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We asked our letting agents and they said we could have a small - medium sized dog in our flat and, seeing as Smudge was reserved, the chase was on!!!!!
As we were looking someone mentioned a dog to us whose owner was trying to keep him until he found a new home. He was a 9 month old Border Collie X Springer Spanie. Gorgeously handsome, obedient, very hyper and in need of a home. We fell in love.
We arranged a visit the very next day and went to see him. He was lovely, and after the time we spent with him and his owner she said that right at that moment we were top of the list for becoming his owners...the next day she phoned to say she thought we were right for him.
The next night we had a home visit and his owners thought we were so right they decided to leave him with us!
So here he is on his first night
He's lovely, very energetic, and loves holding a toy in his mouth and playing football with his feet!
His name is Kasper
Pics to follow... -
Some pics of him - flash made his eyes go glowy but you can see how gorgeous he is!!!
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- CommentAuthornanny north
- CommentTimeMar 25th, 2011 8:08pm (Mar 25th 2011)
He is super, what a lovely doggie. He will be much loved and spoilt with you and Lyle. He looks full of fun and I look forward to hearing all about his antics. -
- CommentAuthorTrevs Mum
- CommentTimeMar 26th, 2011 2:03am (Mar 26th 2011)
oh at last Red, you must be so happy and the dear doggy doesnt yet know how lucky he is and what a loving home he has arrived in!!!! but he soon will
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Thanks NN and TM!
Well, our first night last night and he was so good! We decided to shut him in the kitchen in case of accidents and as there's less he can destroy in there. He whined for about 10 minutes before settling, and a few times in the night he barked when he heard bumps, but that was all.
In the morning we opened the door expecting the worst, but the room was clean! We took him out and he went to the toilet, we walked for an hour with him off lead and he was good as GOLD! Met other dogs well, a Staffie, elderly collie cross and a lab cross spaniel, and even said hi to some horses!
Hour long walk we're back now, he's had his brekkie and is a very happy dog
He is a lot calmer today and seems to have settled very well. Photos of this morning... -
And on his walk
Video too!
http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii264/Red_Jellybean/?action=view¤t=DSCF1755.mp4&newest=1 -
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CommentAuthorchief chicken
- CommentTimeMar 26th, 2011 5:36pm (Mar 26th 2011)
That is one gorgeous - and very lucky and happy - dog. Congrats Red! -
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- CommentAuthornanny north
- CommentTimeMar 26th, 2011 5:40pm (Mar 26th 2011)
Oh Bless the first night is always the worst, I bet you had a job to sleep being so excited and worrying he was ok in the kitchen. Best place the kitchen you are nearer the food in there !!!!! -
Thank you CC
And yep, that would be right only we have his food shut in our room mwahahaha!!
Well, after his morning walk we chilled for a few hours and then took him up to Hanley (the city). He was very good and we got him a tag engraved with our contact details on, he also has a vet's appt on Monday at the vets about half a mile away. He was very good in Hanley, greeted all the strangers well, didn't mind the hustle and bustle and sat very patiently whilst one of us went and did the food shopping!
We walked back, chilled for a another few hours, and then out for his hour long night walk. He was good as gold again, and when we got back he ate his tea. Now he has collapsed in the corner exhausted!
This is a video of Kasper with his Kong toy with peanut butter inside...but he was more interested in his 'best friend forever' Ron!!
http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii264/Red_Jellybean/?action=view¤t=DSCF1778.mp4&newest=1 -
- CommentAuthornanny north
- CommentTimeMar 26th, 2011 8:33pm (Mar 26th 2011)
I love his new name tag. No wonder he is exhausted, I am as well just reading what he has been up to. Be careful he doesn't manage to get hold of Ron, he will probably want to play with him like another toy. -
Another busy day today. About an hour after his morning walk we went into the forest at Trent Mill Nature Park just opposite our house, as there was a ceremony there for a tree being planted (??!) Kasper loved it, what with all the people, other dogs and children. Then we walked to the pet shop which allows dogs and bought some tasty treats that were on offer.
We came back and then went out for his evening walk and took him to the big park (Hanley Park) which he really enjoyed...he loved chasing the ducks, in fact he loved chasing them so much he chased them right into the water and disappeared from view!! I had to go haul him out by his collar
We've been trying to introduce him to new places, and he's coped marvellously well with it. He went to the city yesterday, the ceremony today and the park. Tomorrow he has his vet's appointment so that will be new for him too!
He has met LOTS of dogs and has greeted them all kindly (and very submissively)...even the Rottweiler that tried to bite his face off!! I was quite annoyed actually as the dog wasn't on a lead and was at the ceremony, plodding by its owner. Kasper was on a lead at the time but wandered over to say hello (which he does so gently), and the man lightly touched his dog's collar and said "behave" then started to chat to me. A good while later all of a sudden his dog growls and then tries to bite Kasper's head!! Luckily Kasper has good reactions, and he ran and sat by my feet and didn't seem bothered at all. The man lightly told the Rottie off and said bye...and that was it!! Silly man...
