A new Member of the Family

[Daisy]

Plant, I saw the programme advertised but didn't want to watch it - it's so upsetting to see dogs used like that and bred for undesirable traits. Ear docking is illegal in the UK, so no reputable vet would do it. That means these cruel men must do it badly, with no anaesthetic and no after care.

Oma, Storm is a very smart doggy! My DS2 taught his previous dog, Midge, to close doors, but he was a Jack Russell so not much danger of him doing any damage. Storm could go through the door, he's so strong. . For now, I'm just happy that Eva will nudge a door open to save her standing out in the cold waiting to be let in - she doesn't bark to go in or out

[Gemini]

Well done to Eva! An achievement for her 🐕

[Nanto2girls]

Top marks to Eva. Well done.

[Daisy]

Today hasn't been a good day for Eva.

Someone next door to our back garden was making random banging noises (a bit like swingball in slow motion) and Eva was besides herself with terror - trembling and panting. I think she thinks noises like that are thunder. It was looking quite cloudy and not too hot, so I took her out to get her away from the noise. Then the sun came out and it was baking, and we had no shade! So poor dog was hot and panting when we got back. Then on the way to dog training they were resurfacing a road, and we had to drive behind the "convoy vehicle" (whatever that was - it was some way ahead) and all the little stone chippings were making a noise like automatic gunfire. They sounded so loud even though I drove as slowly as I could. Eva was shaking and panting again when we got to training!

The room was very hot as the group using the hall in the morning had left all the blinds up on the sunny side of the hall! Eva really wasn't in the mood after her stressful journey and was struggling to even do scent work, which she's really good at normally. Then she got totally confused about flyball and wandered off in "scent work" mode again. She's slept all evening so I think the day has exhausted her. Even a dog can have a bad day, it seems.

[Gemini]

Oh poor Eva

I hope today is a better day for her xx

[Plantaholic]

Oh poor Eva, she did have a bad day.

[Nanto2girls]

Poor Eva. She did have a bad day.
Hope she is having a better day today.

[Daisy]

Thank you, ladies. Yes, Eva's had a much better day today. I took her out early while it was cool - in fact it was misty! It was very quiet so I let her off for quite a while, then put her back on the lead when we got near the campsites. Then I saw a dog walker I've met recently and Eva and one of her own dogs are very good together. So I let her off again. Then suddenly she instigated a game of chase, which the other dog was clearly enjoying. We both called our dogs back, and I was quite pleased that Eva actually responded first and came hammering back to me. It was a pity she didn't apply her brakes a bit earlier though as she ran straight into me and nearly knocked me over. It's the first time she's ever done that, but I'll be more wary next time!

[Daisy]

I know I often mention Eva in other posts, but today we reached a milestone I thought would be forever out of reach.

She is petrified of thunder and fireworks and we have a routine to help her, involving something homeopathic to calm her, Classic FM on upstairs and downstairs, all doors, windows and curtains closed to cut out flashes of light and as much sound as possible, taking her for a short walk just before darkness falls and we both sit with her in the living room.

We had only got as far as closing curtains and doors when a few fireworks went off. Eva barked at them, then settled down. Then an hour or so later they were much louder and she started barking, but showed no signs of being frightened. So I put treats in her snuffle mat and hid more treats round the living room. She happily searched for them all, with just an occasional bark, but no signs of shaking, excessive panting or cowering in her bed. This has made me feel ridiculously happy, and I hope it's the end of the firework terrors for her.

[Clover]

That’s wonderful Daisy. You’ve cracked it! My DD’s dog is petrified of any bangs, fireworks or not.It’s so sad seeing them so terrified when you can’t explain they’re safe.

[Gemini]

Oh Daisy, that must make life so much easier for all of you! That's so good.

Well done you, and Eva

[Daisy]

Clover, I feel for both your DD's terrified little dog, and all the humans who care for her. You feel so helpless when they are that frightened and nothing you do or say seems to help. But Eva is 11 and I'd given up hope of her ever being ok-ish with things that go bang, so there is hope for your DD's dog as well. xxx

Gem, there's no guarantee she will be ok with the next lot of fireworks or thunder, but we've got everything crossed.

[Gemini]

I will cross my fingers too Daisy!

[Daisy]

Gem, thank you. She was ok last night as well. None of the fireworks were very close and she'd had a very long walk in the afternoon so was quite tired.

[Plantaholic]

I imagine there will be quite a few fireworks this Sat