Dunwich Swim 13th August 2017
- By andrew cottle
- •
- 23 Sep, 2017
- •
A Special day for a special guest.
Anyway today was going to be special because one of the dogs coming with us was 14 years old and right up for a paddle! that's 100 YEARS OLD in Hooman!
I was told that I wasn't allowed to charge about with Frankie in case we knocked Bonnie over, but she was so lovely and we just watch in awe as she followed dad (Andrew) into the water.
After we had had a swim we headed off to the café and had great lunch and lots of gravy bones.
We all said our goodbyes and got into our cars for the journey home, and the dreams of reliving the swim when we see the rest of the gang of Friday.
Wednesday July 12th 2017 Rose’s Birthday
Well the day has finally arrived it my Birthday so in true Labrador fashion I
woke early to help dad make his sandwiches for work ( quality control is an
essential part of the process) I got my card and some presents, then when back to
bed with Mum for an hour.
After a leisurely breakfast it was out for my walk with mum, which was only
down to the local park and not round the river walk, I would have been
disappointed but there were some friends in the park that I could run and chase
a ball with, but I was a little surprised when mum told me to heel and we
headed home.
When we got home, mum was straight into the kitchen and all of a sudden there
were lots of lovely smells as different ingredients were lined up on the work
top, oh good perhaps a bowl to lick or more quality control required.
After a while mum produced a batch of cakes the like of I had never seen before
and the set about decorating them, when she had finished to my surprise she put
one in my food bowl and sad Happy Birthday Rose, here a Pup cake.
It was delicious, I could taste the peanut butter, sweet carrot, honey
and other things that made it really tasty! and what more if they were all for
me the big tray had loads on it and what’s more mum was making even more!
I had to quality control one from another batch but it was just as tasty, but
it was strange that mum had not scoffed any yet!
The afternoon flew past and dad was home and after a quick greeting, he was getting
the wet suit out, this meant one thing - yippee, we are going
swimming!
Sure enough we arrive at the river and after a few minutes my friends from
Woofers started to turn up and pretty soon there were dogs of all shapes and
sizes running around the river bank.
Some followed me and Frankie into the water with dad and some needed a bit of encouragement
, I think nearly everyone got wet
We all had a great swimming party with dad in the water to help some of the
dogs in and out of the water and make sure the little ones came to no harm.
Everyone got a Pup cakes, that were a huge hit together with shapes and Gravy
bone in fact there was so much to eat even
some dogs that weren’t part of my party had some biscuits to.
It was a wonderful evening and so great to have some of my friends join me
doing what us dogs like to do, all the woofers dogs have so many different friends
and so many different sizes and we always have great fun together and the
hoomans think they are training us!
We don’t let on that we are all perfectly well trained really, in case they
forget to bring us on the socialisation walk and swims.
Some of my friends don’t come to training but always persuade their hoomans to
bring them to the social events.
You should give yours a good wagging too and get them to bring you along!
These pupcakes are a wonderful, tasty way to celebrate your dog's birthday - or to serve any day!
10 min Prep Time
20 min Active Cook/Bake Time
30 min Total
Ingredients for 6 cakes
· - 1 large egg
· - 1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons peanut butter
· - 1/4 cup vegetable oil
· - 1/3 cup honey
· - 1 cup shredded carrots
· - 1 cup whole wheat flour
· - 1 teaspoon baking soda
· - 1/3 cup quick cooking oats
· OPTIONAL: peanut butter for frosting, dog biscuits or treats
Instructions
· Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
· Line a cupcake tin with 6-7 cupcake liners.
· Combine the egg, peanut butter, oil, honey, and shredded carrots in a large bowl. Feel free to omit the honey if you'd like.
· In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and oats. Add this to the carrot mixture, and stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
· Divide the mixture evenly among prepared cupcake liners.
· Bake for 15-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs on it and the tops are slightly golden brown.
· Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack.
OPTIONAL: Frost tops with peanut butter, and top each pupcake with a dog biscuit.
After helping all afternoon I could not wait to get to bed in the evening.
