Sending Away For Training

[~Midniara~]

Hello Greentea,

I know of a trainer that does this who has a fantastic reputation but will not take any dogs under the age of 12 months. The reason being is that she beleives that this is an important time in a puppies life as far as expereinces and so not a good idea to change your puppies routine at such a young age.

I suggest as others have that you or someone who you know (do you have a partner or a close friend or family member ??) take you furball to basic obedience training. These are usually only for 1 hour once per week and only requires 10 to 15 minutes a day of practice. ;)

Puppies are a hand full at the start but if you set the ground rules early and not move the boundaries you have made a good start.

As for grooming if you can afford to have him groomed professionally, why not Once you are feeling better you may be able to be taught and do it yourself. ;)

All the very best.

Cheers

Maria

PS. Yes I know those love me eyes can really be heartbreaking but you are not doing him any favours in caving in.

[poodlemania]

Greentea,

I just thought I would pipe up as I am a groomer. It's a very good idea to get him off to the groomers ASAP to get him used to grooming. They dont necessarily have to strip his coat right now, he may only go for a bath and brush.

Also, make sure your groomer does hand-stripping as alot of groomers over here in WA do not. The last thing you want is a clipped GB!!

Are you still in contact with his breeder? The breeder is the best one to ask about grooming, especially for the show ring. I dont hand-strip myself, but I am pretty sure its not such a great idea to wait until the dog has a full coat and to get it all done at once??

Hope this is helpful,

Georgia.

[t-time]

I think if you have a vision impairment and are training your own lil' guy, he will end up being a very special lad. Imagine how sensitive he will be. ;)

I might make a tentative suggestion that you speak to a trainer at the Guide Dogs and explain your situation. Know you are not totally blind, you can obviously do things with certain aids or assistance and will be cured once you have your transplant, but in the meantime maybe they can offer you some helpful advice. Don't know what but as I said - a tentative suggestion.

Also, if your breeder really wants Henry shown, then perhaps under the circumstances, they could do something extra to ensure it happens. Like strip him out in a couple months or whatever has to be done. You should make sure that he does go to the groomer though. Behaviourally, it'll be harder if it's left too long.

Good work with the lead training. It can only improve from here on in. :rolleyes:

Hope this hasn't come across as being patronising or anything. Just sounds like you need some help at the moment.

[greentea]

Thanks everyone for your support.

Things are actually going pretty good now. By wearing rubber gloves I can grip the hair and it comes out effortlessly- you will all be happy to know we got a whole big patch of old hair from the back.

So he now has a "bald patch". Even though I can't see up close to get it right, by wearing the gloves it doesn't matter as the old puppy coat just comes straight out against the rubber. Fantastic!

Also his training is going well, I have some pretty little tricks for walking him now so he complies. We went around the block twice yesterday without a problem and I have even managed to teach him to go up and down the stairs himself.

Before I was carrying him and it was getting quite dangerous on our steep stairs, me all wobbly coz Im off balance on the stairs and not seeing that well, and with him squirming in my arms. So now it is much safer and easier for both of us that he goes up and down himself!

So thanks guys for everything. Will keep up the good work!

[persephone]

Good news, Greentea!!

I was thinking..with him being a lively pup & all..you may benefit from attaching a bell to his collar ;)

I have always used one on the house dogs..I can be watching tv or in anither room, and I can tell by the bell tone exactly what is going on-scratching, chewing, racing around, etc !!It's handy also for elderly folk..so they can anticipate WHERE the dog is .

I use one of those bells sold to attach to fishing rods so that fishermen know when they have hooked one!

These are not LOUD..but distinctive, and VERY movement sensitive.Our household's lost if a bell breaks, now

[greentea]

Thanks Persephone, he does have a bell and we hear it a mile off. It came with the collar... because it is a kitty collar! We don't tell Henry that though, because he thinks he is a tough dog and wearing a kitten collar might break him!