So yeah, he's been socialising well! He enjoyed playing with lots of dogs and has made many friends, but he only has two 'best' friends! One of them is Jake, a Labrador cross Springer (he's a dog me and Lyle always saw out and about and loved), and Kasper and Jake really got on and played for ever. The other was a small female Staffy who was even more submissive than Kasper. They really got along and raced each other round the park.
Um...think that's all to report today
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Oh...and a dog with a Kong stuffed with soft cheese is a happy dog!!
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CommentAuthorKateb
- CommentTimeMar 27th, 2011 11:54pm (Mar 27th 2011)
Mind he doesn't get fat with all those treats - but with the walks he's going on there seems little chance of that!
Was Kasper his name or have you given him that? Where did it come from? How come his owner couldn't keep him?
My sis-in-law has a springer and he's a nightmare. They have to be dominated by the humans, but again it seems that he's already well trained and that you already have that in hand too.
He is fantastically handsome! I think being a cross makes him more appealing. Love the picture of him sitting on the path next to Lyle and the one before that.
That's all my questions - I'm looking forward to seeing his photos and news over the years. There are going to be lots of adventures for you all! -
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Hey Kate, glad you got to 'meet' Kasper! We're all off to bed in a tick
Oh he won't get fat, don't worry...we worked out with our walk plan he's getting 4 hours of walks a day minimum
He also has low fat treats, and those tough strips which we snap into 1/8's...they're healthy and good for his teeth, and when you break them up last ages.
His last owner's called him Kasper. Apparently it came as an inspiration because they wanted him to be a very friendly dog...ie. Casper the friendly ghost! They couldn't keep him because of a marital break up...sad story
Vince is Springer cross Lab too. The dominance theory isn't true; dog's are never dominant with humans, and aggression stems from fear...Certain breeds tend to be more stubborn than others though; my Aunt's beagle used to be very stubborn and Buddy at the shelter can be a nightmare!
Thanks
I'll be pleased after the vets tomorrow when we get the microchip details changed and he's 'officially' ours! It is great having a dog, and I don't think I'll be pestering Lyle for anymore pets now!!!
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CommentAuthorKateb
- CommentTimeMar 28th, 2011 12:10am (Mar 28th 2011)
I bet Lyle's pleased about that!!! You've wanted a dog for so long and know so much about animal care that I don't doubt you will be an excellent pack leader for him. -
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I hope so I keep teasing Lyle because he always (jokingly) says that he hates the Border Collie as a breed (because I always go on about how intelligent they are and a lovely breed), and he always said we'd never get a dog with any Collie in it...
We have our first dog and it's half Collie hahahaha
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Today has been another busy one so far. Kasper had his usual hour-long morning walk, and he was very well behaved and on the way back from the forest I left him off his lead and we crossed the roads whilst they were empty, making him sit and wait. He's getting very good.
Then just after one I took him out for an hour whilst our flat had an inspection...it went great by the way, the man was really impressed and said he'd put in a good word for us so we might finally get those repairs done!
When we got back it was in for a drink and a quick drying off (Kasper took a dip in the pond!) then straight out again to the vets. Once there we were told we couldn't change his microchip details as the certificate wasn't signed, so we need to ask Kasper's previous owners to do that, and he also had a general health check. This took all of 5 minutes, the vet checked his eyes, teeth, weight (just by feeling him) and listened to his heartbeat.
They charged us £25, what a rip off, the vet didn't even check his ears...but anyway, we'll probably have to have another appointment where we'll have to go in to change his microchip details, as I doubt we can do it by phone. Kasper behaved impeccably at the vets and she was very impressed with him, and us when we said we gave him 4 hours exercise a day.
We have got back now and after so much walking Kasper is jiggered! He slept after eating his breakfast, got dragged outside again, and has slept since getting back
I took some photos of him sleeping and I think they're just beautiful: -
Aw my dad has put a vid of Kasper on youtube
It was dark, so obviously his eyes look like the devil's...this is from his first night with us.
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- CommentAuthoremm28
- CommentTimeMar 28th, 2011 9:09pm (Mar 28th 2011)
Red...I'm used to sending messages. The carpet is the least of my worries...if anything, I've got a very colourful small rug to cover the spot, if need be. Been looking at video of Kasper and reading all about him. What a champion!
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- CommentAuthornanny north
- CommentTimeMar 28th, 2011 9:19pm (Mar 28th 2011)
Lovely video Red he is a beauty. It will take you while to get used to the forum Emm don't let it worry you as are all please you are here. -
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CommentAuthorDianeonWhidbey
- CommentTimeMar 28th, 2011 9:31pm (Mar 28th 2011)
Holly says: * You got a dog! You got a dog! YIP eeeeeeeee! *
Diane says: * That is one LUCKY dog! *
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CommentAuthorKateb
- CommentTimeMar 28th, 2011 10:16pm (Mar 28th 2011)
Collie - I thought it was spaniel!!! Doh!!! Now I've seen his tail it's obvious! He'll be rounding you up when you're out for a walk.
