All About Jake and now Red

Lesson Learnt

2011-03-19T04:32:00.000-07:00

It takes a huge mistake to realise just how bad people are. On being admitted to hospital I asked someone I thought as trustworthy if they'd look after Jake and Red for a few days but it wasn't vital as I could ask someone else. The few days turned into 6 weeks but I DID text or phone twice a day and always asked if all was okay and sent money. I was always told all was okay and the dogs were not a problem and could stay as long as needed.
But all was not okay, she constantly fed different food changing it every 2-3 days, give raw chicken to Jake when I had told her it makes him sick, Red was so neglected he looked starved, she claimed I sent him to her in this state. She claimed to have put weight back on him yet when I got him back home and weighed by the vet he was the same weight as he was when he went to her. This means beyond doubt that for her to have put weight on Red she must have caused him to loose weight thus looking so thin. She also posted so many lies on a public forum and photo's of Red thin that she caused and blamed me.
I got a vet report that also proved beyond doubt that it was her that caused Red's neglect. This young girl has also had a write up about one of her dogs that stated on how thin her dog was, that speaks volumes.
Jake and Red were traumatised and it took some time for Brian to get them back fit, healthy and confident as they were prior to going to her house. She claimed Jake was so aggressive that he needed to be sent to a dog pound, WHAT... ! Jake will only ever be guilty of licking you to death... EVERYONE who meets Jake always comment on what a lovely friendly and affectionate dog he is. If my dogs were such a problem then why did she always say they were great and could stay as long as needed .

Okay though its all true its pretty negative reading but heck I can't find anything nice to say about her... how sad is that?

Red was mentally effected by his time away to the point I decided to get a dog behaviourist to come and visit and boy was he fantastic. Red was stacking on the table like a pro.. Standing on his own, tail up and curled beautifully with his head up, alert eyes and ears and totally relaxed. The difference was amazing so I am gonna keep going with the exercises and have myself a great dog, not that he isn't great anyway. The table was only a minor part of the training, it was what was happening besides that that really brought out Red's confidence. This bloke has opened to many windows and I am so looking forward to the future with Red.

Jake is doing well, his weight is more balanced, watching Jake's way of communicating with me is facinating, it's like he has developed his own dog/person language and I understand him. The two lads slept on top of my bed last night but I can't keep allowing that otherwise they will feel so put out when I finally get to sleep back upstairs again. I was expecting to be woken up all night but they were great and didn't stir until I sat up.. then is was all crazy with two dogs jumping all over me, faces in my face with tails wagging. It was great....

Latest Update

2010-10-20T04:39:00.000-07:00

Been a while since I have posted on here, Red is doing great , he walks fine on the lead but house training is proving tedious, he is getting better but hasn't quite learned how to hold himself and pee and poop outdoors So we still have the odd accident. he walks better at ringcraft but stacking .. think of a hunched up banana. I took the lads to the LCC show adn met his breeder who though a bit arrogant did give me some good advice. Just wish he's learn how to talk to people, he as good dog skills but poor people skills. We are practising and I need to practice more than I do that is something to get in my head.. practice.

Jake well he is getting cheeky, growling when eating, though he has always been grumpy when tired the same day he actually growled at me, so two reprimands in one day, not a good day for Jake but hopefully he will stop his cheeky behaviour.

Bought a new crate made from a nice soft fabric after Red got his paw caught in the mesh one, this had me racing to rescue Red as he screamed and I ripped my knee open cathcing it on the conservatory door needing 5 stitches.

Had this photo taken last Sunday 17th at the LCC show

Two Little Boys

2010-09-06T12:31:00.000-07:00

Jake and Red are really bonding and play together all of the time. In the house it seems Red is the boss yet up at the stables Jake seems to be the boss. Make sme ownder if its a codifence thing, like Jake is more confident out in the open and so takes the upper hand.
when playing Jake is ever so gentle with Red, never hurts him and even if they look like they are playing rough they never are.
Took Red to Ringcraft lessons but found when it comes to walkign on the mat he just sits and refuses to move. Even bringing Jake over or some lovely treats had no effect. I sat and pondered and thought about what the trainer suggested about changing direction and then turning and trying again but Red still refused to move. I thought about this with my horses and thought all I am doing is teaching Red to control me.. So I decided to do it my way, back at the house in the garden I put the slip lead on Red and started walking very slowly, when Red sat I didn't look at him and carried on walking. He very quickly learnt that it was easier to walk then get grass stains on his bum.. lol.

