The last ten days or so have been spent very quietly.
I have much to learn about Toby Too and he has a great deal to learn about what I expect of him.
So we have walked.
At first he was spooked by some of the more unusual sights,
like this giant boot lives in the Enchanted Forest,
opposite the old watermill.
We have trudged many miles along the pathways
and through farmland and beautiful countryside.
The weather has been wonderful.
Toby has sniffed and explored to his heart's content -
on an extendable lead.
on an extendable lead.
He has seen sheep, horses, cattle,
pheasants, rabbits, dogs and cats.
At some point in his short past someone has taught him to sit, to shake paws
and also to sit and wait for his lead to be put on him.
He has manners.
It is just that he forgets everything
when he gets excited.
He gets excited when he sees, rabbits, cats, dogs,
sheep, cattle, pheasants...
He gets excited when he sees, rabbits, cats, dogs,
sheep, cattle, pheasants...
Luckily, I know a woman who can help me.
She is a dog trainer, of 20 years experience, and she lives just down the road.
As soon as it can be organised this handsome dog and I will be taking lessons.
I have no doubt that I have more to learn than the dog,
so it could take some time.
As you can see, Harry and Toby-Too work well together.
Two beautiful boys together!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you and Toby Too are getting along so well together , and learning together is always so much more fun than learning alone!
Hi Scarlet, Two of my favourite boys. Harry looks so tall in that photograph - I realised later that he was standing on a tree trunk! Toby Too is definitely finding his way into my heart.
DeleteHe's a bonny dog is he not
ReplyDeleteHello John, Now that we have got rid of the smell of kennels and his coat is beginning to gleam his is looking fine and dandy, just very skinny - but good food and exercise will sort that out.
DeleteLove, love, love these photos of Toby Too, especially the one with young Harry
ReplyDeleteHello Molly, That was such a lovely moment - shortly afterwards Toby Too heard a pheasant and the tableau was broken ...so was the peace!
DeleteI'm with Toby Too, that shoe would spook me too!
ReplyDeleteJane x
Hi Jane, I think someone was having a joke with that one, each window has figures inside which look as though they are crying for help. Enough to give you nightmares!
DeleteMy friend Ann, the dog rescuer, says all kids are alike, testing boundaries. It won't be long!
ReplyDeleteHi Joanne, There is so much good and positive stuff about Toby Too, he is a delight - all my dogs have been rescue dogs and they turn out fine in the end...well, maybe Pippin defeated me, until old age finally mellowed her!
DeleteI sounds like things are moving right along. I'm so glad you found a nice dog to take on your walks.
ReplyDeleteHi Ms Sparrow, I have really enjoyed getting out on those longer walks again - although I have to say that I find I have slowed up since I last took them! I must push myself harder.
DeleteIt's been quite interesting getting to know our Rosie too, but so worth it. I can only imagine how much this Toby touches your heart. XOXO
ReplyDeleteHi Susan, It is a wonderful journey and teaches us much about ourselves. I imagine that Rosie is so happy to be with you and is completely at home now, lucky girl! xx p.s. Toby Too has definitely found his way into my heart, simply by being himself.
DeleteGosh he's so like our Bok. He has that same sheen to his coat, and, by the sound of it, the same attributes.
ReplyDeleteHi Cro, They really are very similar. I'm not sure what mix of breeds he is, but his temperament is definitely mostly Labrador. When he is not trying to chase things he is biddable, willing to learn and very gentle.
DeleteIts easy to see why you decided to give him a home. He looks so intelligent and I'm sure that he will repay all your time and love with interest once he is settled. Jx
ReplyDeleteHi Jan, He really is a darling - and once he understands what I want him to do, or the way we do things, he is quite happy. Now I just need to get him out of chasing feathered and furry things... He is a delight, but the cats don't agree!
DeleteAhhhhh, what beautiful pathways and farmlands you have to walk with Toby-Too. Sleek and handsome he is. I hope the training brings about the needed results. Toby-Too seems quite calm with young Harry . . . maybe waiting for a bite to eat of something?
ReplyDeleteHi Lynne, I give thanks every time I go out on one of those walks, the countryside around here never fails to delight me and make my heart sing. Toby Too likes Harry - and Harry has now learned that when TT gets a bit boisterous it is best to give him a simple command like 'sit'. It helps! He had no chance of a snack from that bag - it had chocolate covered dinosaur biscuits, Harry's favourites.
DeleteToby-Too is a beauty. And, ah, the joy of growing into each other.
ReplyDeleteHi Mitch, He is such a sweetie. Right now he is curled up tight and cuddled into my side - this is his favourite place, when he's not hauling me around the countryside!
DeleteIt does take some 'getting used to' time to settle into a new relationship! I'm sure Toby Too is thrilled to have the world outside so new and interesting! Good luck with the training sessions!
ReplyDeleteHi Susan, Sometimes I can't believe that he has been here for less than two weeks. He has settled amazingly well - some rules and routines have been learned so quickly. Unfortunately, he still wants to chase my cats! We definitely need to work hard at the training.
DeleteOh you got another dog! Please come visit. He looks wonderful and I need a dog hug!
ReplyDeleteHello Dom, Sometimes I feel utterly disloyal for getting him so soon after losing Toby, but then I remember that this boy was on 'death row' simply because no one had claimed him. He is wonderful, but his good manners are 'patchy'. No doubt, one of these days, you will see me being hauled past your house by a very excited Toby Too. The pheasants and rabbits along that road drive him crazy! As soon as he has done a little training I'll be very happy to let you have a dog hug - and goodness, does he love hugs.
DeleteLove to you both,
xx
He is gorgeous! Good luck with the training. We have a 2 year old dog too and she is so lively. It has been hard, hard work and more training in the Autumn, but we are getting to where we want to be with her. Worth it.
ReplyDeleteHi Marianne, I think I had forgotten just how strong and lively a two year old dog can be. Most of the time he is fantastic, but 'lead' behaviour is not good. When I see how well he behaves in other ways I am surprised that it wasn't tackled by his previous owner...I keep wondering whether I am simply missing the correct commands...or even worse, does he think I am a pushover! It's good to know that you are making headway, that gives me hope!
DeleteA proud dog, done found a goodly home.
ReplyDeleteLightness will accompany your every step.
I am so happy for you Elaine.
LLX
Hello Lettice Leaf, I feel so fortunate to have found him. I miss my old Toby, but this boy has worked his way into my heart too. The hens quickly found that they could scare him off by simply fluffing up and charging at him - he then runs and hides behind me. My big brave boy!
DeleteAll good wishes to you and Lettice.
Adorable post, my dear friend. Toby Too is a lucky boy to have found a home with you.
ReplyDelete