A Dog Is For Love

Dogs Sleep In The Strangest Places!

I loved these pictures from the LA Times blog of dogs taking a nap in the most unlikely places!

And this one from another source I just had to include!

A Lovely Week with Hazel and Daisy

I have had a great week with "my girls" Hazel and Daisy. We started off with a visit from dog psychologist and behaviourist Sue Cudby of www.dogconnection.co.uk. Although the dogs are getting on well together there were a few little issues I wanted some guidance about concerning the pup Daisy. She had been VERY naughty last week! I found her chewing something and on investigation it was a piece of black platic, half an inch square but now dented and pitted. I had no idea what it could be until a little later when I went to use my lap-top and six keys were missing! Oh, no the little minx - I never thought she would do that! Luckily I found five of the keys on the chair and managed to press them back in place. They are a bit wobbly now but they work. The "c" key sometimes needs pressing twice. The others she had dislodged were the "l" "x" "alt" and "@". Thank god the "@" works or I would have been impeded in sending emails. The chewed up one, beyond saving, was a key with the windows symbol that I never use, so a stroke of luck there.

Another aspect to this story is that I have since gone into my Amazon account to order a book and found things in my basket that I did not put there! Two computer games including Grand Theft Auto - something I wouldn't buy in a million years! My only explanation is that Daisy had navigated into Amazon and pressed enter a few times whilst she was dancing around on my keyboard!

Now back to Sue the dog trainer. She works on the Alpha method, helping me to become pack leader. Up to now I think Daisy was top of the pack, Hazel second, and then me - servant to both! Sue gave me some very good and simple advice that is proving effective and I feel much more in control now. I do little training sessions with them each day using rewards and a clicker. They immediately learnt the word "training" and as soon as I say "lets do training" they both sit to attention, alert and ready to start. It is really funny and I can use that phrase as an immediate distraction if Daisy is doing something unwanted and she immediately sits and looks at me waiting for the training to begin. Great stuff!

Another thing I have to do is pretend to eat the dog dinner before I put it down for them. This asserts my position as leader. So I stick my nose in the bowl and make an enthusiatic yum yum sound. Then they have their dinner.

We also took the dogs for a walk and I am working on reducing the pre-walk excitement so I can get Daisy's harness on without the usual singing and dancing around the hall. Sue's methods are working well and things are a lot calmer now.

It has been a lovely sunny week here in Norfolk and at the weekend we went for a day out in neighbouring Suffolk. We went to Oulton Broad, where people were enjoying themselves out on their boats and pleasure cruisers were running trips for visitors. We stayed on terra firma but it was lovely to enjoy the atmosphere at the waterside and the dogs enjoyed themselves in the park. Then on to the seaside village of Walberswick where I enjoyed an alfresco lunch at a pub with the wonderful whiff of the sea in the air. Dogs were welcome on the terrace at The Anchor and, whilst I left Hazel tied to the table leg when I went to place my order, Daisy yapped as soon as I left so I had to pick her up and take her with me to the bar. Something else to work on. Hazel is very laid back and I can take her anywhere. As I ate my meal, they enjoyed laying under the table in the shade with a nice bowl of water.

On Sunday we went to the Norfolk Dog Day, in aid of Help for Heroes. Apparently the event raised nearly £80,000. There were thousands of people there with their thousands of dogs! I have never seen so many dogs at once - all shapes and sizes. They were all incredibly well behaved - no fights breaking out and I hardly even heard any barking. We arrived too late to enter any competitions, which was a shame because I am absolutely certain that Daisy would have won the Waggiest Tail competition. It never stops and is sometimes just a blur it is wagging so fast! There were over 200 entrants to the Perkiest Pup competition - imagine that - all those fluffy bundles of love to drool over.

So with these lovely activities, intermingled with our usual country walks and frolics in the garden, we have all had a splendid week!

Dog Nurses Red Panda Cubs in China

On June 25th at Taiyuan Zoo in China's Shanxi province, a red panda unexpectedly gave birth to two cubs. The zoo staff hadn't realised she was pregant and, as soon as they were born, the mother abandoned them.

Keen to find a substitute mother, the zoo found that a nearby farmer's dog had recently given birth to a litter. The small white mongrel proved to be a willing candidate and took on the baby pandas with enthusiasm. The young cubs are now thriving on their new mother's milk.

Red pandas are classified as an endangered species and are native to China, Nepal and Myanmar. I saw them at Banham zoo and they are absolutely delightful. Quite shy, tree dwelling creatures, they also have the cute factor in abundance! 

