Beyond Adolescence and General Chit Chat - part 3

[SpanielsGalore]

Not tagging anyone. I'm sure you'll all find your way here if you want to join in. 😁

Generally, in Denmark most places require dogs to be on a lead. There are dedicated areas however, where dogs can be off lead (but still under control), known as dog forests. They're of varying quality and size, often fenced but not always, sometimes they have agility equipment. Some are only small, a similar size to a dog rental paddock you might see in the UK, others are much bigger. The one we were in today has a small stream, woods and an open heathland area. It's probably around 1.5 km if you walk the perimeter but you can zigzag about a bit and do a decent hour walk with a bit of playing/retrieving. They're free to use but we're often the only ones there.

@Silverbirchleaf they probably are. Us Kent types are very rough although I never experience anything like it in Norfolk so there must be a 'being near a major city' aspect to it!?

Ohh Merry is such a cutie with her moving so the side - what a good girl. Mine do that, but it took ages to really get them to get it and ignore people. They had a tendency to stare people down as they approached in a very 'you SHALL pat me' manner.

It's definitely an age thing there, I think. Although I have very minimal Collie experience, Goldens are very similar in wanting to play all the time and presenting toys. I found Twatdog really stopped pestering about 18 months although he still does nudge me with a toy sometimes when he really wants attention. I found engaging with him, but not the toy to work - so scratching his ears, rubbing his head so he knows he can get attention (and I can still focus on work) but he won't get a game.

@tizwozliz lovely to hear from you! It had been a while since your (fantastic) photos I was getting a bit worried! I see big and little pup are still as photogenic as ever. How long will you be there for? I'm quite jealous with your travel to Denmark so often - it's so beautiful. I did a lot of engagement with the Danes a few jobs ago, and they were so so lovely (I probably shouldn't say it, but they are my favourite of all the Europeans).

@Goldenspanners venting welcome!!! We're all very good listeners. What breed is dog (girl and boy?) and of course we'd all welcome an obligatory photo. I'm assuming from the name...possibly a golden coloured spaniel? My mother calls her spaniel a 'spanner', although you could just really love spanners

I should also say, I do love the dog I refer to as Twatdog. He was just a massive dick when he was a teenager and the name has stuck. He's 3 now, so starting to grow up, but now I have to deal with his nefarious sister (nearly 8 months) instead. So I'll be back in the trenches of teenage behaviour soon. 🙄

@TheHungryHungryLandsharks Good for you! I hope it was a suitably rude word. Poor TD not being allowed to have fun just because he's a grown up. I am annoyed on TD's behalf. I love seeing dogs running around playing.
I had a man once fuss P, but tell my sprocker he wasn't going to fuss him because he was too old. He was only 2. FFS

I have a Ford Kuga. I think it has a big tank. Diesel was £1.62 on Tuesday. It's now jumped up to £1.75.

@VanGoSunflowers What a dickhead comment. His bloody son's labrador is probably 10 years old. Or too fat to move. I think lying calmly for 15 minutes is brilliant. Good boy, Pablo.
Why do people feel the need to comment on things that are none of their business?

I hope you have had a good week off, despite the arseholes.

@Goldenspanners We did have an adolescent support thread, but it hasn't been posted on since December. To be honest, most of the people on that thread are the same posters as this thread, so you may as well stick around here. Especially as I am assuming you have a spaniel. We were dominating, but the lab owners have taken over.

Here's the other thread if you want a browse.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/the_doghouse/5391621-our-cosmic-autumn-rebellion-adolescent-support-group?page=37

@Bupster No experience of chemical castration I'm afraid. I've had all my males neutered.

I did wonder how you got away with white bedding. 😂

Well, nobhead has had the implant. He was a very brave boy and only needed an entire tube of turkey paste to distract him. I'll post updates if and when there are any changes.

Meanwhile my lovely, demented new dog-sitter, who is all of four foot tall and speaks so quietly that Bill fell asleep the first time he met her, not only VOLUNTEERS to take my lunatic to the Common for two hours, but today sent this photo - and she's coming back 😄(marked as a sensitive image for anyone who is particularly fond of mice)

@Struckbylightning so glad you and Merry are getting on so well!