Anyway I woke with a start on Sunday morning and the Heat wavy had been replaced with wind and rain, but being a Lab, I like the rain (not sure about the wind).
Anyway more activity followed and then the Woofers trainers turn up with loads of food and Lola and Rose, who quickly took over organising things while the Hoomans all played with a big white sheet and lots of metal sticks.
When they had fashioned the big tent up they lit two large BBQ's, Rose then told me we had a job to do so we had best get on with it.
Our job was to greet all these people and dogs that were suddenly arriving, and even if a bit distracted by the smells of cooking everywhere, we were soon all turfed out of the barn to earn biscuits and sausages
The October Dog of the Month has once again been a difficult one, with the past winners aiming to push the decision to the wire, Tielk with Liz and Gem with Kerry leading the pack.
If it was on handler effort alone Kerry would be streets ahead, something has clicked for this young lady and she is turning into as great handler with her calm experience with horses becoming evident.
Again a couple of the new starters warrant a mention, River a Weimaraner handled by Ashley, Willow a Vizsla with Lesley both narrowly missed out more due to lack of experience.
A man who deserves real credit is Paul with his Chocolate Labrador (crossed with a Spring!) Riley who after a few week training is now on the floor long enough to get some work done, a great effort with an excitable dog!.
Anyway the October dog of the month is one who's progress is always steady, but I had overlooked all year, this was really highlighted by the long stay exercises in the S2 class, a long stay with handlers changing into multiple positions highlighted just how far this little dog has come on since her operation this year.
So the winner are Teddy a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel with Catherine who again has done fantastic work with a dog who has needed expert handling to become a beautiful and well round personality, in my opinion an example of the breed characteristics at its best.
A real Well done to both of you
The September Dog of the Month has been an absolute mare, in fact with so many dogs missing for holidays etc. and those that were there all preforming at a higher rate because in many cases of reduced class sizes.
Most of the usual suspects were in the hunt again, Nala,Pedro both with Melissa, as always Meg and Tammy with Sandra and Nicole, Teddy with Catherine , Rhea and Averil, Ruby and Sarah improves every week, there is always the Labs that are just so consistent its more of a talking point when they do decide to do something not quite right.
My heart said their are dog in the beginners classes that have really made a great start, in all honesty they have all been great.
So the final selection is again a split decision!
So this month its a Cockapoo Two - that was so nearly the CP3
The small black furry one that narrowly missed out, but was so close I had to mention her was was Luna, with Emily, so the two winners small black furry winners were Molly with David and Julia in S1 class and Henry with Janice in S2.
Both dogs have struggled to be focused because there has always something more interesting near by, but through hard-work and determination the handlers have made great progress, Molly's moved up a class and is really getting to grips with it and Henry has become established in the top class ( this decision was not influenced by Mervyn's tea making its purely down to Janice and a lot of hard work)
Special praise to everyone and again, Well done all.
Both are home grown talent that have progressed right from the puppy classes where both were a bit enthusiastic and difficult to focus because of their very friendly nature, both have been referenced before as "Mad as Hatters" but have now really shown the worth and hard work of their owners
The first is a Black Flat Coat Retriever whose love of life and training is evident the minute you meet him, he is so enthusiastic that for the first 6 months you could have been forgiven for thinking his name was "No Tielk"
Liz and family have put in fantastic work effort, which has culminated in him now working off lead and Liz being able to put Tielk in a stay and leave the hall.
He truly is a deserving winner.
The second was also described as "Mad as a box of frogs" and jumps nearly as much.
This is Black Labrador Gem, trained originally by Cate, and now Kerry, again a real handful to start with for exactly the same reason as Tielk, a wonderful outgoing nature tinged with youth and enthusiastic lust for life
Since moving up to the S2 class Kerry has worked really hard and the result are showing in the partnership, it won't be long before its "move over Lola and Rose, there is a new top Lab in Bramford!"
Lots of credit and respect for what both handlers have achieved, and special thanks the Cate and Graham for allowing the invasion of the Woofers, that was the annual BBQ.
