Pilatelover So pleased that you're feeling more positive today, I always try to remember one day at a time and enjoy Juno's antics for that day and try not to worry about the what if's or worry about things perhaps I shouldn't let her do. She's dozing in her bed in the living room after our walk and trip into town this morning - it's market day and w haven't been in for that for so long. The market was beginning to close up but she walked really nicely between the tables selling live chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese from crates followed by a walk through the main market areas and then to our favourite bar for a bite of lunch for me, a bowl of water for Juno together with a big fuss from the owner when he saw her. OH is in UK and not due back on the ferry until Wednesday evening. He's arrived up in north Lincolnshire and is viewing 4 properties this afternoon and the same again tomorrow morning. Al the properties are chain free, some are still under construction, so am keeping fingers crossed but at the same time not building my hopes up . I've been checking out dog walks, researching dog trainers, and even the Forestry Commission site for areas under their management as they usually have really lovely walks with plenty of off lead available for dogs - got to fill my time up somehow wen not walking, playing, training with Juno or looking after the cats
MaccieD sounds promising with the house hunt. I shan't say anymore as I don't want to jinx it. Good idea looking at possible walk locations. It's something I really enjoy doing. You can't beat the countryside or the beach. I must admit I tend to only go to the park for Mabel's socialisation. There's nothing wrong with parks I just find them a bit boring I was the same when my boys were little. What a star Juno is I can't imagine Mabel ever being able to walk past anything food related . Mabel's on lead walking is a bit of a nightmare at the moment. I think it's to be expected though she's just so keen to explore. At least the turn about walk works again. From next week I'm taking her to the local Thursday Market now she can walk further. I've also been doing some city training and training around the railway station. Next week I'm hopeful going to go on the train. Big day on Sunday we start back at the KC sliver training class. Xx
Pilatelover Juno says "What are parks?" We don't have any around our nearest town - well not that dogs are allowed in anyway. I wouldn't worry too much about Mabels on lead walking at the moment - Juno went through a bit of a phase as well, but once we were on longer walks, and then a bit of off lead and she improved virtually overnight. I put it down to the extra stimulation. Look forward to hearing about Mabel's train journey. we haven't actually been on the train but we have visited the station quite a lot to pick up the OH returning from the UK. Our favourite places to visit are the ferry terminal - that's very exciting, and noisy, and also the local airport to collect and drop off for flights to the UK. Lots of people, and quite a few dogs and we can watch the planes come in to land from the fence and also take off. I'm sure Mabel will really enjoy her KC silver training class. It will help to stimulate her mind and help as her exercise regime increases and she meets more dogs This will make you laugh - yesterday on our walk we met 2 ladies with a little Yorkie on a lead. On seeing Juno this dog had been straining at the end of it's lead and was growling and carrying on. Juno had seen the dog approaching and had sat down to watch it. she then decided she was going to go down on her belly with her tail waging like a lunatic. As the dogs greeted each other one of the women turned round and asked me if Juno was 'gentille'. I actually had to ask her to repeat what she said because I thought I had misheard, but no it was definitely was my dog gentle! Er yes, she's not the one hang on the end of a lead growling
MaccieD yes that little story really made me smile. Mabel always sits and watches and then goes down on her tummy tail wagging. I wondered when she would grow out of it but as Juno is a few months older I now presume not yet. Mabel had some off lead play yesterday with 2 very sensible Labradors (I was amazed Labradors can be sensible apparently I need to be patient as both these dogs are 7 ). She was running round like mad. I was so worried but decided to take a deep breath. She's absolutely fine, no limping or particular stiffness. Today she had hydrotherapy. OH was allowed to take her on his own. (I had a friends wedding to attend). He said she was wonderful, she now runs down the ramp into the pool and has progressed to 2x4 mins swims. That's my girl. Xx
So good to hear that Mabel's hydrotherapy is going so well, she sounds very like Juno and her love for water. Juno never wanted to come out of the pool and would knock toys back in to try and get some more swimming time in. I bet watching her run around was a bit heart in mouth, but if you're like me you just loved seeing her do it and enjoy herself . Juno's into bumtucks around the garden in the evening at the moment, probably because of the restricted exercise, and normally we have a play in the garden at that time. The head worries about any stress on her elbow, while the heart is beating with love for her simple enjoyment in life.
I couldn't have put it better myself. Recall was very patchy this morning. I've a new thing to worry about, hope I haven't contaminated the cue. I need to give myself a bit of a talking too and relax a bit.
When first off lead Juno's recall was not at it's best , but I tended to ignore the poor response and overdid the praise for a good response - followed by training in the garden to sharpen up her call. If in doubt with her cue think about training a new one, it could be easier. My advice, for what it's worth, is that if her recall was good before her operation and recovery, it will come back . I used to say that Juno had forgotten some of her manners and needed some training reminders and our trainer has been surprised sometimes with Juno's recall when out walking with other dogs in exciting places - so deep breath, positive thoughts - Mabel's recall will be fine
MaccieD training class was really good. Off lead heal work and recall amoungest other dogs. Yay. As a treat we took her for a very short walk on the way to the pub. OH thought she needs some further beer training she had 5 minutes off lead play with a couple of gorgeous Dobermans and to my absolute astonishment recall twice from them in play mode. I did cheat a little and wave my bag of chicken as I gave the recall cue? That's allowed at this stage. . Mabel sends Juno huge Labrador licks and hopes her elbows are okay and her skin is improving. Xx
Pilatelover That's so good to hear, really pleased that she was so responsive to her recall. I don't regard it as cheating to let them know that there's high value treats on offer. If it vets hem coming, and keeps them coming it sounds good to me. Juno likes chicken but her current absolute favourite is Herta Knacki (chicken variety), which are like a saveloy. I tasted a small bit of one yesterday and thought it was disgusting, the look on Juno's face was brilliant though . I've extended her walks the last couple of days, and fingers crossed, she seems to be OK so hoping to go on our dog walk with our trainer this week. that's always a good test on how her elbow is. The skin inflammation is also looking good. we just about half way through the antibiotics but they seem to,be working well, and next shampoo on Tuesday. Huge licks back to Mabel from Juno for being such a good girl with her recall.
MaccieD so happy to read Juno's continuing to improve. I've increased Mabel's walks now to 35-40 mins but I've cut it down from 4 to 3. We popped to the park near the vets (I have her weighed weekly at the moment due to my neurotic nature ) just as we got to the car the heavens opened. Absolutely no one in sight. Mabel's face was wonderful as she was allowed off lead for the whole walk. I can imagine Juno's face when you ate her treat. The other day I checked some chicken to make sure it wasn't too hot. Well if looks could kil Mabel send hug Labrador licks to Juno. Xx
Mabel had her first proper off lead walk in the park today, playing with other dogs and having fun. It's been 12 very long stressful weeks. It's all been worth it, she has not suffered any striffness or limping today which was my main worry. Peaceful day tomorrow, remember my motto one day at a time.
Brill, that's wonderful - hopefully the light at the end of the tunnel is getting bigger and bigger - and then one day, there will be no more tunnel.
Pilatelover I'm just so, so pleased for you and Mabel. It's been a long journey, but you reached the destination in the end . You know our motto already, one day at a time so onwards and upwards. Happy bouncy licks from Juno to celebrate the good news
Thank you for your lovely kind words. I'm also really pleased to read that Charlie and Juno are doing really well. Peaceful day today as we have a busy weekend. Although I woke up this morning and thought suns shining lets go on an adventure. Xxx
I'm really glad to read that you are coming out the other side of a very stressful time x Best Wishes Angela x
