"Cenydd" (pronounced Kenneth - it's welsh) - standard sized (BIG!) cream scruffy
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| All is well, although he has a kennel cough at the mo. He attracts loads of attention, is boisterous (a real dogs' dog) and a full on member of the family. He needs (and wants) control as without it, he just can't help but take advantage. He needs his exercise, or you know about it! (Two-three walks a day, and three very long ones in the week min) He is a big dog, many compare him to a Wolfhound. His temperament is great - he smiles a lot, but you do need to control and anticipate his 'physicality' when he's with children, they can be intimidated by his size, although his intentions are always benign and he is considerate. He loves playing with other dogs. He is spoilt rotten. Hope all is well, attached are some pics on his birthday with his latest present, a hissing snake. |
Sorry, may have come across that he's a bit OTT! - not the case, just stressing that he needs a lot of exercise AND (mental) stimulation (many and varied toys for us to play with, scent and hide games, obedience exercises etc) to stop him looking for mischief! (Much as promised on all the Doodle sites) He gets it so fine. Will check out the link though as there's bound to be something useful in there and I do like the conditioned sit idea = good manners! His boisterousness is very much part of his character, but one does need to put him back in 'thinking mode' when required. He has a limited attention span as he likes to get into everything (a trait since puppy school) so varied rewards etc are the ticket. He also has a thing for flower pots, not sure what that's about but he's always really pleased with himself when he finds one! I'll forward the previous update if I can find it. He isn't going to be an Assistance Dog with the capital letters, but he does pick up my crutches if they get dropped on the floor and returns them to me (a very challenging task of oral dexterity) and if he stays up late enough he will take your socks off. The only problems come if you want your crutches on the floor or if you want to keep your socks on! Still he looks at tasks like this as his job so good for him. He really is quite special. cheers |
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| Dear Lisa, Can't believe how good he's been! Hardly chewed or destroyed anything! He settled right in from day 1. We have been enjoying clicker training, and am pleased to say that the 'concepts' are now sinking in, and just of late he's having lots of "Eureka!" moments and is starting to enjoy working with and for us. I think the class have not yet seen the full potential an d I'm looking forward to showing off! (The next classes are 'puppy agility' at the trainer's paddock, with a few of the old puppy class - it's the first time the trainers tried this so it "SHOULD BE INTERESTING" she says.) His hormones are kicking in, and we're (Rachel and I) looking forward to the trip to the vets' (he reckoned 7months, but we really might press for a bit sooner, as he's quite a big dog to be humped by!) On the local common he's proving to be quite the celebrity, and the breed is causing lots of interest. (There is another Labradoodle assistance dog that also gets walked there, so Labradoodles are not a complete novelty to the regulars.) I have a new electric scooter, which we now both have the hang of. Anyway, a few pics attached for your info re coat etc (which is getting shaggier still I fancy - will keep you updated) Problems have been Itchy ears (despite pulling out as much hair as we can - might get the vet to have a fish around when he's under the anaesthetic) and Soft stools - currently he's on organic dog food (Forthglade), bone meal and mixer - which he certainly enjoys and results in scats with at least some form to them - but still not the norm as it were. Regards and thank you again |
Thanks, it's uncanny how unphased he's been by moving down! Done a lot of exploring today and working out just how far one can push a terrier's limits before causing offence! Eating fine (4.5kgs) and getting to terms with dried (unsoaked) food quite well. Just up the three or four times a night, but we're managing to toilet more outdoors than in at least. Have a nice play, sleep, toilet routine going.
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