Alvin: Mummy was sad again today
Olive: Was she?
Alvin: Yes, this morning, when she was in her towel and she was crying and daddy had his arm round her
Olive: No, they were laughing, silly
Alvin: No, Olive, she was crying, didn't you see the tears?
Olive: Tears?
Alvin: Yes, mummies and daddies get tears down their face when they cry
Olive: Really? What does that mean?
Alvin: It means they're really sad
Olive: (blank)
Alvin: Imagine, right, if mummy put you in your cage and forgot to let you out for ages and went away and didn't come back ever
Olive: (blank)
Alvin: And never gave you any food
Olive: Ouch, that's sad
Alvin: That's right
Olive: So, daddy didn't give mummy any food?
Alvin: No. Well, yes, daddy always gives mummy lots of food
Olive: Well, then why did she cry?
Alvin: Well, Olive, mummies and daddies cry for all sorts of reasons that have nothing to do with food or playtime. Mummy cries because she wants another little brother or sister for us but can't have one
Olive: Another brother or sister?
Alvin: Yes
Olive: Yippeee!!! Can we have a cat? A big, fluffy grey cat like the one that I met today who was sitting on the car bonnet and who I went over to say hello to and wanted to play with?? Please?
Alvin: No, Olive, not a cat. Mummy wants a Jack.
Olive: Jack? I love Jack. Yippee! His hands taste delicious and they are in just the right place in front of my mouth so I can play with them whenever I like. And when he has food, he always gives me some, and if he doesn't, I just take it cos I know he can't talk and won't tell daddy.
Alvin: (shudders) Oh I hate Jack! He always tries to stand on my head or pick me up by my tail.
Olive: Fun! When can we get one? When?
Alvin: Well, that's the point. Mummy says she's been trying to get one for ages and has been to see special daddies who give you them, but they won't let her have one, and every now and then, she comes to my room upstairs - the room you've started stinking out - and we lie together on the bed and cuddle and she cries into my fur
Olive: Really? That's so sad
Alvin: I know, Poor mummy.
Olive: But why doesn't she lie with me and cuddle me and cry?
Alvin: Cos you'd eat her face!
Olive: True.
Alvin: Anyway, if mummy got a Jack, we'd have to give up our room - I mean, my room - and I'd always be running away from getting my stamped on. Better off it's just the two of us for now.
Olive: Yeah....
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
Mu-um, Olive's in my room
Alvin: My naughty little sister keeps coming in my room and messing it up. Today I found the inside of mummy's plug-hole under the bed in my burrow. It's of no use to me at all and only makes the room smell.
Olive: Well, how come you get a room, and I don't then?
Alvin: Cos I was here first and cos I need my privacy and space. I'm an intellectual teenager whilst you're a crazy toddler who would be happy anywhere where there's trouble.
Olive: So?
Alvin: So that's why I get my own room and why you're not allowed in it
Olive: But -
Alvin: -But nothing. You know mummy goes mad when she sees you in there.
Olive: yes but that's not because I'm in there neccessarily. It's because I go in there, and very quickly run over to the bedside cabinet. Then I check no one is there and make a grab for the first thing I can. Usually it's one of mummy's candles, which I have to say taste thoroughly delicious. They're green and come in lovely china pots. And then I take my prize under the bed -
Alvin: - Into my burrow
Olive: Yes, into your burrow, whatever, and then I play with it and throw it and chase it and lick it and bite it
Alvin: and make a mess and lots of noise
Olive: and then mummy comes up to join in and chases me round the room which I love. She pretends to want the candle back but I know she just wants to play too. And that's the best bit!!
And then, I know that if I do that for a while, she will go and get a treat for me.
Alvin: Yes but you know she only gets a treat for you so that you will drop the candle?
Olive: Yes, but as long as I get a treat. I don't want no stinkin, green candle. I'll take a treat any day.
Alvin: Ah, the perfect life
Olive: Well, how come you get a room, and I don't then?
Alvin: Cos I was here first and cos I need my privacy and space. I'm an intellectual teenager whilst you're a crazy toddler who would be happy anywhere where there's trouble.
Olive: So?
Alvin: So that's why I get my own room and why you're not allowed in it
Olive: But -
Alvin: -But nothing. You know mummy goes mad when she sees you in there.
Olive: yes but that's not because I'm in there neccessarily. It's because I go in there, and very quickly run over to the bedside cabinet. Then I check no one is there and make a grab for the first thing I can. Usually it's one of mummy's candles, which I have to say taste thoroughly delicious. They're green and come in lovely china pots. And then I take my prize under the bed -
Alvin: - Into my burrow
Olive: Yes, into your burrow, whatever, and then I play with it and throw it and chase it and lick it and bite it
Alvin: and make a mess and lots of noise
Olive: and then mummy comes up to join in and chases me round the room which I love. She pretends to want the candle back but I know she just wants to play too. And that's the best bit!!
And then, I know that if I do that for a while, she will go and get a treat for me.
Alvin: Yes but you know she only gets a treat for you so that you will drop the candle?
Olive: Yes, but as long as I get a treat. I don't want no stinkin, green candle. I'll take a treat any day.
Alvin: Ah, the perfect life
Monday, 8 December 2008
I'm cute!!!
Olive: Mummy took me for a walk at the weekend through Tatton Park. It's my favourite place as there are loads of dogs there and they all come up and say hello - although one tried to fight me yesterday and I cried.
Anyway, we were walking along and I heard someone behind us. He was walking the same pace as us so was behind for ages. I kept turning round and he was a big, manly man, like daddy. I wanted him to catch up so we could play so I kept looking back and doing funny things to make him want to play with me.
Eventually, he caught up and over-took us and as he did, he patted me on the head and looked at mummy and said 'That must be the cutest dog in the world!!!'
Alvin: So?
Anyway, we were walking along and I heard someone behind us. He was walking the same pace as us so was behind for ages. I kept turning round and he was a big, manly man, like daddy. I wanted him to catch up so we could play so I kept looking back and doing funny things to make him want to play with me.
Eventually, he caught up and over-took us and as he did, he patted me on the head and looked at mummy and said 'That must be the cutest dog in the world!!!'
Alvin: So?
