Amigavél Chat

Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 12:54 pm

We have had a lot of family activity recently - celebrations at the birth of new baby

and 18th and 40th birthdays. Very Happy

The dogs have had to take a bit of a back seat while we have been busy with parties and family gatherings. We have travelled back and forth to Wales on several occasions over the past month. Over all the dogs have been fine and they haven't been any trouble - well not too much. Wink

Although owning a dog always requires attention to their needs. I try to keep to their routines and as long as they are with us they are happy. Very Happy

The girls are very easy - happy to meet and greet anyone with a friendly wag of the tail. Laughing

Finn however, does not mix readily with strangers. Confused

While we have house guests he has his own space. And so that he's not jealous the girls are with him too. Wink

Everyone has now left to return home and the dogs are stretched out around the sitting room reclaiming their territory. There's no doubt my life is tightly intertwined with them no matter what else is happening. Very Happy

How does your life and that of your dogs fit together? Question

Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 6:11 pm

That's a lovely baby,almosta as cute as a puppy Laughing

no,human babys are probably the loviest of all mamals.
For sure 3 dogs are not the same as 1 Laughing

.With 2 sometimes life gets a bit complicated,special in summer time when my time is short and there's a lot of people around.I get some complains from family and friends because i do feel that i've to provide a daily routine for the dogs,they have to walk,they have to have company,they have to eat and be gromed,so,lots of times i don't have the time to be with people as i would if i didn't have them.One of my best friends,after 10 years ,told me that sometimes she got really mad at me for either leaving early or not going at all because of the dogs.I wonder if i over do it,of course the dogs are left alone lots of times,everyday,but,when i'm out working for 6 hours,i just can't leave them again,at least not for long periods.All in all,i'm a person that will look for a restaurant where the dog can came also,or a friends house where they are welcome etc etc.But i do it for me,i love their company and if i feel i'm not treating them well i can't feel good with myself.They are a big part of my life and a part i do love dearly.
I confess,sometimes i do need dogs vacation Laughing

Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 6:27 pm

Hi Pauline

Congratulation on the new arrival is he the first. We are expecting our second grandchild in June.

Paulo is settling in well he went with us to a open show and was an absulote angle up to the point when he decided that he should be in the ring with the Pastoral Group.

Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2010 10:08 pm

Hi all
Sara is more and more a big part of my life, my days are planned always bearing in mind how much time I can snatch from dayly duties to spend with her. She goes with me everywhere I can take her, and she's a delight to be with. In November we passed the exam to obedience training level 2 and, being the first dog I'm doing serious obedience training with, I'm fascinated with how much it broadens our relationship, leading to a better understanding of each other every day. I can actually talk to her, because she knows so many words and what they mean.
She was always a bit fearfull of new things, but I can't remember the last time she was startled by something, she has come a long way in building self confidence. She is great at ignoring everything around in our walks, she is great at meeting new dogs, loves to play but when I turn around to leave she comes imediatly, there's no need to even call her. I frequently have to go back because the other dog is following us and doesn't return to it's owners, and it makes me very proud to see that Sara doesn't even consider not being near me (and she LOVES playing with other dogs).
I am finding it very hard to plan something like a holiday where I can't take her, because it takes half of the pleasure away not having her around. My daughters say I'm obsessed with the damm dog, and there might be some truth to that, but she gives me joy.

Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 9:20 am

I'm affraid we are kind of crazy about our dogs Very Happy

it's great to know that i'm not the only one.
Fivos is with me in the office,laying on my feet,as always,he's as close as he can.I'm trying to keep him with me here everyday,hoping that he will became less shy with strangers.Teresa,I'm so jealous of your trainning with sara,it would be so good for us to be able to do it as well.May be next winter.

Master Friend Joined: 06 Jul 2007 Posts: 201

congrats from both of our hearts. crazy about our dogs? ha, we do not even have kids Laughing

well, that was wrong, we do , but they all hairy and wald on four feet Very Happy

Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 12:29 pm

Just got back from a trip to the airport to take my sister for her flight back to France. The dogs came too and I have to say they are fanatastic at travelling in the car. They just settle down and are no problem. Finn is the except on local journeys. He will defend the car with fearsome barks if someone walks near it when I am inside. Evil or Very Mad

If I'm not inside he's fine. Smile

I know this from when passengers wait for me to come back to the car. He will usually stop with a stern 'Enough! Thank you Finn. ' from me. I wish he wouldn't do it in the first place though as it can make unsuspecting passers-by jump in alarm. Sad

I probably should do more to make a concentrated effort to train it out of him. Confused

I don't think this would be easy though as I think I'd have to sit in the back seat with his lead through the dog guard to give him a tug immediately he responds. I tried an aerosol can which emmited a loud unpleasant noise when pressed. It just upset the other dogs and made me deaf Rolling Eyes

Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 10:38 am

Nesp'a and Bonita are OK together - no worse no better Confused

Nesp'a will still leap on Bonita for no apparent reason. I then just pull Nespa off by the scruff of her neck. Sometimes she just lets go when I tell her. She hasn't broken Bonita's skin and it seems that Nespa grabs her hair. Sometimes Nespa is like the Troll in the fairy story of The Three Billie Goats Gruff. She likes to lie under my chair and if Bonita comes by she will push her head out with a warning growl or attempted grab Shocked

We can go several days peacefully and then grrrrr Rolling Eyes

I think as we've said it's rivallry and there are subtle body signals between the dogs that I don't recognise. I still leave them together when I am out and despite my initial concern about what might happen they are all safe and happy to see me when I return. Laughing

In all of this dear Finn is a gentleman. He may watch Nespa's actions but fortunately he doesn't join in. He is very obedient too and comes away as soon as I tell him. Very Happy

Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 11:58 am

I had problems with my two Samoyed bitches over the past four years. They started fighting not all the time but when I least expected it. It was usually over Cedric (who also is a gentleman - I think he enjoyed it)! In the end when I went out one Sam was left in the cage and one free. Since Witchy passed on last December I have not had the same problems and Floosie does not attack Daisy as Daisy really is in charge. I think seasons had a lot to do with all this.....................hormones..................I suspect!
My two boys live in total harmony - thank goodness Very Happy