Zola Meets River and River Meets Mylu

The Royals had an overnight visit from little Zola last weekend. When Zola arrived she was eager to say, " Hey! Hi! Remember me?!"  Lady May allowed Zola to come and say hello but was quite clear in her body language. "You can say 'hello' but don't ask to play."  Princess MollyDawg was far to dignified to engage with a puppy right off. Instead she gave her best  'I'm so cool' treatment. 'You may follow me if you please.' So Zola did that for awhile or enjoyed a bit of playtime with me or by herself until it was indoor time.

 Checking out the yard with Royals is always interesting and fun, but it really doesn't give a puppy the kind of exercise needed to burn off excess energy. Lady May and Princess MollyDawg will only tolerate "the youngsters" a short while.  Then it's back indoors for a rest time for them. That really doesn't cut it for a 3 month old puppy and Zola made no bones about telling us so. I want more play now!

Where ever Princess MollyDawg walked, Zola was right by her side. 

Fortunately for Zola, River's mom called to ask if 1 1/2 yr old River could come for a few days, Yay! Zola is a happy and contented little girl, who really knows how to entertain herself just fine. BUT let's face it, another high energy furry on premise is great for a puppy!

They played for hours with each other. I really didnt want to have to start my indoor chores.  Those  are usually dictated by where everyone naps.  There's comfy mats scattered throughout the house for whoever decides to use them.  I can go about my chores once I know everyone has found their spot and is resting calmly. I periodically peek around the house at the occupied mats to check that all is well.  As usual with new comers, and double especially with puppies, they always seem to find the best spot in the house, "My Chair!" 

Sorry puppy, no dogs are allowed on the furniture. 
"Aww but why? Aren't I cute enough?"

 Oh boy, and yes, that's when the little puppy dog eyes come.  The first two times I showed her my disapproval and moved little Zola off my chair and placed her in the crate. By the third time I was onto her and caught her before she got too comfy.   A resounding, "NO" and off she came.  I placed her in the open crate with a toy and yes, with my chair's pillow. I got a little sigh from her as she said, "Okay here will do."

River's energy lasted far longer than Zola's so she just amused herself while Zola napped. 

We've been getting things around the yard ready for winter. We're getting a fair share of rain and soon it will be snow. I've taken the gazebo cover off and we've put the boat into storage. A few more hedges need pruning and I've taken down the flower baskets.  Needless to say, I've been busy around the yard. My eyes are not always glued to the dogs. I still need to know exactly who's where and with who at all times.  Zola's colouring challenged me. I had to keep a close eye on her, she is so little.  I sure got me exercise that weekend. She was only here over night. I hope she had fun and will visit us again.

When Zola went home Miss Mylu came to visit us. This was a first meeting for her and River. I learned very fast, that's a recipe for "Keeping eyes glued."  They absolutely LOVED each other.

Hey River? Wanna ask if we can go outside 'n play?

River is quick as a whip and true to her breed, lively, energetic and loveable. She has a petite frame and light as a feather. Miss Mylu on the other hand is a big girl, a mixed breed Newf/Retriever/lab. She's a bit clumsy due to a serious hip injury and can't always control where her body ends up. She loves to run and zoom and absolutely LOVES other dogs. When I'm in the middle of a task I keep the section gates closed in the area Im working in and clip on a long lead. Sometimes it's needed to ensure recall or a quick redirection from me. It also makes it easier to see where they are at a glance. Spot the lead laying from under the hedge, and you know who's behind the hedge. Sometimes it's difficult to get a task completed cuz it's just so much fun to watch the play going on behind my back. I don't always capture all the fun and zoomies. I can't have my eyes in the camera, I need to be ready to step in at an instant. 

River continued to initiate play with Mylu and Mylu eagerly accepted. I occasionally interrupted  to ensure she didn't get overpowered. I can see how this friendship will provide great opportunity for Mylu to practice her body control. She's still only 3 1/2 yrs old so still learning as well.  I like to encourage indoor play when dogs are still getting to know each other. It proves to be much safer.  River has gone back home now and Mylu has to be content with the old Royals and the boxes full of stuffies and chewies. She doesn't seem to mind one bit. She just wags her tail and smiles.

It's okay Miss Mylu, the rain will stop soon and we'll head back outside again.
I can see you already miss your new buddy.

Friendship develops - Wherever one was the other followed

Thank you for visiting.

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Toys at Royal K9 Korner

Newcomers to our dog day care often ask me if they should bring a toy or two when their sweetie comes to visit us.  Comfort during a visit/stay is important to a happy dog.  We are called Royal K9 Korner because we boast to provide Royal treatment and comfort during all visits.  If you believe your dog will be more comfortable with his/her favorite toy then of course bring it along.

Maverick and sibling Goose are great examples
of two brothers who share beautifully

Sharing toys is important in learning good social behaviour for dogs.  When there are many dogs on premise, and oodles of toys to share, it makes their visit much safer.  I believe dogs should definitely have something they can learn to offer to share with the others. Siblings or otherwise. There are teaching techniques for good sharing behaviours. Your dog trainer will help you understand and practice those.
I always ask about areas you are working on at home.  Having consistency when training is important at home and away. I am not a dog trainer and will certainly respect what your trainer wants you to practice.

Goose and Maverick sharing a peach.

At Royal K9 Korner we do everything from helping to over come toy guarding to sharing food/treats.  Learning to share with the leader is one of the areas I try to work continually with not just new dogs but all. We play many one on one back and forth games. When appropriate, we incorporate sharing with other highly share oriented dogs on premise. We never push the envelope and the game is redirected immediately when it loses the fun aspect.

Is it necessary to bring a toy? Only to the point of allowing your sweetie to feel a comfort from home.  Blankets, old shirts and things that smell like mommy and daddy are sometimes the route to take for comfort.  

So, should you bring toys with your darling?  As long as you are fine with your dog sharing it. There is the possibility that it will become lost or damaged from chewing, ripping, tearing and tugging with other dogs.  If you want it returned in the same shape it was when brought here, I may need to put it out of sight. Remind me about it.

 There are plenty of toys in all shapes, sizes and textures.  We have various balls in all sizes. We have chew toys, pull toys, rope toys and tug toys.



There are squeakies and crinkleys, and rubbery ones. Hard ones for teeth cleaning and soft ones for puppies.  Inside toys and outside toys, educational toys, all day toys and bedtime toys.

Your furry will not be left alone or unattended during toy play time. I am always watching and making sure there are safe toys for that particular dog.  

Some dogs tend to try to “eat” toys. I watch for and stop that kind of toy behaviour. We don’t want a visit to the vet based on a swallowed toy. All toys are regularly gone through and sorted for the garbage when they become a danger.  Appropriate sized toys and materials are offered for the dogs’ size, age etc.  Only when we know your dog is safe with our wide range of toys, will they have unlimited access to the various bins/toy baskets.  Some dogs find that difficult so the toys are sorted out before they arrive.  

Stuffies with squeakers, crinkleys galore!

We want your dog to enjoy the visit here and providing lots of entertainment is crucial for that.  When you’ve visited us please ask to see our toys. It will make your decision about toys to bring for your sweetie or not, much easier.

Outside and pool toys. All toys are machine washed regularly.

Oh, and Thank you for asking!!  Hope to see you soon.

Check out Maverick and Goose's zoomies. Today's  Facebook video.