The vet

Daddy went to see my doctor this afternoon. I refused to go in the car....

So Daddy went on his own and left me at home. I have run out of worming tablets, so he got some more for me. Sounds a good idea, as I do pick up all sorts of rubbish.

While there, Daddy asked some questions:

1 How can I be trained not to chase sheep - baaaa! The vet recommended walking on a lead in a sheep field as much as possible and being repeatedly held back and told no. Also, a collar might work - no, not an electric collar (they are banned apparently), but one that vibrates. You can get them on eBay, and he's found a few. Has anyone any comments about how useful they are? They're call training pagers!

2 When should I change from my puppy food? I should stay on puppy food until I am 12 months as I will still be growing then! (Since then, Daddy has spoken to James Wellbeloved and they said I should be on Junior now until 12 or 13 months.)

3 How can I be persuaded to go in the car? I am alright once I am in but I give Daddy the run-around when I think he wants to get me in the car. I am even suspicious of treats now. Daddy was advised to try giving me my meals in the car, put my bed in (or something like Daddy's t-shirt) and to put me in when we are not going anywhere.

Advice

Daddy had a conversation with Wendy (see ...busy-weekend.html) over the weekend about food, walks and chewing and gave him some tips.

Food - Daddy said that I had not been eating all my kibble recently until he started adding gravy and 'human food'. She said Daddy was making a 'rod for his own back' whatever that means. Anyway I have been eating the kibble alright with some added water, so Daddy is going to do that. If I don't eat my food in 10 minutes I will have to wait until the next meal time. Maybe I am not a foodie.

Walks - I fear I might be walking too far and too much off the lead - too bad! Wendy agreed with the vet: half an hour at a time and not always allowed to run free. Daddy is going to see what the trainer says tonight - I think I will be starting some proper on the lead training.

Chewing - I do chew and bite a lot and Wendy's advice is to give me alternatives whenever I chew something I shouldn't. Daddy should also shout 'ow!' loudly if I chew his fingers (or ears, etc). I am getting the message but I do get excited when I am playing.

Food again

I think Daddy has got the hint. He is adding real gravy and vegetables to my kibble and I really love it. (See http://dexter-fcr.blogspot.com/2008/03/its-not-fair.html.) It makes my food much more attractive. Maybe not unconnected, my coat is getting very wavy and shiny.

I am told there is another flat-coated retriever in the village (liver coloured) but I haven't met one yet.

At 12 weeks

I am now 12 weeks old and I weigh 10kg! I have been with Daddy now for 4 weeks and I'm loving it!Do I look big in this?I am not too happy about the car as Daddy puts me in this car crate, but he says I will soon be too big for it. The good news is that Daddy has decided to increase my rations a week early as I have a lean and hungry look. Must remember that for future reference!

Second vaccination

I went to see Mel, my doctor, today for my second vaccination and microchip as I am now 10 weeks old. Daddy was very impressed - he didn't even know it was done until afterwards. I was very good there and afterwards when Daddy did some shopping. I am now zonked out.

Daddy talked to the vet about my two bad habits - chewing furniture and climbing stairs. I am afraid he might be putting some advice into practice, darn it. However, I can go out for walks on Sunday - hooray!!! They will have to be short for at least my first year, but Daddy is thinking of carrying me in a rucksack for longer distances. I am not sure what to think about that.

Mel also said my meals can be cut down to 3 a day. So, from today, I am having 3 bigger meals but I do get hungry between times. At the end of March, my food will increase again.

Pets Get Slim campaign

Oh dear! Daddy was listening to the Today programme this morning and there was an item on the RSPCA Pets Get Slim Campaign. I hope he doesn't cut back on my food. I need all I can get while I am growing up!

A quiet day

Having a much quieter day today as I am rather tired after yesterday, but it has been interesting. I was carried to the post box and saw some strange noisy moving metal objects on the roads. I had two accidents today but that was Daddy's fault for not getting the hints. Had some lessons on 'sit' and 'fetch' and I am earning some nice treats! I also heard the organ played for the first time so I decided to sing along, much to Daddy's amusement. I might make a CD. As you can see I have been reading 'Helmet', the village magazine, and having fun with shoe laces and waste paper baskets. But the best news of all is that I have been told I can have a big increase in my food at meal times. Yippee!