Dory the Doted One

Here are some beach pics. :)

Aside from some sprinkling of doing some "Stand" practice and house training, I'm so slack in the training department. We have done quite a bit of social outings though...lots of kids and people. It's amazing how many people and kids flock to a puppy, Dory has been loving it too! :laugh: Dory has never been so social or relaxed about being social as she has been since Willow has come along to steal it away from her. We did beach today, we carried her down to the foreshore and picked a time when there were no other dogs. And she had an absolute blast! Again loads of kids and people. Lots of sand, lots of digging, lots of stinky seaweed, lots of moving water, but no wet feet. :laugh: Then back home to play with next doors dog and mug him with Dory. Willow has been brilliant on the lead since day dot. She's a go forth and explore kinda girl. Everyday she just awes me with how solid her temperament and nerves appear to be.

I do like Bullies, and what a beautiful pair these two are. :D Loads of mischief I'm sure.

:laugh: I know. I get that they are running a business, I get that many of them have paid significant amounts of money on courses and to keep their techniques current etc. And have invested a lot of time and money in keeping themselves up to date. But like you, unless I had a problem that I couldn't work with, had no idea how to work with or signifcantly impacted the quality of life for the dog and myself, I couldn't justify the cost of a private trainer. Helps that I've done a bit of work myself. I'd like to join a club for the motivation and the social element of hanging with like minded people.

I look for the following in any trainer/training club: 1. Flexibility in thinking/technique. 2. Talk TO you, not AT you. 3. Talk to you about your goals, and work WITH you. 3. LISTEN to you as the dogs owner. 4. Act in a professional manner. I've been put off by profesional trainers due to cost and the sometimes the pushy, preachy manner in which they can treat their clients. I've heard from some people who had their private trainer berate them for not desexing their dog. And I was berated by a private trainer who decided to share their philosophy (despite not being asked) on how I could 'quckly' fix Dory's separation anxiety. I didn't mind the discussion, but it was the emphasis on the 'quickly' part that I was struggling with. And their rather 'passionate' delivery. ie. not prepared to listen to a differing viewpoint. My personal thought was you go as quickly as the dog is ready for. State Obedience Clubs...well...where do you start? I've visited a few recently and I was sadly disappointed and frustrated by them all. Here are some of the things I observed... - classes that were complete chaos and no attempt by instructor to control the chaos. - Waaay too big classes. - no consistancy in training advice. And often conflicting advice. - Instructors that were in over their heads. And finally something that is personal to me. As I watched how the classes worked, I realised my training style would not fit with the way the classes were run. And I'd either disrupt the classes or I'd end up with a bored dog.

See Jack, you're doomed.....DOOMED!!

Hi Audrey, Willow flew from Melbourne to Adelaide, she was dropped off around 10am to Melbourne and I picked her up at Adelaide 2.10pm (flight was delayed due to the fog in Sydney). She had peed in her crate, but that looked fresh. She clung to me when I got her out of the crate, but when she was in the back seat of the car she found one of the toys and promptly started playing with it. At home, it didn't take her long to get settled. She was quiet in comparison to what she is like now, for about a day and a half. I think overall the flight was less stress on her than a very long car ride. I don't believe she has had any ill effects from her flight experience.

LOL. First it starts with weekends, days off, sick days... Then it's ALL the time.

We had a sick Willow yesterday. But she's back up and running with a vengeance today! This pic was last night when she was starting to feel better. The shots prior to this Dory wasn't so relaxed. LOL But then a few mins later they were playing tug and wrestling happily.

I wait till the point of no return, when once started they can not stop. ;) Then it's, "Good Girl, Do wees" Willow knows what going outside means and does straight away then inside for a game. :)

Hey Steph. Wow he is a looker. I found Willow was the perfect pup that first day and half, then the devil came out. :laugh: I've met a few Flatties over the years, I've admired all of them. Generally very sensible dogs. Enjoy that intoxicating effect of puppy eyes and puppy breath. I'm still basking in it here.

That's how I was. :) I managed not to stuff anything at work, despite massive distraction.

One more for now.

Here's some more.

Oh. It did! Thanks Cassie. :D

Hope this works!

Willow is a hard biter and the puppy kong I have is probably too small for her. I actually got it for the cats. It stands up very well. I'm going to upsize it soon though. She's growing!

Willow has a puppy kong. She often sits to chew on it, seems to satisfy her. And thats with no treats inside it. I reckon it would be fine for an IG.

My house is currently covered in fluff from multiple toy casualties. LOL.

I've got heaps! But net is down at home till tomorrow. And I don't know how to get them here from my phone.

I was thinking Kilburn too. Especially as that is where most shows will be. Looks like we will miss the Royal. I haven't got Willows pedigree yet. VCA has stuffed her paperwork around. So not sure when her first show will be now. We've done some practice at home. She walks like a champ on lead and you can tell that she's been stacked. Soon as that food is in front if her face she stands still as. LOL. Her breeders must've really had a challenge choosing, cos she knows what it's all about. :D Job's half done!

Yay! Willow asked to go outside for a wee. :)

Dory holds on, unless frogmarched. Willow could care less.

LITTLE man? At 9 weeks Willow now weighs 7kg. When and Where are you starting show training Cassie? I'm looking forward to doing some work with Willow before she becomes a 'Princess'. :laugh:

It's been a busy and hectic few days here, so I'm playing a bit of catch up here. Willow continues to hold me in awe of her ability to just take stuff in her stride....except being caged at work...then you scream like you are dying. I had her big bone in there to amuse her...once she gnawed all the meat off it, back to screaming.( :driving:me to :drink:is what it does to me) Although today she didn't scream as badly, nor for as long...so maybe she's getting the hang of it. (Her little howl was sooooooo gorgeous...if heartwrending) Right now she is snuggled under the table with Dory, when I get my internet back up at home I will post some more piccies. :D We've had several toy casualties (thanks Dory) and the cats are starting to come to terms with the new disruption in their lives. Willow is a bit more bold with them, but not chasing them (YET). Last night she joined the current puppy classes, all a lot older than her. I thought I would have to gentle her along...instead I had to peel her off everyone, or from under everyone. She was very good, considering all the pups are rather boisterous, it suited her right down to the ground.