Is there another vet in your area? Could you go to a PDSA centre instead? Or a Pet Vaccination Clinic - they're very cheap but still qualified. -
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Thank you everybody and thanks Holly
Kate, he is half Springer Spaniel, so you were sort of right! His mum was spaniel and his dad was a collie. I think there's a PDSA one nearby, but they have guidlines of the people they accept, not sure what they are will have to look...it's a shame though because it was really clean and nice and the vet was friendly...
She did annoy me at one point by saying something about how much energy he must have and how he must be crazy (she was sounding like he was a nightmare dog and a 'bad' dog because of this) and she said that was probably why the owners gave him away...it's like, no he's not this stupidly energetic dog, in fact at home he tends to sleep and rest over anything else...even the most hyperactive of dogs can be worn out with enough exercise. Jeez, I bet if we'd told her we didn't have a garden she'd have said there was no way we'd be able to keep him *rolls eyes*
He met Jake again on his morning walk today. Later on we're walking to Stoke to go to the pet shop and ask how much grooming would cost for him. As it gets warmer we're going to get his coat trimmed. -
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CommentAuthorKateb
- CommentTimeMar 29th, 2011 8:58pm (Mar 29th 2011)
Ah, I was right then! You can see the spaniel in his colouring.
The first time I went to my rat vet I thought ew, bit old, not as nice, consulting rooms were small, sparse and old fashioned. But the care was so much better than anywhere else I'd been. Your vet seems to be making a lot of assumptions - she's looked at your age, Kasper's breeding, that he's a 'rescue' and commented accordingly. We all make assumptions, but he was well behaved in the surgery and she could've asked you about his behaviour and circumstances.
With all that walking, you won't need to get his nails trimmed! -
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We said to his previous owner how clearly you could see both breeds in him.
Your vet sounds like the one we go to 'back home.' It's at the bottom of our road (how weird is that?!) and is just one vet in the cottage where he lives. He's very good with the animals and is the cheapest vet ever, so all in all a good deal!
Yes, she didn't really ask us much about him at all, other than age and breed mix.
Kasp has an appt booked this Thursday for a shampoo bath, blow dry and a trim at the same pet shop we got Bam from! We were going to save it until May / June time, but there's a half price special offer that ends on Thursday, so instead of costing thirty quid it costs £15!!
Yesterday I took him out just after dinner to go to the toilet, and we ended up going on this hour-long with a lovely 15 month old Staffy called Oscar and his elderly owner! It was really great, and the two dogs loved playing together. By the end of the walk Kasper kept lying down and panting he was so tired, which he's never done before!
We also left him on his own for longer than 5 minutes yesterday (just over an hour actually) and he was very well behaved so that's not a problem
Lots of pictures of the past few days -
And from last night's walk...sorry for the bombardment of photos, I am being even worse than usual
And this is a video of him running between us both when we both took different routes to the style:
http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii264/Red_Jellybean/?action=view¤t=DSCF1825.mp4 -
And a video for my dad of Kasper trying tog get kibble out of his ball!
http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii264/Red_Jellybean/?action=view¤t=DSCF1830.mp4
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CommentAuthorchief chicken
- CommentTimeMar 30th, 2011 5:14pm (Mar 30th 2011)
Sounds as if he's getting used to being left and trusts you to come back; milestone, well done, Red! -
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Thanks CC, these last two nights he hasn't whined at all when we've put him to bed either
Here are some pics from today, before his haircut! I love the last one -
This is after his trim, aww! Hopefully it will keep him cooler in the summer months.
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And these just cos they're funny - and check out those pearly white gnashers! :P
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- CommentAuthornanny north
- CommentTimeMar 31st, 2011 8:21pm (Mar 31st 2011)
I love the head shot of him with his ears back, it is that little smile and his teeth just showing so sweeeeet. He has lovely clean ears and I can see right up his nose. He sure does have the whitest of teeth. Lovely lovely little boy. -
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CommentAuthorKateb
- CommentTimeMar 31st, 2011 8:58pm (Mar 31st 2011)
His teeth give him away that he isn't very old - they are lovely! Does he let you clean them? He's a very cute boy - and Lyle is too! Pair of sweeties.
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- CommentAuthornanny north
- CommentTimeApr 1st, 2011 4:30pm (Apr 1st 2011)
have a look at this for casper !!! -
- CommentAuthorleevaux
- CommentTimeApr 1st, 2011 5:05pm (Apr 1st 2011)
Red I have just caught up on this massive thread and i must say kasper looks a great companion i am very pleased for you
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- CommentAuthorTrevs Mum
- CommentTimeApr 2nd, 2011 6:01am (Apr 2nd 2011)
Ha ha a highchair for doggies, thought I had seen everything??!!!!!! -
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CommentAuthorchief chicken
- CommentTimeApr 2nd, 2011 6:09pm (Apr 2nd 2011)
Happy April Fool's day...! -
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- CommentAuthorLynnW
- CommentTimeApr 4th, 2011 7:44am (Apr 4th 2011)
Red, your pup Kasper is just so sweet. I'm so happy that you have a dog of your own at last.
