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Where the Wild Things Are

938 replies

barbarianoftheuniverse · 23/02/2014 17:02

I have an eight month old Border Collie called Meg. She is far from perfect (and so am I).
Today she has been about 60/40 good. The 40 included chewing up my camera memory card which DH is sure he put safely on the mantelpiece. Every time I look down at this screen she takes a quick munch of the coffee table with her eyes on mine. This despite a 2 hour walk which included much in and out of streams.

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fanoftheinvisibleman · 01/04/2014 22:16

Lovely pic basil.

I'm potentially outing myself here if anyone rl lurking but I guess I have given enough away already to do that! I have a colleague who has returned to work this week with a beautiful new guide dog. She is only 2 and oh my goodness, she is just so good. I cannot even imagine how you get there! She was good as gold laid under her desk all day, but basking in the attention when she was invited out for some fuss and attention. Lots of people wanting to meet her and she behaved beautifully, waiting until invited by her owner then slinking out into a patient watch and wait, then a full body wag and leg wrap when told its okay Grin Amazing girl Smile

NCISaddict · 02/04/2014 09:06

My baby boy is nearly all grown up. The training seems to have finally clicked and he does a nearly perfect distance down and wait while joggers/cyclists go by which makes walking much more enjoyable.

Where the Wild Things Are
mintchocchick · 03/04/2014 17:11

NCIS - I'm impressed with down and wait at a distance, that's fabulous control and a lovely dog. I don't think it's worth me attempting that as too much excitement/not enough control!

Does anyone think dogs become better able to wait for longer to have their needs met like children do? You know how with toddlers you can stretch the time they cope with waiting very gradually as part of their socialising? And you increase your expectations of what they should be able to cope with? Well minty is not showing signs of this ability at all and it's stressing me out a bit as I think I'm treating him like a toddler and expect him to improve! So if he's happily pottering in garden with back door shut and I'm upstairs, he'll scratch at door when he wants to come in. I don't leap downstairs now like I used to and sometimes I'm two flights up in middle of a laundry sorting job so I make him wait. But the scratching at door gets worse and worse and maybe I'm expecting him to develop this ability whereas actually I need to train him in some way to get used to waiting to have his needs met. Does that make sense? I found child rearing quite intuitive whereas I'm all at sea with a dog!

NCISaddict · 03/04/2014 17:32

I've been working on making Finn wait for things which is easier now he doesn't wee/poo in the house. If he barks to go out I can now work out which is his 'I need a wee bark' and which is 'I want to go and dig in the flower beds ' bark. I think the waiting to come in takes longer, if he's indoors he goes off to find a toy whereas I'm loathe to leave him outside as the devil finds work for idle paws and I quite like my plants. Grin

We've had to nail the distance down and wait as, being a collie, he wants to round up joggers and bikes which is not appreciated unsurprisingly.

moosemama · 03/04/2014 18:28

NCIS that's fantastic. Pip does a wait, but hasn't mastered the instant down as easily as Lurcherboy did, although he doesn't generally like the 'down' position, I assume it's something to do with him having such a looong back.

Mint I do think the ability to cope with not having instant gratification/attention does come with maturity to some extent and you have to remember that Minty, being a large breed, is still very young.

That said I do think it can be helped along by teaching impulse control. Things like waiting to be invited through a door, waiting to access their food bowl at mealtimes, sitting quietly waiting for you to throw a toy and exercises like 'leave it' are invaluable for helping them understand that good things come to those that wait, iyswim. Ultimately it's the level of impulse control a dog has that dictates how well mannered they are (in terms of fitting in with human society). Some dogs get it sooner than others and it generally takes longer with slower to mature breeds, although obviously personality type has an impact as well, as do general breed traits. (eg Boxers are often not good on impulse control due to their general exuberance and love of life - but they can and do learn it.)

