TrentisHoe Doodles - loving them, training them and having fun!

Dad made it to his celebrate his 84th birthday today

2012-01-26T19:00:00.000Z

update on Teazel

2012-01-21T20:56:00.000Z

While massaging Teazel's leg which is in spasm periodically I noticed that the inside of her thigh is swollen. Will contact vet on Monday as she doesn't appear to be in any discomfort. In fact, it's difficult to stop her pinging on and off the sofa.

update on Clyde

2012-01-19T15:23:00.000Z

Posted this here in case anyone missed it on the comments;

Hiya

Just updated re Clyde on blog. I hadn't really taken on board about Pearl - has Val decided to go for an early spay rather than to wait for a season - interesting............ but too late now!!! Having a cuddle now so have taken off collar for a bit! He sleeps in our room so at least he will be close - Bonnie seems so know to stay away and quiet!

Back for check up on Friday!

Re last season that is what another Doodle mum said yesterday (they come in late usually)

Nite nite

update on Joan & Clary

2012-01-19T15:21:00.000Z

Hi Gail,

Tis me at last................

Am doing ok, very low on strength, but keep being told it's 'normal' so have accepted that now and just doing what I'm told, (Keith will tell a different story I'm sure), but that's mine and I'm sticking to it.!!.

Op went well, healing well, and have a Doctors appt tomorrow at the hospital, so may find out hopfully some results, that will help the old mind from working overtime.

Do hope that you are doing well now and have recovered, you need rest more, you exhausted your self before Christmas, as Keith said some clicker training I feel, but please do be careful, we all think we can do wonder woman feats, but know now we can not, just enjoy the dudes and their antics!!!!!!!!!!!.

Dearest Clary, being good a lot of the time, but is a past master at stealing food, Keith's cheese and pickle roll, which he had just made, and left it on the counter top to answer the front door...... some cake..... and my daughter cooked some eggs which she'd left on the counter top, Clary decided it was much better fun to run around the lounge with one, and was still complete when we took it from him,don't you just lov'em, the eyes look as much to say just having some fun bless him.

Hope Teazel, is doing well after her 'op' (can sympathise with her ) please give her a big hug from the Clary Clan and do hope she progresses well, and her visit to the vets is all calm and good.

Well will not rattle on any more, will keep in touch and let you know what's what, thank you so much for caring,and a thank you to Sky's Mum Nichola for her good wishes, and hope her house move is moving along well excuse the pun. TTFN Luv Joan & Keith and me to Clary.xxxxx

update on Teazel

2012-01-19T15:17:00.003Z

Teazel was checked over by vet nurse Louise today. Since surgery on Monday, she's had an involuntary spasm in her hind leg a couple of times a day (that I know of) and if it's still there tomorrow I'll get the vet to look at her. Doesn't appear to be disturbed by it, other than it's always a surprise to her when it happens! Other than that she is full of beans.

Clyde is having the op today

2012-01-18T12:18:00.001Z

Hi Gail

.............................................Clyde was starting to " get interested" with Bonnie and I was calling to see if any of the other Wadlings or Hoblet girlies had shown signs of coming into season. I had been hopeful that I would try to keep them separate and work things out as I went along but have very quickly realised that I would need to be watching them ALL the time! You just don't realise how they just wander in and out of view - I would have to think "where are the dogs " even when going for a pee (both them AND ME!!!).

This might be manageable with just me and Sid in the house but 3 kids opening and closing (or not closing!) doors all the time without thought, I just thought it was too risky. Also too stressful - for us all - Bonnie and Clyde included!!

So I made the decision that I did not a season with them both "in tact" - so I was trying to decide early spay for Bonnie or "the op" for Clyde. As Clyde was now becoming interested in Bonnie I thought I may have missed the boat to spay early - hence wondering about how all the other 2011 bitches!

Anyway - vet prefered to do Clyde at this time rather than Bonnie and so I left him there this morning. He had the pre med in the waiting and I sat with him while he "went" out!

Poor baby.

I'll keep you updated!

Cheers

Very wise decision Caroline. Doodles are known for their delayed first seasons but can't be too careful. Look forward to update later. xx

Happy birthday Acer - 11 today

2012-01-18T09:28:00.000Z

Winning gundog working tests in her youth

Relaxing on the sofa

Still retrieving 2 days before she produce her 2nd litter of labradors

Cuddling up with Storm before he passed away

Cuddles with Mabel

Jon and Storm beat us by 1 point!

Working days; picking up at Porlock with Jon and Storm during a Field Trial

Teazel at Southmead primary school last week

2012-01-17T23:17:00.001Z

Tracey and Laya begin with educational instruction

The kids learn to ask permission to stroke a dog

They experience the wait and recall

They learn to correctly stroke an unknown dog under the chin and not on top of it's head!

They learn how to feed a dog safely with a flat palm

Joan is home

2012-01-17T16:54:00.000Z

Hi Gail,

Joan is now at home. Coping quite well ................................We have an appointment to see the Consultant this Friday and hopefully it will be good news.

Clary sits with her in the evenings when she comes downstairs for a few hours. He is so excited to see Joan when she arrives and it is quite a battle to stop him jumping on her. We have coped so far but I have to say that it is our biggest single problem with him, the exuberance he exhibits when meeting people.

......................................................Joan sends her love and hopes to be back on the computer soon.

Very Best Wishes

Keith

So pleased to hear Joan is home. Have sent Keith advice on teaching the 'settle' command to Clary but from past experience I know he needs to teach it to Joan too! Pot calling kettle black eh? lol

update on Teazel

2012-01-17T11:25:00.000Z

All good here now. Teazel had a good night next to my bed and I woke up regularly to check on her. What am I like???? Her wound is amazingly small and neat, just a little bruising. Vet gave me pain control for her so I haven't used anything else.

Thanks for all your wonderful messages; the worry trauma is over now.......'til the next one (Pearl; I think).

update on Teazel

2012-01-16T16:44:00.000Z

Teazel immediately took up her favourite spot on top of the sofa when she returned home from the vets today. No collar required - she's lying like a statue! Jon will stay with her this evening while I take Hobbit to agility and then she'll sleep next to our bed so that I can keep my eye on her. Check up Thursday.

'Triplet' Sky

2012-01-16T13:53:00.000Z

If Merry and Pepsi were twins, this would surely be their triplet! Amazing likeness and truly beautiful.

Beau

2012-01-16T13:48:00.000Z

Beau weighed in at 19.70 k today. I took her to the vets with me when I dropped Teazel off for spaying and she had a 6 monthly check (at 7 months!) with Louise our vet nurse. I did manage to get her to 'settle' eventually and all good practice but no where near as calm as Pepsi in the surgery. Perfect for agility then!

Lily and Dexter

2012-01-16T13:45:00.000Z

Hi Gail

.......................I saw your photos on the blog
earlier and thought I would share this snap that I took with my
blackberry yesterday. Overnight frost was still in the ground but sun
was blazing in a beatiful blue sky. These two are indeed our little
rays of sunshine!
I am sure Gwen has been keeping you informed but Dexter is such a
loving bundle of joy. What a an intelligent well behaved boy he is
turning out to be. I feel so proud when out walking with these
wonderful TDs who are the centre of attention wherever we go.

Look Forward to seeing you in May.

Love Ron x

As this is from a lovely man who wasn't interested in having

a dog before Lily, it's made my day!!! Thanks Ron xxx

2012-01-15T20:46:00.000Z

Beau 7 months .........turning silver!

Sky

2012-01-15T16:07:00.000Z

Practice with my new camera

2012-01-15T12:44:00.000Z

Beau, mum Hobbit and grandmother Bramble

Teazel

Hobbit

Henry

2012-01-14T09:57:00.001Z

...............Just seen the photos of Frazzle. Henry is identical, in every way!!! He looks the same, even lays on his back in the same way for a tummy rub. Henry is also very loving, gives us lots of kisses.

