Tuesday 20 June 2017

Being a tree

managed to grow my own standard bay tree from a rooted cutting

the roses? no, that wasn't me


oh, well, okay, maybe it was me then



I'm taking a deep breath as I sit down to chat to you. Dog ownership is a thing of ups and downs I'm finding. But right now he's asleep. In a highly illegal spot on the sofa, but I am ignoring that for the sake of a little peace. You will of course recall how fond I am of a little peace. The sofa he is on is dark brown, with a mid-brown sheepskin on it (called Larry). Bertie jumps on when he thinks no-one is looking and flattens himself out in the middle of Larry and concentrates on being invisible. He looks up just by moving his eyes, not his head, all the better to remain undetected.

He is incredibly bitey, and his favourite person to bite is the littlest boy. We have tried all the things you are supposed to do: yelping - we really have perfected our yelps - standing like a tree or alternatively going limp. The biggest boy and I laughed so much one evening trying to go limp as a small rabid dog tried to tear us limb from limb. He was growling and shaking and sinking his teeth all the way in and I was yelling, "Go limp, just GO LIMP!" I don't remember the last time I laughed so much. I have a feeling it was verging on hysteria.

Being a tree is occasionally successful, but the littlest boy is unable to stop himself from backing away and trying to pick his feet up out of the way. Of course this is the most exciting thing possible to Bertie and he attacks all the more. This morning he tried entertaining him in the garden by blowing bubbles - a suggestion in his Puppy Training For Kids Book. Bertie bit his ankle and he promptly tipped the entire pot of bubble mixture all down his pyjamas. I thought it had gone over the dog for a moment and had visions of having to rinse it all out.

Anyway, it's hard work, but I'm sure you all know that already, you don't need me to tell you. I have not been the most patient person. I am feeling slightly fraught by the fact that I don't seem to get anything much done each day, and it's making me feel a bit overwhelmed. Oh, it will pass, I know, and I shall miss his giant-pawed puppiness when it's gone.

I drafted in the biggest boy to water the garden for me this evening. After he had finished the earth was still completely bone dry. Sigh. It's been done properly now (middle boy) and some small semblance of order is fleetingly here.

Are all enjoying the summer weather? I particularly like being able to be outside first thing and last thing without a cardigan. That doesn't happen often. Enjoy the rest of the week.

32 comments:

  1. Your day reminded me of almost 10 years ago when our Pip arrived. A bouncy bundle of Springer spaniel. I'd never owned a dog before although luckily husband had! My friend who bred him, arrived one day and said she'd never seen my house looking so untidy! Ten years down the line and I'm totally besotted, given the girls (well young ladies now) so much confidence, met lots of lovely people and dogs and he gives so much love and pleasure. House never quite the same but worth it! You'll be the same eventually! Enjoy!

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    1. Thank you for the encouragement, I've never owned a dog before either. I hope I end up just as besotted. CJ xx

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  2. I must say, your Bertie has the MOST beautiful and wise eyes.. are they really GREEN?? He has a look of being in constant trouble.. LOL! Your basket of strawberries makes me want some. I'd like them without sprays on them. I can always taste that. Hang in there with your fur kid.. he will settle down. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  3. I agree with Teresa...the first thing I noticed was Bertie's eyes. He looks like an old soul but from your description (and how fun that was!), I think he's going to be a good companion for all of you, and perhaps for you most of all. I really think he is going to hit a peak where chewing, nipping and all around hyperactivity will end. Be careful about the biting. My son had a German Shepherd that started out as a puppy nipping at small children's fingers...eye level for him. It escalated and he became increasingly aggressive towards kids and my son had to give him up after a serious incident with some young kids playing nearby. As with any bad behavior, you might want to scold him, and as my vet told me, a gentle clamp on the jaw with your hand, and a stern "NO" will work wonders.

    I'm looking forward to more photos. Your strawberries look delish!!! I love them with loads of fresh whipped cream. I did a lot of work outdoors here at the lake before the thunderstorms rolled in at 6:00 p.m. Potted up plants and flowers, pruned a few bushes, watered everything in sight~despite the rain it's not enough to soak my pots. Another solitary week here and I'm back to Chicago tomorrow. I have that monthly hair appointment as well as a dental. Then back up on Friday. Who knows how long I'll stay. Hubby seems fine, misses home cooked meals but otherwise is surviving. And I love the silence and solitude. Got a promotion at the Chicago newspaper. I'll write an email.

