Teddy Training

When I first came to live with 'Them Indoors' I was an anxious fur. My humum had been in and out of hospital and I had similarly been in and out of kennels, my own home and other peoples'. I was not happy and was a bit vocal on my walks, feeling the need to comment, perhaps more loudly than was entirely polite, at children, bicycles, horses, men walking past, and other furs. Over time, and with the good example of the Boss, Rolo, who ignored them all unless he thought he could get a treat, I became less shouty, but then the Boss passed over the rainbow bridge and I took a few steps back. However, with some patience and steady training, I gradually stopped commenting on most things, with the noteable exception of other furs. There are one or two, like Daisy the polite Labrador, whose owner, Mr Mike, does a good line in treats, and Milo who is just too old to bark at, whose presence I tolerate, but everyfur else gets a good terrier shouting at, with me dangling from the end of my lead, rage and indignation personified. For some reason, 'Them Indoors' took exception to this, but couldn't find a way to make me stop, so they contacted the Cinnamon Trust who placed me with 'Them Indoors' in the first place, and they found me a behaviourist. She paid us a visit and gave 'Her Indoors' lots of ideas, some of which are good, and some of which, to be frank, I could have done without.
          On the positive side, she suggested that 'Her Indoors' teach me some tricks. Now the secret with this, I learnt from the Boss, is not to catch on too quickly so that lots of treats are deployed. So far, I have slowly learnt to sit, lie down, shake a paw, wait for a treat left on the floor until I'm allowed to get it, and jump through a hoop. True, the hoop isn't very far off the ground, but it is gradually getting higher. Walking on my back legs to command, something I can do when I choose to, very well, is still a work in progress, as is playing dead (why, for Dog's sake?). I'm also struggling with getting a treat out from under a plant pot. When it is there, it's there, and when it's gone it's gone, as far as I'm concerned, so I just sit there and look alternatively interested then puzzled. The behaviourist also suggested that 'Her Indoors' make my walks more fun, with treats, games etc, but when it's first thing in the morning and raining, no amount of treats and encouragment makes me happy. Still, there is a game I do like. We find a bank or a tree stump and I sit and watch whilst 'Her Indoors' hides some treats in nooks and crannies, then I have to find them all. If I forget, 'Her Indoors' helps with a bit of pointing, but I'm getting quite good at it now.
          Another positive is the suggestion that 'Them Indoors' use some temporary fencing to make me an area in the garden that's away from that fluffy woofy Leonburger next door, as when I'm outside, I spend the whole time guarding the fence line. I now have the front garden all to myself, and 'Her Indoors' has added some small hurdles. I thought, to begin with, these were to keep her occupied whilst I was sniffing around searching for rabbits, but apparently I'm supposed to jump over them. I've so far demonstrated how to go round and even, rather impresssively, under, but with lots of treats, I might eventually deign to get the hang of it....
          Less positive, was the suggestion that 'Her Indoors' needs to work on my emotional flexibility, with her leading when I am played with, when play is paused, and when it stops. There was nothing wrong with me doing the decision making in my book, but I've had to go along with it. I've also got mixed feelings about the block and back up technique 'Her Indoors' has been shown how to use when I see something of medium interest. I've tried sitting down but she just crowds my space until I walk backwards - bizare.
          And one thing I could definitely live without is my Halti headcollar. 'Her Indoors' had bought it before she met the behaviourist, but wasn't sure if it was a good idea. The behaviourist thought we should use it, but, in addition to my normal lead attached to my harness, with a separate light lead on the head collar, which only comes into play when I misbehave. If I lunge forward, the strap around my nose tightens, and 'Her Indoors' uses it to direct my head away from the source of trouble. I really don't like it and to begin with, I stopped frequently to try and remove it with my paws. 'Her Indoors' used to make me tolerate it for a short time, then she would take it off before I managed to do it myself. After a while, when it became clear that 'Her Indoors' wasn't going to give up, I decided to accept it, but it is a real kill-joy and has stopped me barking at lots of furs. Oddly, 'Her Indoors' is really pleased, which just goes to show that hupeeps are unfathomable.
          The behaviourist is coming back shortly, to see how I'm doing. I'm hoping 'Her Indoors' will make it clear which ideas I approve of and which I don't, but I suspect my views might not be fully taken into account. I'm not sure what the Boss would make of all of this. There are times when I really miss his advice. However, I am, at heart, a people pleasing fur, and I really value 'Her Indoors' good opinion, which I suspect is a disadvantage in this situation. Still, if anyone wants a performing pooch who can't find a treat under a flowerpot, I'm your fur! A jump through a hoop anyone...?

