Gillys Blog

08 Jun 2009 - The Boy Next Door

Dixie has a boyfriend! She hasn’t even been to her first puppy party yet, but she has a lad already. I don’t know – youngsters these days, they just grow up way too quickly! Actually she’s fallen for the boy next door – a very sweet Collie x called Sammy, who’s not really much more than a pup himself. He’s incredibly good with her – happy to play all her rough and tumble games and not even getting cross with her when she’s hanging off his ears. I’m delighted to see the two of them getting on so well together – it’s all part of the socializing process, which is very important for teaching young scamps like Dixie just what the world’s all about.

Our older dog Zara is also very tolerant, but does tell Dixie off when she’s being just too outrageous – and that’s fine because it’s exactly what her own Mum would have done. The pup doesn’t bear any grudges – five minutes after Zara’s been cross with her, she’ll cuddle up beside the big dog for a nap.

  

She’s definitely not a timid soul – the other day when we were out walking we met another pup of about the same age, and Dixie was delighted, thinking she’d found a new playmate. However the other pup didn’t want anything to do with her – she was backing off as far as her lead would let her, and hiding behind her owner’s legs.

As you’ll gather, she’s got quite a strong will and plenty of determination to get her own way, so she needs a firm hand – but plenty of praise as well. She’s at the stage where she’s chewing everything – and that includes me if she gets half a chance. Her teeth are like little needles, so I’m hoping to get her through this stage as fast as possible. She’s also quick to spot anything she can tug on or drag – so I can’t wear my cargo pants with the dangly straps anywhere near her – unless I want a puppy attached to my leg!

As far as the training goes, we’ve moved on from ‘sit’ to ‘sit and stay’– only for minutes at a time because her concentration span isn’t lengthy and she can be easily distracted by something more interesting going on. She’s quick to learn though, so the message does seem to be getting through – especially if it’s backed up by a few kibbles to reward her endeavours. Typical Lab