Bruff's Bark Blog: August 2011

Tuesday 23 August 2011

Zero


Maria Galea (m.galea@doctors.org.uk)
Sent:22 August 2011 22:33:51
To: hilary81@hotmail.com





Hi Hilary,
I am attaching a contribution for your webpage.
Is this what you were after?
Do not hesitate to let me know if you wish something more
formal in terms of reference.
I will be in touch shortly with dates for the September
stay.
George is away just now and has not left me with exact
dates,
Maria

We went away for 3 nights and left our whippet Zero with Hilary and her two girls for the first time last month.
 Zero was made to feel welcome, given as much exercise and attention as a young whippet desires and came back to us calmer and more responsive!
 Hilary is reliable, knowledgeable and confident. Most of all she is passionate about four legged creatures!
We feel we can go away without worrying about Zero. It’s a home from home!
We have no hesitation in entrusting Hilary and her girls with our Zero again!

Thursday 18 August 2011

Three happy little ladies

JessPossum, and Abbey were enjoying the SUN yes the SUN was out ! We were off  playing in the big park with toys and sticks. They were able to run around without getting muddy or smelly.

The girls are really very tolerant of each other. Abbey is the youngest, but thee biggest.  She watches the other two and runs with them. It is great when you see  the temperament of the dog change as it gets introduced to new experiences.

What a pretty picture, three terrors, three toys and the most important three tails that are all wagging.

Playtime.


I have been looking after two sisters Jess and Possum this week and I have had Abbey out as well. This was a fun day - again it was RAINING - Summer it is not!  So once again poor wee Abbey was soaked. She must see me and think - " wet again"

Although they were wet they had a great time. It is good to let dogs play and introduce themselves to others while they play. They are distracted, but if they have a toy try to get it before introductions as sometimes there can be a bit of a growl.



Abbey Jess and Possum all wanting the same ball


Peekaboo!

It is great fun watching these wee ones running about. Jess and Possum have a throw ball which they just stole from Abbey.
Having these three out at once is really good for their confidence and acceptance of other dogs.
After a good play these three were ready to do some work, they sit together, they go down together and they walk well together.

It always helps to have a good play before you do work with the dog, it shows you are fun and the dog becomes more responsive.

Double trouble, but in miniture!

Now these two little ladies are sisters. And they defiantly do it for themselves. They live in different houses and have been trained in somethings and not others.

My job was to make the transition from one house to the other easy for doggies and owner. Jess moved into  Possum's house last Saturday, it was a happy day for Jess. She is lonely wee girl, she likes to have people around,  cuddles or have her sister close.  Jess is an amazing wee thing, she just doesn't feel secure. 

That can be a real problem for wee doggies being left, wanting attention because they are small and cute we either give them too much or nothing at all. It has to be consistent when you wish to give it not when they bark jump or whine.

Having Possum as an influence has helped Jess with her toilet training, company and understanding of being indoors.

Possum is Jess's little sister she loves being out running for her ball, she was an easier case than Jess, but their were little thing that she is much better with now.  Barking and whining were here main bug bares.  This is an easy thing to fix just a wee noise and praise eventually the doggie gets it- if I am quiet I will get attention!

I have had these two out morning afternoon and evening - and it has been great.  They have learnt alot in the time I have had them, walking better on the leads, understanding "Busy"= Pee "Busy Busy"= Poo, recall and greeting other dogs.

Look who it is - Buster !!
We were all in the park together having a run jump and play, poor Buster had no chance the girls they ran rings round him it was a lot of fun to watch. Both girls had toys and Buster poor lad couldn't play with either, but the one I gave him wasn't what he wanted!

I have noticed that whatever the other have they want, it reminds me of kids " I want that one!"


This one is mine that one is yours!

Saturday 6 August 2011

Baby baby, she is back!

And here she is back with me! Abbey!  This darling girl has been a bit naughty in the time she was a way from me- eating her daddys mattress and couch! Not so good.  Abbey cameback to me 2 weeks ago and the difference in her is considerable, she has learnt a new command "PLACE" which is great for rubbing her down after getting soaked, but also it is handy when you want her to sit somewhere specific.

So this little madam is back playing and learning.  Abbey doesn't like load noises or traffic so we have been taking trips across Ferry road to get to Inverlieth park.  Treats and pats and "good girl" have enabled this little lady to walk to heel across a busy road without stress.  Abbey is a great wee dog and my girls are fond of her.



Poor Abbey, for the last couple of trips out it has been raining! Not just a wee bit, the torrent that you come out of your house and you are wet by the time you get to the gate.  She has been a great wee sport though, she does enjoy a good old rub down when she gets back in from her adventures.

Wednesday 3 August 2011

Greyhounds they are not!

I love my girls, but after you have them active for a few days they like to take it easy!

So in an effort to get them moving we have been standing some distance apart and getting them to run to us. This is a picture is pure joy of knowing by them that they are getting a treat at the end of their sprint!

New boy in house!

I haven't had chance over the last week to put on my doggies.

I have had a border for a few day  last week Zero.

Now my wee man who stayed with me last week was Zero, he was a skinny wee man but had the appetite of a horse!! Now this Whippet is 4 years old and is owned by Dr Galea and here husband another doctor- they live up Ravelston Dykes.  He arrived on Wednesday night and left us on Saturday night.  My girls were very upset and lonely. 
Skye had a great time, she had someone to run with chaise and cuddle. 

Rhu wasn't really that bothered, when he arrived she pottered lay on his bed and then went to her own.

The girls and Zero had the best couple of days they got to play with all their friends.

We also had Gorgeous George out and about in the park, having a run about. It was a contrast to see a Basset and a Whippet standing near each other. Not just body types, but the personality.