We're Almost Ready - Are You?

 We've spent the last few weeks doing introductions. We have several new comers to our daycare and I want to keep an environment that promotes secure confidence in our extended pack. Our Christmas crew this year is comprised mostly of  'newbies' to our daycare. There are many unfamiliar areas that will seem more comfortable with a few pre visits.  It's a given that new comers need to find where they fit within the pack. Where there's more than one dog, there is always a hierarchy.  When dogs have figured out where they fit in that system, their visits are more fun filled and the days run much smoother for everyone. Yes, including my day.
During introductions there is so much conversation that happens. I find watching dogs communicate interesting. Who's lip licking, who's yawning, who's tail is where? Who really just wants to play?
(so come on let's go!) Who wants to be left alone? (so 'bug off!') Who is not listening? Who's being a bully? Who's being protective? When do I need to step in and give a reminder? When can I back off?
Knowledge of dog communication is powerful and I am always trying my best to listen to what appears to be an invisible silent language.
We are full over Christmas. We wont be booking any more until Jan. 4th 2023
So I set aside these past days for introductions.
Maya and Lou are the newest to RK9Korner. I based their introduction days around their mom and dad's availability. We arranged one dog at a time and built up from there.
They were amazingly well behaved!

Maya meets Frankie, calm in a small space while waiting to go out.

 Maya is a very confident girl who likes her space and loves her sister. Two traits that require my full attention. The 'pathways' from room to room in my house can get crowed during full visitor time. There will be lots of body contact and it's important everyone feels comfortable and safe. Maya is learning that her sister is safe here and she can relax her vigilance. 
In order for me to safely open the door to let everyone out there needs to be a calm atmosphere. Lady May often leads the way as she has the disability and sometimes I need her outdoors and settled first. The others need to wait and remain indoors. Excitement leads to misunderstandings so this is an important practice we preform over and over with all visitors. Maya has been outstanding in her acceptance of this small space and now happily moves to her position to wait. Good girl Maya!

Sir Frankie meeting the Lovely Lou behind the kitchen gate. Great gate practice Lou. Well Done girl!

I also have many gates within the house and some are noisy to manoeuvre. They swing in many different directions. New comers need to be familiar with those sounds and feel comfortable when they hear the rattles of gates latching and unlatching.  With a full house, the dogs are required to enter areas calm and slow. There is not enough room for being rambunctious. Practice happens even when we're not going in or out. Just following the pack becoming comfortable with being bumped and rubbed against. Or simply having to wait while someone else arrives or leaves.

Suzy's mom, helps to introduce Suzy to the bigger dogs.

I always take into account the personality and play manners of each dog before introducing a visitor. After a few visits, Sir Frankie, Lou, Maya and of course Lady May were all familiar and comfortable  with each other and the routines. 
Suzy Q will be a Christmas visitor as well. Her mom (dog trainer) came along to help out with her introduction to some of the 'Christmas Pack'. Suzy loves to meet new buddy's and can easily get missed under their long legs when zoomies kick in. Noticing when and where she is, helps to eliminate any stumbles or misunderstandings. Thank you Kathi for a day of your time!

Sweet little Sage meets the Lovely Lou and sister Maya

Often times going outside requires a few dogs to head down to the basement door while I get some dogs out the front door. It means being alone down stairs until I walk around the house to the outside basement door.
Our fifth Christmas visitor will be the Sweet little Sage. She's been out of town since the summer but fell back into our routines like a pro.  She has learned very well how to communicate with other fur buddies and had no issues meeting and being alone with Lou and Maya. Such wonderful cooperative girls. Well Done!

After a bit of bed swapping the Lovely Lou settles on the crate.
Lady May and sister Maya choose fluffy mats.

Having a familiar comfortable area to sleep is important to all dogs. I usually try to arrange a sleep over before one is actually needed. Fortunately, Lovely Lou and her sister Maya needed a sleep over. It only took them a short while to decide which bed was their favourite and they settled easily for the night. Lady May always gets first dibs on the beds and this night she chose the mat beside my bed. There are still 3 empty spots. We're ready for a Christmas sleep over.

Sage meets Sir Frankie and gives him a run for his money with a game of tug.

