Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!

Goodbye Ella, Happy Birthday Amber & Holly, Biscuit Recipe & Agility Update!

Ella at 3 Months & at 4 Months

Ella has now moved on to another foster family, we were sad to see her go, but she's settling in well with her new foster family. You can see everything she did whilst she was with us on her Instagram page: @ella_aadi (https://www.instagram.com/ella_aadi/).

Ella's Instagram account. 

Amber and Holly celebrated their 6th & 4th Birthdays on the 10th of October! I made them some biscuits instead of a cake this year, and decided to take the opportunity to share my first recipe on the blog (read below).

The Birthday girls!!!!

Holly is also making great agility progress and has been doing full height A-frame, Seesaw & Jumps (Jumps are on Small although she's not been measured yet) for a few days now and is fine with them! We're also making progress on running even if I don't have a toy in my hand, and we're working on weaves a lot now. 

Wilson and I are still working on motivation and playing, which is a lot of fun! We're doing Polona Bonac's Let's Play online course (http://polonabonac.com/) in case anyone's interested. You can see some video/photo updates on our training on Instagram @wilsontheckcs. 

Beth & Wilson Xx 

Meet Ella and an update on Wilson & Holly

It's been ages since I last posted! Anyway I'll make more of an effort to post from now on.

So guess what!?! After 2 years we've decided to foster another puppy ...

Meet Ella! She is a 3 month old Autism Assistance Dog Puppy-in-Training. We've had her for about 2 weeks now and she's settling in well. 

We've already taken her into several shops ...

and she has also met cats, chickens and goats. 

I've set up an Instagram account for Ella @ella_aadi  And I now can update Wilson's account - @wilsontheckcs more frequently. 

I'm putting a lot of focus into Wilson's agility training and improving his recall now. We're doing a course about improving motivation and making agility really fun which we're both enjoying! So I'll try and keep the blog updated with our progress I also have a new trick/birthday video of him- link at the end of post.

Holly is making great progress with her agility training she's done a few training rounds during the summer, I'm hoping to get her to another show before they stop for the winter. We just need to work on those weaves and contacts now!

                                        

Wilson 3 years (incase this video doesn't work, Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgSojZKK0dY )

Bernese Mountain Dog Worldwide Walk 2016 (Kinsale)

So yesterday we went down to Kinsale to take part in the Bernese Mountain Dog Worldwide Walk 2016. We walked on The Dock Beach, and then to James Fort. 

In total there were 13 Bernese, 1 Cavalier & 1 Crossbreed - 15 dogs :-) 

Originally I was going to have Wilson & Buddy traveling separately, as I was worried Buddy would pester Wilson to play, but I decided to try, and they were fine, and just curled up together.  

They were both really good, I was especially pleased with Wilson as I was carrying Buddy a lot, and he's not used to that, or I was also walking Buddy - and the only other dog he usually walks beside is Holly, and she's less excitable.

They were both really confident with the bigger dogs and said 'Hi' to all 13 Bernese!

Buddy trying to steal a treat from my treat bag whilst I reward Wilson!

Wilson  posing before the walk ... I think Buddy is still looking for treats!

We then went to The Dock Beach, they loved that - Amber, Zara, Wilson & Buddy all paddled in the sea!

There were also rocks for climbing ...

We then walked through fields to James Fort. Buddy wanted to walk the whole way - but I did carry him for most of it!

Amazing views and fabulous photo opportunities!

He was meant to be posing by the view ... but he didn't want us to be left behind ...

Walking 2 dogs!

At James Fort, Kinsale

What a gorgeous view!

Buddy just being an annoying little puppy!

We really enjoyed the day, and they were both so well behaved! We also got lot's of clips which will be included in Buddy's video, which I've begun editing. I also wanted to say; I'm going o try and make an effort to blog more, daily whilst Buddy's here and then weekly.

Beth, Wilson & Buddy Xxx

Wilson & Buddy - Bernese Worldwide Walk 2016 (Kinsale)

Wilson & Buddy having fun on the Bernese Worldwide Walk in Kinsale. We went to The Dock Beach & James Fort, they loved it! In total there were 15 dogs, 13 Bernese :-) Photo's to follow :-)

Minding Buddy #4: Buddy has arrived!

So, Buddy arrived Thursday morning. He is a really sweet puppy.

And is getting on well with Amber, Wilson, Cody & Zara - Holly is tolerating him!

