, all commented on how much the dogs loved the snow! There were bounding, happy dogs all over the place. All excited by the strange white stuff on the pavements.
One night, whilst walking Tommy, I went through the underpass. Coming up the other way, there was a man with his SBT, scrabbling up on the ice, desperately holding onto the rail with one hand and his pulling dog on the other. His SBT was a growler. What is a girl to do in this situation? You know what we done! Carried on walking, telling Tommy to ‘leave it’ (which he did, thank goodness!) whilst the man looked on enviously at the well behaved JRT walking to heel and confident lady with very grippy soles on her shows out in the snow!
The garden had about 10-11 inches at its deepest. Watching Tommy bound his way around made standing out there more bearable. We have discovered that Tommy does the same route every time he gets let out (why we hadn’t realised this before, I don’t know!). Up to the summer house, sniff the shed, round the back of the summer house, sometimes a bark, across the garden to the bamboo, along the back fence to the summer house, round the back of the summer house again, maybe another bark just to be sure and along the path to the back door.
On Friday, I didn’t fancy the drive to Stambridge for Waggy Walkers, so brought Tommy into work. We walked, not because I couldn’t get my car out, but because it would do us both good to get some ‘proper’ exercise. It took 50 minutes to get in, but it was well worth it. We both came in with grins on our faces and I had rosy cheeks. Why had I not thought of walking to work before? He had a good day with lots of fuss and only barked at one delivery driver! Luckily he also has a JRT and ‘know what their like’. He stayed in the office for a few minutes till Tommy calmed down enough to stroke and then I gave him some garlic beef to give him (the delivery driver to Tommy, not the other way around). They are now firm friends.
The walk home was chilly, and something really spooked Tommy enroute. He screamed, like the time he was picked up by the head. I checked his paws but nothing there. I’m not sure what is was but we carried on.
By Saturday morning, the snow was typically melting big time. Tommy and I went to the park, but with only 2 inches of snow on the ground it wasn’t as exciting as I’d hoped.
We’re now left with solid ice on a lot of the pavements. It makes for tricky walking, and the temperatures have dropped. The only thing that’s fun now is watching Tommy bemused as to why he cant get the chicken bone that’s frozen solid in the clear ice, but that’s nowhere near as much fun.
The snow started last Monday night, in time for last walk. Tommy wasn’t that impressed with the wetness of the snow on his nose as he left the warmth of the flat, but was soon distracted by the white stuff that flies everywhere if you play bow it. From my perspective, it was a really nice change to see the street covered in white with the moons reflection making the night walk an almost summer affair because it was so light out. The bitter cold had also turned into something warmer.
By the morning, the roads were impassable and we had 6 inches of snow on the pavement. Tommy loved his (much shorter) morning walk and play was on the cards! He loves to chase the snow to try to catch it and seems bemused that it just disappears further into the blanket. The smells of chicken bones were covered so the sniffing was less and the walk enjoyable. By the time we got back, b/f needed to inspect the main roads to see if he could get into work. Definitely not, but Tommy loved the extra 5 minute walk to get up the road. B/f worked from home, and took Tommy round the block lunchtime. He was running around b/f on the end of his extender lead, we now call this ‘doing the helicopter’. It warms the heart to watch.
Getting Tommy out of the flat whilst the snow got thicker was still not a problem. Even when, by Friday, the snow was up to his shoulder he was still bounding along the pavements. Tommy’s eyes have been so bright and his tail held so high! We saw other dogs (obviously) out and about during our evening walks, and the owners, although through gritted teeth because of the cold, all commented on how much the dogs loved the snow! There were bounding, happy dogs all over the place. All excited by the strange white stuff on the pavements.
One night, whilst walking Tommy, I went through the underpass. Coming up the other way, there was a man with his SBT, scrabbling up on the ice, desperately holding onto the rail with one hand and his pulling dog on the other. His SBT was a growler. What is a girl to do in this situation? You know what we done! Carried on walking, telling Tommy to ‘leave it’ (which he did, thank goodness!) whilst the man looked on enviously at the well behaved JRT walking to heel and confident lady with very grippy soles on her shows out in the snow!
The garden had about 10-11 inches at its deepest. Watching Tommy bound his way around made standing out there more bearable. We have discovered that Tommy does the same route every time he gets let out (why we hadn’t realised this before, I don’t know!). Up to the summer house, sniff the shed, round the back of the summer house, sometimes a bark, across the garden to the bamboo, along the back fence to the summer house, round the back of the summer house again, maybe another bark just to be sure and along the path to the back door.