However Henry is nearly 30kg !!! Can we borrow that saddle please!!

It will be fantastic to all meet up in May, could be quite sureal, seeing all these identical doodles.

Can't wait.

Hope you are feeling better.

Lots of Love

Louise, Ian, Isla and Henry xx

Frazzle update

2012-01-13T13:21:00.000Z

Hi Gail,

Happy New Year!
Thought we would send you an update on our 'little' boy Frazzle. He has been amazing since the day he arrived but each day he brings new joy into our home. We are astounded by his boundless energy. Long walks and ball chasing do very little to temper it. Wouldn't have it any other way.

Come 8:00 in the evening and he becomes part of the furniture, only moving to turn over.

Could you just check the paperwork on Frazzle, it appears we ordered a small horse. In fact my uncle thinks he has a Shetland pony that has a saddle to fit. We weighed him yesterday after many comments from friends about how big he is and speculation about his weight. Well turns out.............Gunilla was right, 25kg. Unbelievable! Every ounce of him exudes love.

We are looking forward to starting advanced training in 2 weeks.

Hope you are well!

Regards

Russell, Gunilla, Isabella, Callista and Frazzle

A teenage thing

2012-01-12T18:15:00.000Z

Hi Gail...

.......................Is this just a teenage thing?

Rooster's regressed...when he came back from kennels, I started to let him in the lounge as he'd been such a good boy before Xmas and had started to settle well etc...but only allowed in the lounge when one of us was in there, the gate was across the rest of the time...

Also, Simon had started to leave him out of his crate for short periods whilst we went out, to test the water...I wasn't entirely happy with this but ran with it...each time we returned he was fine and had not destroyed anything (we left him with a hide chew)...

But what started to happen was that he thought all the other previously "forbidden" things like going on the sofa and upstairs were also ok...which in itself weren't major deals in themselves and we reinforced the boundaries again for him, but we realised that when we were out and he wasn't in the crate that he snuck onto the sofa....but worse than that he somehow snuck upstairs when we were here and peed on the landing, last night and this evening! He'd not long been out for a wee either! I shook the pot of stones at him from the top of the stairs, which I did when he was younger, to remind him that he is out of bounds...and took him downstairs...we now put the gate across there too... do you think that it's a case of we've given him an inch and he's taken a mile? Or that he's pushing the boundaries in true teenage style and we have to go back to basics with him? Also, he tried to mount a female Lab yesterday on a walk...trying to mount from every angle! She wasn't impressed! It's made me think that the castration day may be approaching...maybe, subconsciously because he's been so amazing, and he's SOOOO big that we've let things slip and it's just a case of re-establishing boundaries...

Very frustrating, he's been doing so well...we also start a new dog training class tomorrow, not affiliated to KC or anything, but I've heard such good reports about the lady (who also breeds Briards) from several people...and she's very local...we thought we'd give it a go...

You take care and I look forward to hearing from you...

Lots of lovexxxxxx

I think this is a mixture of teenage hormones and pushing the boundaries. The peeing is 'marking'. You do well not to allow him upstairs for now. Castration will be the answer I think. Keep back to basics for a while. Remind him of the rules. Happens to us all. Beau hasn't been in the lounge at all yet - other than to walk thru to the garden. Pepsi has occasional visits only. I keep strict boundaries until 9 months. Can't trust either of mine yet so you are not alone. Don't despair..... you are doing a fab job. All perfectly normal for a teenage boy!!!
Hope this is re assuring

Puppy agility games

2012-01-12T17:47:00.002Z

Beau can't start agility training until she's 12 months old but there are lots of foundation exercises to enjoy in the meantime. We are concentrating on the tunnel. All TDs will run through a tunnel; they were doing so at 7 weeks of age. I'm teaching Beau to run through it and run ahead (for a toy). This toy must be brought back to me immediately for a game of tug (which is her 'payment' for doing such a good job). Then I will teach her to run on my left and my right into it. She will run through the tunnel on a verbal command and a posture/ body signal command and then also from a distance. She will run through it with distractions with the help of my friends' dogs and toys being thrown close to her. If I can teach her this as a game in the next 6 months, it will be one less obstacle to worry about when we start advanced training in June.

You can tug with any toy but for those serious about competing, check out tug e nuff for ideas. The bungee toys are elastic and help the human who has a bad back! Pepsi and Beau love the fleece mop head.

Back to Southmead tomorrow

2012-01-12T17:23:00.000Z

courtesy of the North Devon Journal

Teazel is back to school tomorrow to be introduced to the 4-5 year olds. Then she'll do a session with some older children by which time she will have met the whole school! I'm currently practising the 'snuggle' where she places her head on a lap and is read to. So cute.

Pegg and Pearl (6 months)

2012-01-12T13:56:00.000Z

update on Henry

2012-01-11T18:19:00.002Z

Henry is absolutely fine, at puppy class as we speak! Not sure whether I told you, but before Christmas, the last class, they played party games! I was sooooooo proud, he won two!!! What a clever boy.

The vet here is really pleased with him, no problems at all, he went back there yesterday for his 10 day post op check, all fine.

We keep getting stopped when we are out and about, because he is so lovely. Everyone wants us to stop, meet and greet, people make such a fuss of him. He is very cute, looks like a huge teddy bear.

I do hope you are on the mend and feeling better, you must make sure you are on top form in May. I can't wait to meet all the 'Doodles' and owners, it will be sooooo good.

Take Care

Love

Louise, Ian, Isla and Henry

update on Elsa

2012-01-11T18:18:00.002Z

Hi Gail

Elsa is really well, I think someone needs to tell her she has just had a major op! We start advance training on the 24th hopefully Elsa will be out of her t-shirt by then!!

Hope all is ok in the land of dogs and planes!

Russell, Allison and Elsa xox

Pepsi and training

2012-01-11T17:45:00.000Z

You know what feeling when you wish the ground would open up and swallow you? It happened to me last night. I was managing to control Pepsi reasonably well for the first half hour of class and then her eyes glazed over, she took a liking to Rufus the labradoodle next to her and went stone deaf. I could not believe (nor Tracey B me thinks) that she would not do a 'wait'. She had done 3 out of sight stays earlier perfectly (only 2 dogs managed this) so I was at a loss! In the end, it was all I could do to make her sit. So to those of you who are frustrated with training or having a difficult day.......I empathise lol.

Teazel is to be spayed

2012-01-10T10:10:00.000Z

Jon and I have made a difficult decision..........we have booked Teazel into vets to be spayed on Monday. Our first bitch not to have puppies but we both agree it's the best decision for us all.

Attacking the course..............

2012-01-09T21:04:00.000Z

Course looked simple but there were a couple of 'hidden' problems. Sue and Molly did really well.

Learning agility with an Olympic Champion

2012-01-09T20:13:00.000Z

How lucky are we? Sue kindly drove me to and from Exeter yesterday for a day with Anthony Clarke learning how to attack an agility course. (Sue was my partner in crime on the Instructor's Course last year and we hope to work together later this year teaching agility life skills). We both improved as the day progressed and the clip show Sue running Molly. We ran four courses during the day but the obstacles didn't move. Genius! Motivated once again with lots of ideas on how to increase our speed. Interestingly all 14 of us, once we had decided how to run the course, all agreed it was the best way to run it. 12 months ago I couldn't have run a course doing a lead out pivot and also understanding the best places for a front or rear cross for Teazel. I was so proud of her. She was the only dog who did a down stay while others were working and stayed in position while I walked the course. The trend is for dogs to go in crates or stay in cars but it was too good a training opportunity to miss for us.

message from Caroline B

2012-01-09T17:05:00.001Z

Merry

Hello Gail,

.......................We had a lovely Christmas with Merry and have attached a couple of photos of her enjoying herself - the first of which shows her after she jumped up on to the chair to help us with peeling the Christmas Day spuds! She has also discovered she likes shredding paper so you can imagine the state of our living room on Christmas Day! We were able to do a bit of walking over the holidays which she loved, especially diving into piles of leaves and giant puddles of mud and water! Saying all of that she has really calmed down the last few weeks and the barking has dramatically decreased :) not quite sure why but hey, we'll take it! We are also starting a new training course in a couple of weeks and I am so pleased because they use CLICKER TRAINING! YAY! Didn't think we would ever find one but we have, so looking forward to seeing how we all get on.

