So I think we have established that I am finding daily updates to much to cope with.... So part of my work life balance (as work keep telling us we should have). I thought I would give weekly updates a go. Also so that I am not spending all my time in front of the computer!
This week, we have been for a big long walk in the woods.. Tre managed to stand in an ants nest, and funnily enough they were not best pleased. Tre had picked up a few angry ants that were biting his feet... So he was not pleased either! We brushed his feet down with some leaves and carried on...
We have been trying our best to vary the route we take him on so that he keeps checking with us the route, and so that we don't get to stuck in the mud just going round the block!
We have been going round some corn fields as well! They are getting a little high now, so can hardly see Tre if he decides to take a little detour... With one of us on the end of the lead and one of us hiding he has been keen to play hide and seek... So that is reassuring for us!
We have had Tre on a harness, as he was pulling quite a bit to start with... This week I thought I would try back on a normal lead, as he has been good, and he is not keen on the harness. We were only going a couple of hundred yards to a friends, short journey, give it a go I thought... Well we are back on the harness again, I can't be expecting too much too soon... I mean he has been doing so well just over these few weeks. My silly high expectations!
Yesterday in the garden we were playing find the treats.... I need to get this on film as it is soo sweet. One of us holds on to Tre so that he can not see where the treats are being hidden (under small cones) the he goes to seek them out. The cones addmittedly do have holes in the top! He will sniff round and when he finds a treat carflly lift it off put it down close by and gobble the treat... It was just so nice how carefullly he did it. We then repeated the process but with a sock! he got the other sock to sniff... when he found the sock we had lots of treats and cuddles! He successfully did this twice with Ian and once with me..
Last night we decided to errect the tent in the back garden... lets see how we are with camping!
Apart from getting a little excited about a couple of other doggies living nearby making some noise, we were fine. Once we had zipped up the bedroom and Tre had his bed near our heads we sleep well! Hopefully this also gave Smokey (the cat) a little bit of peace and quiet for a night as well!
16th May 2009
A long walk today. Ian was going to go sailing, but the wind was too strong. However there was a dart open in Whitstable so we thought we would trundle down and have a look. This would be by the sea, but with quite a few other people milling about. With Tre being a little distracted with stuff, we thought we would see how he would get on. He got on fine, a few other dogs to say hello to and sniff, lots of other people to look at. He was very calm unless someone addressed him directly, then he got excited, from us that is nice a reassuring that he isn't going to jump at everyone he sees.
We went for a sandwich lunch and walked further along the beach. Then we headed home. After much playing in the garden and cleaning the car, we came inside and had a little nap. Then back ourside for some more playing, some dinner and bed.
We went for a sandwich lunch and walked further along the beach. Then we headed home. After much playing in the garden and cleaning the car, we came inside and had a little nap. Then back ourside for some more playing, some dinner and bed.
15th May 2009
Friday already!
Not much has happened really, we have had lots of walks, lots of cuddles and lots of treats...
One of my work friends came over this evening.... Her son was jumped up at excitedly a couple of years ago and has developed an 'I don't like dogs thing'. So Tre was on his lead whilst they were round and we were at Jack's pace doing slow introductions. After about an hour Jack briefly stroked Tre and left a treat for him. That was enough for the evening, ending on a positive and Jack being happy at thought of coming round again.
Bed time now... lets see what the weekend has in store for us!
Not much has happened really, we have had lots of walks, lots of cuddles and lots of treats...
One of my work friends came over this evening.... Her son was jumped up at excitedly a couple of years ago and has developed an 'I don't like dogs thing'. So Tre was on his lead whilst they were round and we were at Jack's pace doing slow introductions. After about an hour Jack briefly stroked Tre and left a treat for him. That was enough for the evening, ending on a positive and Jack being happy at thought of coming round again.
Bed time now... lets see what the weekend has in store for us!
14th May 2009
Ok.....
So far we have..
Tre come...
Tre sit.....
Tre Paw....
These three seem fairly good.. we are very pleased, as he does pick things up extremely quickly (unless he has just had his dinner, then he is not so keen) :) Tre come, now seems to be combining itself with coming to you and then sitting near by.
