I weighed Jesse this morning, and if my calculations are right, he is now 5.6 kg, which is a pretty good weight for a 13 week old pup... he is growing like mad.
Training is going great too. Dylan, Jesse and I went to the training hall again last night and worked on a lot of bits and pieces...
With Dylan I did heelwork (coming along really nicely now, he loves it now), retrieve (yipee... he is running now and loves it - finally), novice recall (great... if Jesse didn't come inbetween all the time LOL), distance control (rather nice) and attention exercises. I also played loads with him.
With Jesse I started doing the attention exercises, we did distance control (wow, flipping good for a 13-week old pup; better than many much more advanced dogs), we started a little on the retrieve starting to teach holding a dumbell (got as far as putting his teeth around it - fab!), started off with presents (pretty good too) and did some targetting (he is fab at that)! Of course we also played lots.
At home, I have started on target stick training... that'll save my back from going to sore for heelwork and lots of other stuff.
Jesse is a star and he is doing ever so well in every aspect!
Wednesday, 28 March 2007
Sunday, 25 March 2007
First walk in the park
Up to now, I just took Jesse around the block to get him used to road walking, which he did very nicely. No pulling on the lead, lots of praise from me for that.
Today I took him to the park for the very first time. He was very good and got used to things very quickly. And half way through, he suddenly found his confidence and realised that he could run... LOL Jesse was off the lead where safe and he thoroughly enjoyed it. He played a little with the ball and was as usual very keen when I did a couple of minutes of clicker training.
Here are some of the pictures I have taken.
I love these portraits... isn't Jesse just the most handsome guy
Very interested and alert without being nervous
Today I took him to the park for the very first time. He was very good and got used to things very quickly. And half way through, he suddenly found his confidence and realised that he could run... LOL Jesse was off the lead where safe and he thoroughly enjoyed it. He played a little with the ball and was as usual very keen when I did a couple of minutes of clicker training.
Here are some of the pictures I have taken.
I love these portraits... isn't Jesse just the most handsome guy
Very interested and alert without being nervous
Friday, 23 March 2007
First Walk
Time is flying and yesterday was Jesse's first walk out on his own four feet. We walked to the church hall for the SEDTS AGM. It is normally a half hour walk, but obviously took a bit longer. Jesse walked about 1/4 of it... whenever he got tired he would jump up on me to be picked up. That worked very well.
He soon learned to stick to one side rather than criss-crossing in front of behind me (important as I normally walk more than one dog), and he walked nicely without any pulling at all. I did however make sure of course that I praised him loads when he was walking nicely to reinforce that.
At the AGM, he said hello to everyone. Jesse is fab, he is very friendly and sociable, but without being over the top and in people's faces. He also said hello to a huge, but very friendly rottie. During all of the AGM, Jesse was content and asleep; people were amazed how good he was. Everyone absolutely loved him!
When the trophies were handed out (of which I got one for Progress for Rescue Dog in our class... easy as Flash is the only rescue dog in that class LOL) and people were clapping, Jesse was quite spooked to start off and he made little grumbly noises. However, after about the fifth time, he didn't react anymore and went back to sleep. He is so easy to socialise, it's fantastic.
When we got back home (for which we got a lift), Jesse played with Flash for a couple of hours before he collapsed on the sofa and went to sleep! He has lots of energy now and thankfully, Flash is absorbing most of that for us!
He soon learned to stick to one side rather than criss-crossing in front of behind me (important as I normally walk more than one dog), and he walked nicely without any pulling at all. I did however make sure of course that I praised him loads when he was walking nicely to reinforce that.
At the AGM, he said hello to everyone. Jesse is fab, he is very friendly and sociable, but without being over the top and in people's faces. He also said hello to a huge, but very friendly rottie. During all of the AGM, Jesse was content and asleep; people were amazed how good he was. Everyone absolutely loved him!
When the trophies were handed out (of which I got one for Progress for Rescue Dog in our class... easy as Flash is the only rescue dog in that class LOL) and people were clapping, Jesse was quite spooked to start off and he made little grumbly noises. However, after about the fifth time, he didn't react anymore and went back to sleep. He is so easy to socialise, it's fantastic.
When we got back home (for which we got a lift), Jesse played with Flash for a couple of hours before he collapsed on the sofa and went to sleep! He has lots of energy now and thankfully, Flash is absorbing most of that for us!
Thursday, 22 March 2007
First Grooming
I did it... last night I took the plunge and I groomed Jesse's face. It is far from perfect, but it certainly looks better than the little werewolf face he had before LOL. I did it on my own with the help of lots of cheese and that went quite well. I will do it every two weeks now to keep on top of things. In no time (she says...) Jesse and I will be pro's at this LOL
I only did the muzzle, cheeks and around the eyes this time... we'll do the ears etc another time.
Here's the proof.
Has mummy done a good job?
And from this side?
Well, if you squint your eyes hard enough, I am sure it'll look alright...
I only did the muzzle, cheeks and around the eyes this time... we'll do the ears etc another time.
Here's the proof.
Has mummy done a good job?
And from this side?
Well, if you squint your eyes hard enough, I am sure it'll look alright...
Tuesday, 20 March 2007
12 weeks old today
Doesn't time fly. Jesse is already 12 weeks old today! He has grown a lot and got a lot heavier since we have had him! He is also a lot hairier.
TRAINING DIARY
We did our third session of clicker training for grooming this morning. We are getting there. Jesse is now very good with the trimmer running next to him. I can even put the trimmer on different parts of his body now (with the protective cover on, so not clipping yet), without him pulling away. He is much more relaxed around it.
I have also clicked him for allowing me to hold his head up (to clip his neck/throat area), to hold his muzzle to keep him steady (when trimming his face) and to hold the ears quite firm (when trimming his ears). He is quite happy with all of that now, although we now need to extend the periods of time, as he still gets wriggly pretty quickly.