Life is Wonderful with Hazel and Daisy

I am enjoying the summer with my two dogs Hazel (Golden Retriever) and our puppy Daisy (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel). The two dogs are used to each other now and are good companions.

Daisy is now 6 months old and I have had her for 4 months. Last week she was spayed and that was a worry for me. Although I knew it was a very safe procedure and was the best option for us, I felt terribly anxious that I was making this decision on her behalf and felt like a traitor when I took her to the vets with her happy face and her tail wagging.  All was well however. She had keyhole surgery which was less invasive than the traditional procedure. When I received the call from the vet's nurse to say that she was fine and I could pick her up, I put the phone down and burst into tears of relief!

After only 4 months in my life, she means so much to me and I only want the best for her. When I brought her home, she was dozy for the rest of the day and evening. So she slept peacefully and I gazed at her thinking how lovely she was and how she had such a special place in my heart now. By the next morning, she was full of beans as if nothing had happened! I was so pleased to see her looking so full of life again. The hard thing has been keeping her relatively quiet. I was told by the vet that she should have short lead walks only for 7 days and no running and jumping around. Well how do you do that? I have not let her in the garden to do her own thing but indoors she has been leaping about all over the place!

We have been going to puppy training classes at Broadland Dog Training Club, meeting at Taverham Village Hall. We attanded for 6 weeks and she passed all elements except the "down". Her way of doing this is to put her head down and stick her bottom in the air, which is apparently not acceptable. It is rather like "the dog" pose in yoga, obviously where it got it's name! We are going back for more training as it is good to mix with all the other puppies but I am not too concerned about the "down" - if that is her way of doing it, so be it!

Hazel has been the ever-tolerant, faithful friend and always shows concern for Daisy as well as putting up with her puppy antics. At least Daisy has lost her fascination for Hazel's tail, which is a relief to her!

We have had a stream of visitors coming to stay and both dogs love people so enjoy the extra human company and the inevitable fuss that people make of them. Not only that but they often bring presents and treats! Yummy!

We have been enjoying really lovely weather and went up to the coast a couple of weeks ago. Hazel had a dip in the sea but Daisy was a little perturbed by the waves so we just sat by the shore and she sniffed around the beach happily.

I love the summer and am determined to make the most of it with lots more outings for me and my beautiful dogs. Hope you are enjoying summer too!

Scuze me - I has to go potty...

Another of the cutest pictures from www.ihasahotdog.com!

 

Aaaah, what a sweetheart!

Daisy has been baptised!

My 15 week old puppy Daisy had a baptism yesterday! Well more accurately she went for her first swim - unplanned. I was skimming some weed from the garden pond, which is raised about two feet from the ground. Suddenly I saw that Daisy was up on the wall next to me then before I knew it, splosh, and she was in!

She looked panic-stricken and started to doggy paddle frantically with her head up in the air. Then I grabbed her by the collar and hauled her out. She shook her coat a few times and then hid in the bushes. I then wrapped her in a towel and she seemed a little in shock, trembling or shivering - I'm not sure. She was quite clingy so I gave her a nice cuddle and rubbed her down. So she has had her first swim!

Maybe she will get to like it and join my golden retriever for a swim when we go to the beach. She is water mad and gets in at any opportunity. I hope they will enjoy much fun together.

Lovely weekend walks in Norfolk

My friend Jane came to stay at the weekend and we were fortunate to enjoy some nice sunny weather. We took the opportunity to take the dogs out for a walk at the Holkham Hall estate on Saturday. We walked by the lakeside up to the obelisk and back - a short walk but long enough for the puppy at the moment. There was goose poo everywhere and Daisy developed a strong liking for it, eating it up every chance she got! I kept pulling her away but she managed to eat some nevertheless.

If you want a longer walk there is great variety at Holkham with a mixture of lakeside, woodland and parkland to explore. Dogs are allowed everywhere on leads, except in the Hall's formal gardens. You can also walk through the extensive pinewoods along the coast and explore miles of unspoilt beach and sand dunes.

On Sunday we went to Castle Acre, a delightful and historic village. We walked around the 11th century castle ruins and then down the quiet lane to the ruined priory. There are also nice riverside walks here and plenty of public footpaths through neighbouring countryside. We saw a large group of ramblers setting off for the day. Most importantly, in my opinion, there are a couple of lovely tea shops for refreshment. We sat outside with our tea and shortbread enjoying the peace and the spring bird song. Delightful!

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie!

