I bet you are all waiting with bated breath to know how I got on at my first show.

Well we got up very early so that I could have breakfast and a quick brush and comb. One has to look ones best you know when going to an important function.

We then set off at 7am in a lovely comfy car. I was allowed to sit in the back with my bed and just in front of me was another doggy friend that was coming with us called Caelan. He is a bit younger than me and is a Golden Retriever. Actually he is at least 5 months younger than me and a bit scattier if that is possible. The fields were very frosty and the sunrise was lovely, this made the humans very happy as it meant a dry day albeit a bit chilly. We didn’t mind as we have good coats to keep us warm, humans are a bit wimpy when it gets colder. Any way we got to our destination at 8.30, we would have got there a bit quicker but we took a wrong turn. Never mind, we got there in the end. There were lots of different looking dogs and people walking about, looking in buildings searching for their rings, which are square, (apparently we have to trot round these showing off ourselves) and then we also had to find a thing called a catalogue which has our names in. We found this and then put our bags and bedding down on some chairs by one of the rings that we thought we would be in. The first ring was outside but the sun had come up by then so the humans kept a bit warm. Caelan was the first to go in a ring and he did very well and came out with a rosette for 5^th place. Then a bit later he did his second class and got a rosette for 2^nd place.

While he was doing that I was waiting my turn to go in a ring with other Border Collies. I was very good and came fourth. The rosette is green so goes nicely with my chocolate coat. Unfortunately, in my second class of the day I decided to have a gambol about instead of trotting properly so although the judge liked me I didn’t get a rosette. Everyone tells me and ‘her’ that we did very well as it was my first show and that she has done all the work herself. Me I just think it is good breeding and I will do better next time as I will know exactly what to do, as long as it isn’t too frosty again as it does make one frisky.

Back down to earth now and that funny tree has been put up in the house. It doesn’t smell of much so I haven’t tried to water it. Also some other strange things have been put up, they apparently are called decorations. This is all for that thing called Christmas. I am sure I will enjoy it when it happens.

Next week ‘she’ will tell you how everyone did at the end of the course that has finished all bar the prize giving on Saturday. We stop then for a couple of weeks and then start again in January. Back in the afternoons which will allow me to have a longer snooze in the morning. One has to get some beauty sleep if one is to continue doing these shows.

Well here I am at last. Where have you been? I can hear you all saying. Well I thought I would wait until I had some good news. All the puppies are doing well in their training and next week is their test day so I will let you all know then how they fare.

I have a little bit of sad news. One of our lovely doglets at classes has been poorly and is waiting for test results to come back. Hopefully we will all know by the end of this course what is wrong with him. I will let you all know how he is.

I am off to that show next Sunday, so ‘she who must be obeyed’ has given me a bath as I am losing my coat. I love a bath and she even dried me with her hair dryer. It was lovely and now  when I look in the mirror I look really handsome, even if I do say so myself. One of my house mates called Cody has lost all of her coat and she did look a sight but fortunately it is coming back now. Just as well if the weather is on the turn.

She who must be obeyed  went to a different type of class this week. She didn’t take me as she wanted to see what it was like first. The class was called ringcraft and she said it was very interesting and I may start going next year if she decides to carry on doing breed shows. I know she prefers obedience but it doesn’t hurt to look ones best for either type of show.

She says that this month we have a thing called Christmas and that a tree is put up in the house. Funny place to have a tree. Useful for us dogs <g> but she says that it is not for us, it is to look pretty and for somewhere to put our pressies. I hope I get some (and the girls). I know that I must have had a Christmas just after I was born last year but I was too young to know about it. That reminds me I am One Year Old now, but not quite as sensible as she would like. Well its good to remain young for as long as one can. (wink!)

Woof Woof for now

Slack Leads Everyone Tyto.

Thought you might like to try the quiz that we have given everyone this time round.

1.      What are the lachrymal glands?

2.      What is the term for a tail carried up in a semi-circle?

3.       What is the gestation period for a female dog?

4.       What is the name for intermingled coloured and white hairs?    

5.       What is the term for the coat ticked with another colour?

6.       Where are the anal glands?    

7.        Where are the premolars?

8.        What is the name of the bone which forms the floor of the chest?

9.        What are unweaned puppies called?

10.      What are the back teeth in the upper and lower jaw called?

Well here I am and the news is good.  The ones that I spoke about last time, getting a new puppy got her and she is a funny little thing with large ears. When she is bigger she will start classes but at the moment she is just coming to sit on a lap or two. The puppies at classes were very good this week and hardly a bark. Except one that thought he should keep barking every time he was given a treat. Just goes to show that timing is the thing and to be careful of what you do when teaching us.  We learn things very quickly even if it is the wrong thing. He thought that treats meant bark, not ‘be quiet’. At least, that I am sure is what he was teaching his owner, not the other way round. (He! He!) Anyway the trainer, Sara, had a word with the owner and they have now got the hang of it and the poor pup isn’t getting loads of treats. Shame, never mind, I am sure he will learn a new way of getting them.

