puppy training
Puppy training is hard work. We met James, Frankie’s one-one-one coach last weekend. After a short chat, we went for a walk because that’s when Frankie is most challenging. About 20 minutes in, James gave me feedback on how I did. Not great but not terrible either. A good starting point I suppose. My biggest mistake was to praise too early, before Frankie was giving me his full attention. Then the work started properly. We were taken through our paces: walking on a short lead, not paying attention to dogs and cyclists and prams, or those terrifying manhole covers. We went back home for mop training and cat training and finally we were left with homework. Now we have to practice. It is quite hard work but the transformation is remarkable. On a good day. I think we both feel less stressed when out walking when we have no Cujo moments. Well, I a civilised, it is the pup that loses the plot. Frankie still has those moment but he can also sometimes pass a dog now without freaking out. I have decided that neighbourhood walks are best for now. Just the occasional dog, some kids walking and cars passing. Down by the canal and river it is a bit much, particularly on the weekend. For now, I am the one doing the training. Frankie is very much my dog, whereas Jack is very much Richard’s.
We’ve had a remarkably quiet week with Iris, for which I am grateful. But honestly, teenage life is all or nothing, when life for most is generally beige with occasional splashes of orange or pink. I advocate for a beige life.
In other news, I slept without a hot water bottle and my fingers don‘t look their usual shade of putrefaction. I do love hot weather, anything above 25 degrees gets my vote. We are not quite there but I am wearing a sleevless t-shirt, which is noteworthy.
And that’s probably all the news I have. We’ve had a lovely Sunday dinner with our own two teenagers, James’ girlfriend and her sister. A barbecued chicken, salads, boiled and buttered Jersey potatoes and asparagus. It doesn’t get much better.
Thanks for visiting 😊
Good for Frankie and you on progress being made on the outdoor walks and I was curious about mop training and cat training. It's nice to read that you have had a rather peaceful household and quiet weeks are good ones even if they are less colorful.
ReplyDeleteDogs are work. I don’t think ’the work’ is why I am a cat guy, but it helps I guess.
ReplyDeleteSmall steps with Frankie and his training. Progress is good however small. Hang in there Christina. Glad to hear that the rest of your week was quieter and as you say 'more beige'.
ReplyDeleteSunday lunch sounds like you had a lovely time with everyone and hopefully this week will be much warmer for you.
Let's hope all this progress continues. Way to persevere.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure which is the most challenging - terriers or teenagers :)
ReplyDeleteHe will get there - we forget how hard puppies can be.
ReplyDeleteYour Sunday lunch sounded delicious. Unfortunately, we don’t have Jersey potatoes here. I was reading the description that they have almost a nutty taste. I used to enjoy new potatoes from the garden with butter and mint. I could just eat those nothing else. Nice to hear you have had a quiet week. A dog whisperer for Frankie—-I was interested in his first comments. It sounds like a very helpful process. Spring seems to have arrived here finally and I have been buying bedding plants and I’m looking forward to more outdoor time puttering and planting. We also have a range of birds back from their migrations and it is lovely as the sun rises in the morning to hear so much bird song. Jean in Winnipeg.
ReplyDeleteSo much joy in having a new puppy but so much work too. Rewarding when you can see the results. Beautiful flowers! Your lunch sounded wonderful! I wish we had those Jersey potatoes :)
ReplyDeleteFrankie sounds like quite a character. We’ve had two challenging puppies and it is hard work sticking to the training. Lara, our surviving Vizsla, is an easy dog, if a little over-friendly and prone to peeing on greeting visitors. Pleased to hear family life is easier. Xx Doris
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