He now also voluntarily gives me his paws when in grooming position which I thought was fab.
I shall continue with two sessions a day and hopefully by the end of the week, we shall be ready for action to do the real thing! He desperately needs grooming as his face looks like a little werewolf now...
TRAINING DIARY
We did our third session of clicker training for grooming this morning. We are getting there. Jesse is now very good with the trimmer running next to him. I can even put the trimmer on different parts of his body now (with the protective cover on, so not clipping yet), without him pulling away. He is much more relaxed around it.
I have also clicked him for allowing me to hold his head up (to clip his neck/throat area), to hold his muzzle to keep him steady (when trimming his face) and to hold the ears quite firm (when trimming his ears). He is quite happy with all of that now, although we now need to extend the periods of time, as he still gets wriggly pretty quickly.
He now also voluntarily gives me his paws when in grooming position which I thought was fab.
I shall continue with two sessions a day and hopefully by the end of the week, we shall be ready for action to do the real thing! He desperately needs grooming as his face looks like a little werewolf now...
Monday, 19 March 2007
Grooming
Jesse has been with us just over three weeks now and desperately needs to be groomed.
I made a start on two things... I am desensitising him to the clippers (noise, feeling on skin) with clicker training. I am also teaching him with the clicker to have his muzzle held firmly and he is accepting this nicely. This is all going fine and after a few more sessions, he should be ok.
I have also done some clicker training with him to get his feet sorted as they looked like big furry bear paws... I managed to get all four done reasonably well, one by one over two days. Jesse is a little wriggly, but that's only to be expected. Hopefully by the end of the week, we'll be ready to do the grooming without stressing him or myself out.
We had my parents-in-law over today and they love Jesse too... well, who can not love this little rascal...
We have also given Jesse some veg today (like the other dogs) and he loved it...
Here he is with his carrot.
I made a start on two things... I am desensitising him to the clippers (noise, feeling on skin) with clicker training. I am also teaching him with the clicker to have his muzzle held firmly and he is accepting this nicely. This is all going fine and after a few more sessions, he should be ok.
I have also done some clicker training with him to get his feet sorted as they looked like big furry bear paws... I managed to get all four done reasonably well, one by one over two days. Jesse is a little wriggly, but that's only to be expected. Hopefully by the end of the week, we'll be ready to do the grooming without stressing him or myself out.
We had my parents-in-law over today and they love Jesse too... well, who can not love this little rascal...
We have also given Jesse some veg today (like the other dogs) and he loved it...
Here he is with his carrot.
Friday, 16 March 2007
Second lot of vaccinations
Finally, the day has come for the second round of vaccinations. Now it's another week until Jesse can be taken out and about on his own four feet. He can't wait as he keeps trying to get out of the carrier, and I can't wait because it is a pain to keep carrying him around and he is also getting quite heavy; which doesn't do my back much good either.
Jesse is very active now, playing loads with Flash. Dylan tries to join in sometimes as well, but he is way too rough... for now. Once Jesse is a few weeks older, then he will be able to handle Dylan's playing style.
Troy is pretty happy with him now too. Jesse often climbs all over him and Troy doesn't react at all. If Jesse tries to clim over his face though, Troy just give a very low grumble and Jesse backs off. Jesse has in general learnt now that a (serious) growl means to back off, pronto! So it is much easier for us now knowing that he will back off when he gets a warning from the other dogs.
Jesse and Flash play really well together. Very rarely now do we have to interfer... this happens mostly when they start running as Flash then starts grabbing him and attempts to shake. Jesse doesn't seem to mind too much, but we stop it immediately as this is obviously not acceptable. That's the reason why we will not let them play unsupervised at all... though they play very nicely 90% of the time, sometimes they still need "guidance"...
Jesse is very active now, playing loads with Flash. Dylan tries to join in sometimes as well, but he is way too rough... for now. Once Jesse is a few weeks older, then he will be able to handle Dylan's playing style.
Troy is pretty happy with him now too. Jesse often climbs all over him and Troy doesn't react at all. If Jesse tries to clim over his face though, Troy just give a very low grumble and Jesse backs off. Jesse has in general learnt now that a (serious) growl means to back off, pronto! So it is much easier for us now knowing that he will back off when he gets a warning from the other dogs.
Jesse and Flash play really well together. Very rarely now do we have to interfer... this happens mostly when they start running as Flash then starts grabbing him and attempts to shake. Jesse doesn't seem to mind too much, but we stop it immediately as this is obviously not acceptable. That's the reason why we will not let them play unsupervised at all... though they play very nicely 90% of the time, sometimes they still need "guidance"...
Monday, 12 March 2007
WEIAMBEA JESSE JAMES's first picture with Troy!
Finally, Troy is comfortable enough around Jesse so I could take the all important "Troy & Jesse picture"! Aren't they just fabulous together.
And a close up... doesn't he just have the most adorable face!
We received Jesse's KC registration documents. His registered name is now WEIAMBEA JESSE JAMES. I like it; sounds good.
I've sent the KC ownership transfer to Pauline today so she can fill in her bit and send it on to the Kennel Club to transfer ownership.
Things are continually improving with the crate training as well as the house training. Jesse can be left in the crate longer and longer (he still needs to be tired though) without getting distressed. When we go out altogether, it seems that he just settles and goes to sleep. I still want to tape that though just to be sure.
Re housetraining: he has started going out in the garden by himself when he needs the toilet when the back door is open, which is great. Although his wees and poos are minuscule compared to what we are used to from the big guys, it is still nice not having to clean it up, particularly as he sometimes has to go every few minutes... including some pretend wees just to get praise and treats... LOL, the sneaky monkey he is.
Oh, and Jesse needs a face trim very soon... his facial hair is growing fast. I need to find a groomer soon anyway, so I shall contact a couple of recommendations.