All the other returnees are doing really well including me.

Those funny noisy things have seemed to stopped now, at least I don’t hear that many going bang and fizz. Maybe it was because it was at a weekend. I can hear you all saying ‘thank goodness for that’!

The weather seems to have changed to more chilly and I have got loads more energy to run around. She who must be obeyed has again come home with me wearing a lovely shade of green and muddy paws. Make sure your servant cleans your feet for you and checks for any little nicks in the paws. That’s what these humans are for you know.

Well I have been asked to make way for her to say a bit on the training thing, so I will trot off and speak to you all again soon.

I am told that I am a year old on the 21^st November and should start to grow up a bit. Me, I don’t feel any older, still full of boundless fun and energy.

Well there were lots of bangings and funny phizzy noises last night, I am told by her that they are called fireworks. They didn’t bother me but I know a lot of you dogs don’t like the noise. She says there will be more in the next few days. Hm it did smell funny this morning when I went for my amble up the Manor. Actually she ambles and throws the ball and I chase after it. Mind you she is getting fitter as with this show looming in December she now paces me, which means she has to run to keep up with me, then she stops still and I have to stand still for me to look my best. Bit hard to do when I am covered in bits of grass, why do they cut it when it is wet? Fortunately I am told the show is in doors so I will keep dry. Wish me luck people.

Anyway back to other news. We started back at classes yesterday, Saturday, and there were 10 new babies in the first class. I said hello to all of them and they were lovely. One was a bit scared but I am sure he will come out of his shell next week when I say hello again to him and one other was a bit barky but again I am sure she will be quieter next week when she knows that we wont say hello to her if she keeps doing it. Then in the second class there were six returnees but there will be seven next week as one was away at a show. In the last class there were six again as two were away. One of these had gone to look at a new puppy. Wonder if they brought her home? Must get my human to ring them and find out.

We have a mixture of breeds coming. A quick run down of them are Staffies, Goldies, Shepherds, Collies like me, Jack Russells, Spaniels: springers and cockers, Cavalier, Rottie, Hungarian Viszla and a lovely crossbreed. 25 dogs in all are coming at present.

Well I am off now to sniff out the person in the garden that has come to cut the jasmin and trim the tree.

More soon.

Training Success from Tyto - 14th October 2006

Well, I’ve just got back from classes and though I’d tell you about the success of my doggy pals. Nine out of the twelve who took their test last week passed (with flying colours). A few couldn’t attend the test so they unfortunately didn’t pass as they couldn’t be assessed. I passed my Novice class (smug grin) so next time I shall be attempting Advanced stuff.

I got she who must be obeyed to take a new photo of me as I’m a big boy now and I let my girlies who I live with join me in it!

I’ve got two weeks off now and then we go back to classes on November 4^th.

Slack leads everyone

Part two:  Thursday to Saturday

Thursday dawned bright and sunny and we went off to a place called Lymington.

They, Her and Sara had sausage rolls to eat and Her gave me some to eat as well.

It was very tasty – yum! Then we got on a thing called a boat. It was called the Island Princess and took us over a large stretch of wet stuff called The Lymington river and then a larger bit of wet stuff called the Solent. I really liked it. When we got back to Lymington we walked around the town and they had lunch of chips and sausage (Sara) and cod roe (Her). Me, I was given a chip but I didn’t fancy it. We then went back to the station and caught a train to Brockenhurst where we got another taxi home to the cottage.  It was a van thing this time so I had lots of space to sit in.

Friday we had a lazy day and went for a walk again on the heath where we were followed by a nice looking horse and then into Sway village, where she bought some lovely sausages and bacon and pate from this shop called a butchers. They also went shopping in the newsagents and the funny shop called a mini market.  I wasn’t allowed in any of them, which I didn’t think was fair but apparently dogs aren’t allowed in food shops unless they are guides – is that like girl guides?!?

We went back to the cottage and had a rest before going for another walk and then back to the cottage for them to pack ready for the journey home the next day.

Saturday dawned again, bright and very early. They got up dutifully to take me out for a sniff and an early call of nature and then breakfast before getting in a taxi to Southampton – I sat in the well again - and then a train to Worthing and then another taxi home. They said it saved on dragging the luggage around as it doesn’t walk by itself like I do! She was a bit annoyed by the first taxi man that we approached in Worthing as he wouldn’t take me, but the second taxi man said he would and couldn’t understand why the first one wouldn’t.  All the time we were down in the New Forest everyone would take me on whatever mode of transport. (You can tell here that she is saying most of this as I don’t understand words like that)! Anyway, we got home and I had a rapturous welcome from my two girly house mates and a good ole’ sniff around the garden, just to make sure that it was as I had left it.