Hi @Goldenspanners 👋

Thanks @TheHungryHungryLandsharks & @SpanielsGalore it reminded me of why I walk him at quiet times of the day! I’m making a point of trying to train him to have on off switch in those places, even though I don’t go to busy places often I want to at least have the option of bringing him should the need arise if it’s possible. I think he’s doing well personally. He’s bit a more clingier than normal the past few days, I’m putting it down to teenage confusion and wanting to stay close ❤️

@Bupster really interested to see how Bill gets on with the implant!

Oh and 3 monthly weight in at the vets, he is now 29kgs!

Thanks for the welcome everyone.

Is she a Golden cocker - show and she's 8 months and within the last week it's like she's forgotten everything and has become deaf 🤣 she's always been excellent off her lead but she's just not listening and she's pulling like a train when she's on it. We have had a couple of evening walks where she's been jumpy and seems nervous which is also new..

I know she's only a baby still really....and she's not my first dog but I do think you forget these parts or at least I do..

@Goldenspanners I think I joined these threads when my youngest turned deaf at 8 months old. 😂 She's 18 months old on Saturday and is mostly good now, as long as we don't see any deer.
I found changing direction and calling 'this way' was much more effective at that age than trying to recall her.

I messed up on yesterday's walks. Ì wore my dry robe to walk P around the village block and was sweltering. So I swapped to my lighter coat to walk K. We started in sleet, then got hailed on and ended in snow.

I also messed up by putting K in the cage in the boot, as I needed to pop into a shop and she sets off the car alarm. When we got to the woods, she was trembling. Today she has whined whilst sitting on the back seat. And not the excited 'I can see the sea' whine. I'm hoping I haven't made her afraid of the car too.

Today was P's 6 week check. The X-rays showed the bone hasn't completely healed yet, so she has to do another 4 weeks of crate rest. But she is allowed 4 x 10 minutes walks, so hopefully that will help her be more settled.
Poor thing was still pretty out of it when I collected her. It made the journey less stressful for her. But she somehow managed to wee all over herself, so needed a wash down when we got home.

@Goldenspanners you may be putting the balance on this thread back in favour of spaniels rather than labs 😂 (I have an 11 month old working line lab male called Pablo) he is my first dog, so I am learning as I go and although I do think he is a smashing dog, nothing could prepare me for how hard work it’s all been - rewarding too but still so tough! It’s lucky that all my friends are dog people because I feel like he is all I talk about 😂

@SpanielsGalore I use your suggestion of ‘this way’ quite a lot and can confirm it works! Poor P, I hope she bounces back fast and heals quickly. I almost thought I could hang up my dry robe for winter but mine came out again yesterday!

@VanGoSunflowers I don't want to worry you and it may just be teenage hormones with Pablo, but when P becomes clingy it is a sign of pain. Just something to bear in mind.
(Sorry. I can't think of anyway to say that without making you as paranoid as me.)

A tractor has been ploughing behind the house, and all the seagulls are busy following. Better than TV

@SpanielsGalore I can confirm it was a very rude word - no one is rude about my Twatdog. I am the only one who can insult or criticise him. 😁

I know it's probably completely irrational, but I get really angry if people ignore my older dogs and focus on the younger ones?! I don't know if you feel the same way about N or if it's just me? I mean, Hen and Clem probably wouldn't say hi anyway...but that's not the point. Equal fusses and compliments for the old timers.

Ah! If it's Diesel that makes sense - mine has a bigger tank, but it's petrol so cheaper to fill.

Poor P with her accident and the extra crate rest, but at least she gets more walks which will cheer her up! She really is such a sensitive soul. I'm sure K will be alright! It was only one incident and she's a robust little thing really.

@Bupster I see Bill is up to his tricks again. He must be such a speedy thing though to be able to catch them so quickly. I have to say it took me a while to even notice the mouse as I was so focussed on the silky ears and how bright his eyes are. Such a healthy dog 😍Keep us updated on the implant!

@VanGoSunflowers oh poor Pablo. I do agree with Spaniels though...if he's being extra clingy, worth making sure there's nothing else going on by watching him carefully. Boy dogs do seem to be particularly sensitive though...at least from my very limited experience of Twatdog.