A highchair for dogs, I just must find one for my doggy..
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NN, is that actually real?!?
We've had a busy few days here. On *thinks* Friday Kasper was sick, and we phoned up the vets and they said it was more than likely a grotty bone he had found in the forest, and to withhold food for 24 hours and then feed rice and chicken, and work back in his kibble. He's fine now thankfully
Thanks to a great dog forum we've learned some really great ways of training and interacting with Kasper. His recall's improving all the time as now, if there's the distraction of another dog, we've learnt to call him, start running in the opposite direction, jumping and flapping our arms and making weird noises...we look like idiots but it works!!
We've also learnt to ignore the 'bad' behaviour and praise the good, and to talk in happy excited voices to him. We learnt about calming signals, which dogs use to show other dogs that they are friendly, for example, and which we can use when a situation arises that Kasper feels uneasy with. So for example if there's a knock at the door, we bark / blink slowly / lick our lips, and this shows that the knocking isn't anything to worry about. Doing this he no longer barks at the door.
We've also sorted out a very strict regime of walking and toilet breaks, as he had learned to whine constantly so he could go out for a walk, the cheeky monkey! It's all going well and he is improving every day
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So today we bought Kasper a crate.
Our reasons were he really hates to be locked in the kitchen either when we are out or on a night. He hates his bed and is scared to go into it. When left alone he panics and starts getting things off the counter and taking them to a bed, and can be destructive.
So instead we're trying him with a crate. We have it in the living room, and are showing that it's a safe place to be and a nice place for him. We did this by clicking the clicker whenever he went anywhere near him, and rewarding him. Then clicking when he put a paw in, two paws, three etc. and finally when he sat and lay down in there.
We let him come and go freely, and when he chose to go lie in his crate for a nap with no prompting we were over the moon! Once he was happy with it we shut the door for 2 minutes (he just slept!) and now it's open there with him sleeping in there
We'll see how he does overnight! -
Pics from the last few days:
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And his crate:
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CommentAuthorchief chicken
- CommentTimeApr 4th, 2011 4:51pm (Apr 4th 2011)
The crate seems cruel to us; but the dogs adore it! It's like their little nuclear bunker...you're doing such good work with him, you two! Although what with the barking, lip-licking, shouting and arm-flapping, perhaps he just thinks he's safe from the loopyloos in there.
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CommentAuthorKateb
- CommentTimeApr 4th, 2011 9:39pm (Apr 4th 2011)
Can we have a video of the arm-flapping thingy - better still, send it to 'You've Been Framed' and get £250 for it!!
I know a few people who use crates and swear by them. Its great to hear all the efforts you're making to make him feel safe and secure. Is a dog happy that it's all uncovered? Cats like to have a covered end if they're in one so they can hide a bit. He seems to be settling in really well! -
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Posted By: chief chickenThe crate seems cruel to us
My thoughts exactly CC; I've been against crating for just as long as I can remember, it's not until I have my own dog (especially adopted) who suffers from separation anxiety, that I've researched it properly and can see the benefits.
We think Kasper suffered from separation anxiety a little before he came to us, from what his previous owners have said (took things from the kitchen counters, chewed objects, destroyed his bed etc.), but since being 'abandoned' by them as Kasper no doubt sees it I guess it's natural it will have got worse.Posted By: KatebCan we have a video of the arm-flapping thingy - better still, send it to 'You've Been Framed' and get £250 for it!!
Is a dog happy that it's all uncovered?
Firstly, my dad was apparently laughing out loud at work when I told him about our flapping and whooping antics...until I told him that he'll be doing it when my parents come down next weekend ahahaha XD
And yes, some people swear that covering their dog's crate helps their dog feel much more secure and can calm barking. Only problem is Kasper would undoubtedly pull the cover through the bars, and then it becomes a choking hazard....
It's gonna take a good long time to work through his anxieties, but we will get there eventually. He's absolutely fine being shut in the crate whilst we are in the house, it's the moment we leave the trouble starts
Poor little tyke, it's only natural he thinks he's going to get left again. His previous owner has asked to come see him this week too to visit as she misses him so much, I hope it doesn't unsettle him...
He's doing great with the 'drop it' command, and understands perfectly what the words mean now - although he expects a treat in return! So far we have successfully retrieved socks, bottle caps, plastic bottles and carrier bags from him ^__^ -
- CommentAuthornanny north
- CommentTimeApr 5th, 2011 1:58am (Apr 5th 2011)
No it isn't real Red it was Ikea's april fool joke. I just thought it was comical, whoever thinks up these ideas I don't know.
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CommentAuthorchief chicken
- CommentTimeApr 5th, 2011 5:40pm (Apr 5th 2011)
Could you meet the former owner on neutral territory, Red? Then praps K wouldn't get so confused. -
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You can never be sure NN, some of the things they make these days...!