A fabulous introduction between Sage and Frankie. The energy between these two was so familiar.
It was like seeing Hazel's visits again. I videoed these two doing zoomies around 'Cora'
After a brief, "Hi, how are ya?' 'They ran off into full blown 'Cora' zooms.  If you have 5 minutes and want a giggle take a look here. The Stand off - https://youtu.be/Ey3xPCQspmo

On a couple of slow days we had drop in visits from little Ruby and another drop in from Henry and then Lupin. It was a great opportunity for Ruby to re meet with Maya and Lou. This visit went far smoother then the initial visit. I can happily report Ruby is now just fine visiting on Maya and Lou days! Yay Ruby! Good girl for listening when Maya speaks!

Ruby - "Is your sister gonna bite me?
Lou - "Naw, she's all bark!"

Henry had an opportunity to have one last playday with Sir Frankie. The winds were chilly and the ground was frozen. It didn't stop these two from doing zooms around 'Cora' and their soccer ball antics. Frankie and his mom will be leaving town after the holidays. We'll sure miss Sir Frankie and wish them well on their future travels.

With no winds the -24 C temps are almost tolerable
Sir Henry - "Seriously? You're moving away? Well that sux!"

The last of our drop in visits was from little Lupin. She's  2 1/2 years old now and was over the moon to meet with Sir Frankie. Unfortunately the severe winds and blowing snow made outdoors play almost impossible. Still they did their best to do a bit of running around and then headed right back indoors. GOOD! That's where I want to be as well.

Wearing a snow suit allows a bit longer outdoors time but not much!

Indoors where it's warm is the place for us. 

Toasty warm and relaxed Frankie and Lupin great buddies
Future playmates when Frankie visits again!

We're all set for Christmas now. Just 5 more sleeps and Santa Paws Arrives!!
I hope you're all ready for it.
We sure are!
Merry Christmas every one!

5 More Sleeps? Yahooo!

November Brought the Snow.

Just one week ago we had green grass and warmish temperatures. We also had a surprise visit from the beautiful Lady Lista. She’s 9 months old now and is developing into a gorgeous girl. Her mom and dad have been diligently working with her training and it certainly shows. She was super stoked to have the freedom to romp and play with so many toys here. That didn’t stop her from listening when her mom spoke. What a good girl, Lista. We cant wait for your spay and your full Meet & Greet next year.
Thank you for the visit sweet girl. Stay warm this winter.

Just 9 months old. Lista really shows her intelligence

Lista's colourful coat is like a golden bronze. It's so beautiful!

The next day the sun was still shining and I was able to get at more pruning with the help of little buddy Ruby. I thought I’d get a lot more done but I had to stop so often to play and laugh at Ruby and that’s way more important. Such a good pruning helper. Thank you, little Ruby. You are such a sweetie!

I recall another pruning helper who I have a very similar photo of
Can you?

True puppy crash after full morning of yard work and toy play.

A few days later the snow came and it’s still hanging around. There’s only a mild skiff now, but wow, the temps have dropped below zero and the winds are blowing. Old Man Winter has arrived.
The dogs are loving it and show no signs of wanting to stay indoors for very long. Drat cuz my hands sure get cold throwing toys and balls for too long.
Only November so I better get used to it quickly. I know!
Lady May is loving it!

Nov. 3rd 5 am first snowfall of 2022   Lady May is so happy!

Newcomers, Lou and Maya have been for their free four-hour ‘previsit’. We’ll be looking for just the right play buddies for them soon. Maya is protective of her sister/mom Lou so we may have one at a time until comfort levels and appropriate buddies are found. They were very well behaved. I know it’s going to be a pleasure to have them around. I’m hopeful Maya will learn that her sister is safe with us and her focus can be more relaxed.
They are two very playful girls and super smart! They’ve been through extensive training, and it shows. We played one of their home games of ‘Find it”. They wasted no time for each round. I need to put my thinking cap on to choose tougher hiding places. I'll win next time, I hope!
We sure had a great day, inside and out! 

Lou - "You can't fool us, we have a better nose than you"

 

Maya finds one of Frankie's favourite toys.
I will need to make it disappear if they are here together for sure.

It didn't take long for the safety leads to come off and the girls had freedom to run the entire yard.
They played hard all day!

