A Full Long Weekend

Our Canada Day weekend began on June 28th this year. Tika and Lil Molly led the way for Muffin and Mylu and our darling furless grandchildren. Yes it was full around the house and yards at Royal K9 Korner. We ended up having a wonderful time with everyone tolerating the commotion. Tika and Lil Molly are now able to be together off leash in the yards. What a difference it makes not tripping over long lines.

I was anticipating a full house and was ready with our New Cookie Waiting Room. It may look like its a time out pen. Well, it's NOT! It's a special room set aside for allowing any dogs who need a special treat.  Yes, a Cookie Waiting Room. You can bet your bottom dollar the dogs know what it means to be in that room and actually walk in and wait! Did I have to train that behaviour?
Well, of course I did! Dogs are too smart to just walk in and wait for cookies in what otherwise looks like a time out pen. Right? Right!   Tika was a necessary unscheduled visit and would only be here for two days. She will get her Cookie Waiting Room training at a later day.

Lil Molly: So, your mommy says,
"If we come in here, she will ALWAYS come to us with cookies.
That's pretty cool eh?"

We spent a few days in advance walking in and out and staying on the mat getting reward after reward every hour or so. The door stayed open at all times. My goal was by the end of day three, at least Princess MollyDawg would be heading straight to the waiting room each time she went outside.  Was it successful? Okay well not really. BUT she was entering the room on her own and sitting on the mat. I immediately followed with praise and treats and the others followed soon after. We're still in learning mode with "The Room" and not all dogs have seen it yet.

Muffin: "Are you sure I get cookies if I'm in here?"
Princess MollyDawg: "Oh yes you'll see. Mommy's on her way!"

By the time the others arrived we had to put the training aside and concentrate on having fun and keeping everyone safe. When Tika went home, Mylu arrived. This was the first visit for lil Molly and Mylu together.  Lil Molly was not scheduled to be here this weekend but had an extended visit due to a family emergency.  We weren't able to do proper introductions between the girls so we kept them separate to avoid possible altercations when my eyes could not be on them. We had our two grandchildren visit at the same time, and of course that meant their safety came first. Even though we know these dogs are children friendly we still believe in avoiding any possible unacceptable behaviours. Dogs can become protective of children and more than one dog can be... well . . . It goes without saying. I'm sure you understand.   Our motto - "Your paws are safe with us!" Even furless paws.  Until all dogs have met and fully accepted each other, temporarily being behind a gate ensures safety.  Some dogs find it difficult to remain calm around children and we refuse to put either at risk.

Mylu: "But I'm calm and there's children here and I LOVE CHILDREN! . . .
and who is the other dog I see and smell?"

I know Mylu, just not right now and not today.  You will have an opportunity to truly meet "the other dog" when it is safer and I can give my full attention.

Is it time to come out yet?

It was a long, long weekend and we know the dogs are all happy to be heading back home now. There's always lots to smell and do here at Royal K9 Korner but nothing beats being home with mom and dad.
Thanks for visiting us. Hope you come back soon.
Next weekend we have two new comers for a sleep over. 9 month old Rhodesian Ridge-back cross, Goose (on the left:) and his brother Maverick. They came for a meet and greet and we can't wait to welcome them back!

Goose: "Are you really going to leave us here over night mommy?"
Maverick: "But you'll come back soon, right mommy?"

You'll be okay buddies and I promise you'll have lots of fun. 

See you soon!