I took Jake and Red to the Midlands Chi Club Show and I was able to have a little practice with Red on the mat. Red was awesome, not once did he sit down and I was so pleased with the little lad. usually at ringcraft we do one walk and then that's it, at the show everytime I asked him to walk he walked on.. So my way seems to have been the best way..

I wondered what poeple would think of Jake with him not being to standard and wondered if people would snub him, instead Jake stole their hearts, the amount of people that loved and fussed him was lovely. I was even starting to wonder at one time if Jake was a full pedigree Chi. I guess I started wondering as a few people asked when out and about what breed he was and asked if he was a cross and seemed shocked when I said no. But when you keep getting asked you do wonder don't you when Jake came with no papers. So at the show I soon realised I was silly to listen to others as in my heart I have always known Jake is full Chi and at the show many people said he was full Chi and could tell just by looking him over.

I have two of the most wonderful dogs anyone could ask for..

Confidence Issues

2010-08-14T06:08:00.000-07:00

This is about Red, the other day he ran and got pulled back on his lead, now he is scared of it and runs away and today just touching his neck had him give a little cry out. So I stroked him slightly rougher than normal til he relaxed and rewarded him with play. Red loves to play..

On the grooming table I give the two boys a nice brush and with Red practiced the stand. He fidgets when I look at his teeth so we did a little more of touching around his face and he was such a bood boy. On the carpet we tried the walk.. at first Red was reluctant to move again but his resistance wasn't as bad as yesterday and before long he was moving forward off the pressure.
Have moved Reds crate to the back of the lounge and already he has learnt when he is in there its quiet time.. or food... I think the food is more appealing...

Bonding and Ring Craft

2010-08-08T03:33:00.000-07:00

The two boys sleeping soundly on my legs, awh shucks so lovely but I found I couldn't move as I didin't wanna disturb them. I sat here like this for ages and could feel my legs stiffening up.
The two are getting on so much better now and they play loads.
I have tried to capture there crazy games on video but as soon as they see me they stop and run to me for cuddles.

Here are the two terrors having a game of Tug of War, Red will only play for about 20 seconds then goes to grab the toy where Jake has hold of it, then Jake being such a sweet guy leaves go and gives it to him.

Here's Red at his very first Ring Craft, it was a great evening and though Red found it quite overwhelming I learnt a few things.

Jake sure does look worried, wots happening. When it came to walking on the mat, sometimes he walked great and other times he refused to move.... as though to say "Enough is enough"

Best in Show

2010-08-03T12:01:00.000-07:00

Saturday 31st August I woke up and just couldn't decide whether to take Jake to Arthlingworth Dog Show near Leicestershire. At the very last minute I decided to go to give Jake and I some me time as he seemed a little put out with Red being here. I wanted Jake to know he was still No 1 and just as loved.
So a lovely warm sunny day we arrived and get ourselves all set up. Classes started about an hour late but I didn't mind as it give me and Jake loads of play time. The judging was a bit sloppy as a lass with two huge dogs which dragged her and she would kick them to move out of her way got a 2nd for best walk... the mind boggles.. but its novelty classes and its all in fun. Anyway Jake first got a white rosette (5th) then he got a yellow rosette (3rd) and as he was such a great lad Jake won a red rosette (1st) so it was a fantastic day for us both and Jake won three goodie bags with lovely chew sticks that he didn't mind testing.
Now usually its been such a long day at these shows that we leave and don't bother with any other classes. However this time as it was still a lovely day we had a discussion and decided to stay for the Best in Show class. Being pessimistic and unfair to Jake I thought we were actually just making the numbers up. I was looking at Jake and he was sitting all proud looking at me when I suddenly saw two feet in front of me.. OMG... Jake had just gone and won BEST IN SHOW.... That will teach me to thing we don't stand a chance.. I picked him up and smothered him in mumsie kisses and hugged him with loads of love. he relished the attention and smothered me in kisses back. Just look at what he won, not only a lovely big Rosette but also 2 bags of feed by Wagg and a lovely medal. Jake told Red all about it and showed off his prizes and after a lot of fuss and he went off to bed. I am soooooo proud of Jake. After all his operations he still shows he is the top dog. I love this load so much. Check out the Wagg site in a few weeks as Jake is gonna be on their website.