Toothache
Olive: I don't know what is happening to me... I feel like my whole mouth is about to drop off
Alvin: Don't be ridiculous, Olive
Olive: It's true, I am in so much pain. My teeth are so sore. It won't stop hurting me. The only way I can stop it from hurting is to bite things.
Alvin: Here we go. Is that why you had a mouth full of my fur before?
Olive: It's true. And when we were in puppy class, for the last 2 weeks, 2 different dogs have had teeth falling out.
Alvin: You're lying
Olive: I'm not, honestly. Their mummies picked up their teeth off the floor and put them in a bag to take home with them and I heard the big master mummy say that most dogs lose their teeth and swallow them.
Alvin: Ewww...
Olive: I know. What do I do, brother? My whole mouth feels like it's on fire
Alvin: Eww...
Olive: Alvin, help me
Alvin: Ewww....
Olive: All that I can do is keep biting. It makes it feel better. The best thing to bite is mummy's hands and ankles, but to be honest, the chair legs are quite good too. Mummy and daddy have given me loads of chew toys but they're not really good enough.
Alvin: Hate to say this Sis, but you have been panting loads recently too
Olive: I have?
Alvin: Yes, I never noticed before
Olive: What does that mean then?
Alvin: Oh nothing
Olive: What?
Alvin: You'd rather not know
Olive: Tell me
Alvin: Ok but only cos I care. It means all your teeth are gonna fall out
Olive Aaarrggghhhh!!!
Alvin: Don't be ridiculous, Olive
Olive: It's true, I am in so much pain. My teeth are so sore. It won't stop hurting me. The only way I can stop it from hurting is to bite things.
Alvin: Here we go. Is that why you had a mouth full of my fur before?
Olive: It's true. And when we were in puppy class, for the last 2 weeks, 2 different dogs have had teeth falling out.
Alvin: You're lying
Olive: I'm not, honestly. Their mummies picked up their teeth off the floor and put them in a bag to take home with them and I heard the big master mummy say that most dogs lose their teeth and swallow them.
Alvin: Ewww...
Olive: I know. What do I do, brother? My whole mouth feels like it's on fire
Alvin: Eww...
Olive: Alvin, help me
Alvin: Ewww....
Olive: All that I can do is keep biting. It makes it feel better. The best thing to bite is mummy's hands and ankles, but to be honest, the chair legs are quite good too. Mummy and daddy have given me loads of chew toys but they're not really good enough.
Alvin: Hate to say this Sis, but you have been panting loads recently too
Olive: I have?
Alvin: Yes, I never noticed before
Olive: What does that mean then?
Alvin: Oh nothing
Olive: What?
Alvin: You'd rather not know
Olive: Tell me
Alvin: Ok but only cos I care. It means all your teeth are gonna fall out
Olive Aaarrggghhhh!!!
Our Christmas Tree
Alvin: Daddy did a really good thing yesterday.
Olive: Did he?
Alvin: Yes, because he had been away for the weekend, leaving me and mummy to look after you, Olive, and you had been such a little handful. Once, you even made mummy cry cos you were so naughty...
Olive: No, I didn't
Alvin: Yes you did
Olive: Did I?
Alvin: Yep
Olive: (silence)
Alvin: So daddy came home with a big surprise for all of us
Olive: Oh yes it was huge. I know because I saw it. I saw it first because I was in the kitchen with mummy when we saw his headlights on the drive. So mummy said 'Thank God! Quick, Olive, go and see daddy!'
So, I let go of her ankle and ran out to the front door and when mummy opened it, I ran out to see daddy in his car.
I jumped all over him and kissed him and said hello and all sorts and then he kissed mummy too so I ran over to give her a kiss too.
And then daddy went over to the back of the car and opened the huge door that I sit in sometimes, and you will just never believe what he pulled out....
Alvin: Oh surprise me. I mean, this was my story, but go ahead, surprise me
Olive: A tree!!! He pulled a tree out of the car.
Daddy knows how much I love trees. Sometimes I find trees that have fallen over in the road and I pick them up and they come with me on my walks. Mummy and daddy always laugh and say 'that's not a stick, it's a twig' but they don't know, cos it's a tree!
Alvin: Olive, they're twigs. I've seen the ones you've left on the rug for us all to tidy up after you.
Olive: Anyway, this one was huge, and it must have been huge because mummy put her arms around daddy and told him he was the best husband ever.
Alvin: So they brought in the tree. I saw this bit cos Olive stopped in the hall to go crazy after all the pine needles and twigs that had fallen off in the hallyway and I was helping mummy to stand it up and look nice.
It took a while and daddy had to go into the cupboard to get a hammer. He said a naughty word and shouted once when he got a sore thumb and mummy laughed.
They put the tree in the corner where only rabbits and dogs can go. They made like a little den for us and it smells really good.
Olive: Tastes really good too
Alvin: Shhhh...
Olive: Oh yeah, right
Alvin, Oh but then they have covered it with all kinds of things and some tasty wire which lights up. Tastes different to all their other cables - fresh and sparkling.
Olive: Yeah
Alvin: What do you know? Dogs don't eat cables.
Olive: Silly rabbit, dogs eat everything - we're very versatile.
Alvin: Ah, Christmas is in the air again.... such a delightful time of year. Such a feast of boxes and wrapping paper to come.
Olive: And trees
Alvin: And trees
Olive: Did he?
Alvin: Yes, because he had been away for the weekend, leaving me and mummy to look after you, Olive, and you had been such a little handful. Once, you even made mummy cry cos you were so naughty...
Olive: No, I didn't
Alvin: Yes you did
Olive: Did I?
Alvin: Yep
Olive: (silence)
Alvin: So daddy came home with a big surprise for all of us
Olive: Oh yes it was huge. I know because I saw it. I saw it first because I was in the kitchen with mummy when we saw his headlights on the drive. So mummy said 'Thank God! Quick, Olive, go and see daddy!'
So, I let go of her ankle and ran out to the front door and when mummy opened it, I ran out to see daddy in his car.
I jumped all over him and kissed him and said hello and all sorts and then he kissed mummy too so I ran over to give her a kiss too.
And then daddy went over to the back of the car and opened the huge door that I sit in sometimes, and you will just never believe what he pulled out....
Alvin: Oh surprise me. I mean, this was my story, but go ahead, surprise me
Olive: A tree!!! He pulled a tree out of the car.
