Posts tagged ‘outdoors’
Water Baby.
Fishing Lesson.
It’s come to our attention that Phoenix (and doubtless other Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas too) is at least part dolphin. Be it the river, the pond or the stream, Phoenix is rarely happier than when swimming, wading, paddling in or barking at various forms of water around the garden.
The Pack Expands.
With Fred at the River.
Although they met when Phoenix was six weeks old, Freddie (who is Tim’s son) had not spent some “quality time” with Phoenix since she arrived here, due to his pressing international engagement schedule and general jet set lifestyle. The two were reunited today and much play ensued gilded with yaps, barks, nips and squeals from all parties.
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow.
Rewarded for Sitting for Tim.
Sticking her tongue out at The Man.
We were really making Snow Angels.
Chasing Adam.
Catching Adam.
Bringing Adam down like a wounded Gnu.
Shopping Hell.
Emo Kids Didn't Stop the Tail Wags.
More trips to the common, for the first time we were recognised by a group of owners (and possibly the dogs too). One of the owners called out “Hellooooo Phoenix” much to Phoenix’s utter delight. Good playtime with different dogs today. She seems to be getting (a little more) respectful and calmer around her boy and gal-pals.
A trip to Barnstaple High Street proved to be wearing for all concerned. We think around 40 people came up to say “Hello”, and at least the same number sidled off, or around us, with looks of sheer horror on their faces. Progress was slow and Phoenix was extremely excitable although far from overwhelmed despite the enormous number of people, cars and general bustle. Phoenix met her first emo-kids too and was unfazed by eyeliner, black clothes and downbeat facial expressions. There was a brief moment of embarrassment when she jumped up and chewed someone’s scarf, oh and a little girls long, flowing hair – which was “challenging”.
We also met a lovely lady who had just rescued an Irish Wolfhound from high rise hell in Liverpool. The poor dog was being looked after by three aggressive teenage boys and a sweary mum – luckily he was now in his new home and being described as “an angel” by his new human companion.
On a final note, we were impressed by Phoenix’s fantastic lead work on the common today, we suspect this will all evaporate at Monday’s Puppy Gurus class – teach will have a sceptical look on her face as we insist that Phoenix does sit, stand and walk to heel. We might have to video Phoenix just to prove we’re not pushy showbiz parents…
However, in a noisier environment all the lead work etc vanished, due to the over-stimulation from the throngs of people. Who knew emo-kids could be overstimulating?! It was her first time ever in that environment and she took to it with all paws flying.
No Sir, She’s NOT a Ridgeback.
Bored with your Guesses.
Twice more over to the common today, with another twenty to twenty-five dogs met, sniffed and played with (along with their attendant human companions).
Phoenix is now 10.3 kilos – our gal is growing up! Tottering out of the car with her is certainly bicep building…
Top Breed Misidentification Guesses so Far
- Rhodesian Ridgeback (not close, no cigar, no money back).
- Generic Pointer (close, but no cigar)
- Weimaraner (close, candy cigar)
- Visssssssla (you’re not even comin’ in mate)
Emancipation Proclamation.
Heeling on the Common
Phoenix is eleven weeks old today. It’s quite hard to get your head around the fact she’s only been on the earth for less than three months. It feels like she’s been with us forever (in a good way – well, mostly!).
Perhaps even more importantly, Phoenix is now allowed on the ground and can socialise with other dogs. Something that both we and she were desperately keen to get started with in order to desensitise her to other dogs, and learn that not every dog is an exciting puppy-like playmate (although some still will be, which is always a bonus in life).
With this in mind, after following the usual morning routine of clicker training and heel walking at home, we headed out for Torrington Common to see what canine introductions we could rustle up for the little’un.
To begin with, Phoenix was excited but “contained” and walked very closely with us without too much prompting. She met an extremely playful Malamute with whom she had a great romp for five minutes or so. Next up was a grumpy collie who also taught her a crucial lesson about canine etiquette (i.e. not all dogs are puppies and not everyone wants to play). 😦
More Heeling on the Common,
Finally, amongst a rather sparse showing, were a pair of Chows who despite their reputation as being the dogs most likely to eat their owners*, turned out to be relatively friendly and of course extremely fluffy. Everyone enjoyed a good sniffing session. Later in the day we went back and met eight dogs who gave Phoenix a kaleidoscope of different reactions from gentle playful Clumber Spaniels to a snarly Black Labrador who we gave a wide berth.
Yet More Heeling on the Common.
Overall, a pretty intensive day for Phoenix but mission was definitely accomplished in terms of canine socialisation V.1
*this was quoted in an episode of Pushing Daisies and is of course untrue.
Fan Club.
On the Town.
Big Day Out today. We took Phoenix (by sling) into Torrington where she was spoken to and touched by about twenty people. She saw lots of machines, cars, lorries, and a few other dogs too. Lots of cooing and comments of “adorable”. Somebody else stopped us in the street by saying “I had to say ‘Hello’ to her, I couldn’t help myself”. Somebody else asked “Is she a Visssla?” then wandered a way saying “I thought so”, before we could vigorously intervene…
We also carried Phoenix down to the river and she went in up to her waist – boldly striding into the fast flowing and quite deep water, quite merrily. We knew that WHVs had an affinity for water, but this had not really been demonstrated in the way she looks disapprovingly at the rain and generally turns her paws up if we have to take her out in the wet.
We also had a lovely walk in the Winter sun along the river around the bottom of the garden. Phoenix is fantastically attentive and trots quite merrily alongside you as you walk. No pulling on the lead at all. She’s walking to heel really well. All the books say this is a tough nut to crack so we’re very pleased that Phoenix has managed it so quickly in such a distracting and stimulating environment. Stuffed kongs all round.
Belatarr Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla. 