Again lots of other dogs deserve a special mention, Ruby with Sarah and some of the new pups have put in a real challenge, the ever consistent Tammy and Meg, new to Woofers, Oscar and how could we not mention Bob, Rhea was also close again.
Special praise to everyone and again, Well done all.
July - Lola with Faye and Rose with everyone,
both are Chocolate Labradors and are a credit to and both truly great
ambassadors for the group.
June - Nala with Melissa
May - another split decision - Harvey with Mel and Ruby with Sarah
March - April were not awarded
January / February - Sadie JRxChihuahua with Ann & Brian & Wilson
Cocker X Springer with Julie and David
All the dogs hand a great time and for some it was their first visit to the seaside, Norbert did eventually get his feet wet and Gem was soon in the fray with the other Labradors and a couple of or guests making sure Frankie and Rose didn't get every toy in the ocean.
Afterward some of us went over to the "Hand in Hand" public House in Trimly IP11 0RL and had a great lunch, in a really dog friendly atmosphere, with water appearing for the dogs as soon as we arrived and gravy bones being offer around by the staff.
If you are taking your dogs out and about in the Felixstowe area it is well worth the detour for a good quality meal or a drink, check out there web site for menus and specials, there is also ample parking out the back so you can decamp the dogs away from the road if required Well worth a visit! ( A great selection of Gin's the Rhubarb one with the ginger ale particularly hit the spot for a couple that weren't driving)
Remember you don't have to be a Woofers member to "Walk with Woofers"
For Members we are doing a teach in for the Brownies, to help them with the Pet award, we shall show them what a working dog can do, then how to conduct yourself around a strange dog.
We shall do a similar event at the Pets at Home store in Sudbury, for more details grab me at training or email me.
Most importantly don't forget Bonfire night is fast approaching, read the section on about fire work training further down the page (Any members that want a hand, grab any of the trainers and they will advise) .
Hadleigh is an ideal place to start the training they have a clay shoot every second Sunday starting at 14:00 and you can walk your dog right down the end of the Rugby field or pass the Cricket ground to start the training and over the weeks progress down the River walk so you can finally walk up Love lane.
Just remember slowly is best, any sign of fear or discomfort go right back to the start, don't get cross, be more relaxed with the dog, get the family involved in playing.
This simple training could make all the difference to your dogs and ultimately your happiness, If you get problems or are not sure, come and talk to me.
The next walk is on Sunday the 25th February 2018 and is the annual celebration of Lola's birthday.
We are going to meet at the Tangham forest center IP12 3NF at 11:15 (beware the road works Woods Lane is closed) have our normal gentle stroll around the forest for about an hour, then its off to the Kings Head 17 Market Hill, Woodbridge IP12 4LP to sample the doggy menu.
We will meet next to the Carpark payment hut although there is an area where you don't have to pay parking, you can wander down to the forest center and toilets and join us there.
Once again everyone is welcome, and it is great socialisation for the dogs, we normally have the whole back room of the pub so the dogs can be all together and you can join them for lunch, the food is good value and well recommended.
This is a great one to bring the children on they can run about the forest, or the older generation can enjoy a gentle stroll around the picnic area, then sit at the table and work up an appetite for the pub watching the dogs and children tear around the forest.
There is a small children’s play ground to keep the children amused and Its a super walk and safe for the dogs, so give them a treat with Lola and join the fun!
The pub is really friendly and welcomes children and dogs, from the dogs point of view a Honey dried Pig snout with a sausage chaser really hits the spot after a forest walk!
Don't forget, all are welcome to join us, if you are not a member or on a course it will cost you £1 per dog (insurance) I would appreciate it if you could let me know in advance if you are coming to the pub afterwards to eat, so I can warn them approximate numbers so they can get the staffing right.
The Team worked really hard both before have with the display practices, setting up and pulling everything together, and then on the day, the Sun shine showed this beautiful venue off to its full potential and gave the handlers and dogs a day to remember
December Dog of the Month Goes to Chocolate Labrador Lola who is handled by Trainer Faye.