Pip will automatically back-up, sit and wait until released to go through both the internal and external back doors, sit and wait nicely for food/treats/toys etc, but also still scratches at the back door. I have been working on it by getting him to sit and wait outside before I will allow him inside - something he particularly objects to if the ground is wet or cold. Grin Problem is, the daft mutt is usually happy to spend hours outside ... until he hears a dog in the park, then he legs it back to the house all of a dither and tries to get inside to hide. Hmm Grin So when he's in a panic, he will desperately scratch the door. Doesn't help that it's a push door and very often the dcs don't flick the latch when he goes out, so he get's intermittently reinforced by the darned thing springing open every now and again. Hmm

NCISaddict · 03/04/2014 19:05

Just discovered that Finn is one step ahead of me again, if he sees another person on the same path as us he looks at me, drops into a down and waits until I say ok, I haven't tested him on a bike or jogger yet though, I've always commanded him to go down before he has a chance to get interested in them. Wish I had a runner friend to try him with.

Lead walking is still a little bit of a problem although better than it was, to be fair we do most of the walks off lead, we will get there though, walking him is such a pleasure now, also so much nicer with light evenings.

We have always done the wait before going through doors and getting out of the car, my old trainer said that wait and leave were the two commands that could save your dogs life.

moosemama · 03/04/2014 19:31

I wholeheartedly agree with your old trainer. Wait, leave and instant down are my top three most important cues. I really need to pull my finger out and improve Pip's instant down, Lurcherboy had it down pat by this age.

I've been working on getting Pip to look at me when he sees another dog on the horizon. He tends to be fine with dogs that approach nicely up close, but gets stressed when he sees dogs a long way off. I think it came out of those times when he was first allowed out and we were ambushed several times in a row by dogs flying over and jumping on my two from the other side of the park. It took a while to stop him fixating on the other dog, then I was able to break his focus and cue him to look at me and now he's regularly noticing other dogs, then instantly looking up at my face. I find it really helps keep his anxiety at manageable levels.

needastrongone · 03/04/2014 21:25

Evening Smile

Agree, impulse control and manners were the first things we taught both our dogs. Lot's of waits and leave it's and watch me etc.

Currently clicker training the dogs to lick their lips on cue. It's a work in progress I will admit... I have two little snakes looking for bits of cheese or liver but the light bulb moment isn't quite there yet.

However.... Harry was amazing at agility tonight. It just clicked tonight. Even the trainer said 'he's going to be really good at this you know...'. The control and focus me all the time has reaped dividends. Tonight, in a room full of dogs, noise everywhere, he sat quietly, jumped four jumps in a right hand curve then went through a massive tunnel, 4 times, with no mistakes. This is very basic stuff, but he kind of understood tonight iyswim?

NCISaddict - if it helps, Harry was a bugger on the lead, despite best efforts, lots of heel and positive training to stop it. Just lately, only in the last month or so (he's 18 months), he now just walks quietly by my side, not sure if it's maturity or what. He now only pulls is he is desperate for a poo Smile It's such a pleasure. Like you, he is hardly ever onlead, but he really did pull my back quite a bit, despite being only 15/16kg.

moosemama · 04/04/2014 16:53

Well done Harry! Grin

needa have you seen the CBBC Meet the Pups programme. I've just started a thread about it and already been shot down in flames, but it is very cute and it's about a litter of Springer pups, so thought you might like to see it. Smile

fanoftheinvisibleman · 04/04/2014 17:19

I briefly saw a little of meet the pups but not enough to pay any attention as it was when dropping DS and Maz at my mums on way to work. They were cute though.

I'm afraid impulse control has never been a strong point with Maz. I know that they are not all the same and that it is do able but it is a constant battle against that terrier nature...independent little beggars! I know it can be done but it is haaard Blush They always look like they are scanning their surroundings for a potential escapade to involve themselves in.

That said, we met out dog buddies this morn and there were various distractions in the park and despite seeing them and pausing to consider, enthusiastic CBBC style screeching and copious treats kept him off lead and with me Smile

His favourite buddy in the world (another BT) was there too for the firt time in ages and they had the time of their lives. He has been asleep for 6 hours ever since!

basildonbond · 06/04/2014 20:30

Oh dear - my sis dog-sitting isn't going too well so far ....

He's not settling and is into everything - has already chewed a couple of things and "he doesn't seem to understand 'no'"

And I've realised that we don't ever say no to him so he wouldn't!

