Vagueness and the Aftermath - A sporadic diary

[RED-DOG]

Have you had any trouble training them because of the pack mentality Tom?

No Ralph, I am the pack leader, they look to me for guidance and praise. Basically they just want to please me.

I wish Mrs Red had a bit more pack mentality.

[EvilPie]

The puppies are growing.

They look absolutely delightful Tom. Lawn looks good as well which is impressive given the three dogs.....

I have it in my head that I'd like three dogs at some point but not until I have a good sized garden for them to roam around in. I also wouldn't bring another dog in whilst I have Ronnie as he's been used to his solo dog life from being a pup.

Do you have any experience of bringing a new dog in to the pack when you have a single dog who's always been the one and only?

[Kev B]

Have you had any trouble training them because of the pack mentality Tom?

No Ralph, I am the pack leader, they look to me for guidance and praise. Basically they just want to please me.

I wish Mrs Red had a bit more pack mentality.

 

[Karabiner]

Have you had any trouble training them because of the pack mentality Tom?

No Ralph, I am the pack leader, they look to me for guidance and praise. Basically they just want to please me.

I wish Mrs Red had a bit more pack mentality.

I'm sure I can remember you telling someone not to get two puppies at once once.

I think it might have been Mr Yong, perhaps he's not as pack-leadery as you..

[RED-DOG]

Have you had any trouble training them because of the pack mentality Tom?

No Ralph, I am the pack leader, they look to me for guidance and praise. Basically they just want to please me.

I wish Mrs Red had a bit more pack mentality.

I'm sure I can remember you telling someone not to get two puppies at once once.

I think it might have been Mr Yong, perhaps he's not as pack-leadery as you..

Ah yes, you're right Ralph, but that was from a safety viewpoint rather than a training one. They were bull breed and he was an inexperienced owner.

In an aggression type situation, two dogs will take things much further than one will because as you rightly say two dogs are a pack and will tend to behave as such.

This applies to all dogs of course but a 'pack' of bull crosses are far more dangerous than a pack of cockapoos.

[RED-DOG]

The puppies are growing.

They look absolutely delightful Tom. Lawn looks good as well which is impressive given the three dogs.....

I have it in my head that I'd like three dogs at some point but not until I have a good sized garden for them to roam around in. I also wouldn't bring another dog in whilst I have Ronnie as he's been used to his solo dog life from being a pup.

Do you have any experience of bringing a new dog in to the pack when you have a single dog who's always been the one and only?

Yep, done it loads of times Matt. How difficult it is depends entirely on the disposition of the incumbent dog. Surprisingly, the more established and confident he is, the less he's bothered by a newcomer. Insecure dogs on the other hand, are prone to jealousy and need loads of reassurance.

 Kizzy was top dog here for years and even though I now have three more dogs, for her nothing has changed. In her mind, they are no threat at all.

It's also worth bearing in mind that almost any adult dog will tolerate a puppy. He might snap and snarl like he's going to rip it's head off, and but he's only asserting his dominance. Add to this the fact that puppies are hard wired to ingratiate themselves to the dominant dog and within no time at all you find the boss dog looking out for the youngster and allowing his ear to be used as a chew toy.

You have a real understand of dog mentality Matt, I'm sure you would have no insurmountable problems.

[tikay]

Cracking photos, Tom.

Dogs are - or seem to be - so facially expressive. Love to see a dog "smiling".

[RED-DOG]

Cracking photos, Tom.

Dogs are - or seem to be - so facially expressive. Love to see a dog "smiling".

Dog's facial expressions are usually very fleeting, the 'Smile' is an exception.

If you look closely at Poppy in this picture you will see that she is showing her teeth. Some people mistake this for a snarl and some mistake it for a smile. It's actually a gesture of submission.

Click to see full-size image.

Here is a clearer example.

[RED-DOG]

Those Americans eh?

[Tonji]

Hello Mr RD, all well I hope.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b07g9q28/handmade-by-royal-appointment-2-john-lobb-shoes

I found this a joy to watch. Comforting to know such craftsmanship & skill is still alive in today's technology driven world. So tempted to splash out big time on a pair.

I think you may enjoy it, hope so.

[Mohican]

Hello Mr RD, all well I hope.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b07g9q28/handmade-by-royal-appointment-2-john-lobb-shoes

I found this a joy to watch. Comforting to know such craftsmanship & skill is still alive in today's technology driven world. So tempted to splash out big time on a pair.

I think you may enjoy it, hope so.

Enjoyed that. Unfortunately,whilst the gentleman bought shoes instead of cars, my shoe money went on buying the wife a car.

[The_nun]

The puppies are growing.

Click to see full-size image.

Click to see full-size image.

Click to see full-size image.

gorgeous..

[RED-DOG]

Hello Mr RD, all well I hope.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b07g9q28/handmade-by-royal-appointment-2-john-lobb-shoes

I found this a joy to watch. Comforting to know such craftsmanship & skill is still alive in today's technology driven world. So tempted to splash out big time on a pair.

I think you may enjoy it, hope so.

I did enjoy it, I love this sort of thing. There are some fantastic programmes on BBC4.

Thanks for posting.

If I were to be limited to one TV station and one radio station, it would probably be BBC4 & Radio 4. (I would struggle to give up Nat Geo though)

[RED-DOG]

Been laying some paving slabs today. Old stylee 3'x2' monsters that weigh in at 10st each.

I thought I would get them all down in one afternoon, but by 4pm I realised that I was flagging.

Click to see full-size image.

[RED-DOG]

I bought myself a new mattock today, it came complete with assembly instructions.

Anyone who needs instructions to assemble a mattock is not qualified to use one.

Click to see full-size image.