And a close up... doesn't he just have the most adorable face!
We received Jesse's KC registration documents. His registered name is now WEIAMBEA JESSE JAMES. I like it; sounds good.
I've sent the KC ownership transfer to Pauline today so she can fill in her bit and send it on to the Kennel Club to transfer ownership.
Things are continually improving with the crate training as well as the house training. Jesse can be left in the crate longer and longer (he still needs to be tired though) without getting distressed. When we go out altogether, it seems that he just settles and goes to sleep. I still want to tape that though just to be sure.
Re housetraining: he has started going out in the garden by himself when he needs the toilet when the back door is open, which is great. Although his wees and poos are minuscule compared to what we are used to from the big guys, it is still nice not having to clean it up, particularly as he sometimes has to go every few minutes... including some pretend wees just to get praise and treats... LOL, the sneaky monkey he is.
Oh, and Jesse needs a face trim very soon... his facial hair is growing fast. I need to find a groomer soon anyway, so I shall contact a couple of recommendations.
Friday, 9 March 2007
Another day...
Jesse slept through from midnight to 6 am which is very good. That's when I got up anyway to take Dylan and Flash for their walk. It was a lovely morning and they enjoyed their run, though Flash seemed a little quiet compared to how he normally is.
Jesse still struggles a little to stay quiet and sleep when I got out, so Cornel takes the night crate on the bed or next to him to calm him down which works. I am sure Jesse will soon get used to the routine of me getting up to take the lurchers out, then get home for a bath and feed the rabbits, then take Jesse downstairs, do a bit of training and have a good game for half an hour, then feed all of them, and back to bed for Jesse when I go to work until Cornel gets up a couple of hours later.
TRAINING DIARY
Jesse now knows the behaviours of sit, down, back and touch. It is now a matter of putting them all on cue. Sit is already pretty good on cue, but only in one position (in front of me) and it is not reliable yet. The others are not on cue yet.
This morning, we did mainly the "back" and I have started putting it on cue. We'll see how long it takes Jesse to catch on.
I have to be very careful with Jesse when I clicker train, he is so fast when doing stuff (with the tail wagging furiously most of the time), that it is easy to get the clicker timing wrong... and unfortunately as he learns very quickly he sometimes gets confused or learns the wrong thing... That'll teach me to pay even more attention to good timing - and I always thought that my timing was not so bad... Oh well, I'll get there.
Jesse still struggles a little to stay quiet and sleep when I got out, so Cornel takes the night crate on the bed or next to him to calm him down which works. I am sure Jesse will soon get used to the routine of me getting up to take the lurchers out, then get home for a bath and feed the rabbits, then take Jesse downstairs, do a bit of training and have a good game for half an hour, then feed all of them, and back to bed for Jesse when I go to work until Cornel gets up a couple of hours later.
TRAINING DIARY
Jesse now knows the behaviours of sit, down, back and touch. It is now a matter of putting them all on cue. Sit is already pretty good on cue, but only in one position (in front of me) and it is not reliable yet. The others are not on cue yet.
This morning, we did mainly the "back" and I have started putting it on cue. We'll see how long it takes Jesse to catch on.
I have to be very careful with Jesse when I clicker train, he is so fast when doing stuff (with the tail wagging furiously most of the time), that it is easy to get the clicker timing wrong... and unfortunately as he learns very quickly he sometimes gets confused or learns the wrong thing... That'll teach me to pay even more attention to good timing - and I always thought that my timing was not so bad... Oh well, I'll get there.
Thursday, 8 March 2007
A clicker genius
8th March
Another short training session this morning before going to work...
TRAINING DIARY
Jesse absolutely adores clicker training, but I also make sure that I play a lot with a toy in between to lighten things up and also to keep him interested in toys, not just food. After starting off with freetime, this is what we did.
* Sit - just a couple on cue
* Down - yipee... break through! Jesse offered a down, I managed to click it correctly and he didn't stop throwing in downs after that! Excellent. Already managed to add the cue too.
* Back - Jesse does this so nicely, although I had to be very careful with clicking him at the right moment as he has started a little to sit straight away after a few steps back... I must have clicked him wrongly at some point for him to start doing this again.
* Touch - got Jesse to do a few touches where he had to stand up on hind legs to touch. No problem at all. Have also started to extend the touching period for just a second or two. After a couple of confusing moments for Jesse because he didn't get clicked for a simple quick touch, he caught on and kept his nose nicely on my hand for a couple of seconds. Once I got the targeting of my hand nice and solid (also following hand), I will introduce the target stick as that will be a great help with a small dog!
Jesse and the others were happy to see me as always when I got home from work. We just settled down waiting to watch the Crufts coverage on BBC2 when we had a power cut... and it didn't come back at all. So we missed the program and sat in the dark with candle light for the rest of the evening! It was not very convenient as it was hard to spot Jesse wanting to go out for toilet, so I am afraid we had a couple of accidents in the sitting room. Never mind...
I got my brand new camcorder today and tried it out, it is great. I mainly want to tape the dogs when we are out to see what they are up to and whether they settle (a neighbour said that they barked quite a lot... that would mainly be Troy). It'll also give me a chance to see how Jesse settles when we are out.
I also want to tape another few bits and pieces as well, e.g. clicker training sessions with Jesse, training sessions with Dylan and also Flash, and some footage of Dylan and Flash running just for fun... now that it is light again during our morning walk, I can do that!
7th March
Yesterday went all well, I think we are slowly getting used to the new work routine. Jacqui did some ttouch on Jesse when she was here... what a lucky boy he is to have such lovely friends!