On Friday, I didn’t fancy the drive to Stambridge for Waggy Walkers, so brought Tommy into work. We walked, not because I couldn’t get my car out, but because it would do us both good to get some ‘proper’ exercise. It took 50 minutes to get in, but it was well worth it. We both came in with grins on our faces and I had rosy cheeks. Why had I not thought of walking to work before? He had a good day with lots of fuss and only barked at one delivery driver! Luckily he also has a JRT and ‘know what their like’. He stayed in the office for a few minutes till Tommy calmed down enough to stroke and then I gave him some garlic beef to give him (the delivery driver to Tommy, not the other way around). They are now firm friends.
The walk home was chilly, and something really spooked Tommy enroute. He screamed, like the time he was picked up by the head. I checked his paws but nothing there. I’m not sure what is was but we carried on.
By Saturday morning, the snow was typically melting big time. Tommy and I went to the park, but with only 2 inches of snow on the ground it wasn’t as exciting as I’d hoped.
We’re now left with solid ice on a lot of the pavements. It makes for tricky walking, and the temperatures have dropped. The only thing that’s fun now is watching Tommy bemused as to why he cant get the chicken bone that’s frozen solid in the clear ice, but that’s nowhere near as much fun.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Play? or aggression??
Tommy came into the office with me yesterday and spent most of the day chasing flies and laying in the sun. At home time, I decided to take him to Victory Park – its normally one of my favourite walks…
When we got there, there were four other dogs in the middle being walked by three ladies and a girl. One dog was hastily picked up by one of the ladies, who was there with the girl and walked off. They called a Westie along and walked out of the park. I’m not sure what happened, but Tommy and I carried on round the outside of the park for a while and then I decided to cross over the middle of the park (something I never do!) to let Tommy play with the remaining two dogs.
Tommy saw the dogs and ran over to them, greeting a (what looked like) beagle JRT x, (intact male I’ll add here) with bounds of energy and a ‘chase me’ stance. From where I was standing, about 90 mtrs away, they looked like they were playing and having fun. A bit of chase, some boxing, and rolling around on the floor, but the owners body language told me otherwise. I sped up my walk across the park. ‘Is he being mouthy?’ I said. ‘He’s aggressive and shouldn’t be allowed off lead’. Humm, I thought. I called Tommy to me, he was having fun and not really interested (the other dog didn’t look too bothered either if truth be told!). The dogs were running round; both play biting, and bumping shoulders. I called Tommy but he was having way too much fun to notice I was even there. I launched myself at Tommy when he was on a return run, slipped on the wet grass, which made Tommy look. I called him again, with my finger in the ‘wait’ position, which he did. Lead goes back on. The other dog then starts circling Tommy, running off, coming back and play bowing. ‘I’ve owned dogs all my life and your dog is just nasty, if I see him off lead again I’m going to report him’. She was trying to get her dog back, so she ‘could look for bite marks’. I said ‘can you call him back then please, I’m not leaving this park until I know your dog is ok’ (I knew he would be!). The dog was having a whale of a time playing tease with her, not wanting to come back. He came several times back to Tommy though! I was making sure Tommy wasn’t looking at the dog, and I held Tommy’s muzzle. There was no way I was going to let Tommy sniff this dog again. The lady walking the other dog said ‘I don’t know what’s up with him today, it must be the weather’. I decided silence was golden; besides, I was fighting back the tears.
After the lady had caught her dog and said ‘no he’s fine’ I said ‘that’s good’ and carried on walking Tommy, on lead towards the other end of the park. Walking along the fence was the old lady with her aged collie and cocker spaniel bitch. I walked along with them. Tommy being excellent on lead and not even pulling towards the bitch. I felt so sad, but I managed to get home before I burst into tears.
Emma of Waggy Walkers fame asked how the move was today. I said good, flat is lovely but it took Tommy until Wednesday to really settle in’. ‘He’s such a sensitive soul’ said Emma. ‘Well, yesterday I got told he’s really aggressive and if he’s ever seen off lead again in this park he’s going to be reported’. ‘Really, what park?’ said Emma. ‘Victory, near Sutton Road’. ‘Oh I don’t go to that one' 'The other dog didn’t seem that bothered though’. ‘The dogs never are. It’s a more common thing this reporting to the authorities. (sigh) Next time you should say ‘he's goes to a behavourist every week. Talk to her about dog behavour’. We talked a bit more about how hated the dog world now is and went our separate ways. It made me feel a bit better (or maybe justified) talking to Emma, but I still feel sad about Tommy not being able to go to Victory off lead anymore.
When we got there, there were four other dogs in the middle being walked by three ladies and a girl. One dog was hastily picked up by one of the ladies, who was there with the girl and walked off. They called a Westie along and walked out of the park. I’m not sure what happened, but Tommy and I carried on round the outside of the park for a while and then I decided to cross over the middle of the park (something I never do!) to let Tommy play with the remaining two dogs.
