Keep learning

Today has been all about learning. First up, Bert graduated from Puppy School. He’s grown so much in those 6 weeks. He’s learned so much too. He got a certificate and rosette. Admittedly, he tried to eat the rosette.

His education will continue next Saturday. As I’ve enrolled him in Puppy College. He really does enjoy it. He drags me in each week.

Then it was Buddy’s turn as we headed over to Mousehold Farm for a lesson with Simon Grieve. It was our first lesson of 2025. Buddy was almost as energetic as Bert had been in his session. Even in the cold conditions. Who ordered snow?! Buddy felt amazing to jump. Seems the time out last year, really has helped him. He feels stronger than ever.

Bert came to his first clinic too. He slept in the cab while I had my lesson. Can’t say I blame him. Though he did get lots of cuddles. He was quite the hit.

It was a very educational day all round…

Pupped out

Bert was all pupped out earlier. He’d had a lovely day though. First up was Puppy School. We were working on sit and down again. Then loose lead walking. And finished with some recall practise.

He aced them all! Each week I am seeing improvements in him. He was so excited to be at Puppy School that he jumped out of the car and dragged me across to the door. Not quite the control I’d hoped for… Made me giggle as he was so keen to get to school. Reminded me of those kids who leave their Mum’s for dust in their haste.

He had a quick nap in the car on our way to Centre Paws. He was meeting Oreo there (and his owners). Oreo is a Sprocker too. He’s 3 and not that much bigger than Bert!

It was very busy in the field, so the perfect setting to check my recall. Gold star for my baby boy. He came back each time. Even when he was distracted by other dogs.

Getting him away from the Alpaca wool was a bit more of a challenge! He loved eating it! He loved eating his first ‘pup cake’ more though.

Next time I think he’s going to want a ‘puppuccino’ too. He has more of a social life than I do!!

Bucketload

You’d think Bert would be tired after his second Puppy School session. Clearly not as he’s having a lot of fun with a bucket of all things. I popped a treat under it so he has to work for it.

He was a lot calmer at Puppy School today. He was much more focussed on me, rather than on all of the other puppies. So much better for training.

Today we were working on ‘sit, down and stand’, recall and tips for helping with biting. Bert is still in his piranha stage. He loves playing with his toys. Unfortunately, he’s accidentally caught my hands too. Man, puppy teeth are sharp!

I’m trying to get ahead of it before he starts teething. He’s now 15 weeks so he’s heading towards that.

He crashed out when we got home, so I left him sleeping while I went to pop Buddy over a few jumps. It’s been a little while since we jumped, so nothing big or fancy. But felt very good to leave the ground again.

Bo bo

Bert had an imaginary ‘bo bo’ at Puppy Pre-School tonight. I could say that he was very brave having the bandage put on, but honestly, I’m not sure he even noticed. He was far more interested in the liver paste on the table.

It was all a bit too exciting for him tonight. He got rather overstimulated and needed a time out. There were 3 new puppies tonight. All tiny and terrified compared to him. He’s such a confident chap.

He had quite the day as he had another visitor. This one brought treats! It seems I have a very food-oriented dog to go with my very food-oriented horse. Not a bad thing at all when it comes to training. Just need to get over the excitement of food. For both of them….

Playpen

Bert has a new playpen in the garden. This is so he can be outside (supervised of course) while I puppy proof the garden. As adorable as he is, it’s hard getting stuff done. I have to wait for nap time. I have a new found appreciation for new Mums that’s for sure.

I have to admit, it looked bigger online and I’m sure I measured it out. I’m willing to admit that I’m not great when it comes to scale. It will do for now though.

He gets a gold star for photo posing! It seems I have yet another photogenic animal In my life.

He also gets a gold star for his trip to the vets today. He’s has his first jab, so he’s on the path to proper ‘meet & greets’. He weighs in at 4kg and is a good solid little chap according to the vet. Though he did say that he has rather large paws. Let’s see if he grows into them!!

He’s also enrolled in Pre-Puppy School. Exciting times in Bert’s World.

Hotstepper

To plagiarise Neil Armstrong, this is one small step for Buddy, one giant leap for his rehab.

Today Buddy stepped over first first pole. Thankfully no leaping!! Poor boy was rather confused. But then it’s the first time we’ve been in the outdoor school since April. Still he managed to do the poles – without falling over.

Here comes the hot stepper….!

Are you singing it?!

Improvise

Had to improvise today as the indoor school was being harrowed when I went to lunge Buddy. So I took him out to his field. In the squally wind. That was interesting!

A couple of ‘wind up the tail’ moments. But for the most part he was his usual wonderful self.

I like to lunge him as it gives me a different view of him and his way of going. He’s looking really well at the moment. Good job too with his crack support team!

One of whom I met for breakfast. It was really good to chat without a horse in the way. Though there were rather large sausage baps involved. I’ll let you insert your own jokes there.

Storm off

Right, this is getting ridiculous. How many frigging storms does one week needs?! Four is a bit much in anyone’s book (and apparently it’s now in the history books too).

It’s at time like this, I’m very grateful that we have an indoor school at the yard. But if I’m honest, I’m fed up with getting soaked, nearly blown off and frozen through.

And apparently we have more storms to come. 🤦🏻‍♀️

At least I can guarantee that Buddy will make me smile.