It's a size one but don't let your hupeeps buy you one, they spoil your fun......

Ignoring the jumps....

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Transport Policy

Now us furs usually get around under our own power. We've got four-wheel drive and an economic, environmentally friendly engine (provided pooh bags are made of biodegradable plastic for disposing of waste products). Okay so we might not always be that robust in extreme weather, and we can be a bit intermittent when there's pee-mails to be read, but we can match, if not out-last, our hupeeps over rough terrain.
          Having said that, there are times, when for convenience, speed or due to excessive distance, other forms of transport need to be deployed. Dogs all have their own preferred method of traveling in cars. Some go in the boot in crates or with a guard to stop them making an unscheduled trip into the cabin to visit the occupants. This hasn't been an option for a number of years, in 'Her Indoors' car, as she's got a Mini, and any effort to shut me in the boot would lead to a very stern phone call to Dog-line. Some dogs travel, lounging in full splendour and comfort, on the car seats, with a restraining harness that plugs into the seat belt retainer. This sounds like a great idea but 'Them Indoors' have a totally unreasonable concern for the car's upholstery so are not in favour. What's a bit of terrier glitter and the odd scratch mark between family members, I ask you.....
          The Boss used to favour a small, soft travel crate that went on the back seat and was held in place by the seat belt. This way he was still in the same zone as the other occupants, but saved from any disturbance to his senior napping.
          When I used to live with my previous owner, I was allowed to free-range in the car, traveling in the foot well or hopping onto the seats as the whim took me. Apparently, this is now illegal as an unrestrained pooch isn't a good idea in terms of potential distraction for the driver, or in the event of an accident. When I came to live with 'Them Indoors' they had to reconsider my transport arrangements and I have a suspended car seat that hangs from the headrest and is secured by a strap around the seat or by the seat belt. I am fastened into my seat via a harness and I prefer to travel in the front passenger seat so I can rest my head on the edge and gaze lovingly at 'Her Indoors', something that, to be frank, she finds slightly unnerving. It also has the added advantage that she can give me ear rubs if we have to wait at the lights or we get stuck in traffic.
          I can also use my seat when the roof is down although 'Her Indoors' gets a bit cross if I bark at other furs as it makes her jump. She also worries about me getting something in my eyes as she wears sunglasses to prevent such a mishap for herself. Then she discovered something called doggles, which as the name suggests are sunglasses/goggles for dogs - Amazon has a lot to answer for. However, I look pretty cool in mine and I turn a few heads I can tell you.
          When the Boss was alive and we were not traveling by car, we had the problem of his senior staying power, which was significantly diminished in later years, although his enjoyment of being out and about, meeting people with their furs, and snaffling treats, remained with him to the last. The answer was for him to have his own transportation devices. This started with a back carrier for long walks. He used to walk for a bit and when he got tired 'Her Indoors' would pop him in the back pack and carry him. He loved it. He could still supervise activities and get treats without 'Her Indoors' knowing about it, or expending any effort whatsoever. In due course, 'Her Indoors' bought him a buggy for walks with me, and the same applied. He'd potter along until he got tired, then in he'd get and off we'd go!
          Recently, 'Them Indoors' have bought new bikes for use at home and whilst we're on holiday in our motorhome, which is a great idea with just one significant drawback: there's no space for a samll dog. There was some subversive talk of putting me in the basket on the front but I'm not standing for any of that nonsense, or sitting for that matter. I'm no-one's handbag pooch. After much discussion, they decided a doggy bike trailer would be the best way forward and they've purchased a rather fetching little number in racing red. Like the Boss, I've got my own number plate and I' making a few little tweaks and personal touches just to make it clear who's on board. I haven't been out in it yet but 'Them Indoors' are bribing me with treats to sit in it. The Boss might have been an adventurous fur, willing to give anything a try, but I'm more cautious. I've got used to 'Her Indoors' driving, but I have my reservations about what she'll be like on a bike. Keen cyclists might like to look away now, but it's got a battery for pedal assistance, to increase her potential range with a small dog in tow. Anyway, I'm going to search the Internet for a doggy crash helmet just to be on the safe side. If they do doggles, there must be a helmet out there somewhere - watch this space!

All fastened in and ready to go - watch out lady furs!

My bike trailer with a few homey touches!

Cool or what!