Tommy saw the dogs and ran over to them, greeting a (what looked like) beagle JRT x, (intact male I’ll add here) with bounds of energy and a ‘chase me’ stance. From where I was standing, about 90 mtrs away, they looked like they were playing and having fun. A bit of chase, some boxing, and rolling around on the floor, but the owners body language told me otherwise. I sped up my walk across the park. ‘Is he being mouthy?’ I said. ‘He’s aggressive and shouldn’t be allowed off lead’. Humm, I thought. I called Tommy to me, he was having fun and not really interested (the other dog didn’t look too bothered either if truth be told!). The dogs were running round; both play biting, and bumping shoulders. I called Tommy but he was having way too much fun to notice I was even there. I launched myself at Tommy when he was on a return run, slipped on the wet grass, which made Tommy look. I called him again, with my finger in the ‘wait’ position, which he did. Lead goes back on. The other dog then starts circling Tommy, running off, coming back and play bowing. ‘I’ve owned dogs all my life and your dog is just nasty, if I see him off lead again I’m going to report him’. She was trying to get her dog back, so she ‘could look for bite marks’. I said ‘can you call him back then please, I’m not leaving this park until I know your dog is ok’ (I knew he would be!). The dog was having a whale of a time playing tease with her, not wanting to come back. He came several times back to Tommy though! I was making sure Tommy wasn’t looking at the dog, and I held Tommy’s muzzle. There was no way I was going to let Tommy sniff this dog again. The lady walking the other dog said ‘I don’t know what’s up with him today, it must be the weather’. I decided silence was golden; besides, I was fighting back the tears.
After the lady had caught her dog and said ‘no he’s fine’ I said ‘that’s good’ and carried on walking Tommy, on lead towards the other end of the park. Walking along the fence was the old lady with her aged collie and cocker spaniel bitch. I walked along with them. Tommy being excellent on lead and not even pulling towards the bitch. I felt so sad, but I managed to get home before I burst into tears.
Emma of Waggy Walkers fame asked how the move was today. I said good, flat is lovely but it took Tommy until Wednesday to really settle in’. ‘He’s such a sensitive soul’ said Emma. ‘Well, yesterday I got told he’s really aggressive and if he’s ever seen off lead again in this park he’s going to be reported’. ‘Really, what park?’ said Emma. ‘Victory, near Sutton Road’. ‘Oh I don’t go to that one' 'The other dog didn’t seem that bothered though’. ‘The dogs never are. It’s a more common thing this reporting to the authorities. (sigh) Next time you should say ‘he's goes to a behavourist every week. Talk to her about dog behavour’. We talked a bit more about how hated the dog world now is and went our separate ways. It made me feel a bit better (or maybe justified) talking to Emma, but I still feel sad about Tommy not being able to go to Victory off lead anymore.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
On the move...
We are moving flats soon – hurrah!
When we viewed this new place, there was a park about three minutes walk away, which would have been excellent for Tommy’s morning walk. Since then, this park has closed for ‘redesign’ work. They are building a café in the middle. I’m not happy.
The other reservation I’ve got is we back onto the railway line. What if Tommy decides that the big black thing going along the bottom of the garden is the enemy and needs to defend his garden? The train will reward him every time as it trundles on its tracks… I hope the neighbours don’t mind barking dogs.
When we viewed this new place, there was a park about three minutes walk away, which would have been excellent for Tommy’s morning walk. Since then, this park has closed for ‘redesign’ work. They are building a café in the middle. I’m not happy.
The other reservation I’ve got is we back onto the railway line. What if Tommy decides that the big black thing going along the bottom of the garden is the enemy and needs to defend his garden? The train will reward him every time as it trundles on its tracks… I hope the neighbours don’t mind barking dogs.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Westerham
Today we went down to Westerham to meet up the Jack Russell Terrier forum for a walk and (more importantly??) a pub lunch.
We drove down to Kent with no problems really – Tommy has always travelled well – but being held up on the M25 meant I was 25 minutes late. I called ahead and was told ‘its ok, we’re just quieting the dogs down at the moment, they’re quite excited’ – they’re jacks, they've have had a long drive and they're somewhere else.. of course they’re excited! Westerham is a very pretty village but I was too late for the market. We went for a walk round some woods and through some fields. The dogs were all very well behaved which was nice to see. George and Arnie didn’t go off lead but Whiskey was. When Whiskey was off, so was Tommy, well, most of the time! Lyn let George off when we were heading back to the village. Tommy was so excited and really wanted to play bitey face with George, but Lyn decided that George should really go back on lead…I put Tommy on instead as George had been on lead for most of the walk – he still wanted to play with his new friends though!