I just hope he doesn't chew anything really important/dangerous/ valuable - at home we've puppy-proofed anywhere he's left by himself - eek ...

mintchocchick · 06/04/2014 21:01

Hi BB - is she dog sitting in her house? Maybe the change in environment whether her house or yours with her there, is causing stress hence the chewing. In which case it will probably die down quickly, maybe have settled in next 24hrs.

Hope you can relax and enjoy your break!

We're working on lots of waits and encouraging patience - your suggestions and advice was all much appreciated.

moosemama · 07/04/2014 09:24

Oh dear. He will probably settle into it. Remember, even the cues he totally solid on at home won't have been proofed in that environment, being given by someone he's not used to telling him what to do, so it's bound to take a bit of adjustment. Hope he settles in soon and you can enjoy your break without fretting.

Pip has had a bad stomach this weekend. Still his usual 200 mph loopy lurcherness, so we didn't bother with the vet, just withheld food for 12 hours then had him on white fish and chicken for 48 hours and he seems fine again this morning. Did err of the side of caution by putting him in the car, rather than giving him a kong when I did the school run though. Think I'll do the same for the rest of today and tomorrow, as that's when my new syringe of probiotics arrives for him.

Not sure what caused it, could be the fact that he's developed a penchant for eating all manner of digustingness he finds in the garden - usually decaying leaves and clumps of grass he's kicked up earlier. Hmm Could have something to do with his kennel cough vaccination though, as he has that on Wednesday evening and started to be a bit loose on Thursday. I've never heard of it causing stomach problems before though.

basildonbond · 07/04/2014 20:05

Poor little thing has been literally homesick - threw up several times overnight - finally settled in bed with my sister at 4:30 (don't think my bil is too impressed ...)

She went to pick up his crate from home today and he virtually threw himself into it so obviously all the unfamiliarity has been a bit too much for him

Feeling really guilty now :(

I hope Pip's ok now

moosemama · 07/04/2014 20:28

Aw poor Fitz. Sad I know it's hard but it has to be done. What if you had a sudden hospital admission or were stuck somewhere and not able to get back to him, he needs to be able to cope with being with other people and staying away from you. It's bound to be hard at first, but he will get used to it.

Your sister sounds lovely. I wish I had someone who would be willing to take my homesick pup into their bed with them.

Pip is much better thanks. He's a bit peeved that he's effectively on short rations, as he's missed out on his school run kongs today, but he'll live. Grin

Ds1 on the other hand has the most vile coldey/fluey/throaty thing. Poor lad broke up from school on Friday, has an extra week's holiday compared to his siblings, his birthday this Thursday and he's really poorly, bless him. Dog walks were suspended until dh came home this evening, as poor old ds nearly keeled over picking ds2 and dd up from school and that only takes 15 minutes max. Sad

needastrongone · 07/04/2014 20:57

Must be in the air, as Harry has been a bit re, loose these last few days.

Hope you are all ok. Poor Fitz, but your sister sounds remarkably kind. The crate will help I am sure. It will be a sfae haven.

Moose - both of mine have had kennel cough vaccinations and have not suffered noticeably.

I haven't seen the CBBC programme, I wish that I had time to, but I can't remember the last time I watched TV, apart from a recording of HIGNFY from Friday evening.

Been doing pony related activites all weekend, but the equine world is so dog friendly, the dogs just get chucked in the car/lorry, and off they go.

I would recommend equine events for socialising puppies, as usually, at the bigger events, there's some for of agility or obedience too, and hence thousands of dogs walking round.

I got two really thick leads for the dogs for £4 each and a little harness for Hector, as he's pulling a touch and I need to work on the walking loosely on leash, great value. Always misplacing leads and would be good to have a spare in the car.

moosemama · 09/04/2014 15:36

Pip's done it again.

He was having a looney tunes moment in the park, running between myself and ds1, while I had Lurcherboy on lead. Then he did his usual, came running full pelt, didn't apply his brakes in time, then skidded sideways to a halt, across the cycle-path, landing in a crumpled heap and skinning two paws in the process. Hmm

Nothing too deep, no need for the vets, but they do look sore. Hmm I've cleaned them up with hibiscrub and would prefer to leave them to the air to dry out if I can, but if he doesn't stop fussing at them I'll have to bandage them up.