Despite mum having a new job and having to spend more time at Woofers training other people dogs, Lola reminded us all what a super dog she is and what a good advert and ambassador for the group she is, everything is done with o fuss and to a high standard, get on with everyone and everything and I can't think of a better advert.
Well done Lola and Faye
I was going to discontinue the DOM but every week I see or the trainers report dogs that have exceeded expectations or put in a mega performance, so sorry I am going to continue to do it this year.
This Then leads me to January which has been a nightmare for me, as almost every dog has seemed to have something to prove.
In the end it came down to two dogs, both so different but both having done so well, I could not separate them.
So the first Dog of the Month is: Wilson who is a Cocker/ Springer and is fast becoming one of my favourites, it has been down to hard work and persistence by Julie and David and it is difficult to believe he has only been with us since September and is almost unrecognisable in terms of behaviour, still a way to go but a great start for a 1 y/o
The second dog of the Month is Sadie who is a Jack Russell/ Chihuahua X who despite she size has been quite an experience for owners Anne and Brian.
Sadie is a testament to good owners who realised even at her size she was a problem, they have made extraordinary progress in the class and social situations and is getting better every week.
I am sure she is secretly starting to enjoy training, the tail has been seen wagging.
Unfortunately having so much to commend in these two have left little space for the others on the 11 dog short list I had, have to mention Trevor who has been on his best behaviour for Anita and pushed Sadie & Wilson for the top spot.
Also worth a pat on the back are, Henry, Wallace, Molly, Gem, Bailey, Tammy, Meg and Teddy
Well done all.
December Dog Of the Month Goes to Chocolate Labrador Lola, who despite mum Faye having started a new job, spending more time training other peoples dogs, showed at the Christmas party just what a good advert and ambassador for Woofers she is.
Novembers and October Dog of the Month not awarded
September Dog of the Month - the special mention in August for KC Cavalier Spaniel Teddy who has come back from her operation, prompted even better as her work and mum, Catherine's commitment that had resulted in promotion up to the Socialisation 2 class along with Leo and Kelsey the new additions have put on a great performance and have been out to prove they deserve to be there.
So after a fantastic job and for a great performance in her new class, commitment and a consistent improvement it goes to Teddy and Catherine.
But special mentions to Leo, again to Bailey who is really getting to grips with training Margret! and also to Schnauzer Trevor who with mum Anita have suddenly excelled and was only just shaded out of the top spot for the month!
I started off the short list this month with 17 dogs! I haven't got time or space to mention you all but well done and apologies I will speak to you at training.
A few more that really deserve a mention are: Ralph (Chalky) and Rachel, who despite his size is proving to be a big hit with the ladies and a huge character who enjoys his solicitation, Fizzgig (multipoo) who with fantastic handling by Kate has proved to the poodle brain is capable of great things when properly motivated.
The beginners improvement was so good this time all the dogs had achieved the necessary to qualify for the certificates after 4 to 5 weeks, for some like Duffy (Choc Lab), she was always going to take to training and becomes more like Lola every week and a similar tale of Belle who with Beverley has performed as well as any young lab I've seen this year and has a great future ahead.
But for others like Wilson (Cocker/ Springer) it was down to hard work and persistence by Julie and the same can be said for Harvey (Cocker) and Christine who really started to make a difference and both would have been front runners for the October Dog of the month but unfortunately I have decided to make October different, for reasons I will disclose later.
I could not talk about the beginners classes without Kobie who is a lab x lurcher x northern Inuit which sound like the stuff of nightmares, but is a fantastic little dog who puts Ally through her paces and is a joy to be with.
I must thank everyone for the great interaction with some of the new intake of dogs that have a few problems, we don't only train take the easy dogs, but take on a few special cases a month, for most we are the last chance saloon so please support the vital work the trainers do with these dogs and be aware of what they are trying to achieve for these dogs and handlers.
August Dog of the Month - Tammy for being Consistent and pure Spaniel enthusiasm for life. Great job Sandra
July Winner - Hugo French Bulldog For his improvement in over coming his many inherited problems, well done Hayley
Junes Winner - Norbert 14 mt old Labradoodle for his improvement in class and on social walks with Jenny and Kev
Mays Winner - Rolo Labrador - for his commitment to his training and becoming a real swimmer with Carolyn and John.
