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
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
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!
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!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
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...
Monday, March 07, 2011
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.
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.
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