Daddy knows how much I love trees. Sometimes I find trees that have fallen over in the road and I pick them up and they come with me on my walks. Mummy and daddy always laugh and say 'that's not a stick, it's a twig' but they don't know, cos it's a tree!
Alvin: Olive, they're twigs. I've seen the ones you've left on the rug for us all to tidy up after you.
Olive: Anyway, this one was huge, and it must have been huge because mummy put her arms around daddy and told him he was the best husband ever.
Alvin: So they brought in the tree. I saw this bit cos Olive stopped in the hall to go crazy after all the pine needles and twigs that had fallen off in the hallyway and I was helping mummy to stand it up and look nice.
It took a while and daddy had to go into the cupboard to get a hammer. He said a naughty word and shouted once when he got a sore thumb and mummy laughed.
They put the tree in the corner where only rabbits and dogs can go. They made like a little den for us and it smells really good.
Olive: Tastes really good too
Alvin: Shhhh...
Olive: Oh yeah, right
Alvin, Oh but then they have covered it with all kinds of things and some tasty wire which lights up. Tastes different to all their other cables - fresh and sparkling.
Olive: Yeah
Alvin: What do you know? Dogs don't eat cables.
Olive: Silly rabbit, dogs eat everything - we're very versatile.
Alvin: Ah, Christmas is in the air again.... such a delightful time of year. Such a feast of boxes and wrapping paper to come.
Olive: And trees
Alvin: And trees
Time to Have Our Say
Olive: Mummy has kindly agreed to let us have a go on our blog seeing as it's ours and everything. There's no point in her writing it when she doesn't even have a clue about what we do and what we think...
Alvin: Yeah
Olive: Yeah?
Alvin: Erm well, I guess so, oh whatever....... anyway, I've been round here now for 2 years and it's about time everyone saw things from a rabbit's point of view
Olive: Yeah, and a dogs
Alvin: Yeah, but you only just got here. You're only 3 months so your opinion doesnt entirely count towards much does it?
Olive: (cocks heads to side)
Alvin: Anyway, I've been living with mummy and daddy for 2 years and really, I've got a pretty good life. I've got my own space, I can go where I like, I can sit on the sofas -
Olive: You can?
Alvin: Yes I can, cos I'm a bunny you see. My life was pretty great actually, until mummy and daddy decided I could do with a little baby sister and brought home Olive.
Olive: huh?
Alvin: Yep, my life was so peaceful. I'd get woken up by mummy opening my cage. I stayed in bed if I wanted or if I really needed a pee, I'd run cross-legged to the kitchen where there was always a clean litter tray waiting for me. Then mummy would give me a baby corn and I would take it and eat it wherever I liked, slowly savouring it and leaving crumbs to go back to later. Then I would head back to bed and have a little drink and a little play in my sawdust and then have some more food brought over, and then I'd follow mummy upstairs and sit on her bed whilst she got a shower.
Then, we'd sit together for a while until it got too hot for me pressed into her leg, and I'd hop off to the cool corner of the room and sit there for the rest of the day, dreaming of rabbits and grassy meadows.
Olive: So what changed?
Alvin: Well then you came along. You were so much smaller a few weeks ago and when you came too close I'd growl at you and you'd back off. I even punched you a few times but sometimes mummy would shout at me for that.
Then you grew and started thinking I was like all your other toys in your bed that you can toss about and jump on. I don't play. I'm far too mature for such pointless antics. I am a cuddle bunny, not a play bunny.
Now my day is spent tidying up after you and making sure you don't steal my stuff or mess up my room. I get woken up in the morning but stay in bed until mummy has taken you outside. Otherwise, you are way too hectic and your tail could knock me out the way you swing it about.
I run to the loo and then you come in and follow and watch whilst I do my stuff - it's very off-putting. Then you see what I've done and if it's of any interest to you and usually it is. You mess up my litter try, dropping bits of litter all over the place and maiking it all lumpy, when I like it to be really flat and level.
And then you stare at me whilst I eat my baby corn and I have to eat it very very quickly in one go, not affording to leave any crumbs at all.
And the rest of the day I have to keep one eye open to make sure you don't creep up on me whilst I'm sleeping.
In the evening, I just go upstairs to the guest room and sit under the bed on my own. It's like my own little burrow. But now you've discovered it. Can I have nothing to myself?
Mummy says you'll be too big to go under the bed soon, but when?? Now, my nice clean room has got bits of chewed toilet paper and soil in it and I try to show mummy but she can't see it and can't fit under the bed.
I thought at first that you were just visiting for a bit like some of the other dogs that have come to see us every now and then. They were all scarey and I had to fight for my life with those lot, punching them and kicking them whilst they wagged their tails and tried to jump on me. But you've been her ages...
Olive: Yes, I'm here forever now. I love it here! I love you bro....
Alvin: Hmph.....
Alvin: Yeah
Olive: Yeah?
Alvin: Erm well, I guess so, oh whatever....... anyway, I've been round here now for 2 years and it's about time everyone saw things from a rabbit's point of view
Olive: Yeah, and a dogs
Alvin: Yeah, but you only just got here. You're only 3 months so your opinion doesnt entirely count towards much does it?
Olive: (cocks heads to side)
Alvin: Anyway, I've been living with mummy and daddy for 2 years and really, I've got a pretty good life. I've got my own space, I can go where I like, I can sit on the sofas -
Olive: You can?
Alvin: Yes I can, cos I'm a bunny you see. My life was pretty great actually, until mummy and daddy decided I could do with a little baby sister and brought home Olive.
Olive: huh?
Alvin: Yep, my life was so peaceful. I'd get woken up by mummy opening my cage. I stayed in bed if I wanted or if I really needed a pee, I'd run cross-legged to the kitchen where there was always a clean litter tray waiting for me. Then mummy would give me a baby corn and I would take it and eat it wherever I liked, slowly savouring it and leaving crumbs to go back to later. Then I would head back to bed and have a little drink and a little play in my sawdust and then have some more food brought over, and then I'd follow mummy upstairs and sit on her bed whilst she got a shower.
Then, we'd sit together for a while until it got too hot for me pressed into her leg, and I'd hop off to the cool corner of the room and sit there for the rest of the day, dreaming of rabbits and grassy meadows.
Olive: So what changed?