Flash and Jesse now play together really nicely. Only very rarely do we now have to calm them down when Flash gets too rough. Flash is enjoying it too! Jesse is becoming more and more a pretend lurcher as predicted... he makes the funniest noises when playing with Flash at times... very much copying the noises that the lurchers make when they play...LOL
I think Flash is still very worried that Jesse will be leaving again like the last puppy we had here for three days... that really shook him up. Hopefully within the next few weeks, Flash will realise that Jesse is going nowhere and will relax a little (he is very tense and restless at the moment, which is mainly down to his allergies, but I think also due to his worries about his new brother).
Yesterday was also the first time that Jesse has started running to or at least towards the back door when he has to go out. It is not 100% regular yet, but many times now it is easy to spot if he needs to go now, because he goes to the kitchen. So the house training is going very well indeed and we are pleased! Having said that, I stepped into one of his poos yesterday that he left in the hallway unnoticed... I only realised it once I actually put my foot (with a slipper on thank god...) in it... LOL
He is such a cheeky monkey when it comes to house training... he sometimes pretends to do a wee, just to get his treat! LOL
TRAINING DIARY:
We did a few minutes training in the morning before going to work. As usual I started with a couple of minutes of freetime to warm him up.
* Sit - working nicely, I have to start getting him to sit in different positions though, that'll probably need to be lured though.
* Down - still only lured... I am waiting for a breakthrough on this one
* Touch - touching my hand is coming along really nicely. He now walks easily to whereever my hand is to touch it.
* Back - he loves this one. I need to make sure that I click before he sits. Sometimes he is so fast, that my timing is slightly out. And as he learns so quickly, he also learns the wrong thing when my timing is out.
Another short training session this morning before going to work...
TRAINING DIARY
Jesse absolutely adores clicker training, but I also make sure that I play a lot with a toy in between to lighten things up and also to keep him interested in toys, not just food. After starting off with freetime, this is what we did.
* Sit - just a couple on cue
* Down - yipee... break through! Jesse offered a down, I managed to click it correctly and he didn't stop throwing in downs after that! Excellent. Already managed to add the cue too.
* Back - Jesse does this so nicely, although I had to be very careful with clicking him at the right moment as he has started a little to sit straight away after a few steps back... I must have clicked him wrongly at some point for him to start doing this again.
* Touch - got Jesse to do a few touches where he had to stand up on hind legs to touch. No problem at all. Have also started to extend the touching period for just a second or two. After a couple of confusing moments for Jesse because he didn't get clicked for a simple quick touch, he caught on and kept his nose nicely on my hand for a couple of seconds. Once I got the targeting of my hand nice and solid (also following hand), I will introduce the target stick as that will be a great help with a small dog!
Jesse and the others were happy to see me as always when I got home from work. We just settled down waiting to watch the Crufts coverage on BBC2 when we had a power cut... and it didn't come back at all. So we missed the program and sat in the dark with candle light for the rest of the evening! It was not very convenient as it was hard to spot Jesse wanting to go out for toilet, so I am afraid we had a couple of accidents in the sitting room. Never mind...
I got my brand new camcorder today and tried it out, it is great. I mainly want to tape the dogs when we are out to see what they are up to and whether they settle (a neighbour said that they barked quite a lot... that would mainly be Troy). It'll also give me a chance to see how Jesse settles when we are out.
I also want to tape another few bits and pieces as well, e.g. clicker training sessions with Jesse, training sessions with Dylan and also Flash, and some footage of Dylan and Flash running just for fun... now that it is light again during our morning walk, I can do that!
7th March
Yesterday went all well, I think we are slowly getting used to the new work routine. Jacqui did some ttouch on Jesse when she was here... what a lucky boy he is to have such lovely friends!
Flash and Jesse now play together really nicely. Only very rarely do we now have to calm them down when Flash gets too rough. Flash is enjoying it too! Jesse is becoming more and more a pretend lurcher as predicted... he makes the funniest noises when playing with Flash at times... very much copying the noises that the lurchers make when they play...LOL
I think Flash is still very worried that Jesse will be leaving again like the last puppy we had here for three days... that really shook him up. Hopefully within the next few weeks, Flash will realise that Jesse is going nowhere and will relax a little (he is very tense and restless at the moment, which is mainly down to his allergies, but I think also due to his worries about his new brother).
Yesterday was also the first time that Jesse has started running to or at least towards the back door when he has to go out. It is not 100% regular yet, but many times now it is easy to spot if he needs to go now, because he goes to the kitchen. So the house training is going very well indeed and we are pleased! Having said that, I stepped into one of his poos yesterday that he left in the hallway unnoticed... I only realised it once I actually put my foot (with a slipper on thank god...) in it... LOL
He is such a cheeky monkey when it comes to house training... he sometimes pretends to do a wee, just to get his treat! LOL
TRAINING DIARY:
We did a few minutes training in the morning before going to work. As usual I started with a couple of minutes of freetime to warm him up.
* Sit - working nicely, I have to start getting him to sit in different positions though, that'll probably need to be lured though.
* Down - still only lured... I am waiting for a breakthrough on this one
* Touch - touching my hand is coming along really nicely. He now walks easily to whereever my hand is to touch it.
* Back - he loves this one. I need to make sure that I click before he sits. Sometimes he is so fast, that my timing is slightly out. And as he learns so quickly, he also learns the wrong thing when my timing is out.
Tuesday, 6 March 2007
10 weeks old today
As Jesse was not happy being crated downstairs yesterday after I went out, I left him upstairs with Cornel this time. That seemed to work very well and this is how we are going to do it in future now.
Jacqui came in in the afternoon and found Jesse fast asleep. He was also quite sleepy when I got in after work. So he seems fine now when we are out... though I have bought a camcorder and I will film it all just to make sure that everyone is ok.
Jesse came training with me and Dylan in the evening and as usual thoroughly enjoyed it!