We have been working on...
Tre down (as in lay down)...
&
Tre up..
Today we seem to be understanding 20% of the time the down command and 30% of the time the up command... He is such a good boy... Some more reinstalling and treats needed... I am getting through quite a few treats :)
Apart from this, we have not had an eventful day, no disasters, just lots of praise and rewards.
When we have found ourselves having to say no to things, we soon after ask him to do something we know he can, so that again we are always ending on a positive.
All is well!
So far we have..
Tre come...
Tre sit.....
Tre Paw....
These three seem fairly good.. we are very pleased, as he does pick things up extremely quickly (unless he has just had his dinner, then he is not so keen) :) Tre come, now seems to be combining itself with coming to you and then sitting near by.
We have been working on...
Tre down (as in lay down)...
&
Tre up..
Today we seem to be understanding 20% of the time the down command and 30% of the time the up command... He is such a good boy... Some more reinstalling and treats needed... I am getting through quite a few treats :)
Apart from this, we have not had an eventful day, no disasters, just lots of praise and rewards.
When we have found ourselves having to say no to things, we soon after ask him to do something we know he can, so that again we are always ending on a positive.
All is well!
13th May 2009
I left for work before Ian had come back from his morning walk with Tre, so I managed to feed the cat in peace (no offense Tre.)
When I arrived at work, my friend who is not keen on dogs asked..
"How is my new little friend today"
YEAH!!! Last night was a great success!!
When I arrived at work, my friend who is not keen on dogs asked..
"How is my new little friend today"
YEAH!!! Last night was a great success!!
12th May 2009
Tuesday nights, generally we go out to the pub.... Hmm but Simon could not dog sit as he was going to a meeting... So the friends we usually go out with, came round instead.. Wow Tre was being visited by two NEW people..
We have established, that anything new is VERY exciting. So with people coming round, one who is a huge dog fan and one that is not so keen on dogs, we broke out a new toy! Well the new toy went down extreamly well, but was abandoned rapidly to greet new people!
After a big fizzed up greeting, we all started to calm down, and settle into the evening very well, I was so proud of Tre, and our friends for behaving themselves!
We have established, that anything new is VERY exciting. So with people coming round, one who is a huge dog fan and one that is not so keen on dogs, we broke out a new toy! Well the new toy went down extreamly well, but was abandoned rapidly to greet new people!
After a big fizzed up greeting, we all started to calm down, and settle into the evening very well, I was so proud of Tre, and our friends for behaving themselves!
11th May 2009
Not much today...
Ian did the morning walk and I did the evening walk...
Tre being very excited to see me home in the evening is wonderful... There is nothing quite like it. In fact it makes me wonder why I have never had a dog friend before now :)
Ian did the morning walk and I did the evening walk...
Tre being very excited to see me home in the evening is wonderful... There is nothing quite like it. In fact it makes me wonder why I have never had a dog friend before now :)
10th May 2009
So today we managed to get the other half of the gate finished, with some of the wire mesh that we had as a temporary gate fixed to the back of it. Well I think it looks quite smart now it's done, and so far it seems to be suitably dog proof! Interestingly, for quite a bit of the day whist we have been working we seemed to have a rather peculiar cat in the conservatory watching us. I'm sure I have seen It's face somewhere before...
Tre was looking a little left out so myself and Simon took him for a nice long walk... Simon had not as yet been for a walk with us, and he was a little worried about getting it wrong... Since Tre has been on the harness he is pulling less and less... Also the fact that every time he pulls we stop, he seems to be getting the message that pulling slows us down :) Simon was impressed with how well behaved he was, not really that interested in other dogs and quite happy wondering around and sniffing.
As we had been for a couple of quite mucky walks, and I had been to buy some shampoo, we thought we would give a bath a go..... Hmm a few reservations were noted and the bath and surrounding area was cleared, some old towels were put all around and we prepared ourselves...
Actually, it was fine. The concern for us was that Tre seems to do anything in his power to aviod water, to the point that he has hopped up on a small wall to avioid a puddle! But we all did very well, and we got treats for that!