A photographic cutie-fest! Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Dachshund and The Piglet

Isn't it just beautiful when a mother can give her love and care to a little one, even if it is not her own?

This little piglet could not be cared for by it's natural mother but this wonderful dachshund mum has taken him into her litter as her own. Apparently she licks him all the time and mothers him as well as her own pups. He has been named "Pink". Aaah, there is such good in the world! Makes me feel all warm and fluffy.

        

    

    

The Puppy That's into Everything!

She's no different to most other 11 week old puppies but Daisy is into everything! We have had a few scary moments in the last week.

I was about to hang out the washing on Sunday and thought she was out of the way but came racing down the hall and through the gap in the back door as I was closing it. She tore off down the farm track, my heart started pounding and I was imagining all sorts. Luckily she stopped to sniff and I pounced on her from behind! 

Another day I was speaking to a friend on the phone and my mobile phone was on the table plugged in to the charger. Daisy was running around and suddenly spotted the wire and bit right though it in a second. Must be low voltage, thank God! She came to no harm but now I have to buy a new charger. Live and learn, live and learn!

I can tell she has got a bit taller now as she reaches up and licks the oven gloves hanging on the stove. Not very hygeinic, so now they have had to find a new home.

So it's into the play pen more often for Daisy. I just have to get some things done around here! After a few yaps she soon quietens down and settles. Then when she comes out to play, I give her more of my attention. The word "No" is becoming top of my vocabulary, as well as a high pitched "ouch" - those needle teeth don't half hurt!

Jan Fennell "The Dog Listener" is coming to Norfolk

You may remember the TV programme broadcast some years ago entitled "The Dog Listener". This featured Jan Fennell who has established a worldwide reputation as a dog trainer.

Jan will be delivering an afternoon talk in Aylsham, Norfolk on Saturday 13th June 2009, as well as an evening event in Harleston, Suffolk. Each event includes a talk of approximately 90 minutes followed by a question and answer session. After a break, including book signing, Jan will explain the 4 core elements of "Amichien Bonding". Full details of the events are as follows:-

 

An Afternoon With Jan Fennell "The Dog Listener"

All proceeds to Cinnamon Trust

Saturday 13th June 2009 from 2.00pm to 6.00pm

Venue: The Jubilee Family Centre, Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6JG

Admission by advance ticket £15.00

Telephone: Lynn Hopkins 0777 767 8681    Email: lynn@verynicedogs.co.uk

 

An Evening with Jan Fennell "The Dog Listener"

All proceeds to Jerry Green, Suffolk

Wednesday 20th May 2009, starting at 6.00pm

Venue: The Swan Hotel, Harleston, Suffolk

Admission by  advance ticket £17.50, to include light refreshments

Telephone: Julie Abbott  01702 206649/Mobile 0777 181 7097

Email: juliesunbright@aol.com

OR: Rachael Messiter 07747 022732    Email: info@talkingpaws.co.uk

 

I'm so, so tired!

I had forgotten how tiring it is living with a new puppy! Feel like I've got jet-lag but I haven't been anywhere. It is all coming back to me how it was with Hazel - the biting, chewing, scratching and licking. The mad half hours of frenzied activity, dashing back and forth, round in circles and behind the settee. The tugging at the corners of the tablecloth, my collar, the buttons on my blouse or the sleeve of my jumper. Constant vigilance is required to make sure those needle teeth dont break through the TV wires or the central heating pipes.

Then there is the getting up in the night so that she is "clean". I am used to my full eight hours of unbroken sleep and waking up when I am ready. I know I have been lucky there not having to set an alarm.

The morning routine has changed. I get up early, take puppy out, come in and give her her breakfast. Whilst she is distracted with that, I take Hazel out for her walk. Then come back, have my breakfast whilst observing the first mad half hour of the day and issuing commands and admonishments. Take Daisy out again to perform. Woops! - sometimes too late, clean up before finishing my tea.

If we are lucky she has worn herself out by 10am and crashes out. My chance to go and have a bath and make the bed, then get a few things done before the lunchtime routine. That is unless she has fallen asleep on me, and then it is hard to resist spending a while staring at her and thinking how lovely she is! Aah, butter wouldn't melt!

Of course I have spent extra time with Hazel too when the puppy is asleep. Taking her out to play in the garden for a bit or giving her a good cuddle. If I lay on the floor with her for a bit I can close my eyes and catch forty winks!

It is all worth it and I wouldn't change a thing. These puppy days are precious and I am making the most of them. Just have to get some matchsticks to keep my eyes open!

Should You Allow Your Dog on Your Bed?