Alvin: Well then you came along. You were so much smaller a few weeks ago and when you came too close I'd growl at you and you'd back off. I even punched you a few times but sometimes mummy would shout at me for that.
Then you grew and started thinking I was like all your other toys in your bed that you can toss about and jump on. I don't play. I'm far too mature for such pointless antics. I am a cuddle bunny, not a play bunny.
Now my day is spent tidying up after you and making sure you don't steal my stuff or mess up my room. I get woken up in the morning but stay in bed until mummy has taken you outside. Otherwise, you are way too hectic and your tail could knock me out the way you swing it about.
I run to the loo and then you come in and follow and watch whilst I do my stuff - it's very off-putting. Then you see what I've done and if it's of any interest to you and usually it is. You mess up my litter try, dropping bits of litter all over the place and maiking it all lumpy, when I like it to be really flat and level.
And then you stare at me whilst I eat my baby corn and I have to eat it very very quickly in one go, not affording to leave any crumbs at all.
And the rest of the day I have to keep one eye open to make sure you don't creep up on me whilst I'm sleeping.
In the evening, I just go upstairs to the guest room and sit under the bed on my own. It's like my own little burrow. But now you've discovered it. Can I have nothing to myself?
Mummy says you'll be too big to go under the bed soon, but when?? Now, my nice clean room has got bits of chewed toilet paper and soil in it and I try to show mummy but she can't see it and can't fit under the bed.
I thought at first that you were just visiting for a bit like some of the other dogs that have come to see us every now and then. They were all scarey and I had to fight for my life with those lot, punching them and kicking them whilst they wagged their tails and tried to jump on me. But you've been her ages...
Olive: Yes, I'm here forever now. I love it here! I love you bro....
Alvin: Hmph.....
Thursday, 27 November 2008
No more din-din dance
Since having a puppy, Al and I have been taking serious note of anything doggy! That includes TV programmes and books and all sorts.
We've been taking Olive to puppy training. She is such a small puppy, even the vet said she is going to be a small labrador. When she is in her class, she is the smallest dog there despite there being various small breed puppies, and so she sits there good as gold, watching with interest whilst all the other dogs run circles round their owners and play with each other and bark and go crazy.
She's got a little more adventurous. The first time we took her she was terrified and sat behind our legs whilst the rest of the room was erupting.
Last week was the third class and she did go up to a few select puppies, sniffing them and that excited her. That was as far as she took it.
All the trainers think she is wonderful and cute and well-behaved, and she is! In the classroom!
When we get her home she can be quite another story! She plays really nicely but then gets really excited and just starts to bite. She has drawn blood with all of our guests and visiters, not badly at all, but I think any blood is bad enough. We do searches online everyday practically and try new techniques to stop it.
We think that she may finally getting the picture now. It's pretty rough going for us though as we've found the best thing to do is to let her bite us, and then if she bites extra hard, to squeal. Most people say to squeal and walk away, but there is no way we can prise our hands out, and by the time we do, the moment has passed.
Anyway, she is beginning to take note of our puppy cries and has now started to bite a lot more gently.
As for everything else, we have started recording every episode of the previously-unwatched Dog Whisperer and going on the Cesar Millan site. He is brilliant. He has such dominance and pack-leader qualities. His dogs are amazing and we wish Olive could be like that.
We know she is just being a puppy, and actually she is very well-behaved, but one of our friends came round recently and said 'gosh she's just like Marley (of Marley and Me fame!)' and we thought, we just cannot have a Marley dog, no way.
Since then that same friend has excitedly agreed to look after Olive for us at the weekend so she can't have been that bad, but watch this space for an update perhaps on Monday!!
Anyway since then and with Cesar's advice, we have now got Olive walking on a loose lead, by our sides, and hopefully not jumping up on us or our guests. She now also hardly ever attacks our ankles although I still put socks on first thing in the morning just in case!
We have also learnt that we were at fault a lot and that we mustn't do the din-din dance! We loved mealtimes when we would just mention the word 'din'dins' (a word I proudly taught her) and then watch as Olive excitedly wiggled from living room to kitchen and around us and back again, shaking her little bum behind her. She was silent as she did it but it was a definite little wiggle. We would encourage it by repeating 'din-dins' more and more excitedly whilst hopping and dancing and jumping and skipping, so that in the end, the three of us were circling the kitchen happily in preparation for the forthcoming meal.
Then we would feed her, and it was in our best interest to stay away as she would growl the second we came within a foot of her.
What Cesar taught us was that we were getting her way too excited and only very calm dogs should be fed. We are hugely disappointed. Mealtime is huge for dogs and I wanted to share in her enthusiasm.
Anyway, since watching Cesar and serving dinner in a very boring and calm way, we have a very calm dog. We go into the kitchen together and she sits very patiently and silently by our feet whilst we dish it all up. Then we tell her to remain sitting and if she sits still, we put the food on the floor and she is allowed to tuck in.
I should be grateful for a good puppy, but I miss the din-din dance!
We've been taking Olive to puppy training. She is such a small puppy, even the vet said she is going to be a small labrador. When she is in her class, she is the smallest dog there despite there being various small breed puppies, and so she sits there good as gold, watching with interest whilst all the other dogs run circles round their owners and play with each other and bark and go crazy.
She's got a little more adventurous. The first time we took her she was terrified and sat behind our legs whilst the rest of the room was erupting.
Last week was the third class and she did go up to a few select puppies, sniffing them and that excited her. That was as far as she took it.
All the trainers think she is wonderful and cute and well-behaved, and she is! In the classroom!
When we get her home she can be quite another story! She plays really nicely but then gets really excited and just starts to bite. She has drawn blood with all of our guests and visiters, not badly at all, but I think any blood is bad enough. We do searches online everyday practically and try new techniques to stop it.
We think that she may finally getting the picture now. It's pretty rough going for us though as we've found the best thing to do is to let her bite us, and then if she bites extra hard, to squeal. Most people say to squeal and walk away, but there is no way we can prise our hands out, and by the time we do, the moment has passed.
Anyway, she is beginning to take note of our puppy cries and has now started to bite a lot more gently.
As for everything else, we have started recording every episode of the previously-unwatched Dog Whisperer and going on the Cesar Millan site. He is brilliant. He has such dominance and pack-leader qualities. His dogs are amazing and we wish Olive could be like that.