The Boss in his buggy with me as the outrider!

Giddy-up 'Her Indoors'!

Postscript
Since the Boss went over the rainbow bridge in February, 'Her Indoors' hasn't had the heart to get rid of his buggy and back pack, as he was so happy in them, but it seems a shame for them to just languish in the shed with no fur using them and I'm a mere youngster and don't need them. So this weekend she's had them out and cleaned them up. If anyone in the south-east would like either of them, the buggy (with extra anchoring points - the Boss was...well...the Boss!) or the back pack are yours for £20 each, buyer collects, or for the back pack if necessary, pays postage. Full service history and previous elderly, totally careless celebrity owner!

                                                        The Boss's Back Pack

The Boss's Buggy

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Playing to Your Strengths

Now us furs, like people, have somethings we are good at and other things that, in the grand scheme of things, would stand improvement. I have some particular strengths that I think are worth a bit of celebrating and recognition.
          Firstly, as I might have mentioned before, I am good in bed! I curl up comfortably, sleep soundly and move out reluctantly. Other dogs have these skills but I do it with a resoluteness and determination that exceeds average. If there was an A* for this, I would have it.
          I also have a particular skill at toy tossing. I spin round and round, holding my toy by a suitable extremity, and then, like a highly trained discus thrower, I release it at the critical point and it goes flying across the room. I have even managed to knock things over which takes particular skill, although 'Them Indoors' have been somewhat lacking in the appreciation department.
          Although most dogs can do barking, whining and growling, my vocal range is so varied I can do whole conversations. 'Her Indoors' is particularly skilled at interpreting my comments and giving sensible answers or reassuring remarks as required.
          But perhaps my most impressive of all is my ability to walk on my hind legs. I'm quite a sturdy Border Terrier, and I have a good sense of balance, so once I'm up on my back legs I can stay up, perfectly poised, for quite a while. This gives me the opportunity to explore surfaces which would normally be out of range to a dog of my stature. It also means I can see what's going on when normally I wouldn't be able to. The best example of this is in our Motorhome. I have my bed between the front seats and if I stand on my back legs, I can see out of the windscreen pretty well.
          This has led to a particularly exciting development. I have learnt how to use some of the motorhome controls. Whilst 'Her Indoors' was away at a conference recently, 'Him Indoors' left me on my own in the motorhome for a few minutes whilst he twiddled about with something outside. I discovered that the big red button in the centre of the dashboard which is the ideal size for paws, operates the hazard warning lights, and the button next to it, the central locking. Fortunately, 'Him Indoors' had the keys in his pocket or he could have found himself locked out of his own motorhome, trying to get me to repeat press the button to unlock it and let him in. The hazard warning light button is rather satisfying as it flashes when pushed, so I've had another go at that one. I push it in and then sit back to watch! The central locking gives a good clunk. This made me jump the first time but I'll know what to expect in the future.
          The next step, obviously, is to drive it. I can reach the steering wheel and the gear stick is on the dashboard, although the handbrake might give a little difficulty as it's quite low down. Still, I'm sure there's a way round it if I apply my mind to it. After all, driving a motorhome can't be that difficult, 'Her Indoors' can do it.....

Good in bed....!

This button, just here....

How to fling a toy!

Tweet-up Teds!

Today was my first Tweet-up without the Boss so it was a bit of a milestone. 'Her Indoors' was a little concerned as, since we lost him, I've been more reactive with other furs, and she didn't want me spoiling the event with an unseemly terrier commentary. Also, my good behaviour credentials suffered a slight set back this morning, as I accidentally chewed 'Her Indoors' umbrella, which she'd foolishly left in the hall. In my defense, it looks a bit like my toys so how was I to know?
          Anyway, things took a distinct turn for the better when we headed for my BT Posse pals, Mabel and Archie's house. They had one of our Californian BTs,  Topa's humums staying and I had the pleasure of some company in the back of the Mini on the way to Headley Heath. I hopefully provided some distraction from 'Her Indoors' navigating skills, which to be honest, were embarrassing, but we managed to get there with a few minutes in paw, more through good luck than judgement, it's got to be said.
          I had more warning signs attached to my person than your average nuclear establishment, so I thought it was only right and proper to show 'Her Indoors' up as completely paranoid by largely behaving myself. I stuck to the back and had a pleasant trip down memory lane, accompanying a great senior, Coco, as an outrider to his buggy. When we stopped for a group photo however, I couldn't resist a quick woof and consequently set everyone else off. 'Her Indoors' promptly moved me to the back, so I'm just a florescent dot in the distance in all the shots which isn't ideal.
          Lunch proved more fruitful and I'd like to thank the hudad with the sausages for a nice snack and Mabel and Archie's humum for 'Her Indoors' chocolate brownie. Mabel and Archie's new hupup was getting a fair bit of socialising from what I could see, so it's unlikely she's going to grown up reactive which is a blessing. I'm not sure a florescent 'Give Me Space' bib would suit her.
          Still, we're back home now and I'm suitably weary after meeting 37 other Border Terriers in one afternoon. That's a lot of furs!