Today Sunday after a good sleep in my own bed she has taken me out like a good owner should and I have had breakfast. Now I am told that our classes start again next Saturday, but in the morning this time not the afternoon. We apparently are full up with new babies so I am looking forward to meeting all of them and the returnees from the time before. So, when I write again I will have news of how they all fair from week to week.                  Slack leads canines, speak to you all soon… Tyto and Her. 

Tyto's Epic Adventure

Part One … Monday to Wednesday

Well we went off on Monday morning on a train. We walked down to the station as she said it would be good for us all before sitting on a train for a couple of hours. We arrived at our destination at 11am. The cottage that we stayed in was very comfortable and looked out over the garden, a field with horses in and the forest. I had a bed of my own, actually it was a funny crate thing made of red canvas, but I liked it and it was by the doors leading out to the veranda, that over looked the horses field and the lady that came every day to look after them. My own special sort of television…….. I could watch all day but she said we must go out and experience places. So, off we went down to the pub for lunch !!!!!!.

We were staying in a village called Sway and had lunch at a lovely pub called the Forest Heath hotel. We were allowed to sit in the inside area that had tables and they, Her and Sara had something to eat. I had to wait until we got back to the cottage and have the rest of my food from the morning. We then went for a walk on the heathland that is part of the forest. I met three very friendly donkeys. They liked me but I was a bit frightened by them as they were much bigger than me and I didn’t know they were donkeys; more like over large dogs that smelt funny. I enjoyed the walk and then we went back for a rest. Later we went out again for another walk (!) before settling down for the evening.

Tuesday: Today we went to a village called Brockenhurst  and walked around the shops and then had a drink in a pub called the Rose and Crown before going on something called an Explorer Bus. This took us round the outskirts of the forest, letting people off on the way at various places eg: Beaulieu Motor Museum and Lyndhurst. We got off at Exbury Gardens and had lunch, well they did, I just had water to drink. Hm where’s my food? Then we had a little walk and they went in to the shop and bought some things and then we got back on this Explorer bus for the rest of the tour round the forest. I really enjoyed the ride as every one that got on said hello to me and thought I was really good.  I heard lots of people say that I was beautiful but I don’t want to boast too much!!

We got back at the cottage in the afternoon and had a rest before another short walk on the heath and then back for the evening to sleep whilst they watched television!

Wednesday: Up to this point the weather was really good but today they said we would just have a trip round the village of New Milton as the forecast was for rain in the afternoon, and yep it rained all afternoon and some of the evening. So, the trip into New Milton was just for the morning. We went in by train. I was used to them by now and I was quite happy to get in and out of them although She was a bit concerned about the gap between the train and the platform. I didn’t mind but she worried that I would fall down it. I think she was more worried that she would!!

yto’s Exciting news 8th August

Well I went on a large long thing that is called a train. I found it very exciting and was a good boy, so she says, as I laid down under the table until we got to the place that we were going to. Apparently she said it was to see if I liked it as we are going by train to this New Forest place. Well I could have told her that it wouldn’t faze me.  She says she isn’t taking the car as we are walking about a bit. I just know that she doesn’t like driving far and that is why she isn’t taking it. Anyway, she says I am going on a bus next, whatever that is. I expect it will be ok. I will let you know.

Well the classes have finished for the rest of August. It is only 3 Saturdays till we start back, so not long really. We have two full classes to return to and now that the time has changed to mornings it will be good to not have the heat, also when the winter comes we can get home and snuggle up in front of a radiator or two. Lots of the dogs passed this time. Lets hope they keep up the hard work and make progress, especially the ones not coming back. They seem to lapse and then return because of problems that have arisen. Keep on training people. We dogs need the routine of being shown what is acceptable to others, we’re not mind readers, well not all of us, I can, as I immediately know that when she moves I must, just to keep an eye on her and if she looks at me I know we are going to do something. Clever some of us dogs.

She wasn’t too happy today when we went up the Manor as some one had been breaking bottles up there. A very nice dog owner was clearing it up so that his dog  and others wouldn’t walk in it. He had a very nice Bernese called Holly. Why do people do this. Don’t they think of the harm it can do to animals as well as humans!

Well I am off to eat my dinner now. Strange that us dogs have dinner in the morning and you humans have it in the evening.

Will be in touch after our holiday unless she thinks there is anything important to report..

Musings by she who must be obeyed.  1^st August  amazing!!

Well I have hijacked Tyto’s slot this week as I have been thinking about the way puppies get to ‘no longer be puppies’. In my experience with Border Collies over the last 20 years I have noticed that some of them have grown up very quickly. Others have stayed very much a baby for longer. I am wondering if this is because of breeding or because of the time of year that they were born.  Certainly in Tyto’s case, because he came from a showing line I am wondering if they mature more quickly in growth and coat, but not in mental maturity. He is still a baby mentally at 8 months. Others although still mentally babies they have taken longer to grow and get their coat. Therefore remaining small cuddly puppies instead of large puppies that don’t realise this and still want to sit on your lap. I think the same has applied to the German Shepherds in our life but not as noticably.  As to the Golden Retrievers, I have noticed that the boys take longer to mature in mental ways than girls. I wonder if anyone else has noticed a difference in the breeds that they have had over the years.