Honestly he's only recently been allowed off lead again after his shoulder injury. He's a walking accident that dog!

fanoftheinvisibleman · 09/04/2014 17:33

Ahh poor Pip. He does seem to be a little accident prone!

Maz is utterly worn out today. My friend has just got a new (to her) pushchair and asked if she could join us on a long walk to give it a good roadtest. We did go at a steady pace as at a few points Maz and her toddler were off track exploring but we were out for 2 1/2 hours plus. We ended up walking through the park and a series of tracks and then detouring to pets at home where Maz was treated to a new collar. They have a slightly funkier range in now and Maz is bow sporting a goth dog look. Grin

We left Maz asleep and snook off for a pub lunch then. Smile

moosemama · 09/04/2014 17:51

It's all down to his faulty brakes - not great having a faulty braking system when you can move as fast as he can. Hmm Well, that and the fact that he's like a gangly teenager that isn't quite in full control of his body.

I remember when we were first thinking about adopting him, his fosterer was worried because he seemed to be walking strangely and not quite in full control of all four legs. Turns out it's quite common in Lurcher pups - think Bambi learning to walk/run and you'll be along the right lines. He seems to be having a resurgence of that gawky, legs akimbo stage as he goes through adolescence. Grin

Sounds like a lovely walk. I really wanted to do a long one today, but ds1 wasn't up to it. Can't see me getting one tomorrow either, as it's ds1's birthday and he's getting a minecraft server so will require surgical removal from his laptop once he's started it up

Collar sounds funky. I am thinking about getting a new one for Pip. I love the design of his, but due to the shape of his neck it slides up and down, twizzles around and when he shakes his head he clonks himself in the ears and bruises himself (daft Saluki/Lurcher peachy thin skin) with his tags and the snazzy chrome clasp. Nothing for it, I'm going to have to invest in a gorgeous sighthound wide fabric collar. Problem is I can't choose, they're all so beautiful!

fanoftheinvisibleman · 10/04/2014 11:31

I thought about Pip this morning...I was nearly bowled over by a lovely golden retriever pup who had braking problems Grin She was so excited to be playing with a group of dogs she forgot to stop and just careered around like a pinball!

Maz has had the best walk ever today. We met up with his best bud and twinalike and let them border box their way around the fields for an hour. They were full tilt running the whole time and he is absolutely jiggered again now!

moosemama · 10/04/2014 13:30

Grin Yep that sounds just like Pip, only he can move faster! Shock

Sounds like a fantastic walk for Maz. I love it when they can just stay off-lead and have a blast doing what they love to do best.

I have had two lovely walks today, as it's ds1's birthday, so dh took the morning off and I was able to walk them separately while he helped ds set up his new Minecraft server.

Hate to admit it, but it's so much easier and more pleasant walking them individually at the moment. Both lapped up the 1:1, both had bang-on recall I had a spare hand! Grin They are now spreadeagled across the living room floor snoring with contentment and stinking of garlic sausage! Grin

Pip hid behind me when an elderly gentleman and his lovely gentle Westie came to say hello. There was this little white ball of fluff, wagging her tail at a pair of eyes and pointy noise just inching themselves round from behind my knees. Grin It was perfect actually, because she just stood there giving off lovely friendly signals, but didn't approach him or do anything pushy. He did come out from behind my legs eventually, but still wasn't sure he wanted to approach her, which seemed mutually acceptable. Smile So much calmer and better for him than when I have both dogs and Lurcherboy is desperate to say hello, which ramps up the excitement and puts Pip on edge.