TRAINING DIARY:
This was about the third clicker training session I did with Jesse since I got him. After doing a minute or two of freetime ("freetime" means clicking any movements at all to teach Jesse that he is in control of the clicks by offering behaviours and to make him more aware of his body and movements), we were working on:
* Sit - coming along nicely now on cue too. I need to make sure that he gets clicked for a nice sit and not a puppy sit
* Back - I managed to capture his walking backwards which he often does. With a few clicks, he started walking backwards very nicely and for quite long distances. A few more sessions, and we'll be able to put it on cue.
* Touch - I introduced the touching my hand today. It didn't take him long at all to catch on. I even managed to get him to walk a couple of steps already to touch.
* Down - We worked a little on the down. It works fine with a lure, but Jesse doesn't do it without yet. I am still hoping to be able to free shape it or even capture. We'll get there, I am sure.
Jesse absolutely loves clicker training and his concentration span is absolutely amazing for a 10-week old pup. He is now also getting quite good to switch from treats (for clickering) to toys... something which is important to me as I do not want him to be totally obsessed by treats only.
Jacqui came in in the afternoon and found Jesse fast asleep. He was also quite sleepy when I got in after work. So he seems fine now when we are out... though I have bought a camcorder and I will film it all just to make sure that everyone is ok.
Jesse came training with me and Dylan in the evening and as usual thoroughly enjoyed it!
TRAINING DIARY:
This was about the third clicker training session I did with Jesse since I got him. After doing a minute or two of freetime ("freetime" means clicking any movements at all to teach Jesse that he is in control of the clicks by offering behaviours and to make him more aware of his body and movements), we were working on:
* Sit - coming along nicely now on cue too. I need to make sure that he gets clicked for a nice sit and not a puppy sit
* Back - I managed to capture his walking backwards which he often does. With a few clicks, he started walking backwards very nicely and for quite long distances. A few more sessions, and we'll be able to put it on cue.
* Touch - I introduced the touching my hand today. It didn't take him long at all to catch on. I even managed to get him to walk a couple of steps already to touch.
* Down - We worked a little on the down. It works fine with a lure, but Jesse doesn't do it without yet. I am still hoping to be able to free shape it or even capture. We'll get there, I am sure.
Jesse absolutely loves clicker training and his concentration span is absolutely amazing for a 10-week old pup. He is now also getting quite good to switch from treats (for clickering) to toys... something which is important to me as I do not want him to be totally obsessed by treats only.
Monday, 5 March 2007
In trouble with Troy & first day home alone
Jesse had yet another busy day yesterday. First we went shopping taking him with us into all the shops. He thoroughly enjoyed the experience, but it made him tired, so he always went to sleep in the car.
We also went to see a work colleague of Cornel's that wanted to meet him.
Jesse has now started playing for longer rather than just quick outbursts and then long sleeps. He is also getting naughtier and bitier... LOL So the training starts now... ha ha!
He also got into big trouble with Troy yesterday. Troy was eating a carrot, which is a very valuable treat to Troy. Dylan and Flash know not to go near his treats and bones when he is eating them as he will have a real go at them. Well, Jesse obviously didn't know this yet, and walked straight up to him to get a piece of carrot... and Troy roared at him and grabed him briefly. He didn't injure him (he never intended to and he knows exactely what he does with his teeth, so there was never any danger), but Jesse yelped and was quite shaken by it... and was weary of Troy for a little while. But he soon recovered and was playing happily again within a couple of minutes after the incident. Unfortunately this is a lesson that all new dogs have to learn. But Jesse knows now, though of course we always keep an eye on all the dogs when there are treats and bones around. That is the only situation where Troy shows no tolerance at all towards any of the dogs.
Today is the first day that I am back at work... and Jesse has yet to take another big step, which is getting used to our everyday routine. Cornel is at home until 3.30 pm, and my friend (and Jesse's godmother) Karen is coming in to break the 2 1/2 hours up into two shorter more manageable periods for him. We'll see how it all goes today. I feel very worried like a new mum leaving her baby for the first time... I am sure we will all get used to it.
UPDATE: Jesse was crying for a couple of hours when in the crate downstairs after I went out to work and wouldn't stop. So Cornel brought him into his little upstairs night crate and he was fine then until Cornel got up. It's not that he doesn't like his crate as he jumps in and out of it without problems and also voluntarily, but he hates being separated from me, Cornel and the other dogs.
Karen came in and all went well, though there were a couple of toiletting accidents indoors.
When I came back in the evening, he seemed settled in his bed in the crate (though Troy was barking at whatever...). I have however ordered a camcorder so I can record what is going on exactely and whether he is happy when we are out.
I then took him to training class with me which he loved as always, though he had to voice his opinion on things at times from his crate... LOL Everyone there loves him.
When I got home, I played with him and the other dogs, he played lots with Flash also and then he went to sleep. We went to bed at 2 am and he was as usual as good as gold during the night.
We also went to see a work colleague of Cornel's that wanted to meet him.
Jesse has now started playing for longer rather than just quick outbursts and then long sleeps. He is also getting naughtier and bitier... LOL So the training starts now... ha ha!
He also got into big trouble with Troy yesterday. Troy was eating a carrot, which is a very valuable treat to Troy. Dylan and Flash know not to go near his treats and bones when he is eating them as he will have a real go at them. Well, Jesse obviously didn't know this yet, and walked straight up to him to get a piece of carrot... and Troy roared at him and grabed him briefly. He didn't injure him (he never intended to and he knows exactely what he does with his teeth, so there was never any danger), but Jesse yelped and was quite shaken by it... and was weary of Troy for a little while. But he soon recovered and was playing happily again within a couple of minutes after the incident. Unfortunately this is a lesson that all new dogs have to learn. But Jesse knows now, though of course we always keep an eye on all the dogs when there are treats and bones around. That is the only situation where Troy shows no tolerance at all towards any of the dogs.