The other news we have to report is that my sister's wedding is back on, so, unfortunately we won't be able to make Doodlefest :( I can't tell you how disappointed we all are that we can't be there, trust me if I wasn't Matron of Honour and Paul wasn't the best man we would have been there with bells on. So whilst you're all having a fab time splashing about in the sea with the doodles we shall be in Poland, hiding behind an indoor plant trying to swap vodka shots for water!! Paul as you can imagine is bereft at the thought of no ale for one week!

Anyway hope all went well on your course on Sunday, speak soon,

Love to you all,

Caroline, Paul and Merry

xxx

P.S. Looking forward to seeing Louis's pups in March!

message from Gwen

2012-01-09T16:57:00.000Z

Hello

.....................................A couple of photos attached. One of Lily with our granddaughter over Christmas, Emily loved Lily and Lily loved all the fuss! Another one of Dexter Doodle. He does make us laugh. He found a slither of broken yoghurt pot in the garden and he looks like he's taken up smoking!!

Ron was out with the dogs yesterday and a lady was watching them both. She hit the nail on the head when she said if you put a tie and a school cap on Dexter he would be "Just William".... what a brilliant analogy!!

How's Beau and Pepsi coming on? Dexter is growing daily, he's about an inch higher than Lily now and such a delightful, happy, joyous boy and a brilliant addition to our family.

Despite lack of regular training over the last 2 weeks, we are pleasantly surprised at their reasonable manners. Anthony came in today, Pepsi sat in front of him and shook his has hand. He and I were both well impressed! Beau tends to bounce of the walls a bit more but I want that for agility purposes.

message from Val and the 2 ps

2012-01-09T16:34:00.000Z

Hi Gail & Jon,

Thought these pictures of Pegg & Pearl might bring a smile to your face. Pearl now weighs in at a bonny 20kg quite a whopper. She has a lovely soft and kind nature, could be cowed if not handled properly she is fab and her training is coming along nicely. She goes down without food encouragement great hey.

Dear old Pegg weighs in at 25kg still a fussy eater, but she's fit enough. She now plays well with Pearl took her a while to accept her, perhaps it is having two bitches.

Really looking forward to May to see your dogs.

Thinking of you.

Love Val, Bri & the 2 P's xxxx

If I can work out how to download them, there are more stunning photos of these girls. Watch this space!

Alfie - Bell Ringer

2012-01-08T11:01:00.000Z

Hi Gail

Happy New Year to all at TrentisHoe

As Alfie has grown up, he has taught himself that the best way to get himself back into the house is by scratching at the back door. The trouble is that as he’s grown so have his nails and as a consequence deep grooves started to appear on the door. We decided that something had to be done to prevent further damage to the door so we went ahead and bought a Dog Door Bell, the basic idea being that Alfie would press the big ‘button’, the inside ringer would ring and we would then open the door for him.

That was about 9 months ago and it never worked, that is Alfie never bothered to push the ‘button’. It was mainly my fault as I didn’t devote enough time and attention to training him how to use it. Now this Christmas, our daughter came to stay with us with her husband Pete and during the course of playing a game of QI Alfie took a liking to the button that when pressed set off the familiar QI klaxon. Hannah then decided that it would be good to take this further and went and retrieved the almost forgotten Dog Door Bell and proceeded to lecture Alfie about how to use it. 3 lessons later and he was happily pushing the button, making it ring and getting a reward for doing so. Next she progressed to the outside and having placed it on the ground just in front of the door she showed him what to do. 3 lessons later he was doing it by himself and has done so ever since then! In all it must have taken her no more than about 30 minutes to teach him what to do. The trouble is that you have to be quite quick to open the door to let him in otherwise he rings it again and again and again until you do!

The only downside to this was the other day when Postie came to deliver and rang the Dog Door Bell; Sara immediately opened the door but Postie was a bit bemused by the doggie treat that she offered to him!

Doodles are very clever!

Love Ron, Sara and Alfie

message from Nichola

2012-01-07T19:45:00.002Z

I promise a sky update very soon, I know its been ages! We are in the process of 
selling our house and we have had a month or so of sales falling through, 
picking up again, loosing our dream house, Christmas, me Hoya sitting, weddings 
in London between Xmas and new year, and working like a dog....pardon the pun!! 
All ok though, a few jumping up/hyperactivity issues....but we are getting 
there!! 
Still keeping up with the blog as often as poss! 
Hope you are better Gail as seen you have been over doing it....tut tut, smacked 
wrists! 
Just want to send our best wishes and thoughts to Joan. 

Look forwards to sending you a long update very soon

Love nichola, rob and sky xxxx

Louis and Molly have tied

2012-01-07T11:52:00.000Z

Day 16 and we've had a tie. Hopefully F1b pups due around 10th March. Will be whelped in Ilfracombe, North Devon with Alex and Martin. Colour possibilities are black, chocolate and cream. They will be reared the TrentisHoe way with my guidance so anyone wanting a superior labradoodle this year can contact me and I'll pass the enquiry to Alex.

Louis' latest Goldendoodle pups leave home already!

2012-01-07T07:37:00.003Z

Hi Gail

The pics are fab! Is Beau chocolate or is it the flash...Pepsi looks so grown up! They are beautiful girls...they both have such lovely eyes!

We have 1 puppy flying to Switzerland on Sat. Great family.....1 puppy living in Devon...1 puppy living with a puppy from my first litter.....1 puppy leaving tomorrow for the valleys...and guess what? Your snowy is the last one left :-)...I am happy! he is lush!!!! :-)

Starting on getting the boys hip scored. Wish me luck....Missy is being hip and elbow scored too with the view of mating those two...

Things are so very busy here...I am living in a kennel! :-)

Love to you and Jon...take care Madam!

Love from all the gang! xxxx

Yep - Beau is turning chocolate! Pepsi is very mature for her age in size and behaviour.....all our visitors comment on it and her class trainer is impressed too. Such hard work training, as you know, but so worth it in the end.

message from Hannah

2012-01-07T07:29:00.000Z

Hi Gail,

...................Just had a reminder today of what a small world it is and how Labradoodles are linked with you in North Devon. My Dad has been poorly and although much improved was being assessed today................. A lady called Hannah visited them, anyway my parents love to chat and were telling her about me and that I had a house full of animals including our Dudley. As soon as they told her he was a Labradoodle from Barnstaple, Hannah said " is that one of Gail Laurences?" Mum proudly replied Yes! I believe the conversation then went on to discuss you getting married and the Doodles!

I guess you probably know the young lady in question, but I just thought it showed how your name and Labradoodles is known. I'm sure your ears must burn, especially when people ask where my dog comes from!

Dudley remains an absolute joy and now Christmas is out of the way I am trying to knuckle down with some more training and reminding the girls they need to do the same if not more now he is not a little puppy! Reading your blog I still am unsure of when to get the 'deed' done. Was planning on getting done end of month before he starts advanced training at puppy gurus, but reading what others have writing and an interesting article wonder if I should wait alittle longer until he starts cocking his leg.