Slight, piffling damage to 'Her Indoors' umbrella

In fairness, it looks like my toy, if you shut one and a half eyes......

Good to have some quality company on the journey

Stuck at the back with 'Her Indoors'

Enjoying a picnic with Lime Oscar's humum

The group photo - get a magnifying glass and you might be able to see me!

Working Dogs

Now it might look like I'm just a pet, but in fact I am a working dog and so was the Boss. I don't mean working in the sense that I'm out in the field rounding up sheep, or sniffing out drugs at an airport, although I can see that might have unexpected bonuses. Neither am I directing a person with a visual impairment safely around the obstacles and hazards of everyday life or greeting seniors in care homes, instead, like the Boss before me, I am a literary fur.
          This is actually harder work than it sounds. Firstly, there's the actual writing, which isn't easy for a dog with paws. I've taken over the Boss's Sussex Living column and I've just written my second installment.Then there are the photographs to go with the writing and to advertise the Boss's books. Rolo had got a firm understanding: photos mean treats. It's taken me a little while but I'm getting there myself. I may not want to pose with bunny ears on but if I oblige, I get generously rewarded. The Boss had actually learnt to smile at the camera, whereas I still tend to look a bit solemn, but I am at least learning to look into the lens instead of in the opposite direction, usually because I'm keeping my beady eye in the treat hand it's got to be said.
          Then there is my role of office dog. This is a particular skills set. Firstly, I have to entertain 'Her Indoors' in the interludes between meaningful activity, for example, when her computer is booting up or she goes to get something from a file or cupboard. The technique is to present her with a toy, firmly but politely, and insist she gets a break from all that screen-based activity. Then there is the meeting and greeting of colleagues and students. Her friend and colleague, Danielle, is always a good bet, generous on the treats and toys front so she always gets a warm welcome from me. One of 'Her Indoors' students is really a cat lady, but I've been gradually winning her round to a little bit of dog admiration. Quite a feat.
          So whilst it might appear that I'm just sleeping and playing, I'm actually working very hard in my various capacities. In fact I'm seriously thinking for getting my own bandana or coat explaining that I'm a literary dog so that people take my role a bit more seriously and allow me into cafes, public buildings and shops, for research and inspiration. It's the least they can do to assist a dog who's providing a service to the wider world.

The Boss, training me up

Hard at it

Advertising *sigh*

And again, but slightly more dignified

My first Sussex Living column

Teddy likes his beddie!