Today is the first day that I am back at work... and Jesse has yet to take another big step, which is getting used to our everyday routine. Cornel is at home until 3.30 pm, and my friend (and Jesse's godmother) Karen is coming in to break the 2 1/2 hours up into two shorter more manageable periods for him. We'll see how it all goes today. I feel very worried like a new mum leaving her baby for the first time... I am sure we will all get used to it.
UPDATE: Jesse was crying for a couple of hours when in the crate downstairs after I went out to work and wouldn't stop. So Cornel brought him into his little upstairs night crate and he was fine then until Cornel got up. It's not that he doesn't like his crate as he jumps in and out of it without problems and also voluntarily, but he hates being separated from me, Cornel and the other dogs.
Karen came in and all went well, though there were a couple of toiletting accidents indoors.
When I came back in the evening, he seemed settled in his bed in the crate (though Troy was barking at whatever...). I have however ordered a camcorder so I can record what is going on exactely and whether he is happy when we are out.
I then took him to training class with me which he loved as always, though he had to voice his opinion on things at times from his crate... LOL Everyone there loves him.
When I got home, I played with him and the other dogs, he played lots with Flash also and then he went to sleep. We went to bed at 2 am and he was as usual as good as gold during the night.
Sunday, 4 March 2007
Yippeeee... I can jump on the sofa now...
3rd March
All week, Jesse has got really frustrated because he couldn't jump on the sofa for being too small... LOL Today he finally managed to get up there on his own! Didn't he have a smug look on his face - bless.
Jesse was also left on his own for the first time when we went out for just under half an hour. I video'd him... he was fine for a few minutes, then he barked an howled for a while, then he settled back down. I will continue to video him, particularly as I am going back to work next week and he has to be on his own. I will get a friend coming in half way through the three hour period when our dogs are alone in the afternoon to break it up for him. So he will only be on his own for 2 x 1 hour.
He is generally getting much better with the crate training and I am now able to do chores upstairs whilst he is crated downstairs. This does make life a lot easier.
Cornel bought Jesse a little pressie today... his very own little chair!
All week, Jesse has got really frustrated because he couldn't jump on the sofa for being too small... LOL Today he finally managed to get up there on his own! Didn't he have a smug look on his face - bless.
Jesse was also left on his own for the first time when we went out for just under half an hour. I video'd him... he was fine for a few minutes, then he barked an howled for a while, then he settled back down. I will continue to video him, particularly as I am going back to work next week and he has to be on his own. I will get a friend coming in half way through the three hour period when our dogs are alone in the afternoon to break it up for him. So he will only be on his own for 2 x 1 hour.
He is generally getting much better with the crate training and I am now able to do chores upstairs whilst he is crated downstairs. This does make life a lot easier.
Cornel bought Jesse a little pressie today... his very own little chair!
Friday, 2 March 2007
First vaccinations
Today was the day for the first lot of vaccinations... Jesse was as laid back as ever and was very sleepy (after playing hard with Flash before we went out). When it came to the actual injection, I fed Jesse pieces of chicken which he loved. Hopefully that will leave a good impression about vets.
After the vet, we went to a couple of shops, Jesse being as good as gold.
He was then very tired when we got back and slept most of the afternoon. He however woke up in the evening and made up for it... he had the devil in him. He does provide us with lots of laughter.
Today was also the first day that Dylan was more tolerant with Jesse being "in his face" and rarely moved away when he got too close. See the pictures below. I absolutely love these pictures...
"Me and my big brother Dylan"
Believe it or not, but this picture was NOT staged... Dylan, Flash and little Jesse
After the vet, we went to a couple of shops, Jesse being as good as gold.
He was then very tired when we got back and slept most of the afternoon. He however woke up in the evening and made up for it... he had the devil in him. He does provide us with lots of laughter.
Today was also the first day that Dylan was more tolerant with Jesse being "in his face" and rarely moved away when he got too close. See the pictures below. I absolutely love these pictures...
"Me and my big brother Dylan"
Believe it or not, but this picture was NOT staged... Dylan, Flash and little Jesse
23rd February - 1st March
23rd February
And finally the day arrived... the day we picked Jesse up!
We left in good time at 9.30 am, but I managed to get us lost and we arrived a few minutes late at about 2.45 pm... Pauline and Leigh welcomed us with a lovely lunch, then we went through the sales contract and all the other bits and pieces we received (puppy packs etc.) and we needed to know.
And then it was time. We left just after 4 pm. Jesse whined and howled (and wow, does he have a voice)for about 10 minutes in his crate, when I took him out and put him on my lap. He happily took in the scenary of Hereford, then got tired. I put him back into his crate and he slept through until we stopped at a service station 2 1/2 hours later. He was so settled and content that I didn't bother to set up a toilet with him (puppy pad), when we set off again, he went straight back to sleep in his crate.
Just before 9 pm, we arrived at my parents-in-law's where we stopped briefly. I put a puppy pad in the kitchen, which he used immediately. What a good boy he was. He didn't toilet in the wrong place at all, which was great.
Finally, at 10 pm, we made it home. We were greeted by Dylan, Troy and Flash... and a bit of a chaos curtesy to Flash I am sure (destuffed pillow etc.). Never mind... we put little Jesse in his new big crate in the sitting room so Dylan, Troy and Flash could get used to him in safety. Troy was interested, but didn't make a fuss at all... His face seemed to say "oh no, not another one of these puppy things..." LOL Later on, we took Jesse out on to the sofa and Troy was fine with him.
At around 2 am, we went to bed. I took the travel crate into our bedroom, settled Jesse in. Again, he whined for a couple of minutes, then went to sleep... and we didn't hear another thing from him until I woke him up at 7.15 am in the morning! No sleepless night as expected... Good lad.
The first pictures taken at home on day 1
24th February
All the dogs are settling in and getting used to Jesse. I took Jesse to my training classes in the morning where he met a few (vaccinated) puppies and older dogs. He was happy to see the pups of his own size... LOL He coped extremely well, watched the first class whilst Karen (his godmother!) was looking after him. He then slept through the other two classes in his crate. What a star!