Yesterday we met yet another tiny Cockerpoo puppy, It could only just have been allowed out after injections it was so tiny. I was walking both of mine out of the park on-lead and the owner just let this teeny little bundle of fur career straight up to them like a miniature tazmanian devil. It's a good job neither of mine are aggressive, because it would only have been a mouthful if they were. Lurcherboy said an enthusiastic hello and Pip looked keen but chose not to approach, then pup decided ds1 was the best bet for scamming a treat and chose to climb up him instead. Poor pup, it won't be long till it has a bad experience in that particularly park if it's owners don't stop allowing it to approach every dog it sees. Sad

Think I might see if I can manage to take Lurcherboy in the morning before dh goes to work and walk Pip separately later, then do a shorter joint one in the afternoon. That way they both get some 1:1 attention and training and hopefully their behaviour when walked together will improve. They're not badly behaved, but they do get over-excited recently, when I walk them together on my own.

We also popped to a local farm-shop cafe early on to buy dh a milkshake and cake. Sun was out and we had the dogs with us, but luckily it's a quiet enough place for us to leave the boot up, with the dogs locked in the crate. They were treated to watching a field full of sheep and lambs, but the daft dogs were more intent on watching me through the cafe window. Hmm Grin There was another car parked next to us with a Cockerpoo in whose owners had done the same with their dog in a crate and the boot up and were sitting at the next table to ours by the window. Perhaps we'll start a trend. Grin

mintchocchick · 10/04/2014 22:23

Pip sounds amazing to watch on a walk!

A friend of mine has a large leggy lurcher who careered into someone, sent her flying and she broke a bone in her leg badly needing 6 weeks sick leave and was left in substantial pain. My friend felt dreadful about it and still does every time it's mentioned. Awful situation. She offered to help the other woman out with walking her dog while the woman was in pain with the fracture - many more weeks that the 6. But her offer was rejected. Unsurprisingly.

Minty tears about and i do worry about small children but thankfully we rarely see them when he's off lead.

Here's to lovely weather this weekend!!

moosemama · 10/04/2014 22:52

Mint, it's called being 'Lurchered'. It's so common that the rescue Lurcherboy came from sells tshirts that say "I've been Lurchered" on the front with a coat of arms consisting of two Lurchers facing each other and a crossed pair of crutches. There have been some really nasty injuries on that forum due to 'Lurchering', everything from broken hips and collar bones to legs shattered in several places. Shock You really do have to watch them the whole time and take evasive action if necessary.

All three of my dcs were Lurchered by Pip when he was younger/smaller. Poorm ds1 was thrown off both feet, right up in the air and landed on his face in the mud, ds2 was flung upwards and backwards, landed flat on his back and dislocated both shoulders. Thankfully being hypermobile they went straight back in - any other child would have ended up in A&E. They have all learned to stand behind me now and not even attempt running alongside. I bought ds2 one of the t-shirts, because he was the first one to catch it and I only managed to cheer him up by telling him he had become a member of a very exclusive club and in some circles you aren't considered a true Lurcher person until you've been Lurchered.

I don't tend to let him off when there are other people around for that very reason. Lurcherboy is a different matter. He's shorter, stockier and although he can shift when he wants to, has a much better braking system and stays more aware of the people around him. He's 1/4 Border Collie though and prefers to circle people than run in a straight line. Grin

fanoftheinvisibleman · 10/04/2014 23:41

Eeek at all the Lurcher injuries!

Pip would dislike Maz I'm afraid...he is that tiny cockerpoo and would bust on in whirlwind fashion if I allowed it. I do try not to put him in situations where it can happen. It is a shame as it limits his interactions to dogs he knows but that is how it has to be if you insist on.being a pain in the arse!

I am hoping to the local training class will start back up in May when the venue was due to be back up and running and we can have another go.

mintchocchick · 11/04/2014 07:55

We're back at our second stage of puppy training class and hoping they will go better than first set! DH had to go with DS2 as I was away with work and both said minty barked much less and did all his recap exercises quickly and securely.

I am hoping Mintys manner will continue to improve! Like Maz he would go charging up to Pip to play without a care in the world. However he is loads better in that if he gets an ignore /don't want to play signal, he will jolly along past happily rather than what he used to do - bark at other dogs head, play bow and paw at them. Not great but thankfully gone now. He just has to learn the slow delicate approach to saying Hi in the first place!

Now I think of it, it's ages since he's been growled at by another dog, so I think that shows he's picking up clues earlier. Does that sound right?

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