Give his age, I imagine he might have another kg or two to go as he fills out a bit? He's still very 'gangly' (in the nicest possible way!)

@Goldenspanners Ohhh I do love spaniels! Feel free to share a picture so we can all coo.

Eight months is prime nob and second fear age. I agree with Spaniels about 'this way' and changing direction as they're still young enough that they do worry about being left (they're just arrogant enough to think that no one would leave them...hence the selective deafness). And on the nervousness, it really depends - I ignore it in my dogs, as I've found that ignoring them being dramatic is the best choice as they realise I'm not fussed so get over it. But Spaniels are much smarter than Golden Retrievers - at least in the 'savvy' sense.

@tizwozliz beautiful photos as always!

In news my end. Dogs are all great. But DH has man-flu so he spent last night in the spare bedroom. I didn't know whether to laugh or pity him when none of the dogs joined him. I think he thought he might get some company and some love as he's not well (when I was ill they all followed me about like little lambs. But instead they just spread out across his side of the bed and looked rather pleased with themselves. 😂

@tizwozliz bird watching is Rory’s favourite pass time!

Hi all...I tried the 'this way' approach this morning and we had a fab walk mostly off lead and it seemed to keep her on her toes. I can't complain really, she's a good girl really and has been a very easy puppy. I did say to my husband this morning maybe it's time to look at more breed specific training...she's got no interest in retrieving but loves sniffing. I've added some pictures xx

@TheHungryHungryLandsharks I would totally fuss your older dogs. A particular favourite of mine is oldie labs with their grizzled muzzles, I always think they look very distinguished!
@Goldenspanners what a cutie! 🥰
I also use @SpanielsGalore‘s ‘this way!’ trick quite often. It has saved many moments of panic. Notably the famous ‘nappy incident’ when I looked down and realised Merry was holding a (used) nappy. When I tried to get it off her she slipped her harness and legged it across the pitch dark park. Instead of chasing her I yelled ‘this way’ and ran behind the pavilion. I came very close to murdering her that night!

@Struckbylightning they definitely like to keep us on our toes!

@TheHungryHungryLandsharks - we're here for just under 3 weeks but I'm still working so not a holiday as such.

My favourite Dane took this photo today :-)

She is absolutely gorgeous!! I have a working cocker and he was an absolute nightmare puppy and teenager but we’re coming out the other side now he’s 21 months. If she loves to sniff you could do some hunting games with her or maybe look at scent work classes if you have any close by.

Is it @tizwozliz who does maintrailing? or someone else (sorry if it is!!). That’s very impressive for dogs with good noses.

Beautiful. I am always impressed how well they cope travelling for such a long time!

@SpanielsGalore sorry to hear she’s having to be on crate rest a bit longer. At least she gets the extra breaks which might make it a bit more bearable for you both?

i just accidentally dropped a small piece of corn on the cob when I was emptying a plate into the bin and V snatched it and wolfed it down. No idea if he chewed or not but I assume not much. It was only small about 2 inches long a most (1/4 size of those smallish corn on the cobs you can buy in packs of 2 or 4). Should I be panicking?! Google is saying I should be but I’m not sure!!

Ignore above I’m taking him to the emergency vets to be made sick to the tune of £500!

@YorkshireFelix Oh bugger. Hope V is OK and pukes it all up. I think I'd be doing the same, as I bet he swallowed it whole and didn't waste any time chewing.
Here's hoping the insurance covers it too.

@SpanielsGaloreim here now sat in the waiting room. I’m usually a ‘wait and see how he is’ kind of person but I randomly read about corn husks being really dangerous ages ago and it stuck with me. I just said to the vet it’s the first time we’ve had to do this so we’re doing quite well really considering what he’s like with food 😄

@Goldenspanners Glad you had a good walk this morning (yesterday). I've signed up my youngest for a gundog course next month, as I felt she needed more stimulation. She shows no interest in retrieving either, so it doesn't bode well.

@TheHungryHungryLandsharks Poor, lonely DH. He'll have to wait a few years and bribe a puppy to love him the most.

N isn't really interested in people and being fussed. But she can spot someone holding a chuckitt from 100 metres away and mug them for it. P thinks people are on this planet to adore her. And K can take them or leave them, depending on what scents are around.