New addition to the family

2010-08-03T11:48:00.000-07:00

Awhh... How can anyone resist this fella? Meet Red apply named as he was always refered to as Red Dog as he never had a name. Well Red kinda stuck so Red it is. Red KC registered name is Copymear Comtridiction, does anyone recognise the name Copymear?
Anyhow Red is the only one of the litter and not used to socialising at all and thinks or rather does push his weight around and poor Jake being such a sweet guy lets Red be boss.
So when did Red join us... Friday 30th at approx 18 weeks old, I could have collected him at 12 weeks but I wanted Jake to be over the worst of his second operation first. Oh yeah red was born on the 1st April .. April Fool's day but he ain't no fool. he is very efffectionate and once on your knee goes all quiet and cuddles in. He is nervous so I'm spending time with him to bring him out more.
Its been 3 days and Jake is slowly getting used to Red being around and seeing them play together is so lovely, I really wanted a pal for Jake and it looks like they are gonna be okay together. So Jake is my fun guy and Red is gonna be my dog for showing.

Fun and Bath Time

2010-07-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

Having decided to see the horses I also decided to take Jake along with me, its been nearly 4 weeks since his operation so I thought a day out wouldn't be too bad for him. He loved it... rolling in the grass among "yuck" and eating god knows what he ahd a great time. he said hello to Anita's two dogs totally oblivious to the big cat eyeing him up.
Back home I then decided ... bath.. the vet said not to bath him till he next saw him which is a few weeks away, however with the stitches out and the wound healed nicely I couldn't see why he couldn't have a bath, especially when he'd been rolling in the horse paddock and was smelling a bit, in fact he was smelling even before we went to the field.
So Jake had his bath and is smelling lovely now and dozing on his bed in the conservatory.

Walking in the Rain

2010-07-22T10:47:00.000-07:00

It was raining and I put off going for a walk with Jake all day.. It was me that didn't fancy getting wet, Jake was all for going out. That was until......Jake ran into the passage and sat under his Puppia harness looking at me with those cute brown eyes that I realised I had no other choice but to go and get wet...
Still it was a good opportunity to do some teaching, setting off with my Mary Ray bag with the Beef Crunchies I had made we set off. Jakes idea of walking along side me or coming to me when I called was getting rather poor so we have been working on those two things.
Wow today Jake was superb, he came to me a mere whisper, would sit then all I'd say is "round" and he would go around my legs and sit at the side of me. Okay I know it was all for a crunchie but he was brilliant and for the first time ever today he walked along beside me rather than darting ahead or stopping without warning to sniff or pee.

So Jake go this walk out and Beef Crfunchies and I wasn't too wet.. A great day. I love my Jake.

Change of Routine

2010-04-27T01:46:00.000-07:00

Jake has grown up fast and is now 10 months old, when Jake was around 8 months old he squealed while playing and after a trip to the vets it was discovered he has Luxation Patella in both lags, he also has bad leg structure and so needs the Tibia sliced and pinned to help straighten the legs. He had a huge bandage on for a few days as you can see in the photo.

So Jake had his first set of operations on his off hind leg, having no further access to jumping around, playing and running about and now sleeping in a pen rather than my bed is a big change for him.

His pleading brown eyes and his cute talking is hard to resist but I have to be careful he doen't hurt himself firther or worse snap the pin.

Jake has a new carrier for the car which he likes as he can now see out when we go for drive.