Troy and Dylan as usual with a new dog made sure that Jesse understood that they value their private space. There was the odd grumble and bark... but nothing serious at all and nothing that couldn't be controlled. Of course, we would never leave Jesse unattended with them for even one second. When we go out of the room (upstairs or out), then Jesse goes in his crate for his own safety.
Jesse settled in remarkably well and Dylan, Troy and Flash got used to having him around without major problems. We knew it would take a few days for Dylan and Troy to get used to things and we were quite happy with the progress.
Jesse loves being on the sofa...
Little and large...
25th February
I didn't take Jesse out on the Sunday as I wanted to give him a rest. He had a busy day on the Saturday. Things continued to improved between the dogs... Surprisingly though Flash showed some toy aggression towards Jesse which I had never seen from him before... probably because the other dogs are higher ranking than him. But again, it was nothing that couldn't be controlled and Flash never intended to hurt Jesse in any way. Jesse learnt quickly to not take toys from him.
I also did the first clicker training session with Jesse... and he loved it. He picked up on the priciple very quickly and we free shaped the sit and down without problems at all! He also learnt quickly not to mug for food, but to back off and sit. He seemed to need just a few repetitions to make the connection.
House training was going fine too... of course we took him out every hour or so, and after waking, eating and playing. We had a couple of accidents indoors, but his wees and poos are so small compared to what we are used to, that it really isn't any bother at all.
26th February
The dogs are getting much more comfortable with each other... Crate training is slowly progressing too, but Jesse doesn't like being on his own, so we are taking things slowly.
In the morning, we went to see my friend Marion in the pet shop, where Jesse also met other people. Everyone loves him and wants to take him home... LOL Everyone is also fascinated by his eye lashes... LOL We also went into the bank and a shop where he was welcomed every time.
When I got back a little later, Dylan, Troy and Flash were all really pleased to see him. Troy also started playing again, so he is relaxing and has now fully accepted the little rascal.
He is very laid back with things and doesn't take long at all to relax in new situations. As he is not vaccinated yet, he is of course carried everywhere, which he doesn't seem to mind either...
In the evening, Jesse joined me again for the classes, which he again spent mostly asleep in his crate.
Flash has started trying to play with Jesse... although we have to "coach" him lots as he plays like a lurcher and was way too rough... I was trying to teach him to play with Jesse in the down position.
27th February
Another resting day really. Cornel found a car for me, which I went to look at... and reserved. So I will soon be able to chauffeur the dogs around to shows, training etc. I can't wait. It is a Fiat Punto... exactely the type of car I was looking for. Fab.
Flash is now playing more and more with Jesse and is slowly getting the hang of playing gently, although we still supervise heavily to avoid any accidents. Jesse is never left unattended at all! Troy and also Dylan is now also much happier with Jesse coming close... there is still the odd grumble and Troy is not happy when Jesse tries to climb over his head, but they are definitely getting much more comfortable with him.
I took Jesse training in the evening together with Dylan. I met up with Karen and Willis in the Scout Hall. Dylan was so happy and keen, it was great to see after the training week-end at college where he didn't seem to want to do anything at all. He was very enthusiastic and playful and doing all the exercises well.
Jesse was totally amazing... I did a little clicker training with him... And he picked things up so quickly. He is a real thinker and can put 2 and 2 together correctly and very quickly. Amazing little chap...!
Jesse playing
Flash watching with great interest
Finally tired out
Peaceful... all of the dogs asleep including Jesse
28th February
I took Jesse to the office to meet my work collegues and managers. They all absolutely loved him. Jesse however was unimpressed by everyone's attention and promptly went to sleep... LOL
Flash is now mostly playing very nicely with him... but we will continue to supervise them very closely. Like most lurchers, Flash's favourite move is to grab Jesse's neck (and because he is so small, the neck disappears in Flash's mouth) and he has to learn not to do that. We are getting there and both Flash and Jesse love playing together.
Today, Jesse wanted to join me on the sofa and promptly climbed onto Troy's back (who was lying in front of the sofa) and jumped onto the sofa from there... cheeky little monkey! LOL Troy didn't mind at all... in fact, as long as Jesse doesn't attempt to climb over his face, he is perfectly fine with him now climbing all over him.
1st March
We went to finalise things for my new car today... Jesse accompanied us in his carrying pouch as usual. He seems to love going out, but just like me, he can't wait to walk on his own. He will be getting his first lot of vaccinations tomorrow, 2nd March, so it is only another three weeks to go now.
I took Jesse to training tonight together with Flash. He was a little noisy at time as there was so much going on... particularly when I was doing stuff with Flash. But he did in general very well and everyone there absolutely loved him... and he loved the attention he got too!
Tonight I got the first picture of all of my boys together... husband and four dogs... LOL
Jesse asleep close to Troy
And finally the day arrived... the day we picked Jesse up!
We left in good time at 9.30 am, but I managed to get us lost and we arrived a few minutes late at about 2.45 pm... Pauline and Leigh welcomed us with a lovely lunch, then we went through the sales contract and all the other bits and pieces we received (puppy packs etc.) and we needed to know.
And then it was time. We left just after 4 pm. Jesse whined and howled (and wow, does he have a voice)for about 10 minutes in his crate, when I took him out and put him on my lap. He happily took in the scenary of Hereford, then got tired. I put him back into his crate and he slept through until we stopped at a service station 2 1/2 hours later. He was so settled and content that I didn't bother to set up a toilet with him (puppy pad), when we set off again, he went straight back to sleep in his crate.
Just before 9 pm, we arrived at my parents-in-law's where we stopped briefly. I put a puppy pad in the kitchen, which he used immediately. What a good boy he was. He didn't toilet in the wrong place at all, which was great.