Having quite a busy day, we had an early night!
Tre was looking a little left out so myself and Simon took him for a nice long walk... Simon had not as yet been for a walk with us, and he was a little worried about getting it wrong... Since Tre has been on the harness he is pulling less and less... Also the fact that every time he pulls we stop, he seems to be getting the message that pulling slows us down :) Simon was impressed with how well behaved he was, not really that interested in other dogs and quite happy wondering around and sniffing.
As we had been for a couple of quite mucky walks, and I had been to buy some shampoo, we thought we would give a bath a go..... Hmm a few reservations were noted and the bath and surrounding area was cleared, some old towels were put all around and we prepared ourselves...
Actually, it was fine. The concern for us was that Tre seems to do anything in his power to aviod water, to the point that he has hopped up on a small wall to avioid a puddle! But we all did very well, and we got treats for that!
Having quite a busy day, we had an early night!
9th May 2009
Yay! Weekend time!
Tre has been with us a whole week now!
Ian went for a walk this morning with Tre.... An early morning for me as we need to go and pick up the gates for the drive.... Simon has gone for a cycle ride this morning, so we decided to wait until he comes back before we go out. Whilst waiting we tried Tre in the back of the car with the seats down with some blankets and hooked him onto a D ring on the floor.... We sat in the car.... Well Ian was in the front and I was in the back, then I slowly started moving further away. I then moved to the passenger seat in the front, Tre had some chew toys to keep him amused, and we were all quite happy just sitting on the drive, so we went for a trip round the block (being a bit rural that's a 15 min drive) and all was fine :)
Simon returned from his cycle ride and stayed at home with Tre, whist we went to collect the gates.... With the temp gate still in situe, we proceeded to fit one of the gates... Whilst this was happening we had a call from Neil (our close friend that lives just round the corner) to say there was some burning of woods that needed to be done and would we like a BBQ? Well it would be rude to turn and invite like that down.
Once we have finished the first gate we packed a doggie bag and went round to see Neil. The garden stake was used in his rear garden, so Tre could venture, but not get into trouble. The doggies next door to Neil were happy and excited to see Tre, and one of them jumped his fence.... Magic (the dog who came over) just seemed keen to meet Tre as he is not used to seeing one in Neil's garden
After some food, Tre was getting a little agitated and wanted to sit on laps, he was starting to look tired, bless him being a Saturday he had not had a little kip in the afternoon. Tre was wanting to sit on Ian's lap but he was a little big for that, so, myself and Ian pulled our chairs together. Tre was up and had enough room with the two of us together. I was starting to feel tired, and by this time Tre was looking quite shattered, so we went home and left the boys to carry on playing with the wood fire and food.
We got home, changed the bed clothes and went straight to bed. Both of us sound asleep by the time the others got home, and that was only and hour after us!
Tre has been with us a whole week now!
Ian went for a walk this morning with Tre.... An early morning for me as we need to go and pick up the gates for the drive.... Simon has gone for a cycle ride this morning, so we decided to wait until he comes back before we go out. Whilst waiting we tried Tre in the back of the car with the seats down with some blankets and hooked him onto a D ring on the floor.... We sat in the car.... Well Ian was in the front and I was in the back, then I slowly started moving further away. I then moved to the passenger seat in the front, Tre had some chew toys to keep him amused, and we were all quite happy just sitting on the drive, so we went for a trip round the block (being a bit rural that's a 15 min drive) and all was fine :)
Simon returned from his cycle ride and stayed at home with Tre, whist we went to collect the gates.... With the temp gate still in situe, we proceeded to fit one of the gates... Whilst this was happening we had a call from Neil (our close friend that lives just round the corner) to say there was some burning of woods that needed to be done and would we like a BBQ? Well it would be rude to turn and invite like that down.