When we got back to the village, we went to the pub for food. George and Arnie were put back in the car whilst Whiskey and Tommy came to the pub. Whiskey was very well behaved, but Tommy was more interested in a stray tennis ball to lie down nicely. And then he nearly knocked the vase over….
We stayed in the pub for a couple of hours, chatting about the dogs and their characteristics (or should that be problems??!!) and another short walk before sitting on the common.
On the common, a short distance away was an English Bull Terrier with its male owner and his daughter. The EBT was very interested in our four, which made us slightly nervous. The last thing we needed was 4 defensive Jack Russell’s going for one EBT! Of course, the girl dropped the dogs’ lead who came running up to us at full speed! Tommy was the only one who managed to get a growl in before the EBT was lead away... We headed home shortly afterwards.
It was a really relaxing day meeting other JRT owners and sharing a common interest. I’m looking forward to the next meet.
Roll call - Tommy, Whiskey, George and Arnie.
We drove down to Kent with no problems really – Tommy has always travelled well – but being held up on the M25 meant I was 25 minutes late. I called ahead and was told ‘its ok, we’re just quieting the dogs down at the moment, they’re quite excited’ – they’re jacks, they've have had a long drive and they're somewhere else.. of course they’re excited! Westerham is a very pretty village but I was too late for the market. We went for a walk round some woods and through some fields. The dogs were all very well behaved which was nice to see. George and Arnie didn’t go off lead but Whiskey was. When Whiskey was off, so was Tommy, well, most of the time! Lyn let George off when we were heading back to the village. Tommy was so excited and really wanted to play bitey face with George, but Lyn decided that George should really go back on lead…I put Tommy on instead as George had been on lead for most of the walk – he still wanted to play with his new friends though!
When we got back to the village, we went to the pub for food. George and Arnie were put back in the car whilst Whiskey and Tommy came to the pub. Whiskey was very well behaved, but Tommy was more interested in a stray tennis ball to lie down nicely. And then he nearly knocked the vase over….
We stayed in the pub for a couple of hours, chatting about the dogs and their characteristics (or should that be problems??!!) and another short walk before sitting on the common.
On the common, a short distance away was an English Bull Terrier with its male owner and his daughter. The EBT was very interested in our four, which made us slightly nervous. The last thing we needed was 4 defensive Jack Russell’s going for one EBT! Of course, the girl dropped the dogs’ lead who came running up to us at full speed! Tommy was the only one who managed to get a growl in before the EBT was lead away... We headed home shortly afterwards.
It was a really relaxing day meeting other JRT owners and sharing a common interest. I’m looking forward to the next meet.
Roll call - Tommy, Whiskey, George and Arnie.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Arsenal staffies
On the morning walk today, Tommy was very naughty. We left at our normal time and I told him to ‘leave it’ and ‘nothing to do with you’ to the three or four people that were walking towards us and all was fine. He gave them a side wards glance, but carried on, with his ears back. We got to the graves and the lady with the stroppy Alsatian was over there. I kept Tommy on lead and exchanged pleasantries then continued on our way round. Once she’d left I let Tommy off.
Over the other side of the graves was the man with the Arsenal staffies. Now, Tommy normally loves playing with these two. They have a good game of bitey face and ‘I’m on my back, no I’m on my back’ with some charging around. This morning was very different. The black staff came running towards me looking for Tommy who had run ahead and was hidden behind a gravestone. The black staff then ran back to her owner and then back to me. You could tell she was looking for Tommy. Tommy, on the other hand, had spotted their owner and seemed most put out that he was over the graves and started to bark at him. His nervous bark, half play bowing and tail wagging but with a definite ‘keep away from me and my mom’ tone. The man looked at him and looked at me ‘what’s up with him today?’ ‘I’m not sure to be honest, he’s been fine for ages’. ‘Maybe its because I’m not wearing my hat’. I carried on walking and Tommy carried on barking and playing up, albeit about 6-10 feet away from him. The staffies were just running around being happy. The black staff tried to get Tommy to chase her (normally his favourite game) but he wasn’t having any of it. The man half bent down but this just made Tommy worse. After about a minute, the white staff had had enough. She ran at Tommy and pushed him out the way with her shoulder. No malice at all but it was a ‘leave my dad alone’ kind of thing. Tommy yelped like a girl but wasn’t even knocked off his feet so I said ‘serves you right’. The man told his dog to ‘leave it out’ and called her straight to him, which she did, annoyingly. We all carried on walking our separate ways.
When I got in and told b/f about it he said that Tommy was probably jealous that I was talking too long with the man. I said we didn’t even get to exchange pleasantries. B/f then said he has often seen Arsenal Staffie man without a hat.
I hope Tommy hasn’t decided that he doesn’t like Arsenal staffies man and his dogs. The dogs are great and it would be a shame for all that to go – for whatever crazy reason.