CC, we're planning to meet her out on a walk in a nearby field as oppose to in the house, hoping that way he won't get too unsettled...??
Today has been a tiring one. His recall has improved so much, out on a walk today we had to call him to us away from a horse (which was in a field it shouldn't be and being rode by an idiot), a motorbike (on the little dirt path) and a really miserable old man who had driven up his car and trailer to water the horses...we called Kasper back once and released him, only to realise that the old man was backing up with some speed so we had to call him back again...
He's also improving with the drop it command. Today in the park he managed to find a headless pigeon, and thank god he dropped it when I said! He found two chicken bones he wouldn't drop, so I had to get my hand in his mouth and get those out quick, ugh!
He was great in his crate last night, he barked a few times when he heard noises which he did the first night in the kitchen, but he didn't really whine at all which was a big relief. Today we have continued to show what a nice place it is, and he has spent so much time in there of his own choice! We have been closing the door whilst we are about the house doing things to get him used to it and, to start working on his separation anxiety, we have started acting like we are about to go out, going out the front door, then counting for 2 seconds before going back in and praising him. We then upped it to five, then ten, and are working from there...gonna take a long time XD
Will upload some pics and that shortly, just eating tea
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And he now has his evening meal in his puzzle ball that my parents got him!
http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii264/Red_Jellybean/?action=view¤t=DSCF1885.mp4 -
So, I thought I would share some funny stories of Kasper in here too, seeing as it is his thread ^__^
Okay, there was the time a big empty multi crisp packet had fallen from the bin. Kasper thought it looked interesting and put his head inside to sniff. He got his head stuck inside and was walking around the room moving his head, trying to see, with this big colourful crisp packet completely covereing him bwahahahaha
And then of course there is the 'Kasper wants attention' mode. When he's like this he will walk around the house looking for things he isn't supposed to have, ranging from items of clothing, the toilet brush, toilet roll etc.
Tonight he chose the slippers, and brought them through to the living room and into his crate a grand total of six times before I caved in and closed the bedroom door! He slunks into the bedroom and returns with these great big fluffy pink slippers with pompoms. Then he takes them to his crate and chews them, watching and waiting for a reaction, and each time you have to go swap them for a chew toy...after about the third time I couldn't help but crack up with laughter every time! By the end I was on the floor howling, and Lyle told me to just shut the bedroom door in defeat
We've also invented a new game called Stream Frisbee. I wear my wellies out on a walk and wade through the stream to the other side. Then Lyle throws the frisbee to my side and me and Kasper race to get it, then I get the frisbee and throw it back to Lyle's side, and Kasper has to go running back through the river and beat Lyle to it! He soon tires and it's a really fun game
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- CommentAuthornanny north
- CommentTimeApr 5th, 2011 8:47pm (Apr 5th 2011) edited
He will soon settle it is early days as yet, you are doing well and it is all a learning curve for the both of you as well as Kasper. He sure has a fantastic sense of fun. -
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CommentAuthorKateb
- CommentTimeApr 5th, 2011 9:03pm (Apr 5th 2011)
Yes, patience is the key to his training and you're doing all the right things for him. What a lucky dog! -
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- CommentAuthorTrevs Mum
- CommentTimeApr 7th, 2011 8:44am (Apr 7th 2011)
you two are great parents, keep up the wonderful work.
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I can't wait to see him (oh, and Scarlet and Lyle ) this weekend!
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Thanks all Dad, can't wait to show him off ^__^
And show you how much he loves his frisbee and puzzle ball! We bought a new lead for Trentham today too
Pics and videos to follow... -
These are from just now....
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And some videos; this is yesterday, I taught him two new commands: "crate" (get into crate obviously) and "out you get now"...shame you can't hear the commands though, it looks like he is just getting in and out...but realistically he's told to get in, does, gets a click and a treat, then is told to get out, does, and gets a click and a treat :/
He responds to them every time
http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii264/Red_Jellybean/?action=view¤t=DSCF1893.mp4
We've also taught him, when he's lying down, to wait whilst we put a treat on his paw and him not take it! We are cruel
And working out how to get food from his new puzzle toy:
http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii264/Red_Jellybean/?action=view¤t=DSCF1899.mp4
Smart dog ;) -
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CommentAuthorKateb
- CommentTimeApr 7th, 2011 9:31pm (Apr 7th 2011)
Very smart, and cute! -
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- CommentAuthorTrevs Mum
- CommentTimeApr 8th, 2011 4:09am (Apr 8th 2011)
Good boy Kasper, he is certainly getting heaps of positive encouragement from you Red.
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- CommentAuthorLynnW
- CommentTimeApr 8th, 2011 7:23am (Apr 8th 2011)
Red, he's such a darling dog. I loved the videos of him. He's a very lucky pup to have you and Lyle to love him. -
Thanks all ^__^
His behaviour has been so good these past few days - apart from when he randomly decides to be a pest and get slippers and things out of the bin *rolls eyes*
We've also bought him an extendible lead to help encourage good behaviours that he sometimes ignores off-lead (wait, on the pavement, this way etc.) and work on his recall around the horses.