Once we have finished the first gate we packed a doggie bag and went round to see Neil. The garden stake was used in his rear garden, so Tre could venture, but not get into trouble. The doggies next door to Neil were happy and excited to see Tre, and one of them jumped his fence.... Magic (the dog who came over) just seemed keen to meet Tre as he is not used to seeing one in Neil's garden
After some food, Tre was getting a little agitated and wanted to sit on laps, he was starting to look tired, bless him being a Saturday he had not had a little kip in the afternoon. Tre was wanting to sit on Ian's lap but he was a little big for that, so, myself and Ian pulled our chairs together. Tre was up and had enough room with the two of us together. I was starting to feel tired, and by this time Tre was looking quite shattered, so we went home and left the boys to carry on playing with the wood fire and food.
We got home, changed the bed clothes and went straight to bed. Both of us sound asleep by the time the others got home, and that was only and hour after us!
8th May 2009
Another day.....
I was a little upset today, the computers at work have been down, so I didn't have any Tre updates today. When I go home a bit earlier than usual we had a little bit of time watching television. Then we played in the garden for a little while. Then we went for a nice 2 hours walk around some fields and local green stuffs. Tre was a little hesitant in places as he could not see the ground and the paths were little over grown for him to see what was going on. With one of us in front and one of us behind, he was fine again.
When in some nice fields we played hide and seek, this seemed to go down well, and bless he kept finding us. When Tre is walking in front he often stops turns round to check we are still behind him and then carries on, or comes back. We have been working hard on recall but have only let him off the lead twice when it has been as safe as safe could be.
Tre seems to be gaining a bit more confidence with us an his surroundings, he is starting to push boundaries a bit more, but this isn't causing us any problems. We are doing distractions from things that he shouldn't be doing and loads of praise, smiles and fuss for good things.
I had a call today to say that our gate had arrived, so I will hopefully pick that up tomorrow... We are also hoping to pick Ian's mum up on Sunday and bring her round for tea.
I was a little upset today, the computers at work have been down, so I didn't have any Tre updates today. When I go home a bit earlier than usual we had a little bit of time watching television. Then we played in the garden for a little while. Then we went for a nice 2 hours walk around some fields and local green stuffs. Tre was a little hesitant in places as he could not see the ground and the paths were little over grown for him to see what was going on. With one of us in front and one of us behind, he was fine again.
When in some nice fields we played hide and seek, this seemed to go down well, and bless he kept finding us. When Tre is walking in front he often stops turns round to check we are still behind him and then carries on, or comes back. We have been working hard on recall but have only let him off the lead twice when it has been as safe as safe could be.
Tre seems to be gaining a bit more confidence with us an his surroundings, he is starting to push boundaries a bit more, but this isn't causing us any problems. We are doing distractions from things that he shouldn't be doing and loads of praise, smiles and fuss for good things.
I had a call today to say that our gate had arrived, so I will hopefully pick that up tomorrow... We are also hoping to pick Ian's mum up on Sunday and bring her round for tea.
7th May 2009
Today we had a few issues with not liking hoovering, but nothing major. Ian went out in the morning for a nice walk with Tre, and I did the evening walk. We didn't meet anyone out today apart from a couple of people walking. Tre had his first dive into the bin... so we have put some saucepan lids on the top so that we know when he dives in.
Ian and Tre were doing some chilling today, keeping things quite calm, this all seemed to go quite well!
Ian and Tre were doing some chilling today, keeping things quite calm, this all seemed to go quite well!
6th May 2009
Today we decided that we would go for a nice car drive to the beach.... 1/2 hour later we arrived. Tre is getting less and less pully on his lead every day! When we saw the sea we were keen to investigate.. We though he was wanting to play in the sea, however he was more interested in the stones on the beach than the sea itself!
The stones on the beach were nice and smelly and interesting. We carried some sponge for a while and met another friendly doggie. Simon had the lead on the way back and was encouraged by Tre up a very steep hill, whilst Ian and myself took the steps.
We have all been working very hard on recall, but to be honest, I think Kay had done more with this than she was letting on! Thanks Kay! You have made such a difference :)
The stones on the beach were nice and smelly and interesting. We carried some sponge for a while and met another friendly doggie. Simon had the lead on the way back and was encouraged by Tre up a very steep hill, whilst Ian and myself took the steps.