Finally, at 10 pm, we made it home. We were greeted by Dylan, Troy and Flash... and a bit of a chaos curtesy to Flash I am sure (destuffed pillow etc.). Never mind... we put little Jesse in his new big crate in the sitting room so Dylan, Troy and Flash could get used to him in safety. Troy was interested, but didn't make a fuss at all... His face seemed to say "oh no, not another one of these puppy things..." LOL Later on, we took Jesse out on to the sofa and Troy was fine with him.
At around 2 am, we went to bed. I took the travel crate into our bedroom, settled Jesse in. Again, he whined for a couple of minutes, then went to sleep... and we didn't hear another thing from him until I woke him up at 7.15 am in the morning! No sleepless night as expected... Good lad.
The first pictures taken at home on day 1
24th February
All the dogs are settling in and getting used to Jesse. I took Jesse to my training classes in the morning where he met a few (vaccinated) puppies and older dogs. He was happy to see the pups of his own size... LOL He coped extremely well, watched the first class whilst Karen (his godmother!) was looking after him. He then slept through the other two classes in his crate. What a star!
Troy and Dylan as usual with a new dog made sure that Jesse understood that they value their private space. There was the odd grumble and bark... but nothing serious at all and nothing that couldn't be controlled. Of course, we would never leave Jesse unattended with them for even one second. When we go out of the room (upstairs or out), then Jesse goes in his crate for his own safety.
Jesse settled in remarkably well and Dylan, Troy and Flash got used to having him around without major problems. We knew it would take a few days for Dylan and Troy to get used to things and we were quite happy with the progress.
Jesse loves being on the sofa...
Little and large...
25th February
I didn't take Jesse out on the Sunday as I wanted to give him a rest. He had a busy day on the Saturday. Things continued to improved between the dogs... Surprisingly though Flash showed some toy aggression towards Jesse which I had never seen from him before... probably because the other dogs are higher ranking than him. But again, it was nothing that couldn't be controlled and Flash never intended to hurt Jesse in any way. Jesse learnt quickly to not take toys from him.
I also did the first clicker training session with Jesse... and he loved it. He picked up on the priciple very quickly and we free shaped the sit and down without problems at all! He also learnt quickly not to mug for food, but to back off and sit. He seemed to need just a few repetitions to make the connection.
House training was going fine too... of course we took him out every hour or so, and after waking, eating and playing. We had a couple of accidents indoors, but his wees and poos are so small compared to what we are used to, that it really isn't any bother at all.
26th February
The dogs are getting much more comfortable with each other... Crate training is slowly progressing too, but Jesse doesn't like being on his own, so we are taking things slowly.
In the morning, we went to see my friend Marion in the pet shop, where Jesse also met other people. Everyone loves him and wants to take him home... LOL Everyone is also fascinated by his eye lashes... LOL We also went into the bank and a shop where he was welcomed every time.
When I got back a little later, Dylan, Troy and Flash were all really pleased to see him. Troy also started playing again, so he is relaxing and has now fully accepted the little rascal.
He is very laid back with things and doesn't take long at all to relax in new situations. As he is not vaccinated yet, he is of course carried everywhere, which he doesn't seem to mind either...
In the evening, Jesse joined me again for the classes, which he again spent mostly asleep in his crate.
Flash has started trying to play with Jesse... although we have to "coach" him lots as he plays like a lurcher and was way too rough... I was trying to teach him to play with Jesse in the down position.
27th February
Another resting day really. Cornel found a car for me, which I went to look at... and reserved. So I will soon be able to chauffeur the dogs around to shows, training etc. I can't wait. It is a Fiat Punto... exactely the type of car I was looking for. Fab.
Flash is now playing more and more with Jesse and is slowly getting the hang of playing gently, although we still supervise heavily to avoid any accidents. Jesse is never left unattended at all! Troy and also Dylan is now also much happier with Jesse coming close... there is still the odd grumble and Troy is not happy when Jesse tries to climb over his head, but they are definitely getting much more comfortable with him.
I took Jesse training in the evening together with Dylan. I met up with Karen and Willis in the Scout Hall. Dylan was so happy and keen, it was great to see after the training week-end at college where he didn't seem to want to do anything at all. He was very enthusiastic and playful and doing all the exercises well.
Jesse was totally amazing... I did a little clicker training with him... And he picked things up so quickly. He is a real thinker and can put 2 and 2 together correctly and very quickly. Amazing little chap...!
Jesse playing
Flash watching with great interest
Finally tired out
Peaceful... all of the dogs asleep including Jesse
28th February
I took Jesse to the office to meet my work collegues and managers. They all absolutely loved him. Jesse however was unimpressed by everyone's attention and promptly went to sleep... LOL
Flash is now mostly playing very nicely with him... but we will continue to supervise them very closely. Like most lurchers, Flash's favourite move is to grab Jesse's neck (and because he is so small, the neck disappears in Flash's mouth) and he has to learn not to do that. We are getting there and both Flash and Jesse love playing together.
Today, Jesse wanted to join me on the sofa and promptly climbed onto Troy's back (who was lying in front of the sofa) and jumped onto the sofa from there... cheeky little monkey! LOL Troy didn't mind at all... in fact, as long as Jesse doesn't attempt to climb over his face, he is perfectly fine with him now climbing all over him.
1st March
We went to finalise things for my new car today... Jesse accompanied us in his carrying pouch as usual. He seems to love going out, but just like me, he can't wait to walk on his own. He will be getting his first lot of vaccinations tomorrow, 2nd March, so it is only another three weeks to go now.
I took Jesse to training tonight together with Flash. He was a little noisy at time as there was so much going on... particularly when I was doing stuff with Flash. But he did in general very well and everyone there absolutely loved him... and he loved the attention he got too!
Tonight I got the first picture of all of my boys together... husband and four dogs... LOL
Jesse asleep close to Troy
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