Over the other side of the graves was the man with the Arsenal staffies. Now, Tommy normally loves playing with these two. They have a good game of bitey face and ‘I’m on my back, no I’m on my back’ with some charging around. This morning was very different. The black staff came running towards me looking for Tommy who had run ahead and was hidden behind a gravestone. The black staff then ran back to her owner and then back to me. You could tell she was looking for Tommy. Tommy, on the other hand, had spotted their owner and seemed most put out that he was over the graves and started to bark at him. His nervous bark, half play bowing and tail wagging but with a definite ‘keep away from me and my mom’ tone. The man looked at him and looked at me ‘what’s up with him today?’ ‘I’m not sure to be honest, he’s been fine for ages’. ‘Maybe its because I’m not wearing my hat’. I carried on walking and Tommy carried on barking and playing up, albeit about 6-10 feet away from him. The staffies were just running around being happy. The black staff tried to get Tommy to chase her (normally his favourite game) but he wasn’t having any of it. The man half bent down but this just made Tommy worse. After about a minute, the white staff had had enough. She ran at Tommy and pushed him out the way with her shoulder. No malice at all but it was a ‘leave my dad alone’ kind of thing. Tommy yelped like a girl but wasn’t even knocked off his feet so I said ‘serves you right’. The man told his dog to ‘leave it out’ and called her straight to him, which she did, annoyingly. We all carried on walking our separate ways.
When I got in and told b/f about it he said that Tommy was probably jealous that I was talking too long with the man. I said we didn’t even get to exchange pleasantries. B/f then said he has often seen Arsenal Staffie man without a hat.
I hope Tommy hasn’t decided that he doesn’t like Arsenal staffies man and his dogs. The dogs are great and it would be a shame for all that to go – for whatever crazy reason.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Panorama
This wouldn’t be a dog blog if I don’t comment on Panorama last night. Obviously I watched it, any caring dog owner would, and that is unfortunately the problem. The ‘caring’ dog owners would not breed from a dog to make money. The ‘caring’ dog owners would not hand their dog into any rescue centre because it doesn’t match the furniture. The ‘caring’ dog owners already have their dogs chipped, vaccinated and maybe even neutered. ‘Its all those others’.
So what can be done? They could bring in licensing, and I would be very surprised if the government doesn’t, but that will cost a lot of money to administer and like all these things, the people that care will get it done and the people that don’t, wont.
It focused a lot on Staffies, not surprisingly, but there are lots of other dogs being bred for cash. Teacup Chihuahuas for instance can fetch up to and over £1000.00. And if you ask the breeder, they could ‘drop it round tonight’. The problem with Staffies is not the Staffies. It’s the media image of the Staff. Personally, I’ve met more snappy JRTs, Yorkies and Westies than Staffies, but these are normally the ‘nice’ ones, brought up by ‘caring’ dog people.
So, even though licensing I think will come to force, it wont stop the rescue centres being overwhelmed with unwanted dogs in the short term. I think its great that the Rescue Centres have finally come out and showed figures on how many healthy dogs are being put down. I am embarrassed to say that if Tommy were taken into Battersea, he would be put down. On lead, he can snap at another dog. There is no rhyme or reason, and sometimes he can be happy with a dog one day and not the next. So he would be PTS. I think I’d be hard pushed to find any dog that is completely bomb proof. But I suppose Battersea need an ‘excuse’ to keep putting these healthy dogs down.
I think they could look at the stipulations they have for rehoming, maybe ‘adjust the bar’ a bit. Look at the people wanting to adopt, not just if the box is ticked or not. I know a lot of people who have bought dogs because they couldn’t adopt and that leave their dogs at home all day whilst they are at work. Most of the owners feel guilty about that, and these dogs probably receive the same, if not more, attention, training, walking and care than someone who is at home all day. If they live in a flat, so what? If they are prepared to walk down the stairs to take ‘Tiddles’ out four / five times a day for wees, does it really matter?
I am worried about the future for dog owners. We live in an increasingly intolerant world where the media exasperate situations to a baying mob. Most cases, its not the dogs fault, it’s the owners. But who really wants to hear that??
So what can be done? They could bring in licensing, and I would be very surprised if the government doesn’t, but that will cost a lot of money to administer and like all these things, the people that care will get it done and the people that don’t, wont.
It focused a lot on Staffies, not surprisingly, but there are lots of other dogs being bred for cash. Teacup Chihuahuas for instance can fetch up to and over £1000.00. And if you ask the breeder, they could ‘drop it round tonight’. The problem with Staffies is not the Staffies. It’s the media image of the Staff. Personally, I’ve met more snappy JRTs, Yorkies and Westies than Staffies, but these are normally the ‘nice’ ones, brought up by ‘caring’ dog people.