Part of the forest is nearby a road, and if he sees another dog he runs across without a care in the world - luckily it's a quiet road but we still can't risk it. We don't want to have to lead him on this part of the forest, so we have an extendible lead that is 20 foot long...he can still walk, sniff and run, but can't get hit by cars!! -
We bought him a new collar today because the old one gets bigger whenever he wears it. It's really annoying, because he has to have it on the tightest setting anyway, but when it gets bigger it ends up halfway off or over his head, so it's uncomfortable for him and dangerous too. Grrr.
So! His new one is just a material one and purple too (which is a pretty popular colour on here!! ) and we just had to continue with the feminine collar theme - his last was black with white flowers on ;)
It was quite funny though because Jen (pet shop owner) guessed he was a size 6 collar. Nope too big. Tried a size 5. Nope. Size 4, JUST! On the smallest setting!! It's supposed to be for much smaller breeds of dog but apparently Kasp has a really thin neck
It's a much better fit and he seems much happier in it. -
Kasper has been SUCH a star this weekend
He did so well at Trentham Gardens today. My parents love him so much, it's really cute...they bought him doggy ice cream, and a bun, and a travel water bowl. He's absolutely shattered now after two days of almost solid walking, but we all had a great time -
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CommentAuthorKateb
- CommentTimeApr 10th, 2011 10:12pm (Apr 10th 2011)
What a lovely day you all had! Glad he was a good dog for you - is there a monkey world by Trentham Gardens or am I thinking of the wrong place?
Caitlyn informed me this week that purple is her favourite colour so when she's old enough to read and write I'll have to get her registered on here! -
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Haha, why is purple such a popular colour?!
Yep, Monkey Forest. We walked past some of it today at Trentham and saw several of the monkeys 'people watching'
My dad has done a big video of all his Kasper clips...ignore the doofus in the cap
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- CommentAuthorTrevs Mum
- CommentTimeApr 11th, 2011 12:20pm (Apr 11th 2011)
Excellent video of Kasper Red. You have done brilliantly with training him. I think an out of control dog is a sad thing to see. Well done.You can see he loves to please you. Love the purple collar!!! -
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CommentAuthorchief chicken
- CommentTimeApr 11th, 2011 4:26pm (Apr 11th 2011)
Such style!
Dog Ice Cream??? Wotever next?
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Thanks both
TM he picks things up sooo quickly when he wants to. He knows so many commands...it's just getting him to listen when there are distractions about!! Recall around horses / dogs needs work (although it has improved so much with the dogs) and 'drop it' needs work when he has found something out and about which he considers special...usually a gammy bone!
CC, you wouldn't believe what they sold in that shop. For a ridiculous amount of course!! They sold a box of doggy chocolates, in a posh box, some in wrappers, with swirly patterns on, different flavours etc. It was £12.99!! -
NN, these are like something you would think are a joke, but are actually real!!
Doggy stairs, for dogs that are too old or have other problems such as weight, to help them get up and down off furniture:
http://www.dogstairssteps.com/
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CommentAuthorKateb
- CommentTimeApr 12th, 2011 9:33pm (Apr 12th 2011)
Could do with some of those for my fat-cat (who also has arthritis!) -
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Cor yeah but they ain't cheap! Plus imagine how much room they would take up...now a little cat stair lift attached to the wall, that's what you need
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CommentAuthorKateb
- CommentTimeApr 12th, 2011 9:47pm (Apr 12th 2011) edited
That's a great idea! Maybe I should contact Acorn Stairlifts to see if they want to run with the idea!!! I have actually thought about getting a kiddie step and putting some carpet on it to stop her slipping so she can climb up and down. Maybe i should have a go and take it on Dragon's Den!! -
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Hahahahaha you totally should!!!
And hey, don't you mention any other stair lift companies other than Acorn! My dad does their website remember, he'll have you banned from the forum ;)
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CommentAuthorKateb
- CommentTimeApr 12th, 2011 9:57pm (Apr 12th 2011)
Oops! Haven't heard of Acorn - thankfully I don't need the services of either just yet! -
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Haha, get one early they're great fun! And my dad might be able to get you a discount
My first memory of a stair lift is from my dad's sister's wedding, when I was about five-ish. My dad was sending me up and down the hotel's stairs on a stair lift, and a staff member came and told me off for mucking about. My dad fled when he saw the guy coming, the meanie!!
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- CommentAuthorTrevs Mum
- CommentTimeApr 13th, 2011 4:40am (Apr 13th 2011)
Brian made some makeshift steps for Thomas last year so he can get up onto our bed. Friends thought it was so funny but its such a prectical idea for our older and/or arthritic pets. -
TM, get him to build some more and start selling them for as much as that site does!!