While I did my chores they stayed right by my side.
Maya -" That's cuz we smell the cookies in your pocket!"

Our corner fence panel has arrived, and I’ve been trying to get a coat of paint on it. I’ve managed to complete one side in between frozen rays of sun and winter winds. Daddy says he can put it up this coming weekend! Yay, I can’t wait! 

Ruby and Frankie on panel patrol

We are commemorating Remembrance day together at Royal K9 Korner. Our visitors have been mindful of all our national heroes who fought for us, including our Fur heros.
We wear the purple poppy for them. We are so grateful to all those.
Lest We Forget.  - https://ottawahumane.ca/lest-we-forget-2/

Sir Frankie willing to share his favourite toys for the fallen.

Lest We Forget

Lest We Forget

Lest We Forget

Welcome Lou and Maya

 Two more girls looking for playdates. These two are bonded like a mother and daughter team.
The lovely Lou is a 5 year old golden Retriever and her sibling Maya, is beautiful 4 year old Malamute/Shepherd cross. Maya was adopted at a very young age and sees her sister Lou, as her mom.
Both are very happy girls and they will be looking for a few days of daycare to socialize. They are relatively new to town and only just arrived in the neighbourhood last week. We welcome Lou, Maya and their family to Lillooet and Royal K9 Korner.

Lou & Maya - "Will we be able to run and play with toys here mom?"
Mom - " I dont know darlings, you have to ask the lady."

Oh you bet you'll be able to run and play with toys. You'll also be able to meet with quite a few others who love to do the very same. 
Lou and Maya came for their M&G last Sat. We were fortunate to have the rain hold up for a day so they were able to get to experience all of our yard.
As most new comers do, they zoomed back and forth and checked out all the toys. They were smiling for their entire visit.  Lou has some tummy issues so the 'cookies' were bits of broccoli instead of standard doggie treats. Well that's just fine by me. They seemed to understand the way our treat sharing procedure works here. A nice quiet sit while I cut up the chunks and calm polite behaviours accepting. Well done girls. I'm sure you're going to be a pleasure to have visiting.

Maya - "Look Lou I think we're getting something yummy."
Lou - "I sure hope so, I've been extra good today."

"Where you goin' lady? Our mom said we can have more goodies!"

Searching through the indoor toys was the perfect distraction while mom and I did up their paperwork.
Maya is normally a ball only dog. To mom's surprise Maya chose a small stuffed squeaky bone. We wondered if the shiney fabric caught her eye?  It's one of the toys that a few dogs seem to like best. Maya carried it around back and forth before she chose another.
If you think you recall, it's one of Countess River's favourites. You'd be right. I think I'll be needing to make it disappear if the two visit together.

Maya choosing the shiney squeaky rainbow bone.

The entire basket of stuffys had just been laundered so everything was fresh and clean. I bet these two could still smell the other dogs who played with them. Lou spent a nice long time sniffing deep into one of the stuffys. Yep, and it's one of Frankie's favs. 
"DITTO - I'll be needing to make it disappear if the two visit together. "

Maya - "Hey, have these toys been used before?"

Lou and Maya watch and listen to every word their mom says. It's obvious how much time has been spent on their training. Well done mom and dad.
We're hoping Lou will do alright being left for a visit. Being the loyal breed she is, she's attached to moms hip most of the time. My task will be to keep her entertained and distracted enough so she wont even realize how long mom was away. I'll be letting Lou know she can trust me and feel safe until mom returns.

Lou - "You're not leaving us now, are you mommy?"

Not yet sweetie. You have a planned playday with young Ruby soon and we're hopeful mom will be able to leave you and Maya for a couple of hours that day. If all goes well we'll do the same for a playday with Sir Frankie. Im sure, fun times are in store for you.

Oh goodie, let's go home now mom. We'll come back another day.

We're looking forward to future visits and meetings between these two and the other extended Royal Pack.
Welcome Lou and Maya.

Yes, We Had Puppies. No, We Don’t Do Puppies!