So, even though licensing I think will come to force, it wont stop the rescue centres being overwhelmed with unwanted dogs in the short term. I think its great that the Rescue Centres have finally come out and showed figures on how many healthy dogs are being put down. I am embarrassed to say that if Tommy were taken into Battersea, he would be put down. On lead, he can snap at another dog. There is no rhyme or reason, and sometimes he can be happy with a dog one day and not the next. So he would be PTS. I think I’d be hard pushed to find any dog that is completely bomb proof. But I suppose Battersea need an ‘excuse’ to keep putting these healthy dogs down.
I think they could look at the stipulations they have for rehoming, maybe ‘adjust the bar’ a bit. Look at the people wanting to adopt, not just if the box is ticked or not. I know a lot of people who have bought dogs because they couldn’t adopt and that leave their dogs at home all day whilst they are at work. Most of the owners feel guilty about that, and these dogs probably receive the same, if not more, attention, training, walking and care than someone who is at home all day. If they live in a flat, so what? If they are prepared to walk down the stairs to take ‘Tiddles’ out four / five times a day for wees, does it really matter?
I am worried about the future for dog owners. We live in an increasingly intolerant world where the media exasperate situations to a baying mob. Most cases, its not the dogs fault, it’s the owners. But who really wants to hear that??
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Buses and cars
I like to take Tommy on public transport, and on Saturday I decided to take the bus to Priory Park. The bus stop is about 10 minutes walk from our house, and the park is only 3 stops away. Depending on how long we have to wait for a bus (never more than 5 minutes on a Saturday), it can be just as quick to walk there but I think it does Tommy good to be amongst other people as well as the different smells on the bus.
We waited at the bus stop; Tommy had a small wag going on and enjoyed sniffing the air. There were other people waiting and you could see them smiling at Tommy. The bus pulled in and Tommy got very excited. His tail was wagging more as we walked towards the door. I had to hold him back to let the other passengers on! He is so rude… The bus was quite busy but we found somewhere to stand, near the front amongst the older ladies and their shopping trolleys. Tommy was enjoying the smells and the fuss. I made sure he stayed close and was sitting, focusing on me when the bus stopped – this ensures he’s not startled or scared by the people getting on and off. We got off our 3 stops later and was off to the park. It was quite busy, with a couple of groups having picnics, so he stayed on lead for a lot of the time. We did have an off lead romp round by the wildlife garden and I threw some sticks for him (forgot his tennis ball). He got stuck on a smell at the bridge so I carried on walking. What I didn’t realise was there was an event going on on the football pitches, so I headed towards the priory rather than round that field. When Tommy finished with his smell he went running towards the field and try as I might to call him, he couldn’t see me so off he went up the field into the crowd. I kept calling him so he came charging back again. Even though I was waving my arms like a mad woman, he still couldn’t spot me so off he went again into the crowd. Nothing else for it, off I go to stop him panicking. When he spotted me his whole body language changed to the ‘there’s my mom, must dash’ – ears fully back, full sprint towards me, little jump when he arrives and then sitting for his treat. He went back on lead then and we left the park to catch the bus back home. He laid down on the way back, in the sun. The people boarding and leaving the bus didn’t distract him…he was tired. Ah bless.
On Sunday there was a classic car show along the seafront, excellent dog socialisation. We set off at about 3:00 and headed towards the Seaways car park, about ¾ hour walk away. It was a nice day for walking, quite warm but with a breeze. When we got there it was full of Fords! Not quite the classic show I was expecting so we walked along the seafront towards Westcliff. It must be around somewhere! We enjoyed the walk. Tommy wanted to go on the beach, but he’s not allowed this time of year so he had to make do with play bowing the beach and stealing chips at every available opportunity. We stopped at Adventure Island for a while. Tommy likes to smell the people going on the rides (is it the adrenaline he can smell?) and then play bowing the rides! He’s so funny. We stayed there for about 10 minutes watching the rides and the people and then carried on. Dropped melted ice cream, saying hello to a few dogs and a very wary walk on one of the wooden quays later, we find the car show. Up the other end of the seafront, by the cliffs, about a 15-20 minute walk from the house rather than the hour and half walk it had taken us! There was some lovely looking cars there, but to be honest, that’s not what its all about. It’s more to do with walking Tommy in a crowded area with lots of unfamiliar smells and noises. People stopping in front of him so he pays more attention to where he’s going than to the floor. Me setting a very slow pace looking round all the cars so he focuses on where I’m going. Accepting some children will want to stroke and pet him and letting them (I always make sure they do not lean over him as he hates that, and they don’t stay stroking for too long as it makes him nervous. If he’s good with them and there parents let him, then I’ll get them give him a bit of garlic sausage). When we started to head back, there were some motorcyclists revving up by the zebra crossing. Then one back fired and kept doing so. Tommy was not impressed and the flight thing happened that I hadn’t experienced since November. He pulled me up that hill and didn’t really calm down until we got to the little park. It was a shame to end the day on such a scary note. We’d had an (almost) pleasant 2½ hours.