April Winner - Ruby - 7 year old Spaniel who lives with Jo and John Kelm and proves that every dog with a little help can improve from mum can keep improving
March Winner - Ruby - Weimaraner -For a huge improvement in social skills after only one month of training with Breeze
February Dog of the Month winner- Rose Chocolate Labrador For being a superb ambassador for the group and asset in the community.
Christmas Party
Well what a fantastic Christmas party we had, its a good job we hired the
bigger hall in Hadleigh with a record attendance,
I was so impressed by everyone that made the effort and added to what was a
fantastic fun night.
The photo above shows some of the pass the parcel games which was nearly as
much as a hit as the musical chairs, where we saw the dark side of some of the
girls who were flinging themselves on to empty chairs as soon as the music
stopped, poor Dominic never stop a chance.
The hit of the night for the dogs was the sausage recall game, where they were
left by their handlers and then recalled across Morrison's cocktail
sausage's, as expected half of team Chocolate Lola and Rose got it wrong
and didn't eat the sausages closely followed by another Chocolate Lab Frankie
who much to the surprise of lead trainer Andy and some verbal
encouragement from Sharon also left the sausage unscathed, so some of the other
dogs led by another Labrador Gem, has suggested a DNA profile as they could not
be proper Labs, leave no sausage uneaten!
The Star of the show was schnauzer, Lulu who majestically walked
over the sausage , amidst frantic waving and shouting by handler Dianna to
walk off with the special prize for a dog that didn't eat the sausage (sorry
Sharon & Faye trainers dogs don't count!) Tammy showed everyone a clean set
of heels as she romped home to win the agility.
Some of the youngsters like Molly, Wallace, Henry, Sadie and Topsy stayed
on from the early classes and did rather well on the early games.
So thanks again for everyone that came or supported us with a raffle prize,
once again the support was fantastic and everyone had a fantastic time, so into
the New Year with fresh hopes and aspirations and now some of the mayhem
has calmed down we can restart the "walking with Woofers" and advise
we have some great new ideas for the coming year
Fireworks
Please start to acclimatise your young dogs and reinforce last years training to loud noises especially bangs.
Find your self a Clay shoot and take your pup a good distance away so the noise of the gun reports is barely audible to you, sit down with you dog and play with it making a fuss of it and giving it a high value treat e.g. chicken / cheese etc.
The most important part of this exercise is for you not to be worried about the bangs or the dog will pick up on it and react
After a few minutes walk towards the sound and repeat spending just a little longer at each point and ensure that you to pay no attention to the noise whatsoever.
On the first week keep over 1000 meters away even if the dog appears to be taking no notice of the noise, if at any point it shows any fear go back to the beginning and take it slower.
Go home and when it is the dogs meal time, open Youtube and put on a fire work video at low volume while you feed your dog again make it barely audible, repeat at one or two meal times a day so by the next weekend the volume is still low, less than a normal speaking voice.
Return to your Clay shoot and again start in the same place but repeat everything but this time end up about 800 meters (half a mile) away, again treat the bangs as perfectly normal.
if you know another dog that is totally unreactive to noise, may want to get them to join you but most importantly make the play fun for the dog take a favourite toy and plenty of good treats
Repeat the youtube on at meal times again but increase the volume very slightly, again any signs of fear or discomfort reduce and go back to the beginning.
For the next four weeks reduce the final distance by 100 meters and increase the Youtube volume until it is at a normal to what you would have on your television.
Most importantly if at any time the dog show ANY signs of fear or discomfort go right the way back to the beginning, do not try and rush this and as with all socialisation you have to revisit it a couple of times a year.
Remember if you are relaxed,your dog should have nothing to alarm it, animals look to you as a lead, that is why we talk to our dogs just before we meet another dog or hazard, so they know that you have seen it, assessed it and are in control, That way your dog has not got decisions on what to do.
Good luck, keep the treats high value and keep it light and fun.
