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- Week 27 - Quella settles down
Week 27 - Quella settles down
Quella has settled really well without Maya,and doesn't appear to have missed her at all. The day Maya left we decided to eat out for our evening meal, and take Quella with us, as she has to learn to sit or lay quietly while we eat our meal. I took a small piece of bedding for her to lie on by my feet. With some pups I have needed to take a chew to keep them occupied. Maya was always very well behaved and didn't ever need anything to occupy her. I always carry chews with me just in case they are needed, but I will only give them when it is really necessary. I put her bedding down for her, and after having a good mooch around on the floor,as the carpet was probably laced with all sorts of wonderful smells from the food that has landed on it, she did spot a garden pea and tried to sneakily creep towards it, but once I spoiled her fun and removed the attraction, she climbed onto her bed, and settled beautifully, and remained on her bed while we ate our meal. I didn't need to give her a chew. (maybe Maya had a word with her) I had found a table in the corner, so fortunately there weren't people passing by her to distract her, long may it continue. I refrain from giving chews if I can as I only have to wean them off them as they mature, and prior to go for training at the training centre, by then they have come to expect a chew, so then have to learn to do without.
We have recently been boarding a ten week old yellow Labrador, who just like Quella was with Maya, was forever sinking her sharp teeth into Quella, and Quella was a little dream with her, she was so very tolerant with the puppy, and they played along really well together. The puppy brought a rigid crate with her to sleep in at night, and each morning when I opened the door to take puppy outside to relieve herself, Quella would jump in the crate, it was like a lovely little den for her. I am considering purchasing one of these crates for Quella, as the door can be removed, and it will be more or less draught proof for the winter months.
Comments
Norma, 10:21pm Fri 5 Aug 2011:
I have been thinking of applying to be a puppy walker for some time now but I am concerned that I will get too upset when the puppy has to leave to start the next stage of training.
Kathy, 5:14pm Fri 9 Sep 2011:
Hi Norma,
My partner was initially against puyppy walking for this reason. But remember what a valuable role this dog will have thanks to you. We now have our first puppy and I just keep hearing comments from Guide Dog users saying that they didn't leave the house until they got a dog. Everyone at Guide Dogs told me that you get an invitation to see 'your' puppy in training and that it really helps to see the puppy happy and engaged. Remember these puppies are bred to be helpful - I honestly think our puppy would get bored if he didn't go on to greater things. And wherever the puppy goes, he will be very much loved and appreciated and always treated so well. A lot of dogs don't ever get that. I am sure there will be plenty of tears when puppy leaves us but among the sadness there will be agreat dea of pride in what he has learnt so far and in what he is going to do. I'm trying to see it like raising a child and them going off to university - you'll miss them but be so proud of how you have raised them!
Elizabeth, 12:09pm Tue 25 Oct 2011:
Hi Norma, only just read your post,I check for comments for the first couple of weeks after going live, then assume the new entry has been read,so have just decided to browse. I hope by now you have made your decision, and entered the wonderful world of puppy walking, it is just so rewarding as Katy has said. Rea(pictured in the introduction of this diary) started class last week, so hopefully she will qualify this week or next. And also Maya the German Shepherd is in advanced training, we are going to visit her next week 4th Nov. and then she will start 'class' on 21st Nov 'class' is when the dog starts to work with the new Guide Dog Owner, and if they work well together, then they will qualify together as a partnership.And I will be a very happy bunny, knowing I have helped change the lives of those two visually impaired people. And a lot of the time those new owners get in touch with the puppy walker to express their gratitude.