We have all been working very hard on recall, but to be honest, I think Kay had done more with this than she was letting on! Thanks Kay! You have made such a difference :)
5th May 2009
We had quite a mellow day today, first day with me being at work all day since Tre arrived, I was getting regular updates by e-mail. Tre I was assured was fine, and not missing me at all….. However when I came in and called, a bounding Tre came towards me. Sounded like Simon had been doing a fair bit of gardening so Tre, was in and out quite a bit.
Other random vids .......
Other random vids .......
4th May 2009
Simon and myself went out leaving Tre and Ian together, apparently we were a little concerned to start with as we didn’t know where the others had gone, but we were ok… Strange to only have one person to keep an eye on! I went to Pets at home… and ok, I might have gone a little crazy…. About £100 squids later… we have a harness, more treats, more treats a nice big water bowl a giggle thing, that Tre seems to love… a big bone thing to try to chew… all be it a little big for him. A treat jar, a Kong hide treats inside thing a Kong pulley thing and a squeaky duck toy… don’t panic, some of these things have been put away for now….. we didn’t want too much of a toy overload!
Ian and Simon put up a temporary gate between front and back, as we had been getting on ok with the huskies we put the big lead on and all of us went outside, after leaving the lead very slack we let go. It was fine…. Keeping a close eye on what was going on and informing next door of our plans it all went well! Our encounter with the Jack Russell’s next door, however was not so positive…. We will need to meet them again on a walking encounter, I think, as this would be better!
A few more toys making their way into the garden, Tre was playing with a foam football…. The football is no more!
Good.... Tre was fine with a harness he sat and waited whist it was put on, then taken off. He then came back for the next fitting session. He seems more comfortable in a harness…. I also felt a lot more comfortable taking him for a walk with not feeling like I was choking him as he was pulling away.
Ian and Simon put up a temporary gate between front and back, as we had been getting on ok with the huskies we put the big lead on and all of us went outside, after leaving the lead very slack we let go. It was fine…. Keeping a close eye on what was going on and informing next door of our plans it all went well! Our encounter with the Jack Russell’s next door, however was not so positive…. We will need to meet them again on a walking encounter, I think, as this would be better!
Good.... Tre was fine with a harness he sat and waited whist it was put on, then taken off. He then came back for the next fitting session. He seems more comfortable in a harness…. I also felt a lot more comfortable taking him for a walk with not feeling like I was choking him as he was pulling away.
3rd May 2009 - D Day...
Ian, Simon and Myself went to visit Tre & co this morning. He is a wonderful. Kay seemed happy with us, and mentioned that we could take him home if we were happy with him. Obviously he is adorable, how could we not happy with him!! Kay mentioned about her conversation with Dee, and that it could be classed bringing him home as a short foster placement, and see how everyone gets on. To be honest, I hope for this to be his home for life. I understand it is early days, but if we all work together I see no reason why it wouldn't work! Tre will obviously be missed greatly, it is blatant that Kay loves him very much. I / we intend to keep in touch, and Kay and Summer are always welcome to come and visit. I have passed on my e-mail address to Kay and would like to keep in touch that way with photo's, news etc.
Tre, seemed fine on the journey back.... When we arrived home, we all had a trundle around the garden, he met one of the huskies from next door (youngest) and this seemed to go well. Then we came in for sniffing round
the house. The cat encounter was a little more interesting, but no exchanges happened, Tre was a little concerned with going upstairs with cat on the windowsill half way up... this no longer seems to be an issue after doing it about 6 or 7 times. The cat did some hissing and making himself rather large... but all was ok.
A fairly early night, we have had lots of new things to smell and find out about.
Well after some ups and downs as in on the bed, off the bed, on the bed…. What’s going on there, oh, I hear a noise, on the bed, off the bed…. We did manage to settle, the cat was peering round the bedroom door, but didn’t come in. Tre, happily spent the night on the bed, and we had some nice kisses in the morning.