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Well, today something really bad happened...whilst out on a walk, and on the lead, Kasper's extendible lead snapped. He wasn't pulling on it (the lead wasn't even at the end!) and he hasn't ever chewed it or anything like that. It just snapped!
So I have sent a VERY angry email to the company...not only did we have to buy a new lead from Sainsbury's as an emergency (£6!) but Kasper was also in danger of being hit, as he was charging about having his mad five minutes (which he does when he's let off his lead) and running right along the road and back because of all the distractions. It was terrifying.
Anyway, here's what I sent:Posted By: RedHi there,
Less than a week ago we bought a Flexi Classic Long extendible lead in the medium size for our 9 month old dog, Kasper. He is a Border Collie X Springer and, as your lead says that 20 kg is the weight limit, we weighed him at the pet shop (he was 18 kg) and bought it.
Today we were out in the busy city centre near where we live in Stoke-On-Trent, UK, and I took Kasper for a walk in the church yard whilst my partner went to do some shopping. In the church yard Kasper was happily walking on his lead when the line just snapped. Our dog is not a 'chewer', he has never chewed on this lead, and neither is he a puller, we have trained this out of him with a regular non-extendible lead.
The lead snapped before he had even reached the end, and Kasper ran around the garden and through the gate out onto the main road. His recall isn't always reliable when there are distractions, which is why we bought him an extendible lead in the first place, and I was terrified he was going to run right across the main road and get hit in the traffic.
This is unacceptable. You should not be selling leads that aren't suitable for the weight range you have specified. We have enclosed photos of our dog and the broken lead.
We expect to hear back from you soon,
Scarlet Williams
Not only had we just bought the lead but it cost £16 too!! We're going to take it back to the pet shop in the next few days and see if they will let us swap it for a large size, which apparently holds dogs up to about 50kg. Not sure I trust them anymore though, but Kasper really enjoys the extendible leads...
Anyway here are the photos I sent them (thought we'd better send a picture of Kasper so they can see he is definitely a 'medium' sized dog) -
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CommentAuthorchief chicken
- CommentTimeApr 13th, 2011 6:13pm (Apr 13th 2011)
Well done, Red. I hope they reply soon. -
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- CommentAuthorTrevs Mum
- CommentTimeApr 14th, 2011 3:23am (Apr 14th 2011)
Excellent Red, well said, I am a letter writer too if some product is faulty or does not live up to the promised specifications. I have almost always had a courteous reply and replacement product or voucher to spend so its always worth it especially when an animal is put at risk. -
Thanks both, they said the reply would take 1-2 working days so we'll see...
TM, I find it easier to get my point across in letters / emails. It gives you more chance to think about what you want to say. Lyle's the one who deals with things over the phone!
Well today after his walk Kasper has been shattered! He's moved once to get his breakfast and a drink! He was out for just over an hour anyway, and running about as he usually does, but then at the end of the walk we got his frisbee out and made him run after that for a while!! And then as he were heading home we bumped into the greyhound that he loves to chase, so he was sprinting after her too
And this is from the other day; an empty bottle with kibble and treats inside keeps a dog entertained for ages - in Kasper's case over an hour! -
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CommentAuthorKateb
- CommentTimeApr 14th, 2011 10:43pm (Apr 14th 2011)
Great letter Red! I look forward to hearing the reply. The only other thing I'd have included is where you purchased it from. Getting a replacement shouldn't be a problem - they will send it back to the manufacturer and get a refund on it anyway. It obviously isn't fit for the purpose it's being sold so you are entitled to a refund/replacement. -
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Oh yeah, that would have been a good idea...
They haven't replied yet! Today we're off to buy some food from the pet shop (not for us!! ) so we're taking the lead back too. We *may* have lost the receipt though, sigh, but there's a small chance they'll take it back just because we're very loyal and regular customers!!
**edit**
They took the lead back no problem even though we didn't have a receipt, hurray!
We didn't get another because they didn't have any extendible leads with thicker strappy bits. Instead we put the refund towards Kasper's food. He's on organic chicken kibble that is wheat and gluten free and hypo-allergenic. Was the best I could do without feeling guilty about feeding him chicken!!
It's called Wet Noses and we got a whopping great bag for £23 which should last a month or so. We chose the one that was for working dogs as the staff says it helps dogs who do a lot of exercise
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It's also Kasper's birthday at the end of next month (we've decided he can share Lyle's birthday on the 23rd of May) so I've been looking at some presents for him. We've narrowed it down to an indoor mental activity / intelligence toy to make him work for his treats. There are four that look good ranging from £17 - £30. Which does anybody think looks best?!?!
ranging from cheapest to most expensive:
1)
You can start off easy with this one just having the dog pull out the yellow drawers and the red knob to uncover treats. Then you make it harder by putting the green pegs in, the dog has to take them out before he can get out the drawers.
2)
Next is this one. There are logs inside the tower that you hide treats in. The dog has to pull on the rope to get the logs (and the treats) out. The only issue I can see with this one is that the tower could topple.
3)
This one the dog has to pull out the wooden plugs and slide the black lids (with nose or paws) to uncover treats.