One month on

2009-10-10T01:43:00.000-07:00

At the last weigh in Jake was 1.6kg (3.5lb) and measured 9" from neck to tail, that was about 2 weeks ago so it will be interesting to see what he weighs on Monday. Jake must be about 3 times the size of when I first brought him home, growing so fast.
So what's new, eating a caterpiller, yuck Jake that's disgusting and making loads of new friends in the park. Also has a foundness for horse manure and runs off with it with his cocky attitude of make me when I ask him to drop it lol.
Accident.... 2 weeks ago today my partner stood on Jake, I heard the scream and ran to him to have him race into my arms still whimpering. Worried I took Jake to the emergency vets as it was a Sat evening to thankfully be told nothing broken only bruised and sore. Cost £108 but at least I know he is okay. So now Jake wears a collar with a bell but not 24/7 so that when we are walking round the house we can hear where he is.

One thing Jake is good at is racing past your legs out the front door and this photo shows him exploring the plant pot and gives a good idea of his size. Frank the postman fusses over him every time and Jake loves the attention.
Jake has learnt the word "walkies" and races to my jacket, jumps up and claps his paws. Must get that on video one day, in fact I need to video Jake anyway and capture him and his funny antics.
"Doughnut" Hey Jake doughnut, where is it? Jake stands proud, looks around and the leaps off the sofa. Rummages around all his toys until he finds his number 1 favourite toy and brings it to me for a play. Next to learn is bottle, a squeaky bottle which is fav toy no 2.
HARROD'S.........I phoned to see if I could take Jake into the store and was told

Yes if in a dog carrier
Yes but only to the dog section
Yes but will be escorted in and out

So imagine how miffed I was after deciding not to take Jake to see someone in Harrod's with a Westie which is a huge dog compared to Jake and it was on a leash with no one escorting the owner. Well Harrod's loss as I would have bought more if Jake was with me but I did still spend £150.
The good to come of this was the tube was pretty packed and Jake could have been knocked a few times so just as well I never took him.
Not long now for the dog training class, only 17 more days.

Jake right now is flaked out, lying fully stretched on his back across my knee and arm. I can't move, I just can't disturb the lovely chap.

Adventures

2009-09-10T02:00:00.001-07:00

Jake has now had all his vaccinations and is venturing to the oudoors. we have been to the park a few times and Jake has discovered Feathers, Conkers, Branches, Scary Noises such as Dogs barking that he can't see, a Woodpecker knocking on a tree. People with dogs of all shapes and sizes. The garden was safe and this open space with the unknown is a scary world to Jake.
Jake has even been to see the horses but I tend to keep him a safe distance as I don't want the horses with their big feet standing on him.
Jake has a very bold character, daring to go where others shy from so I have my work cut out keeping an eye on him especially as he is so small. We were in the park the other day and I lost him, god my heart leapt and then calmed as I saw him merging into the colours of the shrubs. On that I decided to buy an extending leash so he can run about but I still have a hold of him.
Jake discovered his first cat, I saw him take up his power stance and look up, (he looked so cute) when I followed his gaze I saw a cat about 4 times the size of Jake sitting on the fence. Jake started barking at the cat then ran to me, the cat sat there staring at Jake with those eyes locked on him and looked to say"Ha, the size of you, go on just try it".
I found this interesting as when a dog appears Jake gets all excited and yet barks at a cat?

I am finding Jakes scratching to be frustrating, not for me but for him. I took him back to the vets as he has developed a patch on his off hind due to scratching. Again Jake was clear of lice and fleas and using an Ultra Violet light to test for ringworm this also showed nothing. So now I am to put "Spot On" once a month and also need to bathe his leg in salt water and apply a cream twice a day to his patch. So far the patch seems to be clearing but the scratching is still the same. Hopefully by the time he has the next two "Spot On" he will stop.

Oh I have ordered a lovely carrier for Jake so I can take him everywhere with me, its £122 but its the tops and though its pink I am sure Jake will love it.

Other than that I have found Jake loves Cheese and Raspberry flavoured Ice-Cream though he rarely gets ice-cream. I am gonna look into the Peanut Butter for dogs and see what he makes of that.

Jake sees every person and dog as his friend and gets all excited, so much so that he will follow them. So some training with his fav treat "chicken" was called for.