We waited at the bus stop; Tommy had a small wag going on and enjoyed sniffing the air. There were other people waiting and you could see them smiling at Tommy. The bus pulled in and Tommy got very excited. His tail was wagging more as we walked towards the door. I had to hold him back to let the other passengers on! He is so rude… The bus was quite busy but we found somewhere to stand, near the front amongst the older ladies and their shopping trolleys. Tommy was enjoying the smells and the fuss. I made sure he stayed close and was sitting, focusing on me when the bus stopped – this ensures he’s not startled or scared by the people getting on and off. We got off our 3 stops later and was off to the park. It was quite busy, with a couple of groups having picnics, so he stayed on lead for a lot of the time. We did have an off lead romp round by the wildlife garden and I threw some sticks for him (forgot his tennis ball). He got stuck on a smell at the bridge so I carried on walking. What I didn’t realise was there was an event going on on the football pitches, so I headed towards the priory rather than round that field. When Tommy finished with his smell he went running towards the field and try as I might to call him, he couldn’t see me so off he went up the field into the crowd. I kept calling him so he came charging back again. Even though I was waving my arms like a mad woman, he still couldn’t spot me so off he went again into the crowd. Nothing else for it, off I go to stop him panicking. When he spotted me his whole body language changed to the ‘there’s my mom, must dash’ – ears fully back, full sprint towards me, little jump when he arrives and then sitting for his treat. He went back on lead then and we left the park to catch the bus back home. He laid down on the way back, in the sun. The people boarding and leaving the bus didn’t distract him…he was tired. Ah bless.
On Sunday there was a classic car show along the seafront, excellent dog socialisation. We set off at about 3:00 and headed towards the Seaways car park, about ¾ hour walk away. It was a nice day for walking, quite warm but with a breeze. When we got there it was full of Fords! Not quite the classic show I was expecting so we walked along the seafront towards Westcliff. It must be around somewhere! We enjoyed the walk. Tommy wanted to go on the beach, but he’s not allowed this time of year so he had to make do with play bowing the beach and stealing chips at every available opportunity. We stopped at Adventure Island for a while. Tommy likes to smell the people going on the rides (is it the adrenaline he can smell?) and then play bowing the rides! He’s so funny. We stayed there for about 10 minutes watching the rides and the people and then carried on. Dropped melted ice cream, saying hello to a few dogs and a very wary walk on one of the wooden quays later, we find the car show. Up the other end of the seafront, by the cliffs, about a 15-20 minute walk from the house rather than the hour and half walk it had taken us! There was some lovely looking cars there, but to be honest, that’s not what its all about. It’s more to do with walking Tommy in a crowded area with lots of unfamiliar smells and noises. People stopping in front of him so he pays more attention to where he’s going than to the floor. Me setting a very slow pace looking round all the cars so he focuses on where I’m going. Accepting some children will want to stroke and pet him and letting them (I always make sure they do not lean over him as he hates that, and they don’t stay stroking for too long as it makes him nervous. If he’s good with them and there parents let him, then I’ll get them give him a bit of garlic sausage). When we started to head back, there were some motorcyclists revving up by the zebra crossing. Then one back fired and kept doing so. Tommy was not impressed and the flight thing happened that I hadn’t experienced since November. He pulled me up that hill and didn’t really calm down until we got to the little park. It was a shame to end the day on such a scary note. We’d had an (almost) pleasant 2½ hours.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Writtle Fete
It was the Writtle Fete last Saturday and Duke and Tommy were both entering the Dog Show. It was a fun (!) event with silly categories such as ‘dog most like its owner’ ‘waggiest tail’ ‘prettiest bitch’, well, you get the idea.
The competition was on between Tommy and Duke, both of them entering the same 4 categories, with very little chance of either of them winning. Dad kept saying ‘come on Tommy, we need a win’, my sister then piped up ‘oi! What about Duke?’ Dad then said ‘come on Duke, we need second place too’. Tommy won nothing! Duke came 4th in the ‘dog that the judge would most like to take home’; this was after he’d snotted all over the judges’ glasses. Dad said it was a fix and they didn’t want us ‘out of towners’ winning…
It was still a good day. We loafed around the green for a while and settled in some shade for all our sakes. Tommy and I soon had to move as it was next to a stall handing out balloons! He kept play bowing and trying to get them off of the children. He enjoyed watching the Morris Dancers, his tail didn’t stop wagging. Tommy had lots of fuss from Sarah’s girls and we all went back to Maggie’s for the afternoon of lying around. Tommy obviously barked ferociously at the cats, but was very good with everyone else letting them stroke and pet him. He followed the girls around, he’d worked out they are the most likely to drop food! Duke just sulked in his kennel. He’d been got by the water pistols and wasn’t too impressed. Tommy enjoyed them at all in that heat – he was trying to catch the spray!