We know she is just being a puppy, and actually she is very well-behaved, but one of our friends came round recently and said 'gosh she's just like Marley (of Marley and Me fame!)' and we thought, we just cannot have a Marley dog, no way.
Since then that same friend has excitedly agreed to look after Olive for us at the weekend so she can't have been that bad, but watch this space for an update perhaps on Monday!!
Anyway since then and with Cesar's advice, we have now got Olive walking on a loose lead, by our sides, and hopefully not jumping up on us or our guests. She now also hardly ever attacks our ankles although I still put socks on first thing in the morning just in case!
We have also learnt that we were at fault a lot and that we mustn't do the din-din dance! We loved mealtimes when we would just mention the word 'din'dins' (a word I proudly taught her) and then watch as Olive excitedly wiggled from living room to kitchen and around us and back again, shaking her little bum behind her. She was silent as she did it but it was a definite little wiggle. We would encourage it by repeating 'din-dins' more and more excitedly whilst hopping and dancing and jumping and skipping, so that in the end, the three of us were circling the kitchen happily in preparation for the forthcoming meal.
Then we would feed her, and it was in our best interest to stay away as she would growl the second we came within a foot of her.
What Cesar taught us was that we were getting her way too excited and only very calm dogs should be fed. We are hugely disappointed. Mealtime is huge for dogs and I wanted to share in her enthusiasm.
Anyway, since watching Cesar and serving dinner in a very boring and calm way, we have a very calm dog. We go into the kitchen together and she sits very patiently and silently by our feet whilst we dish it all up. Then we tell her to remain sitting and if she sits still, we put the food on the floor and she is allowed to tuck in.
I should be grateful for a good puppy, but I miss the din-din dance!
Monday, 24 November 2008
Olive Goes Walkies!
The best thing about having a dog, apart from the wonderful companionship and the neverending entertainment, is undoubtedly the lovely walks.
After being patient for a couple of weeks, my husband and I could take it no longer. It was a gorgeous autumn day and we live just round the corner from one of the most beautiful parks in England, so we decided it was time for Olive to see the big, wide world and get muddy!
The leaves had all turned golden and rusty and gorgeous, making the park look even more beautiful. I'd never seen it like that, having only lived here for 4 months.
Olive loved the leaves and I noticed that where she could, she would go out of her way to walk where they were deepest!
Puppy's first stick!!! I suddenly saw her running at us with a stick (a twig really) in her mouth and I just realised 'yes, dogs love sticks!' I wonder why?! It's not like she's ever seen another dog with a stick to take influence from!
After proving that she is the fastest, most energetic puppy in the world, Olive did prove that some things are just too big for even her to get over.
I'm afraid that rather than help her, I just had to get the camera out!
We headed back as it started raining, our muddy, shattered pup, still bravely trying to squeeze out her last bit of energy, still attempting to investigate each smell and each blade of grass.
She got into the boot and looked like the most satisfied pup in the world.
There's nothing like falling asleep in front of the fire after a long autumnal walk.....
...... with your best buddy
After being patient for a couple of weeks, my husband and I could take it no longer. It was a gorgeous autumn day and we live just round the corner from one of the most beautiful parks in England, so we decided it was time for Olive to see the big, wide world and get muddy!
The leaves had all turned golden and rusty and gorgeous, making the park look even more beautiful. I'd never seen it like that, having only lived here for 4 months.
Olive loved the leaves and I noticed that where she could, she would go out of her way to walk where they were deepest!
Puppy's first stick!!! I suddenly saw her running at us with a stick (a twig really) in her mouth and I just realised 'yes, dogs love sticks!' I wonder why?! It's not like she's ever seen another dog with a stick to take influence from!
After proving that she is the fastest, most energetic puppy in the world, Olive did prove that some things are just too big for even her to get over.
I'm afraid that rather than help her, I just had to get the camera out!
We headed back as it started raining, our muddy, shattered pup, still bravely trying to squeeze out her last bit of energy, still attempting to investigate each smell and each blade of grass.
She got into the boot and looked like the most satisfied pup in the world.
There's nothing like falling asleep in front of the fire after a long autumnal walk.....
...... with your best buddy
Wednesday, 5 November 2008
Alvin's Latest Artwork
I went upstairs last night to go to bed, only to find that Alvin had been hard at work. This is a masterpiece even by his standards!
This was my last phone charger - all others have fallen fate to Alvin in the past.
Al came upstairs and I showed him and picking up the plug end, said 'oh well it's a straight cut, it'll be no problem to fix it back together,'
and then he had a closer look!!!
Friday, 31 October 2008
Something in Common
I realised this morning that the thing our pets have in common is their love of food and the importance of mealtimes to them.
That in mind I decided that I would feed them together today. The dog takes her food in her cage - she goes and waits in their herself when it's dinner time.
I put her bowl in the outer corner of her cage, and put Alvin's just next to it on the other side of the bars.
And there they shared their common love, neither of them interested in the slightest who they were sat next to.
Then, after lunch, giving them equal attention, they sat together with me.
They're small steps but we'll keep trying!!!
That in mind I decided that I would feed them together today. The dog takes her food in her cage - she goes and waits in their herself when it's dinner time.
I put her bowl in the outer corner of her cage, and put Alvin's just next to it on the other side of the bars.
And there they shared their common love, neither of them interested in the slightest who they were sat next to.
Then, after lunch, giving them equal attention, they sat together with me.
They're small steps but we'll keep trying!!!
Thursday, 30 October 2008
A Step Back
So we have left all the doors of the house open today, letting our two pups run around to their hearts content. Olive is investigating all of the rooms, and when she is done she goes and investigates them again like she has never seen them before and like all the smells they bring are new and exciting.
The pitter patter of tiny feet everywhere is wonderful as Olive trots around and Alvin hops.
The poor pooch goes upstairs though - mega speed - but when it is time to come back down again, she peers over the top step and just can't bring herself to jump. She stands at the top and starts crying. We go up to her and pat the next step and she sniffs for a bit and then barks at us. Usually we give in and carry her down, but when we have got the time to spend 10 minutes on the stairs, we insist she learns.
She will bark and whimper and then lean over the step, putting her paws on the next one, and then very very carefully, let her back paws join them. Then she barks again, clinging on to the carpet.