    Love and hugs. Clair,

    Jane

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  4. Bertie is far too adorable and he is going to steal the show! Mark my words. Too cute.
    Nice strawberries too.

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  5. He does look very appealing and the puppy stage does pass eventually but I feel your frustration. It took me quite a while to 'bond' with Hector. Too hot for me during the day but at least the oven doesn't have to go on today!

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  6. Bertie is such a cute puppy! I would like to second what Jane said, though. Don't let him get away with biting. It might seem playful now, but what you're doing by pretending to limp or just stand still is actually playing along and encouraging this behaviour. Bertie has no concept of "limping", from his point of view, you are actually reacting playfully to his game, so why should he stop it when he has so much fun playing with his humans? The moment he starts biting ankles, put your hand around his muzzle and say "No!!" in the sternest voice you can manage. Just remember, he is like a toddler - he can and will learn but he will need you to teach him so he can come to the right conclusions. Absolutely loved your description of him flat out on Larry and pretending he's invisible.

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  7. Ditto above with the biting. I'm sure it's knackering but it'll be worth it when you have such a lovely companion. Your garden is looking gorgeous (despite the puppy!) and those strawberries are amazing. We're having our best year for strawbs so far and the raspberries have loads of fruit coming. Hang in there. Sam x

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  8. Aww, Bertie has that look in his face that I know so well from our own dog: "Me? Never! I am a good boy". I see there is a lot of advice for you already and I haven't got any myself but I am sure you'll find a way that works for you and your family. Too much advice is often confusing, for you and the dog! Personally, I respond well to praise and would do anything to get more. I am sure that's true for any other sentient creature, too. Your strawberry basket looks like it should be in some film version of a beautiful fairytale! I bet they taste divine. We only have wild strawberries in our garden, they are tiny and rather sour... Anyway, enjoy the mischievous pup. xx

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  9. Bertie is lovely (I have Dizzy, who is very like him, but a bit older and black), but I can say that after two years life with a dog is still a scramble. A good scramble, mind you. And you are still finding time to take lovely photos.

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  10. A delightful post and lovely pictures, especially those of Bertie. My mum always said of pet cats and dogs that bit that they were just being friendly.
    It's been too hot me so I've spent much of the week languishing indoors. Thanks, and you too. xx

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  11. Hello! Lovely photos and those doggy eyes are beautiful. I agree about disciplining the biting -we use a spray bottle here for undue amounts of barking that don't respond to the voice and I would have used it if we'd had biting too, along with a firm "No". I suppose some dogs might find water spray a game but ours know it's a definite telling off! Keep going, you're doing a grand job and it's all worth it in the end xx

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  12. The biting will stop once he has gone through teething; just get him plenty of chewy toys that you don't mind being destroyed. We found yelping loudly worked with our cocker spaniel and a firm no worked wonders; she never bites now. They can perfect the eye only movement can't they; it still get's me whenever our dog does it; not me Mum!

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  13. Puppyhood is tough:
    If you don't happen to have the toy handy, stop moving when she bites and then, when she releases on her own, offer her the toy or a treat, and praise. The idea is to teach your dog that good things happen when bad behavior stops. Mouthing and nipping are natural behaviors for puppies but unwanted in dogs. xo

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  14. My husband used to train dogs & his remedy for the biting was to bite back. We had a beagle that bit at my husband once, husband laid him out on the floor & bit him back! Dog never bit anyone again. I am not kidding! It works just like it does on biting children which was my grandfather's cure for kids!

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  15. Oh boy, it sounds like life has gotten very exciting since your new baby arrived. I think you're doing everything right, it's just a matter of time. He is so cute, though. What a beautiful face, especially in that photo with the rose petal on his nose. He is full of beans. :)

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  16. Ahh Bertie looks so cute and it already looks as if he has grown! What does your youngest son think of his new pet? All that hard work is worth it, animals can give you so much joy! Sarah x

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  17. I swore after getting our wheaten terrier puppy three years ago that I would never have another puppy. Only adult dogs from now on. Her saving grace was her cuteness. Fortunately, it doesn't last very long. Good luck!