I love seeing the pics of all the others and how they are growing and changing. Dudley seems to look different almost daily. At the weekend his muzzle and beard were very white,but today his beard is definately ginger, I love it!!

I hope you have a good day on Sunday, can't wait to read about it on the blog.

Take care, look after yourself.

love to you all

Hannah xx

Elsa

2012-01-06T13:31:00.001Z

Hi Gail
Happy New Year! Elsa has been spayed today, all has gone well,

she is eating and drinking fine!

Fast asleep at the moment in front of a roaring log fire..

Love 
Allison, Russell and Elsa xox

She's even beautiful with a cone around her neck!!!!

Take care little one. xxxxxxxxxxxx

update on Joan

2012-01-05T16:58:00.000Z

Clary's mum Joan is in hospital following surgery to remove cancer. She's putting on a brave face and waiting results of a biopsy. Clary knows 'something is up!' Best wishes to Keith and Joan.......keep us posted.
xx

Lily - Louis' goldendoodle

2012-01-05T16:56:00.000Z

Lily is being spayed today so our thoughts are with the family.......it's always a worrying day. Lily was bred by Jeannette and is out of Molly the golden retriever. What a stunning pup she is.

Oscar

2012-01-04T16:38:00.000Z

Hi Gail

So sorry to read that you are poorly - hopefully some R & R will sort you out quickly.

Oscar the hobbling Hoblet hobbled home! He has strained a shoulder muscle and is now on anti-inflammatory + massage (which he loves) and not much exercise (which he doesn't). Vet sat on the floor cuddling him for ages and said what a lovely temperament he has. He is now 20kg!

We discussed castration and she (vet) said between 6-9 months. This morning I was chatting to the lady they will stay with when we go on holiday later in the year and she asked if Oscar was castrated. She told me that if they are castrated too early they can remain very puppyish into adulthood and she said she would leave it as long as possible to allow him to mature ie 9-11 months or thereabouts, unless there were problems which earlier castration might overcome. Do you have a view?

No hurry for reply.

C,T, L & O xx

Yes I do have a view.............I always leave it a long as possible so that the pup can mature (call me old fashioned!). However, if Oscar torments Lettie or develops any signs of unwanted and uncontrollable behaviour I'd have him castrated. Clyde has been amazingly good for a boy and Caroline hasn't rushed to have him castrated. I'd leave it as long as you dare.

update on Bonnie & Clyde

2012-01-04T11:29:00.000Z

Hi Gail

I just thought that I would drop you a quick line to let you know how we are all getting on. As usual Christmas was a quiet affair (something to be grateful for I suppose!). Like last year - without Bonnie and Clyde we probably would have been holed up for most of the time - but having them means we need to get out! Bonnie was unphased by the Christmas tree with the exception of one nicked decoration - although Coco (young cat!) thought it was great and kept climbing up it and getting stuck - a couple of times I thought that it would be over when Bonnie started to chase her.

We have had a very dry autumn but the rain seems to have arrived now and both are coming in very muddy - especially Clyde!! I have to hose them down when we get back now - which Bonnie does not like - putting that down to the cold water!

We were skiing before Christmas and so they were both away at Nicky's (dog walker/ boarder) across the road. Clyde loves Nicky (and she him - you can forget first refusal if ever he needs rehoming - I struggle to get him back!!).

We seem to have settled now with our newbie!! I have to admit I did have one or two days when I wondered "oh my, what have I done !!" - particularly with the toilet training business!! Hopefully now we have ticked that box (fingers crossed) and this makes life so much easier. I have purchased a new lead - a chain one! - Bonnie has chewed through 3 of our leads and I think that she may have been partly responsible for a snapped lead at the park!!

They both seem to be doing well on the CSJ food. Unlike Clyde - Bonnie has always loved her food and eats it all up! Clyde now also has more interest! She is very food motivated and I think that this will serve me well when I try to do more traininng! She seems a little calmer and the baking seems to have subsided. She used to mainly bark at Clyde or the cats for attention and to get them to play but I think she has now worked out her place with the cats and also with Clyde!

Her coat is very soft - and a bit fluffy/frizzy . she is turning an earthy colour but when you seem her from a distance she has a silver tipped glow about her. At the moment it still seems quite short and seems prone to little mats - particularly on the legs - she doesn't mind combing but thinks its a game - and keeps biting at the comb!

Unlike Clyde she loves a ball and will "drop" and "wait" for me to throw again - but not when she has nicked someone elses ball! Twice last week she did this and i struggled to get the ball back - chaing her in circles!

Kids are back to school tomorrow and I have grand plans for the spring (once all the decorations are back in loft etc etc etc......).....

Wishing you, Jon and all the TDs and very Happy New Year and hope that you feel better over the next few days .

Lots of love

Caroline xx

PS Do you still have Acer? - I often wonder as I don't notice her name on the group "outings"!!

Yes, we still have lovely Acer. She will be 11 years this month and the poor girl has benign lumps and bumps and a bad leg from injury a few years ago. Her eyesight seems to be fading too. She is very slow and is always happiest in our field retrieving rings. I don't allow the pups to run with her in case they barge into her so she has a sedate life now and sleeps most of the day and night. Lovely to think you still think of her.

PS I too have had moments thinking 'what have I done?' since training Pepsi and Beau but Jon and I agree that this time next year it will be so worth it. Most of us have been really tested with the F1bs although I still think Gwen has stuffed Dexter!

update on Ernie

2012-01-04T11:14:00.000Z

Hi Gail,

At long last I finally enclose some pics of my gorgeous dogs!! Heidi has learnt patience, and Ernie has just learnt everything he could!!!! Poor Ernie has had a tough old start with his delicate tummy, although that is the only thing about him that is delicate! He always makes us laugh and learn. he is definitely the leader of the pack in terms of being naughty! Heidi has always been a serious dog, trying to learn her lessons well and execute them perfectly. Ernie..... learns well, quickly.....and then adds in his own version of events! Anyway here are the little gems. Love to you all Helen, Philip,Heidi & Ernie XX

update on Rufus

2012-01-03T17:37:00.000Z

Graeme and Eileen have reported how wonderful Rufus is today and told me he doesn't cease to make them laugh. They pondered a long time over having a pup from us and missed out on Sky. I told them I couldn't guarantee anything except an exceptional temperament at the time and today Graeme told me that was true. He's not afraid of anything but Ludo (their other doodle) is so Eileen is going to try a thunder shirt on him. They couldn't leave him while New Year fireworks filled the sky. It is so great to hear how well our TDs are doing. Rufus is already walking (well sort of a slow run!) along a level plank ready for A frame and dog walk agility when he's older. Let's hope Eileen is a better handler than I am!!!

Molly

2012-01-03T17:04:00.002Z

Molly has stayed with us all day today so that Alex and I didn't have to stand out in the wind and rain waiting for something to happen. She and Louis have been courting in the kitchen on and off and something happened a few minutes ago although it wasn't a firm tie; it could have been a slip mating. She's going home overnight and we'll try again in the morning.

Pepsi and Beau today

2012-01-02T20:45:00.000Z

Great dog - shame about the handler!

2012-01-02T20:41:00.000Z

Teazel got many compliments for her speed from judges and helpers at the agility competition today. Caroline H was there and says it has encouraged her to compete with Lettie. I can only think that rather than being a good example, I am so bad she thinks she can beat me (she is so competitive!). Joking aside, I was a real disaster. Everything I told Caroline from the sidelines before I went in went out of the stable door (held in equestrian centre) as soon as I booked in. After 3 jumps in the jumping ring my mind went blank and I was suddenly aware of all these people looking at me (not to mention poor Teazel who needed direction). I tried to leave the ring quietly explaining I'd forgotten the course but judge insisted I continue as I'd paid money to enter. 3 more jumps and..............BLANK. Never been so embarrassed in all my life.
Okay, it wasn't all bad and I did improve once Caroline left because she was so cold (no really really).

