06Dec
Deep breath, count to 5 and go... I have had to do this a few times this week. That little reset can help massively at times. On a recent walk with Pepsi and Hendrix, I had to do it. There was a kitten on the grass next to the path and we needed to go by it. The road next to us was busy and there wasn't a way I could cross. In seconds, I went through various scenarios as I didn't want the dogs to scare the kitten especially as it could have ran into the road. I took a deep breath, counted to 5, ensured their leads were shorter yet relaxed and I was in between them and the kitten. We walked on and I kept an eye on the kitten so I could be ready to move slower or act if I needed to. We walked by without any drama. Nothing happened. Pepsi and Hendrix glanced yet walked on, unfazed and the kitten happily laid on the grass. Usually they will watch cats, get to the end of their leads and Hendrix will sometimes try and run to them. They received plenty of praise and honestly, I was amazed. It shows how dogs behaviour can be different if the dog handlers behaviour is different. I was outwardly calm and confident, the dogs and the kitten were.
Another scenario this week was at the vets with Emma. She showed symptoms of a urine infection. I collected a urine sample, took her to the vets and I was so sure something would show up that would also indicate the sore skin around that area. I have been treating her sore skin for many months, have had 4 different vets opinions on the likely cause and we still don't have a definitive answer. Emma didn't have any bacteria in her urine but her white blood cell count was high. She is on antibiotics and anti-inflammatories and she is back to her normal self. Sadly her skin is still sore but we are trying another cream after the latest vets recommendation. Do you know that feeling when you try everything possible, then research products and try more yet still no result... that is where I am. I am caring for her sore skin a few times a day, treating her with natural remedies to support her skin and digestive system from the inside. I hope that with time, her skin will heal and we can finally remove the cone. My heart aches for her as the skin must be painful. She sees me coming with a gloved hand, the solution to bathe her, the cream and she walks towards me, lays down and shows me the sore skin. She knows this routine and has accepted that I need to it. I don't have to ask her to do anything. She flinches at times when I bathe it as it flares up yet she stays there. I often wonder if what I do soothes the area and does she know that? I have no idea yet I am grateful for her calmness, tolerance and patience. I have started to tell her that we will get there.. though that's more to try and reassure me.
On a happier note, we have been enjoying our little photography sessions. I decided to try Willow as my "test" dog. The "test" dog helps me to get the composition, lighting, positioning, camera settings in order for me to get the image how I had imagined. In return they get a lot of treats and praise. Usually I will use Raven, Drake or Hendrix as they predict what I want and I can get to where I want a little faster. Willow was incredible. I turned it into a game and because the other dogs weren't around, she enjoyed it and her intelligence shined. She was very happy and when I told her we were done, she ran back to the blanket and laid there hoping I would continue our game.
Every pack member loves our photo session games and they get excited hoping for more. Just like with grooming, I have made a lot of positive associations and they all get excited when they see the camera, camera bag, grooming table, and brush. Hendrix has been known to randomly run to my camera bag and back to me... the cheeky boy knows that the camera leads to treats.
This photo of Alaska was not planned which makes it more special to me. I haven't purposefully taught Alaska to lay with her head down. I praised her on our last photo session and she offered it on this one. She isn't like her mum for learning something new, she doesn't show interest in learning new tricks and she isn't food focused. She is very different and often surprises me. I think I have seen a shift in her willingness to learn new things over recent months and I am adapting to her way of learning.
The joy of owning dogs is a wonderful gift that keeps on giving. They inspire me in many ways and together, we accomplish things that I couldn't have predicted.
I almost forgot to add something about Pepsi that I am very pleased about. I had booked the family in to go round the Northern Lights Trail at Temple Newsam and decided to take Pepsi. I would have taken more dogs but I wanted a hand free to take photos, drink, eat and hold my youngest sons hand on the muddy areas. Pepsi is 11 months old and his brain chemistry is changing as his body goes through the teenage phase. Socialisation is super important to me and keeping up to it during this important phase is crucial. Pepsi could not have behaved any better. He was very happy exploring, sniffing new scents and was content throughout the experience. I know him well and knew he would take it in his stride. There was music, various light shows, fog machines, lots of people, crowds, and we had to move very slow at times. There were excited humans talking to him and he remained calm and quiet. I have been proactive on walks as I don't want everyone to greet him and get him excited. I use my body language and my body in between Pepsi and other humans to prevent people stroking him. I know it may seem rude but Pepsi can get excited easily and I do not want him to think he can greet every human. Especially as I see young children and adults scared of dogs (I have seen them hop into the road in fear and they didn't look first!). I am super proud of Pepsi. His temperament coupled with quality socialisation means he is the kind of dog that would suit many homes. His temperament in future puppies would be incredible.
~ Claire 🐾
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