Now then back to Tyto and his meanderings. Off you go then Tyto have your say.

Well I have been up the Manor again and seen, this time, a funny animal with a bushy tail. I was told by her that it was a squirrel. I just watched it until it ran off up a tree. I have also seen this man again that lets off those birds called pigeons.  I am still wondering if they came back from wherever they went. Also seen the baby robins and lots of other pigeons but she tells me they are called wood pigeons not racing ones. It is lovely up there in the early mornings. I love watching the birds and so does she. I am told that when we go on holiday to this New Forest we might see other animals called deer and ponies. I haven’t met any of those yet. Hope they are friendly! Those strange humans have been digging holes up the Manor. I am told they are building a play area for these humans called children. The large humans are moving the other play area down because the humans behind the wall say they are noisy.  It would be nice if they replanted the bit that will become empty with more trees. It would give us dogs more to sniff at and more for those squirrels to go up.

Well I am off to my bed now as she and her are going shopping. Hope she brings me back something.

She who must be obeyed has just said can she have a word…..hm okay:

Please can I just ask that if you walk your dog off the lead then can you keep it within calling distance. It is very frightening for a young dog to have a large dog try to be over friendly, if you know what I mean.

Thanks Tyto. 

Your welcome mum.

Well I went up the Manor early and saw a lovely group, if that is the right word, of baby Robins. I love watching the birds and I don’t chase them. She who must be obeyed is pleased about that as she likes watching too. I have also met a lovely labrador and her owner. He said I am very handsome and look like another red collie that goes up there called Susie.  I also saw a man with funny flat boxes, I was told that they contained lots of racing pigeons, the man let them fly away so I wonder where they went? I had some fun up there today as she decided to keep going the other way from me, so I had to chase back after her to keep her in sight. It was really funny, because if she wasn’t looking I could run and jump by the side of her. 

I have been told that the times of our classes are changing next time. Apparently it is so that if we have another very hot summer next year it will be cooler in the morning.

I don’t mind as I have lots of energy to burn off after sleeping all night so that will be good for the old brain cells. I say old as I will be nearly 10 months then.

She who must be obeyed is also pleased with me because my tummy has settled down now and I can eat most things with out getting an upset one. She thinks it must be my age. I certainly am happier as I can have more treats now.

In my last rambly bit I mentioned going on holiday to the New Forest. I have been given a funny bed to sleep in while we are down there. It is like my bed that I sleep in at home but it is made of canvas. She says it is so that I don’t get in a crafty chew in someone elses home… would I!! But, I am happy to have somewhere to call my own. She has also asked various people down there if dogs can go on things, like an explorer bus and a boat, and they have all said yes, dogs are very welcome. So, looks like I will have a great time towing the humans around. Will let you know when we get back what we got up to.

Well only two more training classes to go and we break for a month called August. I have enjoyed my lessons and meeting all my canine friends and humans.

Woof to you all again soon.

Tyto’s ramblings. 20^th July 2006

Well isn’t it hot. She who must be obeyed has decided that I must go out early in the morning around 6am. So, to make her remember I give a little yip in the morning and she gets up and takes me out. It’s lovely up the Manor at that time, plenty of shady areas.  All the birds are singing and there are usually a few other dogs to say hello to. Other sensible dog owners walk at that time to, not just us.

She says that I am getting better and better at my recalls and retrieving but she isn’t very happy with me towing her up the park. I like to get there quick but she likes to take her time, well she is older than me! I do try to walk better on the way back.

Here’s a tip: In this hot weather she keeps the curtains pulled until the sun goes round and also changes the water in the water bowl more frequently so that it remains fresh and cool.

I have noticed that the poor grass is no longer green in our garden.  My doggy companions and I try not to pee on it but I think it is just the lack of rain and we are in full sunlight. Never mind, it will recover when the weather gets cooler.

She who must be obeyed has told me that we are going on holiday to the New Forest in August. She says it is a large place with trees and lovely sniffs. I will tell you more about it after we come back.

Our training course is nearly coming to an end, just two more training ones and then the last one, at the beginning of August, is Presentation. I am sure lots of them will pass with flying colours as they have all progressed really well. Very dedicated owners that have continued to come despite the weather. Mind you, we can keep it lovely and cool in the hall.

She who must be obeyed has just asked me to remind you all to check your dogs’ feet and tails and any other hairy bits that you have as there are a lot of grass darts around. They can get in the most annoying places and if not removed can cause a lot of problems.  Also, please don’t take us out in the car and leave us in it, as it can get very hot. Best to leave us at home.

Well not much more to report. More in a week or so.

Slack leads. Tyto

Lancing Canine Obedience Group website

Tyto’s Diary for the past week. 10^th July 

Well as it has been a mixed week of weather, sometimes hot and sometimes not, I will just give a run down of what I have been up to in general terms.