4)
And this one the dog has to slide the plugs and then pull them out at the right end to reveal the treats. This one's good because you can add extra plugs to one row so that the dog has to take one out in order to get to the one with the treat in!
I really don't know which is in the lead at the moment. The last two are sort of similar in my eyes. But I do like the first and last because you can add things to them to make them harder. Can anyone see any problems with any of them? Or any that would be too easy or get boring? For that amount of money I want him to enjoy them every time we get them out! -
First one! Not sure why....
Just looks the funnest. -
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CommentAuthorchief chicken
- CommentTimeApr 15th, 2011 6:04pm (Apr 15th 2011)
I'm glad I don't have to do IQ tests to get me food. Mind you,I'd be thinner...:D -
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I think the first one is one of the best, and it's almost half the price! Ha ha CC, Lyle said he was going to start doing it with me :P
Well, I am about to bombard this thread with A LOT of Kasper photos...he's so cute I can't help it! And a few videos, out on a walk and a training session!! I got a video of him playing dead which I taught him yesterday for my dad hahaha
Pics from inside first...it used to be I wrote at the table, but nowadays I find myself typing on the floor with a divvy dog snuggled up with me ^__^ -
And on a walk
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This is a vid of him pootling about and chasing wood pigeons, haha
http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii264/Red_Jellybean/?action=view¤t=DSCF2015-3.mp4
And one of him coming running when called...
http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii264/Red_Jellybean/?action=view¤t=DSCF2018.mp4
The training video is in the next post now thanks to being able to brighten it
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CommentAuthorKateb
- CommentTimeApr 15th, 2011 10:59pm (Apr 15th 2011)
Haven't watched the videos yet (need to try to go to bed early!) but the pictures are great! Is there any issue with him chewing or swallowing any of the pegs that go in the toys? They all look good fun, so start with the cheapest and see if he likes it. You can always get him another one for Christmas! -
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Good thinking Kate ;) Well the toys are only brought out on special occasions, left out whilst the dog gets the treats, and then put away again. So the dog doesn't really get chance to chew it.
Thanks to my dad's marvellous advice we switched the video to Movie Maker, brightened it up several times, published it, got it onto photobucket and TA DA! It's brighter!!
Phew, sometimes computers are so stupid...
http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii264/Red_Jellybean/?action=view¤t=kasp_vid-1.mp4
Have a good night's sleep too Kate! -
It was such a lovely day today that I decided to take my camera out on the morning walk. So glad I did because I got some really pretty / cute photos:
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- CommentAuthornanny north
- CommentTimeApr 16th, 2011 9:04pm (Apr 16th 2011)
very nice pictures Red, he sure does have a wonderful time with you and Lyle -
- CommentAuthorTrevs Mum
- CommentTimeApr 17th, 2011 5:39am (Apr 17th 2011)
I was thinking the first toy would be my pick and thought the same as Kate about swallowing or chewing (just like when we buy toys for our kids).
Great pics and vids Red. -
I think we're leaning towards the first one too
We've really got into the swing of things now with Kasper, he's such a star! He knows ten commands and is in the process of learning another (spin!).
Today we went to P@H because, believe it or not, something was actually cheaper at their shop than any other
So anyway, he has another extendible lead! This one is thick-banded and a higher weight boundary, but 2m shorter which is a shame.
Vince (and Lyle's parents!) are coming tomorrow. We're all going to Trentham Gardens. Not sure how Vince will take to Kasper, it's not that he doesn't like other dogs, it's more that he doesn't seem to know how to interact with them, haha! So our bouncy puppy who is all PLAY PLAY PLAY might be put in his place
As long as Vince doesn't have his ball it should all be okay...Vince is seriously obsessed with his ball, and gets protective over it when other dogs approach, and Kasper would obviously try wrestle it from his mouth :P
Photos from Kasp's walk yesterday: -
Oh oh! I forgot the best thing!!
We left Kasper in his crate and left the house for five minutes today and HE DIDN'T MAKE A PEEP!! We left a phone by the crate and listened in, and nothing
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CommentAuthorKateb
- CommentTimeApr 17th, 2011 8:55pm (Apr 17th 2011)
That's a very clever thing to do Red! Well done Kasper! -
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- CommentAuthornanny north
- CommentTimeApr 17th, 2011 9:18pm (Apr 17th 2011)
He is turning out to be a fantastic little dog how lucky you all are to have found each other. -
- CommentAuthorTrevs Mum
- CommentTimeApr 17th, 2011 11:53pm (Apr 17th 2011)
Good thinking listening in to to see if he woofed for you.
I love that you are teaching him to respond to so many commands Red, it is brilliant for his safety and you assuranace that you can have him play off lead and he will come on command. I wish all dog owners were so responsible.
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CommentAuthorKateb
- CommentTimeApr 18th, 2011 9:45pm (Apr 18th 2011)
Its good for Kasper too - keeps his brain active and entertained. The more he learns the less likely he is to play up. -