Jake is doing so well, hardly ever messes in the house though I think that is because I always take him out. He now comes to me when I call even when dogs and people are around, when we reach a road and I stop Jake will sit and wait till I say to go on. He has learned the kitchen is out of bounds though occasionally he'll wander in and scarpers when I say "OUT". On the leash he is brilliant, doesn't sit on his butt and refuse to move (unless the grass is long and wet, he hates that) and responds very well to the feel. I only have a collar for him and can't wait till he grows more so I can buy him a lovely harness. Jake has grown loads since I first bought him and to me he looks big now but everyone that sees him can't believe how small he is. He already has the girls swooning and some blokes lol.

Monday 17th - Day 4

2009-08-18T03:57:00.001-07:00

Today was a busy day for Jake and I, at 9am we set off on a journey to the vets to see about booking in for vaccinations etc. We were lucky as there was a 10am slot free. So back to the house where I quickly did some housework or the little I could manage and soon we were back in at the veterinary practice. Luckily the vets is literally only 5 mins away so not far to travel.

The vet was great, so freindly to talk to and was ever so gentle with Jake and talked to him the whole time. First up was to check for fleas / lice which was clear. The stethoscope to listen to Jakes heart seemed huge next to Jake and the little lad wriggled so much I was surprised the vet managed to hear anything.

Uh Oh.. The first vaccination, the needle also looks huge, the vet showed me how to hold Jake while he give the injection, I winced and tensed as the needle went in but Jake never even squeaked, what a brave lad he was.
Now for his nails which were very long and starting to go sideways, the clippers were the size of Jakes paws, but the vet being ever so careful trimmed them all quickly with no fuss. You don't realise how big everything is until you have a little dog like this fella. Finally before leaving I am given a wormer which is to be given on Friday for three days and told to come back in 2 weeks for his 2nd injection and to be microchipped.

After that I have to leave Jake for 30min while I got the doctors then we have lunch before hitting the road.

Its back to Pets at Home for more toys, then to the farm shop and finally the field to feed the horses. Things take a bit longer to do these days as everyone wants to say hello, not to me though to Jake.
I do find Jake is a little wary of too much attention so I tend to limit it so not to have him feel anxious.

After the field I realise I need to go to Tesco's, now I do not believe in leaving a dog in the car so I picked up the dog traveller placed it in a trolley and me and Jake went shopping. I really need a dog carrier so I want to go to Harrods some day soon to choose a really nice one. I've seen some on the net but you can't get a feel for them that way.

Going to Harrods ain't a problem, its how I take Jake as how do I let him go to the toilet as it will be a long day. Might wait till after all his vaccinations are over and he can go on the gound.

Looking on the internet for puppy parties that I can take him to eventually but so far can't find any.

Ahh, I am learning that I need to set a time for Jakes final feed, so far its been as late as 7.30pm but tonight gonna make it a lot earlier as he has poo'd in his bed the last two mornings which ain't nice for him.

Sunday - Day 3

2009-08-18T03:44:00.000-07:00

This is the day I have been dreading, I am taking my horse Spike to a show and that means leaving Jake at home. My partner is off to Nottingham so at some point Jake is gonna be on his own.

I spent as much time as I could before leaving the house and once at the yard I called my partner to see how Jake was. "He's fine, speak to you in 10 min" I was told lol, and yes I did phone again.

At the show my mind was on Spike tyring to help him settle and on Jake wondering how he was. Eager to get back I left the others and headed to the field with the horses, fed them and got in my car. Drove faster than normal but Jake had been left on his own long enough and he was my priority.

Oh what a lovely welcome I got when I walked into the front room which made me feel even more guilty. His little tail wagged for England, as you can imagine getting washed and changed was not an option as I played with Jake until he got tired and wanted to rest.

Each day brings us closer and he is slowly learning his new name. I throw a toy and he will grab it and bring it back to me, I think this is more of a safety zone for him to play rather than retrieving.

Each day I learn more about him, his preferences on toys, his eating habits, his funny antics, his cheeky expressions and how he walks and runs. Every day is an adventure and what a fun one it is.