Easy question. Easy answer - Yes! End of article.

Oh well, I am being a bit tongue in cheek there and it is more complicated than that. You see it all depends on a number of things....

1. The breed of dog and the nature of that breed. The main issue is one of dominance and some say that allowing your dog on your bed is allowing them to assert their dominance over you and your territory.

2. Your dog's individual character and temperament. If your dog has a tendency to show signs of dominance then it is not a good idea to let them on your bed. This is likely to make the problem worse.

3. Is your dog clean? Who wants a dirty, smelly dog on their bed? Well okay it takes all sorts, but I like a certain standard of hygiene myself! Some would say it is unhygienic to have even a clean dog on your bed. I disagree - they are just as hygienic as another human in my opinion.

4. Is your dog free of fleas or other parasites? I definitely wouldn't want to allow my bed to get infested with parasites, although according to one of those documentaries I saw, it is anyway! Magnified, these bed bugs look like massive scary monsters with huge biting mandibles. Enough of that, it gives me the shivers. Apparently they even live in our eyelashes, yes I know, you have heard enough.

5. How big is your dog and is there room on your bed? There's a big difference between a Poodle and a St Bernard! I am not saying it is impossible. My Golden Retriever used to get on the bed and lay cross-ways at the bottom whilst I was in the bathroom washing. I would get in bed and also lay cross ways, or have to get in a tight foetal position to fit in. I am not saying you should have to do this, you can get them to move but aaah, she looked so comfy.

6. Will the dog get off if you tell it to? This is key because you must maintain control. The trick is that they must get off when you want them to otherwise you definitely have made a rod for your own back and you may encourage other dominant behaviours. My dog Hazel would always get off herself about 10 minutes after the light was out and always if I told her to.

Now I have the new King Charles Spaniel puppy we have started up a little routine. Daisy sleeps in my bedroom in a dog crate. I put her soft bed inside it and she is happy there. As she is so young (9 weeks today), I get up about 3am and take her outside for a wee. Then again about 6am. At this point I take her into bed with me and we have cuddles until I am ready to get up. It is so lovely having that little furry creature next to you, feeling her breathe and smelling the top of her head! I don't go back to sleep in case I turn and squash her but I have a nice dozy hour as she sleeps peacefully. It all seems to be working well and she does not whine to come in bed. If that happened I would have to think again but all is well just now.

Daisy smelling the Daisies - well Celandines actually

It has been a beautiful, beautiful day here in Norfolk. Sun shining in a cloudless blue sky and no chill in the air. I just had to post this picture of Daisy taking her first wonderful sniff of the spring flowers.

New puppy Daisy is home!

Just catching a quiet few minutes whilst Daisy is asleep to write this. The big day was on Sunday when I went to collect Daisy, a darling Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, aged 8 weeks. Driving over to get her I contemplated the changes this would bring to the quiet life my Golden Retriever Hazel and I had become accustomed to. How would they get on? How would our routine change? Would life ever be the same?

Well, no, life wouldn't be the same. But that wasn't the idea of it. We had new experiences to look forward to, lots of fun and an upheaval of the best kind, the kind that stops you getting in a rut and broadens your horizons.

I arrived home with Daisy at 11.15 on Sunday morning. I put the pet carrier with Daisy in it on the drive and went to open the front door. Hazel came out and immediately went to the carrier, sniffed and looked in, then gave me a look as if to say "what is THAT?" I said "this is our new puppy Daisy and she has come to live with us". I opened the door of the carrier and Daisy stepped out without hesitation at which point big, brave Hazel turned on her heels and ran indoors!

We came indoors and there were a few mutual sniffs. Daisy was very curious about Hazel and kept approaching but was met with indifference, Hazel turning her head the other way. Actually it has been the best thing because they are giving each other space to settle down and get used to the changes. And today Hazel actually allowed Daisy to snuggle next to her on the settee and they had quite a long sleep together.

Hazel is rather like a dignified Aunt - tolerant, patient and kind but not impressed by show-off antics! I think it all works rather well.

It is a real boon that Daisy is taking to house training so easily. Apart from a couple of deposits on the first day, for the last two days she has been completely clean in the house. I take her outside frequently and have got up at 3am the last two nights to take her outside. She "performs" every time!

I haven't got much done at all since Sunday. Hours have been spent cuddling and then, when the puppy is asleep, I have been taking Hazel for a walk and giving her extra fusses to make her feel special too. Then there is the time spent just watching Daisy sleep and not wanting to move because she has the perfect position flopped over my arm! And that puppy smell.... it is just wonderful!

