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 😊