She's roughly the same size as each step.
Today, I was busy taking washing out of the washing machine and carrying it upstairs. The dog was chasing me everywhere trying to get in on the action. I would carry her back downstairs each time and then she would run back up behind me.
Just as I was coming to the last of the washing, I heard the usual little rumble behind me coming up the stairs. And just as the pup got to the top, Alvin pounced for her from his perch on the landing.
Being quite afraid of our rabbit, the pup leapt in the air backwards, and disappeared down the stairs, paws, tail, ears, tumbling heavily. She got up dazed but ok, and looked at me with her cocked head like 'see, that's why you carry me.'
Alvin is being very territorial and since he saw the dog's fear, he actually follows her round, knowing that she will cower from him. If he is the hallyway, Olive will not pass him without us. She will sit several feet away just watching him, but will refuse to move an inch closer.
Alvin will actually pounce on her nose if she does walk by unsupervised and as she draws away backwards, he will continue smacking her on the nose until we come and intercept.
I'm sure it won't last forever and I feel that if we shower Alvin with affection when the dog's around, he will only grow to see her as a good thing - I hope.
I pray they can be friends!!
The pitter patter of tiny feet everywhere is wonderful as Olive trots around and Alvin hops.
The poor pooch goes upstairs though - mega speed - but when it is time to come back down again, she peers over the top step and just can't bring herself to jump. She stands at the top and starts crying. We go up to her and pat the next step and she sniffs for a bit and then barks at us. Usually we give in and carry her down, but when we have got the time to spend 10 minutes on the stairs, we insist she learns.
She will bark and whimper and then lean over the step, putting her paws on the next one, and then very very carefully, let her back paws join them. Then she barks again, clinging on to the carpet.
She's roughly the same size as each step.
Today, I was busy taking washing out of the washing machine and carrying it upstairs. The dog was chasing me everywhere trying to get in on the action. I would carry her back downstairs each time and then she would run back up behind me.
Just as I was coming to the last of the washing, I heard the usual little rumble behind me coming up the stairs. And just as the pup got to the top, Alvin pounced for her from his perch on the landing.
Being quite afraid of our rabbit, the pup leapt in the air backwards, and disappeared down the stairs, paws, tail, ears, tumbling heavily. She got up dazed but ok, and looked at me with her cocked head like 'see, that's why you carry me.'
Alvin is being very territorial and since he saw the dog's fear, he actually follows her round, knowing that she will cower from him. If he is the hallyway, Olive will not pass him without us. She will sit several feet away just watching him, but will refuse to move an inch closer.
Alvin will actually pounce on her nose if she does walk by unsupervised and as she draws away backwards, he will continue smacking her on the nose until we come and intercept.
I'm sure it won't last forever and I feel that if we shower Alvin with affection when the dog's around, he will only grow to see her as a good thing - I hope.
I pray they can be friends!!
A Step Forward
Yesterday was a real breakthrough!
After doing some research and speaking to my friend Antonia, my worries were confirmed. Every time Alvin and Olive come across each other, I was intervening before anything had actually happened. I knew this all along but to hear it from other sources made more sense.
So today, we opened the living room door to Alvin and let them both be together in the same room. Al and I watched out of the corner of eyes but generally just carried on like it was the most normal thing in the world. Indeed they just ignored each other.
Feeling brave, we started coaxing them towards each other and we found that, as long as they both had the same amount of attention and cuddles, they were fine!
It was a great feeling to know that our two dear pets could be friends and we stayed sitting on the floor like that til Olive needed to wee...
After doing some research and speaking to my friend Antonia, my worries were confirmed. Every time Alvin and Olive come across each other, I was intervening before anything had actually happened. I knew this all along but to hear it from other sources made more sense.
So today, we opened the living room door to Alvin and let them both be together in the same room. Al and I watched out of the corner of eyes but generally just carried on like it was the most normal thing in the world. Indeed they just ignored each other.
Feeling brave, we started coaxing them towards each other and we found that, as long as they both had the same amount of attention and cuddles, they were fine!
It was a great feeling to know that our two dear pets could be friends and we stayed sitting on the floor like that til Olive needed to wee...
Our Andrex Pup
You may well think that Andrex pups are cute little mischevious golden labrador puppies, but I found this little guy, with an obvious inferiority complex or something, yesterday in my bathroom...
Just as fluffy and just as cute but certainly no labrador.....
Just as fluffy and just as cute but certainly no labrador.....
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
Hard being a mum
Since we got Olive only a week ago, we have realised how hard it is to know if you are doing the right thing or not. We have both been losing sleep over the smallest things and we just keep feeling that we are going wrong with our pup.
When we got her, we were told to give her a small handful of food 3 times a day. We did that and the little thing just seemed to wolf it down and then sit there looking at us expecting more. Believing that all dogs just eat til there's no food left in the world, we continued as we had been for the next day.
Then we bought some puppy food and read the instructions on the back only to discover that we had been underfeeding her loads.
Rather than giving her loads of food the next meal time, we decided to give it to her gradually to expand her tiny tum more gently.
Well, even watching her eat for the first time, we saw her tummy start swelling and as soon as she finished eating, she was literally waddling round the floor looking like a bloated goldfish.
Guilt struck again.
Since then she is on nearly a normal amount of food for the breed that she is and wolfs it all down happily. But her poo just wasn't solid at all. We did all kinds of research and noted that the food we were giving her, which we thought was one of the best, can often not be very good at all. It was too late to drive to the pet shop so we went to bed last night with another guilty feeling.
First thing this morning we got up and drove to the pet shop. We recognised a lot of the brands that had been mentioned on forums and opted for a nice-looking one. Couldn't wait to show Olive.
She absolutely bolted that bowl of food down like she hadn't been fed in years! And we sighed a huge sigh of relief that we had finally done something right.
Now it seems her poo is even worse than before. Not sure if it is just because it is a change in diet - even though we did a lot of research and have only integrated the new food into her diet very very slowly - or if she is also intolerant to this food.
How do you know?
Al and I have both had dogs in the family whilst growing up neither of remember putting this much effort into bringing them up. With no internet of course, you didn't have the luxury of just going on a forum and asking all the dog-lovers if your dog's poo was normal.
Neither Duke nor Fred had any training, neither of them had a crate, neither of them were taken out in the middle of the night to do their business and they both turned out to be fantastic, loveable, reliable family pets.