My lovely owner, have to say that to keep her feeding me, has taken me out to other places for walks. We went to a place called Sompting recreation. Lovely and flat for playing chase the ball and the owner!

Then we went to another place called Adur Recreation ground. Near the river and a place with funny things that fly. Apparently they are called air o planes and other things that fly are hell e copters. It made a change from the Manor but I do like it up there as I meet lots of people and their dogs.

I have been good at classes and at times don’t have to be in my bed as the classes have been amalgamated, so we only do two at the moment. People are strange. They join up and then drift off for various reasons. Never mind we still have a lot of owners coming. We have done five weeks of this course now. Amazing how time goes so quickly.

I am now  7.5 months old and weigh 18.9kgs. She who must be obeyed is very pleased with my growth but not so pleased with me when I go off and have a sniff and don’t return quick enough. Especially as I have usually dropped the ball and then can’t find it. Never mind, I am sure she will get used to me doing it. She will just have to get the cheese out again.

Now that I am older I can go for longer walks. If the weather isn’t too hot I can go out twice a day as long as it isn’t for longer than about 30 minutes each time. I have to still let my muscles firm up and my bones get stronger. Apparently as a rule of thumb it is 5 minutes per month of age for exercise. So, I am building up to it.

Well I will trot off now as my mum Brenda has said she is going to take me out for a gamble.

Sunday: Went for a lovely walk up the Manor, early as we thought it was going to be very warm but it was overcast for a bit. Did some training and jumped up at a lady that wasn’t very happy at me doing it, so she told me to get off in a strange way by flapping her arms and making a strange noise. Anyway ‘she who must be obeyed’ said thankyou to the lady and that I am very friendly and not quite understanding yet that I mustn’t do it to those that I don’t know. Mind you, even those that I do know I shouldn’t do it to as they don’t like muddy feet or a scratch or two.  Strange things humans.

Monday: Only went out briefly this morning as apparently another human is coming to mend the video. She isn’t happy about it as we have only had the thing three weeks.  We did do some training and I got all of it right. Also played with my bally so not bad if I don’t get out again till later. The human is supposed to come in the morning to mend it but who knows. Now that the weather is cooler I have eaten my first meal of the day. When it is hot I don’t really feel like eating much. She worries, but has been through it before with others, so didn’t give me anything extra. Now I know I must eat what I have been given as, she knows from experience, if she gives me something else I will get fussy and start wanting different things. Shame, I could do with something different. Mind you she has found that I can eat beef mince now without upsetting my tum. As you have probably read I can’t eat chicken without getting an upset tum. I like chicken but she doesn’t like clearing up after it. J Well, off to have a sleep now as I am tired after playing with the girlies. More tomorrow.

Wednesday. Well the man came to see to the video, he said that it would cost too much to repair, and this is apparently only three weeks old. My human was not impressed. We now have to wait for a new one to be delivered. Lets hope its soon so that I can watch my favourite vid called the chat room. It has lots of dogs on it playing and doing silly things with toys. I like watching the television!

Thursday: Met a very nice dog called a Great Dane up the Manor this morning. Her name is Rosie and she is very big. I thought she was lovely and she liked me too. I was also a good boy and did all that I was asked to do.

Friday: Met Rosie again and also learnt  how to do something called an ‘A’ recall. This is where I lay down and my human walks away and then calls me to heel. I did it very well. I am told that another young puppy is coming tonight to meet me. His name is Caelan and is a golden retriever. Hope he is friendly. …….

Well, I have met Caelan and he is quite sweet but he did keep hiding under the garden bench and then chasing me. Just wait until he is bigger!

Saturday: Off to classes this afternoon so more later. ….

Well I enjoyed today as I was allowed to say hello to a lot of people and then spent sometime watching from my bed and then did my class very well.

Tyto’s diary for 20/06/06

Day 1. Went for a walk in the early morning as apparently I need to learn to walk better on the lead and not just run around after a ball. I must admit it is nice to go for a walk as that way I get to sniff about a bit and suss out what has been around. Also in this hot weather I don’t get taken home so soon as we can walk on the shady side of the road. J

Day 2.  A bit  cooler this morning so went for an amble up the Manor. It is great up there as I meet other people. I love people, and other dogs, as long as they are friendly. I am, so I always hope that they are too.

Day 3.  Warmer again today so went down the road for a walk and a play on Monks Recreation ground. It is not as good as the Manor but it is flat so my owner teaches me proper heelwork and recalls. I must admit I am getting good at those.

Day 4.  Have started to learn more about sendaways and retrieve. I really enjoy these as I get a treat for doing it properly. Also as it is still a bit warm we go in the garden, that’s Lily and Cody and me, and play with what I have heard are the garden toys. They make a change from the ones that we play with indoors.

Day 5.  Well she flung that plastic retrievy thing today and I went and got it. Aren’t I clever. This was after she and her (the daughter) had flung it to each other, they said it was to get me interested, I just think humans are a bit nuts. J

It took a while for me to understand that I had to get it and not wait for her to. After all she threw it so why should I get it but it kept her happy when I went and got it back for her.