The competition was on between Tommy and Duke, both of them entering the same 4 categories, with very little chance of either of them winning. Dad kept saying ‘come on Tommy, we need a win’, my sister then piped up ‘oi! What about Duke?’ Dad then said ‘come on Duke, we need second place too’. Tommy won nothing! Duke came 4th in the ‘dog that the judge would most like to take home’; this was after he’d snotted all over the judges’ glasses. Dad said it was a fix and they didn’t want us ‘out of towners’ winning…
It was still a good day. We loafed around the green for a while and settled in some shade for all our sakes. Tommy and I soon had to move as it was next to a stall handing out balloons! He kept play bowing and trying to get them off of the children. He enjoyed watching the Morris Dancers, his tail didn’t stop wagging. Tommy had lots of fuss from Sarah’s girls and we all went back to Maggie’s for the afternoon of lying around. Tommy obviously barked ferociously at the cats, but was very good with everyone else letting them stroke and pet him. He followed the girls around, he’d worked out they are the most likely to drop food! Duke just sulked in his kennel. He’d been got by the water pistols and wasn’t too impressed. Tommy enjoyed them at all in that heat – he was trying to catch the spray!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Good Citizen Bronze Award
Tommy had his exam today for the Good Citizen Bronze Award. It was a very nervous day for me, the other dog owners and Pam the dog trainer. We were given our numbers which we had to pin to on. This piece of paper flapping around really got Tommy excited, or was my nerves moving down the lead and he could sense it? Either way, play bowing, lead biting, jumping around and all the other ‘normal’ JRT behaviour were being shown! Luckily, the examiner was late so Tommy managed to calm down…just a bit!
It was a bit overcast (typically) this day, so I knew the down – stay for one minute would be the hardest, followed by the gate.
We all done our heelwork easily and the gate exercise didn’t cause a problem like it had the previous couple of weeks (walk towards the gate, dog to sit, open gate, dog to wait, you walk through gate, call dog and ask to sit and wait while you shut the gate). The walking round in a circle and into the middle caused a bit of a stir with a couple of dogs, but nothing of note really. Tommy’s recall at training has always been excellent (no idea why, it’s rubbish elsewhere) and today was no exception. We all returned to our mats for grooming (does your dog roll on its back? Try and keep him on his front!) and then collar, id tags and poo bag inspection (‘that’s a small bag’ the examiner said to me, ‘he does small poo’s’ was my response!).
Then the time was upon us, 1 minute down stay… Pam was so nervous she couldn’t look (bless her). 15 seconds gone and all was well. 30 seconds and Tommy looked quite chilled. 45 seconds and yes, he had a scratch, then he found a blade of grass and then I had to return to him to put him back in the stay. He had failed…
I felt a bit rubbish about it, but there were 4 other fails in the class, and considering he didn’t even know how to walk on lead let alone sit nine months ago, I thought he done quite well. Shame the sun wasn’t brighter, because then he can be hard to move let alone a one minute stay! We’ll try again next year, hopefully completing the silver on the same day.
It was a bit overcast (typically) this day, so I knew the down – stay for one minute would be the hardest, followed by the gate.
We all done our heelwork easily and the gate exercise didn’t cause a problem like it had the previous couple of weeks (walk towards the gate, dog to sit, open gate, dog to wait, you walk through gate, call dog and ask to sit and wait while you shut the gate). The walking round in a circle and into the middle caused a bit of a stir with a couple of dogs, but nothing of note really. Tommy’s recall at training has always been excellent (no idea why, it’s rubbish elsewhere) and today was no exception. We all returned to our mats for grooming (does your dog roll on its back? Try and keep him on his front!) and then collar, id tags and poo bag inspection (‘that’s a small bag’ the examiner said to me, ‘he does small poo’s’ was my response!).
Then the time was upon us, 1 minute down stay… Pam was so nervous she couldn’t look (bless her). 15 seconds gone and all was well. 30 seconds and Tommy looked quite chilled. 45 seconds and yes, he had a scratch, then he found a blade of grass and then I had to return to him to put him back in the stay. He had failed…
I felt a bit rubbish about it, but there were 4 other fails in the class, and considering he didn’t even know how to walk on lead let alone sit nine months ago, I thought he done quite well. Shame the sun wasn’t brighter, because then he can be hard to move let alone a one minute stay! We’ll try again next year, hopefully completing the silver on the same day.
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