[sandy]

My neighbour and friend Anne,doganjoe is a well seasoned dog breeder and has given me some advice. I had dogs when I was growing up and they had pups on several occasions so I have see the nesting and going off food etc.

Bens recall is good and he flys back but then, if he either gets the smell of something (he loves collecting hedghogs) or if he finds something to eat, usualy some form of poo, you cannot seem to budge him, but he also dose come back. I always walk off and ignore him, that used to work with the dog that has been put to sleep now, he used to take his ball just out of reach and not let you get to it. Anyway, the last time Ben went off I saw him watch me, it was just as we were nearing the car so I suspect as we bought him from a young family, his walks were brief and he went in the car, so that signifies the end of the walk. I got into the car after calling him and drove to the next parking bay although I was also concerned the road was near. By the time I returned to where I was originaly parked, he was there, and jumped back into the car. this theroy is backed up as when I go out with my OH and no car, he comes back every time!!!!

I know it's the car thing and I want the chance to take him out, then back to the car and not get in to finnish the walk......I also always have some tasty treat and say good boy, Isaly has always been great from day 1, so was my last dog.....Anyway, I shall have a go again when I am a bit more confident...he has knocked me off my feet twice!!!!

[Jackie]

Sounds fun with Ben 

The most reliable indication of labour is that the bitches temp drops by 1 degree.
 Im sorry if Im teaching granny to suck eggs here.

[sandy]

No, I need to learn , I like a lot of advice and am thankful I have this forum, bestest source for good advice on anything!!!! I loved going for walks with Isaly and Bruce, they always came back instantly and I would talk to them and they listened. Ben listens to me, and as I said, he is intelligent, I think thats the problem, he reads me too well!!!!!! He is also a bit clumbsy and barges by, a dominant trait, I think its due to his start in life, he lived in a small house with 2 tiny tots,  sat watching TV all day and only went for short walks. If he sees a baby wipe or plastic bag he gets really excited...he pulls tissues out of my pocket if given the opportunity. He loves children but is far too rough and would knock them down but he is not at all aggressive with other dogs, whereas Isaly is very gentle and has excellent recall but can be VERY aggressive with other dogs, she bit Ben's ear when he tried to pinch her bone!!!!!! All help appreciated.....

[Jackie]

Sandy if you are fed up with me Ill back off.

With Ben is he clumsy or dominant when he barges past you? cos they are different and need different training.

If Ben is free running and comes back at you like an express train you just turn sideways to him, dont take a step as you could be stepping into his path not out of it.

So then so far Islay is Bens boss and Ben is your boss? Or he thinks he is and is pushing for it.

[sandy]

Ben is a dominant dog but Islay is the boss in the pack, he is frightened of her!!! I am sure he was castrated at about 6-9mths old as he was far too dominant although I felt the owners let him be dominant. My OH has been very very strict with him, he knows I am a lot softer and thats half the problem although I understand the principles. He has not barged into me for some time but he did run straight into the back of my legs and often brushes the side of my legs and as he is very strong, it can soon knock you down...he walks OK but has to be checked for pulling from time to time and that stops me taking him out on the lead too as if he pulls sudenly, I will be over. Ben is als a bit clumsy but definatley dominant, the only conselation is he will be a bit lazy as he gets older......

[doganjo]

Don't worry, Jackie. I see Sandy most days and will keep an eye on things.  I have a digital thermometer she can have. I am 5 minutes away.  Your input is always welcome as you have so much more experience than myself.  Perhaps you have a check-list we can use?

[sandy]

Thanks, I feel so humble , all this attention from the experts, I should be paying for that privilege.......

[doganjo]

Don't worry, my friend - vee huv vays uv making you pay

You SHARE that port next time 

[Jackie]

Good luck 

[sandy]

Just to say, I have now made it very cosy in the kitchen, we can section a bit off if necessay but as I still have an old fashioned serving hatch I can also put my web camera through and watch her on movement sensitive setting, we can also hear her, we just need a heat pad, and some droppers (not sure what they are called) and some clamps for the umbilical cords...anything else?  I shall also watch a few more welping videos. Isay watches me all the time, she sits next to me until she is put to bed and just watches!!! I keep telling her it was Aunty Anne and Stephen that took her to be mated Oh and she is now staying in at night, Ben loves that!!!!

[doganjo]

Don't you blame me!  I was just the driver!

[sandy]

Well Isaly watches my every move!!!

[sandy]

Islay is getting more like a little pig to look at now, her teats are enourmouse!!!!!! I have just recieved confirmation of our Kennel club name, as I love Lord of the rings and the sire was from Mordor I decided to go for something connecting Lord of the RIngs with Clackmannanshire and came up with WEESHIRES!! and that is what they have agreed to, I am thrilled as all the pups will have names from Lord of the rings hopefully, the bitch we hope to keep will be Rohan, also a name place from Lord of the rings as well as a tree and the name on my OH trousers!!;D Also just ordered some welping stuff so we are very nearly ready for an invasion of Black Labradors!!!!

[doganjo]

Also just ordered some welping stuff s

What have you ordered?  I have some stuff for you here

[sandy]

All sorts..such as one of the bulb pipets, some pads, some coloured ties, clamp, etc etc....just need a heat pad....we are making it cosy in the kitchen but when the pups get a bit older...4 weeks, they will go to the dog room, got to give that a sort out and insulate it more although will shall put the heat pad in there as there is electric.