What was I thinking??  Bending my rules?
Well, before I accepted them, I sent an email to my Veterinarian about my spay/neuter protocol, puppy vaccinations and general health policy.
I walked into accepting 2 little bundles of fluff with eyes wide open and a mind of, “These parents are longtime regular customers, and friends, they are stuck, they need immediate puppy daycare. Even though we had previous conversations saying,"DO NOT adopt a puppy! There are a thousand older adoptable dogs needing your love and home. I wont take your puppy until they are at least 6 months old and spay/neutered! DO NOT adopt a puppy!"
2 months later - (((sigh)))  "Okay, I can do this! BUT just this once!"

I did a walk through of my house and yard in a search for safety issues. Would it be physically safe to have a puppy in my yard and through out my house.
The answer was dependant on my ability to have my eyes peeled on a puppy, at . all . times.
That’s every second of every minute, of every hour the puppy was in my care.

I have harnesses and leads that get attached to my hip and puppy would to be on that lead at all times.
Could I do that? Sure, I do it with all newbies anyway. right?

In total they spent 3 separate days with me. That’s 3 days I will always remember.
Two of the cutest, fluffiest, cuddliest, wiggle worm, little munchkins you could ever set eyes on.

Little munchkin, black Bailey and the wee little blonde beauty, Peaches.

Bailey is a solid muscular little guy. He’s a small-scale mixed breed, Mastiff/Lab/Border Collie/Pyrenees  and new darling little handful to the family of our departed Marchioness lil Molly. 
A  bundle of puppy muscle and gumption.

Sweet Peaches is on the other end of the size chart. She is a darling little Cocker Spaniel and a petite new sister for the Matron Miss Sadie.
What Peaches lacks in size, she makes up for in the cutest attitude. An inquisitive, feisty little bundle of energy.

I was actually even thinking of revamping my policy to allow admittance to underage dogs if their health conditions were ‘just right' and the moms and/or dads were well known to me. They would have to have a successful past history of daycare from Royal K9 Korner and know the expectations.

I brought out the X-pen and lined the area with waterproof pads

My gates were in place, all the unsafe toys and items were put away. No cords, no slippers, nothing to tempt a chewer or a bored puppy.  I added a few choice chew toys and a bowl of water.
This would be a snap right?

Bailey at a moment before sleep. Still wearing his harness.

We had a couple of visitors during Bailey's drop in day. Suzy Q was here as well as Master Frankie.  We had a scheduled M&G with young Ruby that day. They were over the top happy to see little Bailey and gave him a real run for his money. Well, maybe not Suzy Q but she was tolerant. I know for sure as Bailey grows he'll have a couple of perfect playmates.

Bailey - "Hey? Wanna play?"
Suzy Q - "No, and Go away."

Soon after this photo, Miss Ruby and Bailey fell into play mode and did zoomies like they were old time buddies. Of course my camera was put away. I had to stay focused and ready to intervene.

Bailey - "Oh look! A new girl. I bet she'll play with me"
Lady May - "You should take the new kid for a run Ruby. Go play in the next yard."

Bailey's dad stayed with him on the day Frankie was visiting. During their play, Frankie made a sudden move to catch the ball and stepped on little Bailey's paw. Bailey sent out a yelp! That had made him feel less safe around the big boy. I'm sure his shyness can be overcome on later visits. Frankie was not phased and carried on normal play at a safer distance. Daddy was there to provide comfort for Bailey and all was good.

Frankie, "Oops sorry little puppy. I didn't see you there."
Bailey, "I'm ok, but I think I'll stay close to dad now."

Fortunately for me, Miss Sadie came along with her baby sister to help me during Peaches' days. What an amazing big sister she is! Even though there were moments, I'm sure, she really wanted to send her sister back home.  She was incredibly caring and patient with the little rough and tumble girl. She spent the first few hours latched to her and only moved when (I believe) she felt her baby sister was safe within my care.

Sound asleep in no time flat.

Lady May was tolerant, but not at all pleased by having the puppies around and after a few hours of the two visits, she made a bee line to the nearest spare bedroom to hide in.   She was not impressed and I owe her big time!  

Peaches - "Hi Lady May, wanna play?"
Lady May -  "I think your sister is calling you"

Bailey - "When do you want to play?"
Lady May - "When are you going home?"

I laughed so MUCH and must have walked/ran a million miles during the time they were here. On the go with my eyes peeled on a puppy at . all . times.
That was every second of every minute, of every hour the puppy was in my care.
I was so happy when they went home.