Day 6. Had another lovely walk up the Manor and listened to all the birds. Came home and played with the girlies. Now going to have a sleep before playing again. Lovely life.

Day 7. You will notice that today is a little different. That is because we don’t do much until we get to class on Saturday afternoon. I am told this makes us fresh for the learning. I do go for a play in the morning as I am very energetic but not all pups are. Some just like to lay around and chew toys. Now, I used to like to do that but now that I am 7 months old I need to do a bit extra. Anway I surpased myself. I did a lovely send to, that means I went out to my mat and downed. This will lead onto sendaways later on in the course. I also held my dumbell twice and did my sits, downs and stands. My heelwork wasn’t up to much. It was hot after all and I had been there for quite a while. Hopefully it will be a little cooler next week.

Tyto’s ramblings and hers too. June 12^th 2006

Well it seems such a long time ago that I last gave you a report of what I was getting up to. We started back at class on June 10^th and boy what a lovely lot of new pups and returnees we have. Three classes. The puppy class is full with a lovely selection of different breeds. Then there are two other classes with new ones and returnees from last time. I have been put in the last class as I am brainy enough to learn harder things. At least, that is what I have been told. I think it is because she is training the middle class, not that I am not brainy enough. But, I am going to try and be crafty and be a bit on the slow side. That way I get more treats. Although, I did hear the trainer (she who must be obeyed’s daughter) saying that she is going to get this class that I am in not to use so many treats. Anyway I have started doing something called retrieve, this is done with a funny thing called a dumbbell that is made of plastic. I don’t mind it but it doesn’t do much, not like a ball that rolls and bounces.

Still maybe she will start flinging it about soon. Then I can chase it. Also we have started doing another strange thing called sendaways. This is where I have to run out to a mat and lay down. Weird because she has always called me to her, now she is sending me away. Mind you I don’t mind as when I get there, there is always a tasty morsel for me to eat. Now over to her as she wants to say something.

Thank you Tyto

.

Well I am very pleased to say that the boy is coming along very well.

Learning fast and doing all that is asked although he does sometimes cock a deaf ear. The classes have started back with a vengeance and they all seem very keen to learn. Lets hope that they continue to do so.

Just a quick reminder: With the hot weather please remember to keep your dogs cool and don’t leave them in the car at any time of the day. Best to leave them at home. Take them out early in the morning and late in the evening. Also remember that dogs don’t have much sense about moving out of the sun if they are with you in the garden, so make them go inside at times to cool off.

Well, will leave you all now to enjoy the lovely weather and tell you more next time Andy lets me have space on his lovely website.

Thanks Andy.

 Slack leads everyone.

Many thanks for this Brenda ......... and Tyto!

Tyto’s progress. May 13^th and 14^th

This is unfortunately the last of Tyto’s progress reports for now as we have come to the end of this course. We start back on June 10^th when he will be in a much harder class as he needs the brain work with lots of distractions around him. We went to a show on Sunday and he was not too bad in his class. I have decided to continue more with his obedience training than in breed shows as he seems to be a very brainy dog and needs to be active instead of standing in a ring for minutes on end getting bored.  Of course I think he is beautiful so don’t need a judge to tell me.

His recalls are really getting much better. It took time for him to realise that I did mean come when called but he has got the idea now that I do mean it. Just more time spent teaching on lead and verbal praise. I have cut out a lot of the treats now when out, because eventually the supply does run out, unlike a voice and hands for praise. His on lead walking is also getting better.

Just a little off subject. I have had lots of phone calls from people with pups (I consider all dogs under a year as pups). The owners have said that their dogs are very hyperactive. Now this can be down to the food. If feeding a high protein food then this can cause hyperactivity in pups. If the pup is of a working breed then they have enough energy without giving them more rocket fuel. Most manufactured wet  foods have too much protein, especially when the moisture is removed. Be careful with dry food, as this can also be too high. If in doubt ask those that know, not pet shops, as they are mainly trying to sell their products. Also in my opinion, not vets, as they also are usually selling products that are being sold to them by promotional manufacturers. I can see me being shot down for that but, it is my opinion and after being a trainer for some years and watching various dogs grow from pup to adult it is based on that.

Anyway, to get back to his nibs. He is growing well for his age, now 6 months. His coat is changing in colour and hopefully will get longer, but he won’t get his full coat until he is about 2 years old. He is very good when left in his bed (dog crate), which is one that is large enough for him to stand up, turn around in and lay down full length. So, if you are investing in one, buy one that will fit when they are adult. I did buy one to go in the car for short journeys but he is nearly grown out of it so I will have to tether him soon in the car so that he is under control and within the law. I understand that soon it will be law to restrain dogs safely in the car. I just wish they would bring in a law for dogs to be on leads when on pavements. It is, again in my opinion, very dangerous. Even the most obedient dog can get spooked or decide that the cat strolling across the road is fair game.