Came home and went to bed (should never have got out of it this morning). After an hours sleep Jon brought me a cuppa telling me not to sleep too long or I wouldn't sleep tonight. Sat up with cuppa in hand and next thing I know tea is all over me and our new mattress. I had fallen asleep sitting up!!!!

No more competing til March for me now and I'm doing a training day with Lauren Langman next Sunday - Attack the Course!

Thundershirts

2012-01-02T18:35:00.001Z


Hi Gail

............................Thought I would just let you and

 other Doodlers know about Thundershirts;

I think that Stan is the only delicate TD flower but others

may have/know the more delicate natured dogs?

As you know Stan doesn't mind the 'scary sounds' cd, but is

terrified of real fireworks / gunshot and can find some

situations stressful and shows all the 
stress signs of quaking, lip licking,

yawning and tail between legs.

I first found out about Thundershirts at Fizz's training

(our instructor is a 
dog behaviourist and was asked to write an article

about them for a magazine). 
There was much eyebrow raising from me, but Adam seemed

to think there was 
something in it. You can get them on-line, but Pets at

Home are stocking them 
for £35 with a 30 day money back guarantee. I invested

in one for fireworks on 
New Years Eve. It's basically an adjustable tight fitting

shirt that makes dogs 
feel secure (research based on the reactions of some autistic people).

Stan 
seemed immediately comfy in his and we left it on for the night.

As fireworks 
went off all around us, Stan carried on sleeping with

mild lip licking only. 
That's a massive improvement for him. 

I know this sounds a bit odd but it does seem to do the

job and I thought others 
may be interested or think I have completely lost the plot?!

Looking forward to Doodlefest,
Sarah, Stan and Madam x
Sent from my iPad

Molly and Louis

2012-01-01T16:30:00.000Z

.........are really enjoying their courtship. No tie yet but Molly is becoming quite a tart! The tail action is perfect but she's not letting him finalise the partnership just yet.

Message from Rooster and family

2012-01-01T15:24:00.000Z

Hi Gail...

I just wanted to wish you and and the Trentishoe family a happy, healthy and fantabulous 2012...may all your wishes come true...

I can't thank you enough for introducing our Rooster Booster into our lives, he is such an amazing dog...we love him sooooo much...he is so gorgeous....

We have been away for Christmas and had to make the difficult decision to put him into kennels as our friend, who was supposed to be looking after him, has been having a difficult time in her life and, to top it all, she badly broke her finger which meant she wouldn't have been able to look after him anyway...I was bereft to leave him but the kennels were amazing they looked after him so well and gave him lots of cuddles, I missed him all week and was so overjoyed to collect him today...we've had extra love ins and he's now been allowed into our lounge whilst we're in there, so he stretched out and had a lovely rest in there whilst we curled up on the sofa watching a film...

And as for Isabella, she now has the most incredible companion, they lay out together and give each other lots of cuddles...as she can't have any little brothers or sisters, he brings so much joy into her life...the belly laughs she has when he licks her all over her face fill us with so much joy too...

We hope you enjoy the rest of your holiday, and hope this year brings more good health your way, we so look forward to hooking up with you again...I have attached a gorgeous pic of our Rooster and Isabella having a love in....

Lots and lots of love to you all and big licks from the Rooster Booster Doodle....

Sarah, Simon, Isabella & Rooster Herfetxxxxxx

message from Caroline H

2012-01-01T13:28:00.001Z

Hi Gail

.............................Are you still going to the agility at Conquest Farm on Monday? If it's OK I would love to come and watch and see what goes on at competitions. I couldn't see any details about timing, so perhaps you could let me know?

Oscar is growing so fast we can almost see it happen! I was a bit shattered to read that Henry Hoblet is 27kg (that's a whole stone in old money more than Oscar weighs). I wonder what the other boys weigh in at? I also couldn't believe he was only in the vets for 3 hours - Oscar was in for longer than that for his sore toe!! Hey ho!

Anyway, Oscar is a joy but, needless to say, does have his naughty and very stubborn moments which we just work through as patiently as possible. Lettie is far too tolerant with him and sometimes I wish she would tell him off more often.

Look forward to catching up on Monday.

C xx

RDE Centre, Somerset TA2 6PN.

Yes great Caroline (and anyone else). Judging starts 9am for Grades 1&2. Hobbit and Teazel entered but don't hold your breath. I can hardly breath due to a cold and doubt I'll be able to keep up with either of them!

Bilbo is featured in the Journal this week

2011-12-31T12:43:00.000Z

Rob took this photo a couple of years ago and I sent it in to the North Devon Journal to earn a pound for DHK charity.

Molly and Louis

2011-12-31T12:39:00.000Z

Day 11 and we're almost there. Molly will return tomorrow and try again for a tie. Alex and Martin will be breeding the TrentisHoe way which is fantastic news for all the family. The pups will be on a webcam! They have plans for early house training too which will be such a bonus for their buyers. Molly's mother was chocolate so she could produce a tri coloured litter.

Henry has been castrated

2011-12-30T13:50:00.002Z

..............................Henry was castrated today, in at 8.30am home at 11.30am! All went well, he is fine, a bit sorry for himself and a little unsteady on his feet. He has been to the loo, eaten and drunk, so all ok. He is not bouncing though, just sleeping.

He is now 27kg, we have been advised to change his food to Royal Canin for Neutered dogs.

Hope all is well,

Happy New Year

Love

Louise, Ian, Isla & Henry x

Molly visited Louis today

2011-12-30T13:45:00.000Z

A mating is likely tomorrow or Sunday hopefully. Molly instantly liked Louis and stood well considering she is a maiden. She's not quite ready for him today. Molly abd family live in Ilfracombe so I will get to see the puppies - yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. She should produce cream and or black F1b doodle pups.

Boxing Day 2011

2011-12-27T01:49:00.000Z

We didn't leave home today, choosing to play with the dogs in the field next to our garden. Teazel and Hobbit are getting fit for their first agility competition of 2012 on January 2nd in Taunton.

Xmas day 2011

2011-12-27T01:33:00.000Z

Jon helps Teazel open her stocking from Eastleigh Care Home

Jon played Santa for Mabel and then Ellen and Frank in the village

Bramble, Wader, Teazel and Beau came with us to Arlington woods after lunch

Dad made a good Santa and Teazel visited too

Christmas E ve 2011

2011-12-24T17:26:00.001Z

Bramble, Wader, Teazel and Pepsi went to Saunton Sands today where we all have a great time. Home and bathed now and snuggling down for a quiet Xmas. Jon will be 'Santa' to some of the neighbours' children tomorrow morning and Teazel will visit dad and residents at Edenmore.

Hope you all have a fabulous Christmas.

Pepsi centre with mum Wader left and Grandmother Bramble

Wader and Bramble

Warmest wishes Gail & Jon

message from Dudley and family

2011-12-24T16:56:00.000Z

Hi Gail and Jon.

Wishing you and all the TD family a very Merry Christmas from Holsworthy.

Dudley has not made any effort to touch the Christmas tree. His only guilty pleasure seems to be removing the Christmas cards from their display and 'reading' them, once read he likes to give them a good chew!!

Wishing you all the best for 2012

Love

Hannah, Andrew, Eliza, Tilly and Dudley xxx

update on Rufus

2011-12-23T18:41:00.000Z

Just returned from agility - Rufus on great form -is completely tunnel obsessed - tried cloth tunnel, has no fear at all. He now stands shoulder to shoulder with Ludo but not sure of his weight over last 3 weeks. he was 21k. Amazingly he has not touched any of the Christmas decorations on the 2 trees we have. he only wants to push the baubles to watch them sway but doesn't seem to want to destroy anything. Tomorrow night is fancy dress at obedience and best trick - another sleepless night ahead (only joking). he really is a poppet. We just love him to pieces and it takes my mind off all the problems with my mum. Have a wonderful Xmas with love from Rufus, Eileen Graeme, Dominic, Ludo and Libby.