I wonder if we're going wrong because we are worrying too much and trying too hard to make the perfect pooch.
I wish little animals could just let you know.
When we got her, we were told to give her a small handful of food 3 times a day. We did that and the little thing just seemed to wolf it down and then sit there looking at us expecting more. Believing that all dogs just eat til there's no food left in the world, we continued as we had been for the next day.
Then we bought some puppy food and read the instructions on the back only to discover that we had been underfeeding her loads.
Rather than giving her loads of food the next meal time, we decided to give it to her gradually to expand her tiny tum more gently.
Well, even watching her eat for the first time, we saw her tummy start swelling and as soon as she finished eating, she was literally waddling round the floor looking like a bloated goldfish.
Guilt struck again.
Since then she is on nearly a normal amount of food for the breed that she is and wolfs it all down happily. But her poo just wasn't solid at all. We did all kinds of research and noted that the food we were giving her, which we thought was one of the best, can often not be very good at all. It was too late to drive to the pet shop so we went to bed last night with another guilty feeling.
First thing this morning we got up and drove to the pet shop. We recognised a lot of the brands that had been mentioned on forums and opted for a nice-looking one. Couldn't wait to show Olive.
She absolutely bolted that bowl of food down like she hadn't been fed in years! And we sighed a huge sigh of relief that we had finally done something right.
Now it seems her poo is even worse than before. Not sure if it is just because it is a change in diet - even though we did a lot of research and have only integrated the new food into her diet very very slowly - or if she is also intolerant to this food.
How do you know?
Al and I have both had dogs in the family whilst growing up neither of remember putting this much effort into bringing them up. With no internet of course, you didn't have the luxury of just going on a forum and asking all the dog-lovers if your dog's poo was normal.
Neither Duke nor Fred had any training, neither of them had a crate, neither of them were taken out in the middle of the night to do their business and they both turned out to be fantastic, loveable, reliable family pets.
I wonder if we're going wrong because we are worrying too much and trying too hard to make the perfect pooch.
I wish little animals could just let you know.
To Spay or not to Spay
I have tried to share the progress of Olive with all my very best friends and family, and one of my very good friends, Antonia, who has a gorgeous springer spaniel, posed the question 'are you going to have her spayed?'
Antonia is a wonderful mother to her little pooch, Pandora, and literally does everything she can for the little girl in the hope that she will be a healthy, strong little doggy. So I trust her judgement and wisdom a lot.
It had never occured to me not to get Olive spayed but when Antonia actually asked if I was going to, my ears pricked up. What, why wouldn't I?
One of the things that was putting us off getting a bitch, in a very selfish way, was the worry about the dog being on heat. I know it sounds hugely selfish of us, but with having no preference either way for either sex, that just tipped the balance for us.
Anyway, then we read about how a male can be a bit territorial and mark his scent a lot more and we thought, well, Alvin's not going to be too happy about that, seeing as he's the man of the house and all - sorry, husband!
Also, we read that a bitch can be quite maternal to other animals which sounds good for Alvin - although I'm not sure he would like to be thought of as being mothered.
So we decided on a girl, knowing that we don't want her breeding and that we can get her spayed.
But Antonia points out that actually it can be damaging to the pup and can even stunt her bone growth due to lack of hormones.
At the same time, I don't want the little madam to feel she is missing out on a family if she is allowed to develop all of those little hormones, or am I being ridiculous?
We had Alvin neutered after he had spent a few weeks weeing everywhere and trying to hump my leg constantly. His op put an immediate stop to that and we haven't looked back since. He is happy as larry and doesn't miss a thing.
But I guess spaying is a more complicated procedure.
Oh dear. What shall I do?
Antonia is a wonderful mother to her little pooch, Pandora, and literally does everything she can for the little girl in the hope that she will be a healthy, strong little doggy. So I trust her judgement and wisdom a lot.
It had never occured to me not to get Olive spayed but when Antonia actually asked if I was going to, my ears pricked up. What, why wouldn't I?
One of the things that was putting us off getting a bitch, in a very selfish way, was the worry about the dog being on heat. I know it sounds hugely selfish of us, but with having no preference either way for either sex, that just tipped the balance for us.
Anyway, then we read about how a male can be a bit territorial and mark his scent a lot more and we thought, well, Alvin's not going to be too happy about that, seeing as he's the man of the house and all - sorry, husband!
Also, we read that a bitch can be quite maternal to other animals which sounds good for Alvin - although I'm not sure he would like to be thought of as being mothered.
So we decided on a girl, knowing that we don't want her breeding and that we can get her spayed.
But Antonia points out that actually it can be damaging to the pup and can even stunt her bone growth due to lack of hormones.
At the same time, I don't want the little madam to feel she is missing out on a family if she is allowed to develop all of those little hormones, or am I being ridiculous?
We had Alvin neutered after he had spent a few weeks weeing everywhere and trying to hump my leg constantly. His op put an immediate stop to that and we haven't looked back since. He is happy as larry and doesn't miss a thing.
But I guess spaying is a more complicated procedure.
Oh dear. What shall I do?
Uh-oh
Alvin tried to fight Olive today.
Al went into the living room and let the puppy out, not realising Alvin was in the room. The little guys never bothered with each other at all, until of course we realised they were both together and made a fuss of them!
With all the excitement, the dog decided she wanted to play with the bunny and started jumping and barking. Alvin, rather than backing off, got on his hind legs and started thrashing his front paws about. We pulled them apart, but blinkin little brave Alvin, followed the pup, putting himself in the line of danger and sniffing her nose, ready to pounce.
A bit of a set-back really but we reckon we might bring Alvin in later when the puppy starts getting tired in the afternoon. That way they might get a bit more used to each other with less excitement. Please please please please please!
Al went into the living room and let the puppy out, not realising Alvin was in the room. The little guys never bothered with each other at all, until of course we realised they were both together and made a fuss of them!
With all the excitement, the dog decided she wanted to play with the bunny and started jumping and barking. Alvin, rather than backing off, got on his hind legs and started thrashing his front paws about. We pulled them apart, but blinkin little brave Alvin, followed the pup, putting himself in the line of danger and sniffing her nose, ready to pounce.