Well that’s about it for now. More when we reconvene in June.

Just a very quick update. I have hijacked his nibs’ ramblings as this week was the last one before the assessment week. He is doing all that he should now plus extras that he will need for when he starts going to various shows. I just hope that he continues being as good, as now that he is getting older he may start to show off and say ‘no’ to various things such as recall, especially as there are lots of different sniffs around at this time of year ie: lady dogs in season. Ah well just means that I will have to up the ante’s ie different yummy treats, not just the cheese but something tastier. I am open to suggestions here. But I suppose I could use beef sausages, useful if I get peckish when out with him.

I will let you all know how it goes next week.

For those of you that have been reading his progress I hope it has been of some use to you all. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Just to get a plug in here: Our next course starts on June 10^th. I will be there with Tyto still training him and others. It is an ongoing thing just like children at school. Education never stops and there is always something new to learn.

Bye for now.

Slack leads everyone and happy days. Many thanks Andy for putting this on your website and the pictures.

Tyto’s progress report 29^th April    Week 6

Well I thought I wouldn’t keep you waiting another week as I have been such a good boy. I come every time ‘she who must be obeyed’ calls me. I do get a treat for doing it, sometimes just a pat and a good boy but sometimes a bit of cheese. Lovely.

I hear this noise accompanied by her calling and I have to respond to see what it is. (She is very crafty and hides the thing that makes a noise, apparently, although I don’t know this, it is a whistle!  I am also starting to concentrate more on the watch and close heelwork . Apparently if you do something called competition obedience you have to be close to the left owners leg at all times, so I am trying hard to do this but at times there are such nice things to smell and look at on the ground. Ah well, I will, I expect, get the hang of it properly very soon. Especially if I get those bits of cheese. J I am now giving my owner time to speak.

Thankyou Tyto. I wondered when I would get a look in!

The little one is doing really well. He is a bright lad and very intelligent. Keeps me on my toes. For those of you that think a Border Collie is easy, think again. They have a very high intelligence and need to be given lots to do. That doesn’t mean lots of walking but lots of things to keep the brain interested. This helps to calm them down and this way you get some peace. MInd you all puppies of any breed need to be given lots to do not just exercise. This comes when they are about 9 months old. Lets face it, the food that you are dilligently putting into them to make them grow properly wont if they are over walked. Well must go and rescue one of the oldies from his mangling. He does love to rearrange their fur round their neck. More again soon. Over to Tyto.

Woof I am back. Doesn’t she go on!! I am told that there are only two more weeks to go and then we have a break from classes. I will miss the friends that I have made. Let's hope they come back when we start again in June. More soon.

Slack leads and come when your called. There may be a bit of cheese for you.

Well I have done my second and third week of training at the classes in Lancing. I did very well I thought in the second week, but I had to be told to concentrate after being outside to do some heelwork. I was really interested in all the other dogs so thought I would try to keep up with them all, but my owner said it wasn’t on so I thought better of it and decided to walk very nicely by her side. I would have done it any way but had to show her that I could do what I wanted when I wanted. “Us dogs love to wind our owners up”. Mind you the treats are worth doing it for. They are quite yummy, although they do taste similar to my food. Problem is they aren’t always given to me so I have to be on my toes to keep them coming. All the other pups are doing very well as are the other dogs in the later classes. I watch them when I can when I am in my bed. This week, the third week, we did stand still while my owner groomed me, I was quite fidgety as I couldn’t concentrate. One of the other puppies was a bit upset and this upset the rest of us. I hope she is feeling better next week. Then recalls and some heelwork. I do like going as all the other dogs are very friendly and so are the owners.

My First Real Class  by Tyto.     March 25th 2006

 Arrived at 12 noon as this is when the humans have to get the hall ready for the arrival of all the new babies. They all arrive between 12..15 and 12.30 pm. I am told that they are all about my age but boy are some bigger than me, some are smaller but  this is because they are a mixed bunch of breeds. The humans on the end of their leads look a trifle nervous. Me, I am as cool as a hot dog but I think my human looks nervous to and she is the one that has done this sort of thing numerous times before.J Maybe it is because her daughter is the trainer.J

Well I must take my human to a chair and let her sit down ready for the class to begin. I will tell you what happened when I get back to this computer thingy and get my human to type it up, it’s good to have a slave.J

Well I have arrived back home unscathed. Had a great time meeting 9 other lovely pups in the class that I was in. Did all that I should have done, sits, downs, recalls and a bit of heelwork. Got my human running rings though. She thought I needed to keep going out for a pee but I didn’t, but it was good to have a sniff around outside. Eventually I went (for a wee) at 3.30pm. Wasn’t I a good boy to last that long! J

Anyway I digress. The rest of the classes were good to watch. There were two classes following mine and both had about 7 or 8 dogs in them. Sorry not big on counting yet, I am after all only 19 weeks old.  Watching some of the old hands I think I shall be beating them soon. Mind you I musn’t let my human think she is better than them by being too clever. Or maybe I will, after all I am a brainy collie. J

More in a couple of weeks when I have learnt some more. Bye for now.    Tyto

February 27^th More of Tyto’s Progress.

