First Gotcha Day

I can't believe that it is alraedy a year since this little rascal arrived here! And what a journey it has been... I have learnt so much and although it was stressful at times, I wouldn't want to miss it. HAPPY GOTCHA DAY, my little girl! Love you so much!

Skye's a little super star - well sometimes she is! LOL

Well, today was the day when Skye's lepto and titre test was due, and I got her thyroid tested. I was really worried about this appointment. When I got her a year ago, one of the things I had to teach her very intensively is being handled, in particularly her feet. She hated having her feet touched, having nails clipped, being restrained etc. I did lots of clicker training with her to give paw, to hold her arm still, me stretching her arm out (e.g. as you would to take blood), increasing the length of time holding still etc. In addition, Skye was - as we know - the type of girl that will grumble and threaten if unhappy, stressy or tired! Well, this morning it was all put to the test. Skye needed her lepto vaccination, and two lots of blood taken for titre test and thyroid test! And she past with flying colours! Mark and I didn't even need the nurse to help! Not a grumble, no avoidance at all, just a couple of unsure glances whilst I was holding her (gently I may add) and keeping still all the way through... and lots of treats at the end of it of course as a thank you. I am so proud of my little girl, I could burst! It is so nice to see when all the training comes together at last - and (nearly) all the naughty things she's done (like knicking Emily's ice cream yesterday!) and no doubt will do in future are forgiven!

Skye's first agility course

Over the last few sessions, I sneaked Skye onto the agility course every so often during Jesse's session to teach her the new obstacles. Well, today she was at the point where she could do all the obstacles, so I decided to give her a go. She was great, very impressed! Her spaniel nose will kick into action once in a while, so I have to be much more on the ball in keeping her attention than I have to with Jesse, but she has done so well today considering it's the advanced class and it was her first time doing a proper course. Very proud of her and looking forward to do more with her. She is also coming along really nicely with the obedience, though I won't compete with her this year (technically she would be up to scratch) as she needs more work on attention keeping outdoors with other dogs around and just a little more time maturing I think! But she'll come good. :-)

Skye's first snow experience!

We had snow today and it was the first time for Skye. She wasn't so sure at first, but then quite enjoyed it! Though she doesn't go silly in it like Dylan and Flash do. LOL

I took her for a walk in the park on her own today and we met Dexter, the staffie, who we walked around with! It was a lovely walk.

Skye on her walk with Gipsey on 28th January 2012

They had so much fun and didn't stop running.

1st BIRTHDAY

I can't believe it, but she really has made it relatively unscathed to her first birthday; it's a miracle. LOL HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY, SKYE!

Getting there with being alone

Last week, I recorded the dogs during two of the days and I was pleased with what I heard - or didn't hear rather. There was hardly any noise from Skye at all, Flash did some barking, but only around 20 minutes on one of th days and around 12 minutes on the other. That's not bad for a 10-hour day! I think the new visiting rota of 1 hour at lunch is working well.

I am also making sure that I have about 10 minutes relaxing time before leaving in the morning so Skye has time to calm down. Emily does the same when she leaves after her visit.

Today, I took Skye to the country park to meet P with her new rescue dog Gipsey. They had a great time and did a lot of running. It was lovely to see.