The next two weeks have again flew by quickly and Zennor is coming along nicely. I think we have been very lucky with how the progress has gone...so far, at least. I am sure there are some testing times to come.
Routine.
Zennor’s routine is pretty much embedded. He knows when it is play time, he knows when it is meal time and he knows when it is time to go in his crate. He is quite happy going into his crate five or so minutes before we would naturally put him in there to suit the rhythms of the house. I cannot emphasise enough how beneficial it has been with Zennor’s progress to establish his routine promptly.
Crate/Toilet Training
Zennor is through the night now. We have been getting up and putting him out. He simply looks at us, “What are you doing, I was sleeping and don’t need a pee.”, then trots back to his crate with no elimination. Last two nights he has been left for 7 hours straight.
We placed some vetbed on the living room floor to give him an area to play outside of the bed in there when he is permitted in the lounge. Big mistake. He decided it was a convenient en suite that he would use after waking up. Caught in the act, scooped and outside. Since then we are accident free. Needless to say the vetbed is now removed.
Behaviour and Environment
Zennor is still nipping but is much, much better and becoming very gentle indeed. He is more nippy when tired and we are better at managing this. It is still a work in progress but we are pleased with the bite inhibition progress. A toy and/or a treat MUST be in arms reach at all times...you never know when he will want a nibble.
Zennor’s environment is intrinsically linked to his behaviour. The more fun his environment the more likely the cocker mania will appear. His permanent rooms are the kitchen and utility with the crate under a counter in the kitchen. Access to other areas of the house are restricted and controlled by doors and retractable gates. We rushed introducing him to the lounge and the room has been a battle ground at times. Far too much interesting stuff in there for a pup. We are slowly helping him make the association that the lounge in a reward for good behaviour and if he does not behave he cannot be in the lounge with the grown ups. If he misbehaves in there, and we cannot redirect his exuberance, back to the kitchen one of us goes with Zennor until he calms and then try again. He is learning that the lounge is where everyone relaxes together and is not a playground.
Socialisation
Is ongoing. Zennor is kept busy every day with new experiences. He has met the dustmen, been to the supermarket and gone to the pub with the correct controls for his current vaccination status of course.
Play/Training
Little and often seems the best way to progress. 5 to 10 minutes at a time for association training. Any more is counter productive for Zennor. Pretty much more of the same over the last two weeks. Sit, recall, retrieves with the introduction of lead work and heel. He is on the hand for sit at close distances and a super sonic fast whistle recall from standing. From our mistakes so far we have learnt not to rush the pup, don’t move on too soon. It seems better to re-inforce easier behaviour before making the task more difficult. Our priority is the recall and we have reached the level we want until he is older before making the recall more demanding. Now is the time ingrain the behaviour...I think.
Ahhhhhh....
Zennor is very much a working cocker. Nose down all the time, bouncing through bushes and hedges play hunting. Whilst hunting in a line of conifers he trotted out with his head held high with something in his mouth. He sat in front of OH and presented his find, “I think someone left this behind.”, his look said.
It was a ball our border collie used to play with. I think OH had a little tear in her eye. Zennor loves the ball too!
