Karalenstar and hoping for more puppies

So, we now have our own kennel name - Karalenstar!!! We are hoping that Molly will have some puppies  by Styleside Xanadu in March, and, not only will their name start with Karalenstar, but Molly, Teasle and Bramble will be ...at Karalenstar. All very exciting!!!!

Training starts for Bramble

So, even at 10 weeks, training is starting for Bramble.  First off is recall, calling the pup to you and giving a big fuss, and occasionally a small treat, when they return. Next is sitting - holding the flat of the hand for her to see and saying 'sit' and holding the food dish high in front of her and waiting (at first by holding her and then by picking the food up if she goes for it before being told she can) for her meal - she now does that well. However, I do have to check she can't get through to Teasle and Molly or she starts on  their food!! Starting in the garden - and in the house -we have  been working with the lead, a sharp pull to the right into my leg with the 'heel' command and then a 'good girl' to get her walking nicely on the lead.  Then we introduced the 'sit' command on the walk stopping and saying 'sit' while holding the hand up again.  It is still sometimes necessary to push her bottom down when there are distractions - which is where we are at the training sessions with Gaynor .

Of course, once we are with other dogs the distraction means that it is like starting again - but that is why it is so good to go to a class.  Last week, Bramble was quite good - this week, when two of her litter brothers joined her, she was less so.  However, that is what training is. She was doing a lot of whinging today - which is not acceptable if she is to compete in working tests and field triasls which I hope she will. I had to be very stern with her before she took notice, but what I find fascinating is that when i really told her to stop it, she sat back a moment and then came very gently for a fuss.  I have found that all my dogs, when told firmly to behave, always seem to be much closer to me afterwards than before and more relaxed. Dogs really do like to know who is pack leader.  Next to really work on, is the stay command.  First of all, staying while on the lead, taking 2 steps away then stepping back, standing next to the pup for a moment before telling him or her what a good pup they are.  Increase this exercise by one or two steps each day, eventually dropping the lead and always going back to the pup's side.Bramble isn't doing too badly with this in the garden, but needs some more work in the class. To start with, she doesn't seem particularly bothered that I have gone, even though I have said 'sit' and 'stay' - not very flattering - and then when she realises that no-one is holding her, she decides to move off :) However, all that means is that I need to spend an extra 10 minutes a day working with her.

Hoping that she is somewhat improved by next week - especially with my secret weapon - a one to one session with Gaynor :D

Look at us now!!!

 

Columbus is happy with his soul mate who sent this photo :)

 

Rafferty having a snooze - Richard took this :)

 

Paws enjoying the shoe box - sent by his new family :)

Bear Fuller - sent by his family :)

Dora still looking very pretty, enjoying her pheasant and the snow!!  Photos sent by her family.