At last he has a very good tum and is settled on a diet of rice, meat and a complete dog food. Plus the occasional small dog biscuit, oh and cheese for training. 

He loves going for short walks and meeting people and seeing what is around. The traffic doesn’t bother him at the moment, I say this as when he starts to get a little older different phases start to play a part in a pups development and they may take a dislike to sudden noises. This is isn’t always the case with some pups but it can happen. He has now got used to the barking dogs over the way and is interested in going out in the garden to listen instead of running indoors.

He has been to class for the last two weeks running. This will get him ready for the new course that starts at the end of March. He will be taken each week to socialise with dogs and humans and learn how to be a good dog around them J . Also to learn the first steps to being an obedience dog.

Although he will learn to do things that all pups/dogs should do, like come and sit and not to pull, he will also be learning the correct heel position and straight presents for  recall and retrieve in competition. This learning will go on for life as all dogs like children need to be reninded each day what they have learnt before. A bit like revising for exams. J

I also need to remember that he is only a pup and doesn’t know all that the older dogs know already. Although he is very bright and picks things up very quickly. Too quickly at times, meaning that I have to be sure to teach him correctly the first time, or else I will have to re teach the things that I havn’t noticed creep in that are wrong.

This means asking the family and friends that visit to be sure to do the right thing. ie: no jumping up, making him sit and coming when they call him.

Well that’s about it for now, will let you all know what happens when he starts classes for real. J

By the way he weighs 8.4kgs. so that’s 4 kilos in seven weeks. Can’t be bad.J

Brenda and Tyto x

February 13th More of Tyto’s progress.

Well Tyto has taken to the lead like a duck to water. Once he knew that the lead meant freedom outside the house he was off, in a manner of speaking; he was on the lead. J He sat at all the kerbs and walked quite well onto the green near our house. Then it was ‘wow’ what can I grab first and where can I go to have a sniff. All this at 12 weeks old.

When he is indoors he plays with the girls, our other Border Collies, quite well until they get fed up with being gnawed on, then they say, quite rightly, ‘get off’ and we give them peace by going into the kitchen/diner with him and they stay in the  long room. Never really quite sure what to call it? Lounge or front room? Any way he then has time with me and a little formal training ie: sits, downs, stands and recall with a bit of retrieve thrown in. He also does a bit of heelwork.

In the evenings he seems to leave the girls alone and plays with all the toys until bedtime; he loves spreading them around the floor. Then he goes to sleep from about 10pm ish until the morning, around 7am. At night we always lift him for his last wee and then he goes back to bed and all is quiet till morning. He is growing really well despite a hiccup with the food. But he seems settled on rice and meat with the occasional bit of complete dog food thrown in. I use tiny bits of cheese for training, this also gives him a bit of calcium that is needed for his growing bones. Not too much as he shouldn’t be given much extra as it will make the bones grow too quickly.

Soon there will be another exciting experience for him when he goes to puppy classes that we run ourselves. I shall take him next week just to soak up the atmosphere as we are getting to the end of the current course, ready for the new one that begins in March. This will help him get used to different dogs and their barking. He does seem worried by dogs barking. He is used to ours but if he hears a different one he does worry a bit until he realises that the noise does come from a dog. Well that’s it for now. Will write more when he has been to one or two classes.

So as they say in the fishing circles tight lines now or should that be slack leads for us doggy folk?

Diary of a New Puppy: January 28^th/30^th 2006

Well it is now two weeks since he arrived. Tyto has settled in well and since the first night, which was a long and noisy one, he has given us good nights. The occasional wee accident in his bed, but I think that is because he has had a fidget, after all it is a long time to sleep.

The food was a nightmare to start with. He came with a small amount of something called premium puppy food, no brand name. So I changed him onto Burns mini bites/puppy and he is doing really well on it. The only thing that I have had to watch is the amount. The given amount on the bag was not enough for him, as he is a big growing boy, so I upped it to a bit extra and he is doing very well; growing nicely and doing his little jobs outside. We still have the occasional wee accident in doors but he is beginning to ask and sit at the door for it to be opened. Mind you, when outside he does forget sometimes why he has gone out there! Lots to sniff at and look at, especially the birds that come in to eat and the cats from next door walking along the fence. In a couple of days he will have his second injection and then he can go to classes a week later to soak up the atmosphere. We have taken advice from our vet and as long as he is carried inside it will be ok as all the other dogs have had their innoculations. Not that he will have much contact with them as I train a dog in one class and teach in the other. He will be in the safety of a puppy crate for a while when I am there.

I have started to do little training bits with him. He has grasped the idea of “Sit” and “Come” and also a tiny bit of retrieve. Bright little boy.

More in a couple of weeks, after his first outing on a lead.