Tre, seemed fine on the journey back.... When we arrived home, we all had a trundle around the garden, he met one of the huskies from next door (youngest) and this seemed to go well. Then we came in for sniffing round
the house. The cat encounter was a little more interesting, but no exchanges happened, Tre was a little concerned with going upstairs with cat on the windowsill half way up... this no longer seems to be an issue after doing it about 6 or 7 times. The cat did some hissing and making himself rather large... but all was ok.
A fairly early night, we have had lots of new things to smell and find out about.
Well after some ups and downs as in on the bed, off the bed, on the bed…. What’s going on there, oh, I hear a noise, on the bed, off the bed…. We did manage to settle, the cat was peering round the bedroom door, but didn’t come in. Tre, happily spent the night on the bed, and we had some nice kisses in the morning.
2nd May 2009 - The day before D Day
We, were all at Bettersea, looking at some dogs, when Kay called to talk to us.... dam, I had to turn my phone off as we were in the middle of talking to one of the members of staff.... As soon as I could get away I did! I called Kay back and we had a long conversation on the phone, she obviously knew Tre very well and was keen to tell me all about him. This was good, it made me feel like he was in a good home with someone who was interested in him for being him. We were keen to go and visit, and Kay was extremely accommodating with times..... So the next day would be an early start!
The search for.....
We went to have a look at the RSPCA, Local Dogs Trust, Battersea Dogs and of course looked at the wonders the internet could offer. The Dogs trust we went to about 3 times, Battersea twice, RSPCA once.
Ian I think was a little concerned that I will be likely to fall in love with absolutely every dog we met and would not be able to be at all objective about it .... to some extent, he was right!
So a form to complete.... ok I have done a few now, and after a couple being lost as well, I was getting quite good at filling these out... This one was to Rescue Remedies... So I completed on and sent it off... I heard back and exchanged about 6 or so e-mails the same day.....
One day passed while we (Ian and I) did some thinking and talking... yes we still nee to improve the security round the open areas... but could put up tempory stuffs... Also the fence would need to be replaced, so we should find out how much that would cost...
We had a dog called Tre suggested to us, we read what the internet told us about him... Looked at the pictures and talked...
Ian I think was a little concerned that I will be likely to fall in love with absolutely every dog we met and would not be able to be at all objective about it .... to some extent, he was right!
So a form to complete.... ok I have done a few now, and after a couple being lost as well, I was getting quite good at filling these out... This one was to Rescue Remedies... So I completed on and sent it off... I heard back and exchanged about 6 or so e-mails the same day.....
One day passed while we (Ian and I) did some thinking and talking... yes we still nee to improve the security round the open areas... but could put up tempory stuffs... Also the fence would need to be replaced, so we should find out how much that would cost...
We had a dog called Tre suggested to us, we read what the internet told us about him... Looked at the pictures and talked...
Where and when did we come in?
Ian and myself have been looking for a doggie... we obviously wanted one that will get on with us.... one that we will suit..
We have been browsing the Internet, local and not so local places to find such a beast...
Nearly every weekend... for quite sometime I have had an Ian asking me if we can go Doggie shopping today... I started out with a few reservations, and to honest most of them were due to the fact that we have a cat, my cat, that has been part of my family for around 15 years.
The dilema.... Did we want to get a puppy... they are quite easy to find! What breed are we looking at and where should we look?
Well after quite a bit of discussion.... We felt we woud like a medium sized bitch with some spark! Excellent we had narrowed the field... The difficulty was, we felt that as every dog is differnt, we would know when and if we found the dog for us... So we let the search continue...
We have been browsing the Internet, local and not so local places to find such a beast...
Nearly every weekend... for quite sometime I have had an Ian asking me if we can go Doggie shopping today... I started out with a few reservations, and to honest most of them were due to the fact that we have a cat, my cat, that has been part of my family for around 15 years.
The dilema.... Did we want to get a puppy... they are quite easy to find! What breed are we looking at and where should we look?
Well after quite a bit of discussion.... We felt we woud like a medium sized bitch with some spark! Excellent we had narrowed the field... The difficulty was, we felt that as every dog is differnt, we would know when and if we found the dog for us... So we let the search continue...
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