A bit of a set-back really but we reckon we might bring Alvin in later when the puppy starts getting tired in the afternoon. That way they might get a bit more used to each other with less excitement. Please please please please please!
Monday, 27 October 2008
In the beginning
Ok, I have started this blog a little late - about 2 years too late!
We picked Alvin up about 2 years ago this month - it seems likes we've had the little chap much longer!
We'd thought about it for ages, or rather I had, and in the end, my partner Al gave in to me and we went to the pet shop to go and pick one out.
Well, when we got to the little rabbit enclosure, there was just one little guy in there - a tiny bundle of cream and blue fluff with huge floppy ears that fell down the front of his little face. He was gorgeous.
A green-uniformed guy strode over to us. 'If you can back on Tuesday we'll have a new delivery and you'll have more choice,' he said.
I looked down at the little bunny on the floor who just sat there looking at us. He was the one.
We took Alvin home in the car, he was sat in a little cardboard box and I insisted we had him on my knee.
When we got him home, we sat in the living room and put the box in the middle of the floor and watched it, waiting for the little guy to emerge.
He didn't. That little chap sat in that box for about an hour, occassionally sniffing the air, but generally quite happy and at home in his box.
Eventually, when we could bare the suspense no longer, we tipped the box onto it's side and sat again to watch.
Alvin finally sniffed his way out and the tiny little ball sat on the floor, taking in his new surroundings.
After that there was no stopping him. He quickly settled in, deciding on where his litter trays should be, getting into bed with us on a Sunday morning, following us everywhere. He became a part of the family and enjoyed being the only pet in the house....
We picked up Olive last week. Another tiny ball of fluff, she is a nine week old labrador with short, white fur and big black eyes and nose.
She also has now made herself feel at home and mostly lives in the living room with us. She spends most of the morning playing and biting things, before we take her out into the garden for wee-wees and then she puts hereself into her bed to go to sleep. We've got a huge cage for her. We never put her in it, we wait for her to go in herself, telling her 'bed' as she climbs in.
Then we very gently close the gate so she's not bothered. She usually just watches us close it through one sleepy eye.
And then we let Alvin in to play.
He happily spends most of his time now upstairs whilst we're getting Olive used to him.
They've met through Alvin's cage and through her cage, and then whilst on the lead. They are mostly fine, sniffing each other and then getting bored of each other and walking away. But then if Alvin makes the first move in walking away, Olive gets excited and tries to jump on him and play. It's going to be a real work in progress and we are not expecting them to get on straight away at all. But we do hope that they get used to each other and become good friends.
Olive is starting puppy training this week which we can't wait for as her little needle teeth are really beginning to hurt.
She is learing the word 'no' but sometimes has selective hearing.
She is toilet trained to the point that she will wait by the back door if she needs to go. If we don't notice her, she will just wee on the rug but that hardly ever happens. And in the night we just get up once to let her out for five minutes and she is fine.
Our house is completely all about our pets now. When I am not playing with Olive, I am upstairs trying to give Alvin as much attention as possible. I think he's actually doing really well out of this, enjoying the extra treats and extra cuddles.
Al and I talk about things we've never talked about before like poo and wee! We compare notes on Olive's poo and then go on doggy forums to ask if her poos are normal!
Will keep you updated on all of Alvin and Olive's progress and their new, developing friendship. Watch this space........
We picked Alvin up about 2 years ago this month - it seems likes we've had the little chap much longer!
We'd thought about it for ages, or rather I had, and in the end, my partner Al gave in to me and we went to the pet shop to go and pick one out.
Well, when we got to the little rabbit enclosure, there was just one little guy in there - a tiny bundle of cream and blue fluff with huge floppy ears that fell down the front of his little face. He was gorgeous.
A green-uniformed guy strode over to us. 'If you can back on Tuesday we'll have a new delivery and you'll have more choice,' he said.
I looked down at the little bunny on the floor who just sat there looking at us. He was the one.
We took Alvin home in the car, he was sat in a little cardboard box and I insisted we had him on my knee.
When we got him home, we sat in the living room and put the box in the middle of the floor and watched it, waiting for the little guy to emerge.
He didn't. That little chap sat in that box for about an hour, occassionally sniffing the air, but generally quite happy and at home in his box.
Eventually, when we could bare the suspense no longer, we tipped the box onto it's side and sat again to watch.
Alvin finally sniffed his way out and the tiny little ball sat on the floor, taking in his new surroundings.
After that there was no stopping him. He quickly settled in, deciding on where his litter trays should be, getting into bed with us on a Sunday morning, following us everywhere. He became a part of the family and enjoyed being the only pet in the house....
We picked up Olive last week. Another tiny ball of fluff, she is a nine week old labrador with short, white fur and big black eyes and nose.
She also has now made herself feel at home and mostly lives in the living room with us. She spends most of the morning playing and biting things, before we take her out into the garden for wee-wees and then she puts hereself into her bed to go to sleep. We've got a huge cage for her. We never put her in it, we wait for her to go in herself, telling her 'bed' as she climbs in.
Then we very gently close the gate so she's not bothered. She usually just watches us close it through one sleepy eye.
And then we let Alvin in to play.
He happily spends most of his time now upstairs whilst we're getting Olive used to him.
They've met through Alvin's cage and through her cage, and then whilst on the lead. They are mostly fine, sniffing each other and then getting bored of each other and walking away. But then if Alvin makes the first move in walking away, Olive gets excited and tries to jump on him and play. It's going to be a real work in progress and we are not expecting them to get on straight away at all. But we do hope that they get used to each other and become good friends.
Olive is starting puppy training this week which we can't wait for as her little needle teeth are really beginning to hurt.
She is learing the word 'no' but sometimes has selective hearing.
She is toilet trained to the point that she will wait by the back door if she needs to go. If we don't notice her, she will just wee on the rug but that hardly ever happens. And in the night we just get up once to let her out for five minutes and she is fine.
Our house is completely all about our pets now. When I am not playing with Olive, I am upstairs trying to give Alvin as much attention as possible. I think he's actually doing really well out of this, enjoying the extra treats and extra cuddles.
Al and I talk about things we've never talked about before like poo and wee! We compare notes on Olive's poo and then go on doggy forums to ask if her poos are normal!
Will keep you updated on all of Alvin and Olive's progress and their new, developing friendship. Watch this space........
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