Tatze is definitely a special girl. I think they are both beautiful. We went to visit the Guide Dog centre at Forfar today - what a lovely visit. We saw 5 different dogs demonstrating their training in an inside arena. I think we were the "distraction at a distance" for sits and stays etc. They used a lot of "checking in" particularly with the food temptation. Then we got some cuddles We had a general nosey around with a guide. I was disappointed they just had Scottish calendars though I couldn't help thinking of Gypsy who must have been around the same age as these pups. I was really quite shocked that all the Guide Dogs money comes from fundraising and that there is neither funding from the Government, nor from The Lottery - the latter because they are not a "caring" charity. Well, they got a small amount of our money at any rate. Once again, fab job you are doing Magz and Tatze.
Twiglet had her first train ride today. We have been sitting watching trains and getting on and off stationary trains, but this was her first 'proper' journey. She did really well. The gap between the train and the platform was really wide and she negotiated it without a second glance. Then she settled happily at our feet on the journey. We went to Manchester and worked on her pigeon distraction plus having a good look at escalators and a practice in lifts. (GDs don't go on escalators but need to be able to negotiate past them to the steps/lifts - they are good at indicating the lift button too) We then had a coffee in a little independent coffee shop - very nice. Twiglet's reward was a nice rawhide chew while we had our coffee and toastie
Oh the best job ever Mags....hanging out places with your dog ,( don't worry I know there is so much more to it than that!) her attention on you at the station is lovely ....the pigeons sound your biggest challenge to date?x
Twiglet has grown! I had her weighed yesterday - she's 23 weeks and weighs 20.3Kg! Here are two vidoes of her hoolying around while Tatze watches on She will get her Guide Dogs jacket soon if she passes her six month assessment (a town walk, into shops and through busy areas, followed by coffee in a cafe). Her pigeon distraction is still there but has diminished, I find it helps if I keep up a good, fast pace. Though it won't be long before I'm teaching her to decide for herself when to slow down or stop for obstacles. http://vid1106.photobucket.com/albums/h371/BoogiesAlbum/Loopy again.mp4 http://vid1106.photobucket.com/albums/h371/BoogiesAlbum/Loopy.mp4
Wow she has grown so much! Ella's only 19.5kg at 29 weeks! Good luck for upcoming assessment I just love the look on Tatze's face when she's lounging on the couch ☺
It really shows the difference in their ages, doesn't it? Just 12 months ago Tatze couldn't resist joining in with Gypsy (Gypsy was the same age exactly 12 months ago - she was born 20/5/14 and Twiglet 19/5/15 ) Tatze is 2 and a half now.
Tatze's obviously learnt the art of having as much fun as possible whilst expending the least energy! Love the way she's lounging in the chair watching Twiglet's antics! Wispa (now nearly four) behaves in much the same way with Tuppy, who at two is still like a puppy. Great fun!
Phew, we just had an incident in town - more embarrassing than worrying, I think. We were walking past a bull-type terrier when it started going wild, snarling snapping, barking and baring its teeth. Twiglet was brilliant and I was concentrating on walking her calmly past - when I fell! I managed to have the presence of mind to keep hold of her lead but soon had a crowd round me *blush* they were very kind and helped me up and Twiglet then looked at the dog (which was still going mental) and woofed, but was soon re-focussed - good girl! I have two bruised knees and a lot of wounded pride. She recovered in no time and we finished our walk and bus ride home. Here she is now (Yellow Lab/GR 23 weeks) lying down and surveying the garden in the sunshine with Tatze (pet black Lab).
Oh no! Glad you're ok though and it sounds like Twiglet did very well. I had a falling over incident a few weeks ago too and I'd agree that the embarrassment is definitely the worst part! Hope you heal quickly ☺ Lovely photo by the way ☺. Twiglet is looking huge! She's going to be a big girl ☺
