Uh-oh, a shoe stealer! I have one of those. At 18 months she's slowly getting better . I never had it with my other two, but Squidge was a complete monster for running off with shoes of any description - and sometimes chewing them if we hadn't noticed. I'll just give a quick word of warning about sticks, just in case you weren't already aware. I know that people often think that dogs chasing sticks is the most natural thing in the world, but we have heard far too many horrific stories where dogs have died (or been very close to dying) through sticks getting wedged down their throats, or perforating their oesophagus. I believe Helen's @charlie had a close shave a short while ago. I personally never let my dogs chase sticks for this reason. You can buy a product made by Kong called a Safestix if you want your pup to chase a stick-like object safely.
He seems to prefer flip flops to running shoes at the moment . Thanks for the warning re sticks. He went and found it, and brought it to me! Very proud of himself too! I’d prefer him not to be interested in them, now I just need to work out how to achieve that!
I absolutely 100% agree with Fiona. My poor Charlie has never shown the slightest interest in picking up sticks and we NEVER EVER throw sticks for our dogs. He had a terrible accident 15 months ago, he was running in the woods and impailed himself on a branch sticking out of the ground or a tree, perforating the back of his throat leaving a hole the size of a penny, very narrowly missing his thorax and spinal cord by milimeters. It was touch and go, we very nearly lost him He was under the vet weekly and on lots of drugs for 2 months, he still wasn't out of the danger for a further 2 months as there we splinters left in the wound which couldn't be removed that could have caused an abscess. We had to watch him like a hawk for throat swelling then he would have been rushed to the vet for further surgery. It also cost £2,000 for the CT scans, overnight stay and drugs etc, thank goodness for the insurance. Charlie's injuries go to show what can happen to a dog that doesn't have sticks thrown for him I strongly urge everyone with puppies and fully grown dogs NOT to throw sticks for their dogs. I know of several dogs where I live that have ended up in surgery to remove sticks from their dogs throats and sometimes there is not a positive outcome. xx
I’ve just read Charlie’s story and so pleased it had a positive outcome. We now have a plan to stop Pepper and sticks becoming too attached!
How is he getting on with toilet training? I’ve got a week till my munchkin comes home so I’m living vicariously through you for now
He’s done well with toilet training, no accidents indoors for four days now. I’m sure some of that is us seeing the signs better and starting to understand to his routine. The only thing that we haven’t progressed on as we’d hoped is his crate. He goes in quite happily with a frozen Kong which keeps him happy for 10-15 minutes, but once he’s finished his Kong he starts whining and clawing at the bars. And then he just makes more and more noise! Aside from that he’s been great! His ever increasing inquisitive and curious nature keeps us on our toes and makes us laugh and smile so much!
They are really amazing photos, I can never get Maxx in just the right pose; he turns his head or body at the last moment as I click! Pepper is seriously gorgeous and if I wasn't 20,000 km away I would come and steal him!
Pepper’s had a walk around the garden this morning with his lead and collar on. Chicken assisted but he was much happier with the lead this time. And then a visit to the garden centre this afternoon in Mum’s arms, loving all the attention he received. Finishing off with a visit to Mum’s sister’s house, a whole new house and garden to explore. He obviously liked it as he was quite happy to pee and poop on their lawn!