This year's pupsters were running through a tunnel at 5 weeks.

A little ditti...........

2011-12-23T18:35:00.002Z

Hi Gail
Thanks for the lovely pictures! we really enjoyed coming over and seeing everyone!

My dog kept chasing people on a bike..
So we took his bike of him..
Then he just sat in the garden and barked all day..
So we gave him his bike back..
Because his bark was worse than his bike!!!

Ha Ha!! Happy Christmas to you and Jon, thanks for all your help and guidance this year.

Love Allison, Russell and Elsa xxx

update on Zebedee

2011-12-23T14:31:00.000Z

Sue reports that Zebedee (Indiana by Louis and out of Wader) is a big boy and very handsome!

message from Anne and David

2011-12-23T14:22:00.001Z

My dear Gail & Jon
.............At three and a half years + Jester is much more serene but still gets so excited when the family visit. He is such a joy to us, makes us laugh a lot and when David has a bad day, he will sit quietly by his chair. We have him trimmed every few months and it's nice to have his lovely brown eyes showing........................
How can we thank you enough for giving him such an excellent and important start in life; some people can't believe that he doesn't bother about fireworks or other loud noises, and how friendly he is with pother dogs and people.

Sadly I haven't been able to follow your progress with the dogs over the past few years but hope you continue to make progress. We have so much to thank you for.
With love from Jester David & Anne xxx
PS Photo of Jester to follow

Jester is by Louis and out of Bramble

Jester 12 months

Jester 12 weeks

Anne and David at home with Jester

Teazel at Eastleigh

2011-12-23T11:59:00.000Z

It took 2 hours to complete our PAT dog visit yesterday. Thankfully some of the residents were having a nap as Teazel was exhausted! She was presented with a stocking full of treats which she will share with her family on Sunday.

Merry at Xmas!

2011-12-23T10:59:00.000Z

Hello Gail and Jon,

Just wanted to wish you and all the TD family a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a healthy and prosperous new year!

Love

Caroline, Paul and Merry

xxx

Happy Christmas everyone xx

2011-12-23T10:56:00.000Z

Merry with mum Wader

2011-12-23T10:34:00.000Z

Hello Gail,

Just thought we would send you a couple of the other photos from Sunday - they are not posed in any way but are rather amusing to compare Mum and daughter!

Hope you're all having a good last few days before the Christmas break!

Love

C, P and Merry

xxx

Molly (Alex's labradoodle) is in season

2011-12-22T17:34:00.001Z

Morning Gail,

and a very Merry Christmas to you and Jon.

Our lovely Molly has started her season this morning, well, we've spotted blood this morning but she's been cleaning herself well for the past day or so.

How long shall we leave it before we start bringing her over to Louis?

Alex. xx

Have arranged for Molly to visit Louis on 30th Dec......Louis will have a belated xmas gift!!!

Info from Gwen, Lilly and Dexter

2011-12-22T10:29:00.002Z

A Dog's Rules For Christmas:

1. Be especially patient with your humans during this time. They may appear to be more stressed-out than usual and they will appreciate long comforting dog leans.

2. They may come home with large bags of things they call gifts. Do not assume that all the gifts are yours.

3. Be tolerant if your humans put decorations on you. They seem to get some special kind of deranged pleasure out of seeing how you look with fake antlers.

4. They may bring a large tree into the house and set it up in a prominent place and cover it with lights and decorations. Bizarre as this may seem to you, it is an important ritual for your humans, so there are some things you need to know: - Don't pee on the tree - Don't drink water in the container that holds the tree - Mind your tail when you are near the tree - If there are packages under the tree, even ones that smell interesting or that have your name on them, don't rip them open - Don't chew on the cord that runs from the funny-looking hole in the wall to the tree.

5. Your humans may occasionally invite lots of strangers to come visit during this season. These parties can be lots of fun, but they also call for some discretion on your part: - Not all strangers appreciate kisses and leans - Don't eat off the buffet table - Beg for goodies subtly - Be pleasant, even if unknowing strangers sit on your sofa - Don't drink out of glasses that are left within your reach.

6. Likewise, your humans may take you visiting. Here your manners will also be important: - Observe all the rules in #4 for trees that may be in other people's houses. (4a is particularly important) - Respect the territory of other animals that may live in the house - Tolerate children - Turn on your charm big time

7. A big man with a white beard and a very loud laugh may emerge from your fireplace in the middle of the night. DON'T BITE HIM!! Lol x

A big Happy Christmas to you all and a healthy 2012

Gwen xxxx

2011-12-22T09:32:00.000Z

Louis' puppies at 6 weeks playing

2011-12-21T15:17:00.000Z

The 'bird dog' (our plane) was named after the gun dog (that's what they call them in the States). How fitting....Jon explains this to Teazel who is due a flight as soon as the weather is right.

Pepsi, eyes and spaying

2011-12-20T17:23:00.000Z

Pepsi saw the vet yesterday who gave her some drops for her eyes. No problems with eyelashes, just a bit sticky and red. Only those who know Robert Lee will understand how pleased I was when he said 'nice dog'!!! lol. She was very well behaved and I was so proud of her.

I spoke to Robert about his thinking on when to spay. Elsa is being spayed 5 Jan by a vet in the same practice. If we spay before any season there is a guarantee against mammary tumours and cancer. The bitch needs to be fully continent as there is a chance of incontinence if spayed too early when they haven't developed. Elsa has mature 'bits' too which is also important. I'm holding off with Pepsi because she still does a submissive wee when she sees Louis in particular.

Teazel will be spayed first in January and then Wader to follow when she is fully recovered. They have to be my priority individually once they have had their surgery.

message from Caroline and Paul

2011-12-19T16:41:00.000Z

Hello Gail,

It was soooo lovely to see you all too - Paul and I were chatting all the way home about it, whilst Merry snoozed away! Thank you so much for having us down and answering all our questions and easing our concerns, I don't know why I was getting myself in such a tizz!

Thank you for the lovely photos - they are fab!!! I shall be popping down SnappySnaps to get them printed out so we can frame the 'twins'!

Hope you guys have a smooth week leading up to Christmas. I can't wait till Paul finishes on Wednesday - it's already been an upsetting morning for him as their driver sadly had a heart attack and passed away this morning - can you believe he was only 48. I still feel sick thinking about it. It just makes you so grateful for all that we have.

Anyway thanks again for yesterday - you can't beat a Doodle Sunday ;)

Lots of love,

Caroline, Paul and Merry

xxxxxx

I wouldn't normally publish the sad part of this message but it stopped us in our tracks - and is worth thinking about as we rush about like headless chickens!!!!

update on Clary and Joan

2011-12-19T12:10:00.002Z

Hi Gail,

Clary's 'op' went well, " little boy bits" now sadly gone hernia fixed, his leg it seems is very good, I was waiting to hear from the Surrey Vets(who did the 'op') before emailing you but decided to answer your email, there is, according to Ian a little play in the joint, but with time and some hydrotherapy we will be ok, no sign of arthritis which is great news, so will let you know when we hear from Surrey.

As for me, I'm doing ok, they have given me date of the 30th Dec for my 'op' so will get through Christmas ok, then have a week to get sorted out, glad it's not January 1st as I might be competing with the hangovers!!!!!!!!!!!!!, have to ring the hospital between 7/7.30 am to check there is a bed for me then take it from there, will let you know.