The Boss's advice on writing was that it was good, at least to start with, to write about something you know, so I'm going to write about my bed as I'm very familiar with it. Actually, to be more accurate, I should say beds, as I've got four.
          When I first came to live with 'Them Indoors' I brought my bed from my previous home. It was was rather large, about Labrador size, which would be fine if I was a Labrador. 'Them Indoors' have a relatively small kitchen, and I took up an impressive amount of floor space for a fairly small dog, so after a respectable interval, I was bought a smaller version and my old, big one, was donated to the local dog rescue centre.
         The Boss was struggling because of senior arthritis, to clamber out of his bed, so 'Her Indoors' decided to get him a memory foam cushion to help him out a bit. I'm not saying she's cheapskate, but having costed these, she decided she could make one for a fraction of the price so she bought an off-cut. She also made the Boss a bolster, to go around the sides of his bed, so that he had something comfy to rest his head on. Now, fortunately for me, not wanting to show favouritism, I also got a new mattress and a bolster, so I have probably the best bed in the entire dog world.
          'Her Indoors' has, however, been a victim of her own success. My bed is so nice that I never want to leave it, and, in the morning, I refuse to budge. She's tried coxing, sounding bright and enthusiastic, bribing me with treats, going outside herself and waiting for me to appear; nothing works. The only way she can get me out of bed is to fasten my lead on and 'encourage' me up. Even then, if she gets distracted, looking for her coat or putting her boots on, I sneak back in and have to be evicted for a second time.
          I've also got a special bed in 'Her Indoors' office. It's my crate from my previous home. A dog trainer suggested that making this a cosy, safe place might help with my separation anxiety, and that I should be encouraged to stay in it when 'Her Indoors' goes inside to make a cup of tea, and rewarded if, instead of pacing anxiously, I'm still in it when she returns. This has worked up to a point, but what I sometimes do is pace anxiously, then scuttle back into my crate when I hear the back door go, so that I can get praising and treats too. She hasn't a clue bless her!
          Anyway, the unadorned crate in her office, offended her eye, so she's made a cover in nice lined fabric. It has roll-up sides so that in the hot weather I can have some additional ventilation. It also has bunting with my name on, a water bowl that fastens to the side, and a comfy cushion to lie on, and I love it. When she has students or colleagues visiting, I pop out to say hello, and then, when they do the boring talky stuff, I retreat back in for a little nap. What could be nicer?
          'Them Indoors' have got a camper van, and they bought me my third bed to go in there. It was carefully chosen to fit between the front cab seats and there is an anchoring point to attach my harness to when we are going along, to keep my safe. At night, the parallel sofas make up into a double bed, which means I'm right next to 'Her Indoors' -  perfect! It also means that if I need to check up on 'Him Indoors' I can scoot under the bed and pop up like a jack-in-the-box on the other side.
          This bed has proved such a success that they bought one for the house, so that in the evening, I've got a nice cushion to lie on in the lounge. If they go upstairs into the attic room to watch the big TV, the cushion also fits nicely between their beanbags so I can have cosy viewing. Most nights I get so comfy there I refuse to vacate in order to do my late-night garden visit, and we have a repeat of the morning walk efforts, in order to get me outside for a very reluctant wee.
          My keenness to stay put is actually a compliment to 'Them Indoors' for providing me with such comfortable arrangements. The word 'spoilt' has been mentioned in close conjunction with 'dog' but I think that's a bit harsh, I'm just a Teddy who like his beddie (s)!

My original big bed, being monopolised by the Boss!

My lounge bed

The Boss snuggling on his memory foam cushion with his bolster

I feel like I'm being watched....

Snuggling on my own memory foam cushion with bolster

My office crate with cover and matching accessories

Scooting under the big bed and popping up the other side in the campervan

My campervan bed between the seats

Following in Big Paw Prints

I loved the Boss. He accepted me into his life at the point when I most needed him. As the incumbent Border Terrier, he had the casting vote, and he welcomed me, if not with open paws, with very little in the way of senior grumbling. True, he made it clear from the outset who was in charge, but after all, it was his family, his kitchen and his garden. He pinched my bed, my toys and my food, but in return he taught me the fine art of disobedience and saved me from being a 'yes' fur. He didn't expect me to be like him; but he celebrated my individual subversiveness, like my bid for the big bed, my obsession with Ben, the Leonburger next door, and my talent for noxious emissions of an eye-watering, building evacuation strength.
          He was a very senior fur when I first met him. His walks were very short and I would wait for him as he read the peemail and pootled about. He loved his buggy and I would accompany him as his outrider on our morning walks. He showed me who to tap up for treats and who to bark at, very important things. In return I like to think that I helped him out a bit. I could hear things he couldn't, so I could signal when to bark. I was also his bodyguard and I defended him against other dogs, plastic bags blowing in the wind, anyone who looked a bit funny and other such grave dangers. I also provided him with a furry towel to dry his face on and a source of additional food, particularly at the outset when I was pining for my previous humum, Sandra.
          At the end, after his final visit to the Vets, 'Them Indoors' brought him home and put him in his bed in the kitchen so that I could say my final goodbyes. He was a great fur, a subversive role model, and he gave me everything he had, 'Them Indoors'.
          He also left me his literary legacy, but he understood I was my own fur. So although I inherit his magazine column and our half finished book, 'A Dog with Two Tales', I feel I have the artistic freedom to strike out for myself. I'm not the Boss, but I carry his proud legacy forward. I'm a bed loving, people focused, Leonburger hating, Campervan liking Border Terrier, and I hope you will follow me on my journey and make my blog as popular as the Bosses. It should be fun...!

Me and the Boss

I just didn't have his staying power.....

On walks together

The Boss's amazing books - if you haven't got them, why not?

The Boss, pinching my bed!

And me, settling in my own bed