So far he's been to the field, town, 2 pet shops (he was weighed - 4kgs) and has played with me, Wilson, Zara, in the paddling pool and likes tunnels!

He also was very good sitting on my lap with Wilson whilst I watched a movie - although he was chewing my hands a little!

Tomorrow we're going to Kinsale, for a beach walk as part of the 'Bernese World Wide Walk' and I'll bring Wilson and Buddy (although Buddy will need to be carried most of the way!)

I'll let you know how we get on and share more photos tomorrow! 

Minding Buddy #3: Meeting Buddy

Buddy being cuddled

Today we went to visit Buddy, the puppy who I'll be minding for 2 weeks from the 22nd. He is a really bouncy, confident puppy. His toy drive is very good, and he has lot's of interest in food, I think he'll be great fun to train. He was smaller then I expected, about the size Wilson was at 8 weeks, even though hes already 10 weeks!

Tugging with Zara's leash

His face is very like a poodle, and his coloring a cocker spaniel.  He is very out-going, and sweet, a bit bite-y but should grow out of that, loads of fun, very playful. He's had little training so far, but I'm really looking forward to working with him. I'm going to try and work on basic training, and socializing, and maybe a little agility foundations (even though he's not going to do agility). 

Playing with Wilson's bunny

During the visit, I started 'charging' the clicker, did some restrained recalls, some 'chase me' games, and lot's cuddles and play. I think, based on how he was today, I'll be able to teach him a good fetch whilst he's with me, and reward with food and toys.

Chewing

I also think he's the sort of puppy Wilson will love! Very playful and confident with other dogs, we took Zara, and even though she's way bigger than him,  he loved playing with her!

Minding Buddy #2 : What do you need for a Puppy

So, for those who don't know I'm going to be minding a puppy for 2 weeks from the 22nd of April. He's called Buddy and he's a brown & white crossbreed puppy (poodle x cocker) I've decided to blog about his stay with me.

Buddy (photo from his owner)

Preparing for a Puppy: What do you need? 
I know it's slightly different to if he was actually mine (for example, his owners have already got his collar etc...) but I wanted to post about what you'd need for a puppy*

Collars: there is a variety of collars available, choose an adjustable collar (otherwise you'll need to buy a new one every 2 weeks!) so an nonadjustable paracord collar (such as Wilson's orange & turquise one) isn't ideal. Make sure it's not too thick or thin, on average I get 20mm thick collars for my 6kg & 8kg crossbreed and cavalier. Here are a few places to get collars from: Personalized Fabric Collars, Custom-made Paracord Collars & Fabric Collars or you can get some from Ruffwear Collars & Hurtta Collars

Wilson and Holly's collection of collars; paracord, fabric & ribbon/nylon

ID tags: there are a lot of different ones to choose from you can add a lot of details to them now, I have my dogs name, my phone number, my address and 'I'm microchipped' on my dog's collars. We currently have RedDingo Tags & I've ordered 2 tags from Dogwood Medaljoni (although, I've just got their names on it, you can probably get your number etc.. on it too).

Wilson's RedDingo ID Tag; Our number is on there, but I've blurred it. It's not very shiny anymore, but it is 3 years old.

Harnesses: I think harnesses are great, as puppies can't hurt their necks of they pull, for if you want a trailing leash whilst training recall (people can accidentally step on the leash, and you don't want their necks jerked) or for if you choose a dog seat-belt for travelling in the car. There are a variety of harnesses available I recommend the Ruffwear Front Range Harness, Hurtta Padded Y-Harness or Hurtta Padded Harness, but as your puppy is growing, you may wish to buy cheaper harnesses whilst they grow, or use old harnesses from when your dogs are puppies, or (if you have one and it fit's) your other dogs harness (for example Zara fitted Wilson's harness for about a week!)

A few of our harnesses; Hurtta Padded Harness, Ruffwear Front Range Harness, Hurtta Y-Harness & EzyDog ChestPlate Harness

Leashes: Again your overwhelmed with choice! Fleece/Agility leashes, standard leashes, double ended leashes, rope leashes .. the list goes on! Here are a few we have Fleece Leash, Ruffwear Knot-a-Leash & Hurtta Double Ended Rope Leash. Just if you go for the Ruffwear leash, get the smaller size for a small dog or puppy, as the carabiner is quite big.