Looked at the blog,Clary is very much like Elsa, not quite as much grey but just as cheeky and boootiful. Loved the donkeys, a great passion of mine, good job I don't live near to Debs or I would always be visiting.

Hope you are now recovered, just take it easy, have a good Christmas hugs for the doooooooooooodles.

Joan.xx

Joan was sadly diagnosed with cancer a few weeks ago after she and Keith took Clary home. He will be her saviour as Teazel was for me. She has to have a kidney removed and hopeful the cancer cells are contained in that. Joan is a strong lady and with her TrentisHoe family behind her I'm sure she will make a positive recovery. All the best Joan xxxxxxxxxxx

----- Original Message -----

Merry and Elsa visited

2011-12-19T10:34:00.000Z

Merry (left with) Pepsi

Height (and weight) is the only difference between these 'twins'. Pepsi is slightly calmer but that may be because she was in her own home. Caroline and Paul were so proud of Merry's behaviour. Caroline is a 'worrypot' and was relieved to see that Elsa and Pepsi also still jump up with excitement.

Russ got lots of kisses from Pepsi

We never did manage to get these youngsters to sit either side of me for a pose but it was such fun trying!

Mum Wader and daughter weren't much interested in each other. Caroline states that Merry has Wader's behind (I think Lily monster has her mum's behind (Bramble) too. It 'wags' like a Labrador.

We had an amazing time with the girls and their families. Elsa is most like Dudley in colour and very slight but not thin. She has a beautiful face but does look a little like a lurcher! Her coat has not finished developing yet so who know what she will look like this time next year. Excitable but very well behaved and soooooooo loving. Merry and Pepsi like bookends.

Merry was attacked by a border terrier recently (ran out of a house without warning) and unfortunately Caroline came off worst when she intervened with a hand (natural reaction but don't do this if you have time to think). She was persuaded to report the incident so that the owners could be advised to do some training/behaviour work with the dog and understand how tragic this could have been if Merry had been a child. I would always report an incident......dogs are not put down automatically for biting.

All humans had a fab time sharing stories and info.......tip of the day? Mash banana with natural yoghurt, stuff kong and freeze. Merry loves them!

message from Sarah

2011-12-17T16:36:00.000Z

Enjoying the puppy updates; pity Beau and Pepsi won't be puppyish when we see them! All well with doggies here; Stan remains a good boy and Fizz is an absolute poppet. She is full of fun and mischief with bucket loads of character. Stan is playing more with her now and she is slowly maturing and settling (2 in Feb).

Everyone we meet loves Stan, especially children who don't seem scared of him at all and mostly want to cuddle him, which he tolerates stoically. Looking forward to doodle weekend very much!
Sx

Debs & Stus's donkeys

2011-12-17T16:32:00.000Z

These are the beautiful donkeys who helped to socialise our pups this year and Monte gets to see every day. Baby Radley, expected in April, is going to have a cool nativity setting next Christmas.

Elsa

2011-12-16T10:32:00.000Z

As published in the North Devon Journal. Stunning. We hope to get some great shots on Sunday when we meet up.

Ruby, one of Louis' goldendoodles

2011-12-15T20:20:00.001Z

It's Chrisssssssssssssssssssssssmaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaas

2011-12-15T17:35:00.000Z

Good afternoon Gail,

Henry can see well enougth to catch a ball in his mouth, but last night he did knock into the kitchen table! He is not hurt, but we are not sure whether it was because he was in a hurry as usual to get to the 'food' place or whether he misjudged.

His fringe is very long and we can not see his eyes at all !! He does look cute but do you think we should have JUST a fringe trim?

I do not want to spoil his good looks but I do want him to be comfortable.

Love Louise Ian Isla and Shaggy Henry x

I use thinning scissors on Teazel and Hobbit and may have to use them on Beau too soon. Very important for our dogs to see clearly so I'm all in favour of a trim around the eyes. Poor Henry Hoblet. x

Elsa and Teazel both pictured in our local paper this week

2011-12-15T17:31:00.000Z

Elsa is our first TD to be featured on the pets page and I'll ask for a copy of the photo to upload - it's gorgeous and shows Elsa peeping behind a door. She looks really beautiful.

Our DHK fund-raising day at Homebase was featured this week so Teazel and I made the paper again. We raised £181 in four hours so Tracey is very pleased.

If anyone would like to donate to the Dogs Helping Kids charity the account details are;
Sort code - 60-02-03
Acc No - 58816828

Louise check Pepsi at the vets

2011-12-15T17:24:00.000Z

Pepsi weighs in at 21.40k. About right considering her parents and that we don't know exactly what a labradoodle should weigh! Louise can feel her ribs so we're both happy. Pepsi was well behaved and loved seeing Louise so her next trip to the vet shouldn't be a trauma.

Louise has advised a vet consultation. I've noticed that Pepsi's lower inner eye looks red on the left and we need to discount the possibility of ingrowing eyelash/es.

Will book her in next week.

Halti/head collar use - ADVICE

2011-12-15T13:11:00.001Z

Just been speaking with one of my mentors (TraceyB) about head collars which I personally have never used. In my view it is a quick fix for poor heel work and I have never used one. That said, I am aware that if used properly for the right reasons they are useful. I'm also aware that families with children and very busy lives don't always have the time or energy to put into heel work which some consider a very boring exercise.

A few points to think about before you all rush out and use one (especially on a TD pupster).
The dog must be measured and wear the correct size head collar.
The dog must be allowed to get used to the halti before using it - like you would a muzzle.
When wearing a head collar, it disguises/hides some communication with other dogs (eyes, lowering of head etc). This could mean that a dog wearing a halti prone to attack if they can't give off the right vibes!
If you use a halti, you should also use a double ended lead (attached to the collar) so that undue pressure is not placed on the dogs eyes, nose or face.

Tracey has kindly offered to write a piece on her take on using head collars. We are not saying it is wrong to use them but, in our opinion, they are not ideal for very young dogs. It won't teach them heel work. I'll write a piece on heel work in due course.

None of this year's litter can be expected to have perfect heel work yet, they are only 6 months old. Pepsi has just started heel work off lead in a safe field but she is nowhere near perfect when there is a distraction. The blog has been brilliant for ideas and discussion on food, behaviour, training etc. Keep your views and questions coming (Tracey sneaks a view often and can then advise me!) Keep up the good work guys.

The Wadlings are 6 months old today

2011-12-14T17:08:00.000Z

Born on 14th June, I calculate they are 6 months today. I know Sarah had Rooster down as 6 months a few days ago as she was counting in weeks and Julie had Skyla born on the 16th!!!! We are over the worst guys even with adolescent behaviour approaching. Some will be castrated before the year is out and bitches speyed next year. Responsible decisions for our precious companions (I'm dreading it!!!).

My only major concern from this litter is for Clary and Joan who both have health problems. Wishing them both both well with speedy recoveries. Clary will be castrated on Friday and is still recovering from his cruciate ligament injury but Joan is happy with his progress. He still manages to reach the table to steal papers and xmas cards!!!

I'm looking forward to a new year with a pupster who remembers her manners ALL the time and not just some of the time. Merry and Elsa are visiting on Sunday so a full report will follow and I'm really excited as they are such different girls in looks.

Well done every one of you who has put so much time and effort into training and, most importantly, love these doods as much as I do.

Any lead recommendations?

2011-12-14T15:30:00.000Z

Hi Gail

.........................I need to get some leads for the gang and thought I would ask your advice!

I would like to be able to walk sensibly with the 2 of them and I know I should be spending more time with lead training but thought that I may try a head collar in the interim.

I have looked at the Halti and Gentle Leader - do you have any comments / recommendations??

Also need a chew proof lead!!! so looking at the chain type ones - again do you have a view on these??