Must go - a tiny yap is coming from the kitchen. Baby is awake!

Are Two Dogs Better Than One?

Having made the decision to get another dog, I am coming across all sorts of advice about bringing a new puppy into the home. Fortunately it seems I have made a good choice and my Golden Retriever should get on fine with the Cavalier King Charles Puppy and I think that the two dogs, Hazel and Daisy, are going to be great friends once they get used to one another.

The following article by Ron King gives some good guidelines if you are thinking of making an addition to your pack.

Are 2 dogs better than 1?

How could 1 dog ever be enough for a dog lover? Before you decide to add another dog to the family, there are some important concerns about your current dog you should consider.

Matching Personalities

Your current canine companion loves you, but how will it feel about sharing you? If it is sweet, servile and submissive, a new dog could bully your first dog into a life of fear and despair. With a submissive dog, never accept a puppy that won't let you cradle it upside down in your arms. A puppy that will let you hold it as you would an infant is willing to be submissive.

If your dog is a bit of a bully with other dogs and the new dog shares the same trait, beware! There are major battles on the horizon, until they sort out who is the alpha dog. Sometimes, with equally dominant personalities, the battles never end. After a few skirmishes and trips to the vet, you'll be regretting the new addition to your family.

Your best chance for adding a new dog to the mix are with a balanced and confident current pet. Dogs that are neither overly dominant, nor submissive, are more likely to accept and survive the addition of another dog in the household.

Size Matters

Your next consideration is the size of your dog. If you have a little terrier, you should avoid a Great Dane pup. A large, energetic puppy can accidentally injure a small dog repeatedly before it's aware of its strength. On the other hand, if you currently own a full-grown Golden Retriever, which undoubtedly has a terrific temperament, you may be able to bring a small-breed puppy into the family.

You should watch the dogs closely in the early days when they're together. More than 1 German Shepherd has become the devoted protector of an iddy-biddy lap dog.

Fussy Females

If your dog is an unaltered female, she may become very unhappy if another female dog enters her domain. She may need to be altered before she will accept a second female in the pack. She could still show some aggression even after being spayed. A male puppy might be a wiser choice. Besides, unless you're prepared to suddenly be the proud owner of a half-dozen more dogs, you'll have to alter at least 1 of them.

Old Folks

If your dog is older, you may want to reconsider buying a puppy. Older dogs often have aches and pains, and are more impatient than when they were younger. Instead, think about getting a mature dog. It will be an easier adjustment for your older dog.

Mix And Match

Toy lap-dog breeds tend to be spoiled by their owners and are jealous of other dogs. Getting a new puppy with child-like demands on your time is not going to bring out the best from the dog that has grown to expect your undivided attention. A pampered pooch can be a challenge. The more aggressive breeds, such as Rottweilers and Pit Bulls, are also likely to have problems. Some dogs simply don't adjust well to competition -- ever.

In the final analysis, all dogs are individuals with independent personalities. You should know best whether a new puppy will be welcomed.

About the Author

Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Visit http://www.new-pup.com to learn more about this subject. Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.

Source: www.isnare.com

New Puppy!

For some while I have been considering getting a new puppy. I have mulled the idea over and over, thinking of all the implications and then putting it aside. One of my obstacles was thinking about the impact it would have on my dear, sweet dog Hazel. It almost felt like betrayal to allow another puppy into my life, after all Hazel is my first dog, my one and only special girl.

In the last couple of weeks though, my feelings changed. I realised that another dog is part of my expanding life experience, something just waiting to materialise in my life. I have had this same feeling about other things coming into my life and know that, once I feel this way, it is as if an unstoppable force is in action and I couldn't stop it now if I tried! So I put out the mental request to the Universe for our perfect puppy (even though the request went out on a more subtle level long ago). Then I put my trust in the process and waited for inspired action. I had a look on the internet and asked to be guided to appropriate pages. And, guess what? There she was!

On Saturday I went to view the litter and let little Daisy into my heart! This name has been in my mind for a long time...years in fact. Daisy is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and I will be bringing her home in two weeks. 

So, lots of preparations in hand! Trying to remember back to puppy stage with Hazel - lots of wees, poos, chews, but oh such joy! And then the endless time spent watching them whilst they sleep, having their little doggie dreams, twitching and wrinkling their noses.

I feel my productivity may be somewhat reduced in the weeks to come. But what is life for? Life is for love, joy and following you heart. I have endless love to give and will welcome it back in bucket loads!