First Day Trip

Second jabs done and dusted and so off we go on a day trip with visiting friends.

Hope we didn't overdo it!

Was hoping that after two 3-hour trips in the car without any sickness that Rhed would be O.K. on this 45 minute car trip but alas it was not to be.  Lesson learnt - if going on a long journey - no breakfast!

We drove over to Corfe Castle, walked up t o the castle, had a cream tea, walked back down and had a picnic in the field whilst watching the steam trains go by.  It was a beautiful day.  Great company, gorgeous weather.

Rhed didn't like the train though - he seems very nervous of new, strange, load noises.  Barked as the train passed and kept his distance.

Then, off we went to Studland beach.  His first time on the sand and he only took a small paddle in the sea.  Still nervous and probably worn out by now.

I've heard that Labs like to run in and out of the water so we shall see if that is something he takes to over time.

Had a wonderful day out followed by a good nights sleep.  Fingers crossed, Rhed has slept in cage for 7 hours overnight with no wetting for a few nights now.

First Walk

Now that Rhed had had his jabs and friends have come to visit, we took Rhed out for his first walk.

Took a trip along a short section of the Rodwell Trail to Sandsfoot Castle Gardens.

We went as a pack - 14 of us.

He was reluctant at times and we could tell he was nervous of being out of the safety of the home and garden but as long as we all walked ahead of him, he knew to follow along.

He seems much happier being on grass than he does pavement.  Here he is, trying to pull my daughter along for some investigating.

Then we trundled off to The Red Lion where we had some delicious food and Rhed was as good as gold the whole time, sitting at our feet under the table.

First Long-Distance Trip

Have bought Rhed across to my Mum's home in Kent.  A three hour trip in the car from Dorset.  We were worried that he would be sick all the way because when we picked him up from the farm he was sick 5 times on the 75 minute journey home.

We kitted out the car with towels, puppy training mats and a supply of wipes, paper towels and plastic bags for rubbish.

We were so lucky, he did us proud.  He did complain for over an hour and wouldn't settle but my 10 year old daughter is so patient with him that she kept him as calm as possible.  We have read "The Dog Whisperer' and she put her hand on his shoulder to reassure him but what worked the best was when she put a towel over his head, calling him 'Rehd Skywalker' that he really relaxed and settled.

He fell asleep for an hour with the towel over his head and then when he awoke we stopped at the new services on the M25 where he did a wee on the planted verge and we got back on our way and he slept for the last 45 minutes of the journey.  What a great dog.

One week on

Well, a week has passed since Rhed came into our home.  He is still so chilled out that it is beyond belief.  90% of the time, he will go in to his cage at night without any complaints.  He has only had a couple of accidents in the house and is very calm around us all.  Isn't it funny how we seem to have managed to get the perfect dog for our family.

Rhed - 9 weeks old.

Our son has always been nervous of dogs after a dog jumped up at him when he was 3 and nocked him over when we were in the park.  I was so annoyed with that dog owner, who thought it was funny, but the effects were long lasting on my son.  We were worried about introducing a dog in to the family because of his nervousness but actually, Rhed being so calm has been the best thing ever.

Will it last?

He is slowly building a little in energy levels.  I think he feels more and more at home each day.

He responds to 'sit' and 'paw' and 'eyes' rather well now but he is still getting used to the lead.