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- Week 41 - Quella gets restless in season
Week 41 - Quella gets restless in season
Quella is not a very happy bunny at the moment, due to being in season, she cannot understand why she can't go out. I have taken her out for car rides just to get her out of the house, although I don't get her out. Some people do take their dog out for walks when they are is season, but I prefer not to, as they are quite hormonal at this time, and things that wouldn't normally bother them, could do so during this period. As Quella is prospective breeding stock, I need to be extra vigilant with her. I have been playing with her in the garden a lot, throwing toys on a rope for her to retrieve, so that she is still getting plenty of exercise, to ensure she doesn't get chubby.
I have also been teaching Quella to 'find the chair' to stimulate her. This is something a Guide Dog learns during its training. A Guide Dog Owner may need to use this exercise for example, in a waiting room, where they will ask their dog to 'find the chair'. The dog will then go to an empty chair and place its head on the chair, the Guide Dog Owner will then slide their hand down the handle of the harness, to where the dogs head is, and then feel for the empty chair, knowing their dog will have found an empty chair for them to sit on. They may also ask their dog to 'find the door'. Although this is not an exercise expected to be taught by a Puppy Walker, I just sometimes do it for extra stimulation as the puppy gets older, to prevent it from getting bored. I also ask puppy to 'find the button' at a pelican crossing, where they will take me to the post, where the button is mounted.
This is Quella's last week of her season, so we will soon be out and about again, and back to normal, then she will be a happy bunny again.
Comments


Brian, 5:17pm Tue 25 Oct 2011:
Looks like Quella is having fun with that toy. It's good that as a Puppy Walker you have introduced simple 'finding' tasks. My late wife who had two guide dogs, was always pleased when either of her dogs managed to take her to a seat on a bus or in the hospital waiting area. Have you tried the, 'Find The Kerb' yet? And stopped at kerb edges with her. I know when the Trainers get her they will do that but again, if it is stimulation you want to give her, its a useful one.
Charlie, 11:45pm Wed 26 Oct 2011:
Just been accepted for our first puppy and finding the diary very helpful in knowing what to expect. Thank you!
Elizabeth, 7:12am Thu 27 Oct 2011:
Hello Brian, sorry for your loss, I expect you miss those clever dogs too. Yes I do know about the 'kerb drill' I have done it with a dog in advanced training, up to the kerb with dog, then one step back for handler, then give command. However it is not something that puppy walkers are required to do, As if they don't do it correct, the dog will only have to be 'retrained'. So as a puppy walker, if there is no traffic we say 'straight on' and just carry on accross the road,if traffic is about we say 'wait' but do not ask to 'sit' unless the dog chooses to do so. We puppy walker just keep is simple until they leave us for the training centre, when they are introduced to the harness. Thank you for your comment Brian. Regards Liz