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  18. Bertie is gorgeous --hard work but gorgeous! I hope he settles down soon.

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  19. Puppihood is over all too quickly. Being a tree sounds a tad dodgy where a male dog is concerned!

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  20. My daughter had amazing success with this method, taught to her by a dog trainer. You take an empty one litre pop bottle and put about 20 coins in it. (Find what ever fits through the neck of the bottle.) Whenever the puppy is engaged in an unsuitable behaviour, throw the bottle in his direction (don't hit it or anything precious, of course). They stop the behaviour very soon because they do not like the sound of the rattling coins. I have tried it too and it works.
    Myra, from Winnipeg, Canada

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  21. I know nothing about having a puppy/dog but I can see he is gorgeous even if he is mischievous! Keep going, I'm sure it will get better. X

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  22. Hey CJ,
    The puppy memories have faded here. It feels as if Honey has been here forever, but Marc has just reminded me that she was a bugger to toilet train and whimpered and cried for six months at night. walking her today m, I was struck by how she is now most definitely an old lady. Her head is willing, her tail is wagging but her back legs are just not able. Enjoy Bertie. Hang in with the puppy woes. I guarantee he'll be your most faithful companion before you know it.
    Leanne xx

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  23. Your photos are lovely CJ, so much summer joy. And that petal picture is too cute, even if it is evidence. I'm away from my garden for a while and seeing yours brightened my day.

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  24. Good Luck CJ, Bertie is adorable but as many have said although biting/chewing is a puppy stage when it comes to doing it to humans or precious things it must not be condoned. Also your youngest could come to the point of actually being afraid of his beloved dog. Totally agree with the suggestions given for stopping biting (except biting back) and have used them successfully on dogs and occasionally cats for 40 years

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  25. Oh my goodness you are making me laugh. Before you know it he will be almost 13 and you will look at him and ask him just to stay a bit longer because you can't bear the thought of him not being here anymore. When Max was a baby he kept biting onto my sons shirts. Mr 20 was 7 then and the perfect size for biting. The problem was my son would only wear these few dinosaur shirts so I had to repair them all the time from the tiny teeth marks. My son looked horrible and I kept thinking the school was going to offer us some new clothes for him because we could not afford any new shirts. You will miss him being a puppy and that glorious puppy smell.

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  26. Apparently the biting is a puppy phase, not unlike how babies explore touch by putting everything in their mouths. I say this hopefully, what with our plans to get a pup over the summer holidays, although we've yet to actually find one!! But your words really remind me of those early days with Molly, fully expecting to find a puddle in any room at any time.... Xx

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  27. Apparently the biting is a puppy phase, not unlike how babies explore touch by putting everything in their mouths. I say this hopefully, what with our plans to get a pup over the summer holidays, although we've yet to actually find one!! But your words really remind me of those early days with Molly, fully expecting to find a puddle in any room at any time.... Xx

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  28. Ah yes, the joys of puppyhood. I remember the early days well (much widdling rather than biting in Boo's case). Sounds like your littlest is the tastiest but, yes, it'll all stop eventually and the paws will finally fit. Hope you and Bertie are having a good week.

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  29. Puppyhood, as everyone says, sounds much like babyhood. As I head back towards that phase myself I can commiserate with you about the anxieties that are attached to feeling like little is being accomplished. I have to remind myself of the title of my favorite Podcast: The Longest Shortest Time. It really is with infants and puppies. Your dog is darling! I hope he gives the littlest, and all of you, a break. The laughs though, those are priceless!

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  30. Hello CJ, I am a first-time visitor to your blog and can understand your frustrations with a new pet. It's been a few years since we had a dog, but there is a learning curve for the dog and the owners. Your puppy is a cute fellow and maybe after awhile will settle in to his new home. The flowers were lovely, even on Mac.

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  31. Whoops sorry about that mistake in calling your dog, Bertie, bu a different name and too late to correct after posting :-(

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