Any guidance greatfully received !!

Both dogs loving CSJ at mo - Clyde left some of his meal and looked at it as if to say - "all that nice stuff is gone Mum" - so I added a bit more Natural Champ and he finished up!!

Initial thoughts are that Bonnie seems a bit less windy so far!! - which has to be good as she has always been a very "gassy" pup since we have had her!

Guessing its still too early for poo analysis as yet!!

Any way take care - and DITTO to your christmas wishes - with bells on - (jingle bells!)!!!

Lots of love

Caroline xx

Wonder if Debs may have a view on this? x

Louis is a star

2011-12-14T11:10:00.000Z

Louis and Teazel are featured in a second magazine this month; Association of Pet Dog Trainers. A teenager with behavioural problems visited last year and was adamant he doesn't like poodles and wouldn't hold a puppy..........yeah right!!!

update on Ernie

2011-12-14T11:02:00.000Z

Poor Ernie has a wheat intolerance and since changing his food to Arden Grange is much better. He's not sick now and behaviour has improved. He and Heidi have become friends which is very reassuring. Helen reports a brown tinge in his coat which has become shiny since she changed his diet.
Not surprisingly he hasn't advanced in training class but well done to Helen for keeping it up. He'll soon be in the top end again and look forward to reports in the New Year.
I was so worried about this little chap - Helen has kept me informed all through his illness and it's a huge relief to know he's better. I've requested a photo of Ernie and Heidi curled up together!

Last club night before Christmas

2011-12-13T14:03:00.000Z

Teazel came 3rd in agility - she pinged off the A frame!!!!! I was gutted.

She won best trick though...........

A simple paw shake and then presses a button which says ' that was easy!'. Available from Staples £1.99.

update on Bonnie and Clyde

2011-12-13T13:00:00.000Z

Hi Gail

.......................My doods continue to keep me busy!

Bonnie seems to love a ball now and will actually play with it dropping it and chasing it herself! When I get her to sit so I can throw it to her to catch she brings her front paws up as if she is going to catch it her her paws!

She will often find a ball whilst we are out walking - Clyde is only interested in a ball if it belongs to someone else and her can chase / race for it. This was great today as she grabbed the ball and he chased.

This has cropped up quite recently and on a couple of occassions she has grabbed another dog's ball and run but we hadn't done the give it back" lesson yet! I have done a bit wof this with her in the garden and she very quickly caught on to the fact that if she bought it back and dropped it would be thrown for her again!!

On Thursday we went for a lovelywalk at a local country park and then stopped for a big breakfast at a great "visitor" centre/ cafe that has a great outdoor covered deck so dog walkers can snack with dogs tie up by tables on the deck fencing. Anyway Bonnie and Clyde were tired up next to the table and as I had just finished my food I saw Clyde trot off across the deck???!! Confused I went after him and saw that his lead had been chewed through!! This is 2 leads now!!

Food!!! I have finally got round to ordering some of the CSJ which was recommended on a couple of forums and also by Jane. So far the dogs are happy to eat it all up - I am doing 50 / 50 with the foods now and it is going down well. Clyde is alot more interested in the food as soon as it is put down whereas before he was not that bothered.

I will let you know how we get on once we are further down the bag but it certainly is far cheaper than anything else (approx £11 for 15kg bag of Natural Champ!).

Christmas tree!! With 2 new little ones with us for Christmas this year I did wonder if the tree would survive!!

So far we have lost a couple of baubles - one that looks like a big fluffy feathery snowball (from The White Company!!!) got pinched off the tree and chewed by Bonnie - and we think that Coco may have smashed a glass one - so not bad at all so far!!!

This is much longer than I was intendiing!!

Anyway take care

Lots of love - and have a lovely Christmas with all your doods!

Caroline and the gang!

update on Henry

2011-12-13T12:50:00.000Z

Hi Gail,

.............................Hunters Lodge with Teazle looks lovely, it will be great to go there next May. If you know of any 'Camp Sites' that accomodate Motor homes please let us know. We intend to drive down on the Friday night and go back Sunday next May. I am sure that there will be a site in our handbook, but its always nice if some one can recommend a good one!

Well Henry went for his six month check at the vets today, he was absolutely adorable as usual and very well behaved, he was a grand 24.2KG and they are really pleased with him. They have given us a new phrase to use!! 'We have lots of poodle in our doodle!!'

Henry is going to be castrated on Thursday 29th December, they recommended this date. The vet has also suggested that after this Henry should go on to Royal Canin diet, one for castrated dogs. The reason they have given is that Henry could put on too much weight afterwards.

He is doing well at puppy classes, he is just bigger than all the rest and is does look a bit funny when he is lolopping around doing everything very well.

At the moment he is curled up fast asleep after a lovely walk, he loves to find every muddy puddle he can and then splashes around in it, he then has to be rinsed off in the bath when we get home. He loves this!!! He actually tries to get in.

Anyway have a lovely festive time, I am dreading the christmas tree bit, I suspect it will redressed everyday!!

Lots of Love

Louise, Ian, Isla and a snoring Henry !!

Crate warning from Caroline

2011-12-13T12:43:00.000Z

Do hope you are feeling a bit better Gail and that your 'get up and go' has come back.

Poor Oscar has been in the wars today. He loves his crate and charged into it this morning (not while playing Crate Games, when I protect the bottom bar) - he caught one of his claws and almost ripped it off. We took him off to the vet where they kept him in, sedated him and removed the claw. The vet says the claw will regrow but it will be sore for a few days - bandage off on Wednesday. We have now padded the lower bar of the crate permanently!

Before we saw the vet we had a weigh in - actually we both had a weigh in because he wouldn't sit still (not surprising, poor chap). I got on the scales on my own and then picked him up and got on again - the result is that he is now 18kg (up 2.5kg on last month). Unknown to me the vet could hear all this going on and when we went in she said "both off to Weightwatchers then"! I asked her if she thought Oscar was overweight but when she felt him she said he was actually quite "lean", but added that it was a "healthy lean"!! She made no further comment about my weight lol!!

Caroline xx

Sandy & Louis' F1b goldendoole pupsters

2011-12-12T23:57:00.000Z

Lunch at the Hunters Inn with Teazel

2011-12-11T17:37:00.000Z

While I'm not eating or drinking I will engage with Teazel...............

but while drinking my coffee she must 'settle'.

Lunch at Hunters Inn with Jon today was made special with Teazel in tow (training in her DHK jacket). Staff loved her and stroked her and most customers didn't even know she was there until we left!

Oscar

2011-12-11T02:09:00.000Z

Hi Gail

Thought you might like to see this rather bad photograph of Oscar's back. He got rather wet this morning playing with Lettie and when I was drying him I was a bit surprised to see quite a number of white hairs on his back. The blue blur on the left is his collar and in the middle you can see the white hairs. You can't really see them when he is dry it was just when the hair was flat and parted. It will be interesting to see whether he gets more and more white hairs - watch this space but please don't ask me to pluck them out!! lol

Caroline xx

Dexter

2011-12-11T00:26:00.002Z

........................................Dexter is doing brilliantly with his training. He was tested on Wednesday and passed and so has progressed to the intermediate class for next term, no more puppy class for him!! Bearing in mind he is still only 5 months, that's what I call progress! He is such a 'bouncing bean' though, if I put my coat on it's like he's on a spring, definitely taking after his mum there!

Gwen x

Pepsi and Beau

2011-12-10T17:15:00.000Z

Fundraising with Teazel for Dogs Helping Kids

2011-12-10T16:25:00.000Z

Beau completes her basic puppy training with PAWS

2011-12-10T16:19:00.000Z

Monte and pals

2011-12-10T16:12:00.000Z

Pegg and Pearl

2011-12-10T15:59:00.001Z