Pick of the litter? Well yes, I did have that, and the dog that I picked has his own understanding of it! Puppies explore their world with their mouths and, although it may not seem like it, have a natural sense of disgust. Of course their idea of disgusting is most definitely not the same as humans. Fox poo fragrance any one?
Trying to see the world through a puppy’s eyes can be a joy – their wide eyed response to something simple as their new owner sneezing for example, or the first time that Travis could focus his baby eyes on my chandelier. Honestly though, mostly it’s a case of dodging the next piece of discarded litter and keeping one’s eyes peeled for potentially toxic substances such as chewing gum. Sad too that I couldn’t let him romp in the leaves on Back Common because of the danger of litter.
Monitoring a small puppy is difficult simply because they are close to the ground and there are many other things that require one’s attention to keep a puppy safe when out on walks. He is adept at snatching at things when he knows that I am watching traffic or picking up a newspaper. I have had to “confiscate” pins, shards of glass and plastic and a discarded cannabis packet in addition to a succession of tissues, face masks and elastic bands.
Trying to teach my puppy to walk well on the lead is constantly thwarted by the need to zig zag to avoid yet another piece of discarded detritus. Litter seemed particularly bad after the recent bank holiday weekends, in spite of the weather.
Formal training helps to keep Travis’ attention focused on me instead and it also helps if I need to go at some speed. Of course, the best option would be if humans didn’t drop the litter in the first place and if local authorities did more to clean it up. General litter bins have been removed in Chiswick House Grounds and on Homefields which means that the dog waste bins can be overflowing with picnic litter and coffee cups, unhelpfully strewn around by squirrels and foxes.
Teaching a reliable hand over is essential until the behaviour lessens with maturity – although dogs are natural scavengers and some retain the habit into adulthood. It’s useful when your puppy picks up another dog’s toy too. Pick of the litter? Yes, but it’s my decision!
Stop Press: Update on the retained canine tooth – it had disappeared by the same evening!
Next week: Play’s The Thing
Meanwhile, why not check out R+Dog Training Puppy Start Right Courses and the new Puppy Social Walk in Chiswick House grounds for help with walking well on the lead and negotiating hazards safely.