Some of our many leashes.

Food: A big consideration is what to feed your puppy. For the first few days you should probably keep them on what the breeder was feeding them, but then start weaning them onto what you think is best. I feed my dogs Raw food, they have Carnivore Kelly's pre-prepared raw food. They love it! And I think raw is the healthiest food for them. Some other brands are Natural Instinct & Nutriment. If you wish to feed kibble some good brands are; Acana, Lily's Kitchen, Millie's Wolfheart, Origen, or another kibble with high meat content and low/no grain.

Our dogs enjoying some beef ribs from top left, Amber, Wilson, Holly & Amber. Although they're having ribs, you can feed just pre-prepared raw, which is like mince.

Treats: I don't buy the treats from pet shops that are filled with sugar, salt, food coloring & flavorings. Instead we use high quality (and mostly grain free) kibble such as Lily's Kitchen, cooked chicken/turkey or Millie's Wolfheart chews as a special treat or a jackpot.

Treat Bag: Whether or not you need a treat bag depends on whether your precious about your clothes. Although even if you don't mind having dog treats in your pocket,  treat bag such as the _______ makes treats easier and quicker to access, which even if your clicker training, is a bonus.

Toys: Get your puppy a variety of toys! See what he likes, try fetching (not too often and try and roll rather than throw the ball) tugging (don't pull too hard and get down to the puppies level, to not pull their neck) and chasing. Make sure they're appropriate to your puppies size and chewing ability. If your puppy grows out of them, either put them away for a future puppy, or donate to your local rescue center. If you have another dog, think of toys that may like to play with together. Here are a few of our (many) dog toys! Some good company's are: Firefly Canine Outfitters, JW Dog Toys, Rosewood, Kong, Tug-E-Nuff, Tugtastic & Tough Tugz.

A selection of our dog toys: If you want to know where I got each one, please ask!

Bedding: You'll need lot's of spare bedding, so you can just change your puppies bedding if they make it dirty. Vetbed is great as it's hard for them to destroy, and it's easy and quick to wash and dry. Fleece blankets are also good, as again, they're easy to wash and you can use them to protect other bedding. The pink vetbed in the photo is what Holly had as a puppy; it's now 3 years old and still in good condition.

Make sure to have plenty of bedding, readily avalable so you can cahnge your puppies bedding when necessary. 

Towels: Get some towels for your dog, to dry them off in the rain, or if their nice and fluffy they could also be used as bedding.

Clean-up Spray: Chances are, your puppy is going to have a few accidents in the house aswell as takingthem out regularly and rewarding for going out side, ignoring accidents and cleaning them up is really important. This is the spray we use for all our puppies as it removes the smell : Clean-Up Spray, you also need to buy plenty of bags to pick-up after your puppy.

Crate: I know there is a very split view on crates. One side is 'It's cruel to lock them in a cage' the other 'it's like a den, his special safe place'.I think it a very valuable tool for training a puppy, it aids toilet training and keeps your puppy safe (and not chewing your house) whilst you can't watch him, but if left there for hours-on-end, it's very unfair. I recommend setting up a play pen with a crate in for your puppy, for the day where they can go for brief periods of time for a nap, as a break from play, or whilst you can't supervise. I think a crate my your bed (maybe also with a pen) is the best thing, so you can hear them fuss and can take them out. They need to be introduced to it correctly (I'll post more on that another time). They are good for (whilst they are puppies and dogs) giving the dog their place to escape to, if they are fed up of a game, or being petted. Crates should be for your dog only, no children, adults, cats etc...

Clicker: This is a great training tool, for any dog but especially a puppy. A clicker basically means 'That was good, you earned a treat' and it gives you a few seconds to get the treat out of your pocket etc where you could otherwise accidentally reward the what they do between the desired behavior and the treat (for example: licking their lips, jumping up,  looking away ...) I personally like Karen Pryor's i-Click, which you can get them from; Positive Animal Solutions or, if your prepared to pay 1 pound extra to choose a color; Canine Concepts or your local pet shop should have clickers.

i-Click, Clickers (not my photo)

Anyway, that's just what I could think of! I'll probably do a couple more 'getting ready' posts, and I'm hoping to do daily updates on Buddy once he's here.

Beth & Wilson Xx

*All these recommendations are based on my experience with my dogs. The company's have not requested I promote them, nor is it a guarantee that they will suit your dog.