I brushed Lady May and gave her sweet cuddles.  I was exhausted and shaking my head, but smiling.
I finally had my time back to clean my house, get my dishes done, vacuum, do laundry... etc. etc.
I've posted a few unedited photos of the time we spent together.
I hope you can view them and enjoy them.

Bailey - Oct. 3rd & 5th https://photos.app.goo.gl/DbNJsANchzHFPLGHA

Peaches - Oct 1st & 2nd https://photos.app.goo.gl/in1yFxf62HwD5YCbA

So, why do I NOT accept puppies? 
Ohhh yaaa, now I remember.
I don’t have the energy for them and I’m sticking to my guns.
Ya, ya, I know but they're so cute.

No puppies allowed.

Welcome Master Frankie

Look at this handsome fellow! 

We're welcoming this 6 year old St. BernieDoodle into our extended pack twice a week until mid-December. His mom is in town for her job and Frankie needs to be able to run and play while she works.
Frankie has been superglued to his mom’s side since April and we’re reintroducing him to her absence slowly. He's been to other daycare many times, so he pretty much knows the ropes.
He’s super well socialized and behaved.

During his M&G he totally ignored Lady May as she went into her barking spree of, “Let me out , let me meet the new boy now!”
Ignoring that kind of barking from others is a wonderful behavior. One that we reward, and Frankie was certainly due praise for his.
It was Lady May we had to wait for before we could open that gate. Silly girl.  
Frankie did his walk-through investigation of the house and yard calmly and took in all the scents and sights throughout.
He made a couple of toy choices and decided squeaky soft toys were his favourites. He definitely likes balls but it was the squeakies for this day.

I know it’s difficult to see mom drive away. He’s still learning she’ll be back by days end. He seemed able to accept that after his second day visit. Frankie is booked in on Tuesdays and Thursdays, if you want your buddy to have a playdate with him those are your best choices. He's only had an opportunity to meet little Suzy Q so far. He seems to respond very well to her. He even sought her out when he went outdoors before her. The two of them will sit and monitor the gate together if I let them. Both are watching for their moms. 

Suzy Q - " Our moms will come back. We just have to be patient and wait for them."
Frankie - "Are you Sure?"

That’s allowed for a short time, but lengthy sentry duty is not permitted here. We want a mindset that is preoccupied with other doggy things to bring play and rest to the day. It will happen very soon now.
Frankie's beginning to feel more comfortable indoors and choosing to follow me around instead of staying on sentry duty watching for his mom to return. I’ve been able to distract him more now and he’s even initiating play. Such a very good boy.

I can't wait to see this boy zooming with a buddy

Excellent behaviour meant, no harness and no lead. Frankie has wonderful recall!

Next week we have young Ruby and another newcomer coming in. More about that to follow.
Welcome Master Frankie. You’re definitely a darling doodle!

Sweet Sage meets Oskar and Oskar meets the vacuum

This day there was a beautiful sky with just the right amount of warmth to make it a good day for zooming around the yard.
We haven't seen Sage for awhile. She's been out of town and is only back for a few days. She arrived early and greeted Lady May with such a sweet wiggle. She's 2 years old now and seems to be developing a calmer manner with loads more self control. What a sweet girl she's turning into.  

Sage - "Hi Lady May did you miss me?" I missed you"

This day was also the day we set aside for Oskar and brother Bentley to visit for a few hours. 
Sage seemed to know something was up and sat looking out the window even before they arrived. Im pretty sure she was watching for her mom but as luck would have it, she was still watching when Bentley and Oskar arrived.

Sage - "Hey? Do I get a new playmate today?"

I kept Bentley and Oskar outdoors for some ball play and chasing games before making introductions.  I could have stayed out all day and Oskar would still have a ton of energy left. I figured we might as well head indoors and I would keep a close watch on energy levels.  As always I have my separator gates up to limit the interaction during the excitement when dogs are meeting for the first time.

7 month old Oskar hasn't had many opportunities yet and is still learning appropriate greeting behaviour. I knew this meeting would require time and patience.  

Sir Bentley - "I don't get it. Why am I behind a gate? "
"You're keeping Oskar calm buddy. You're a very good influence on him."
Bentley- "Hmm oh ok."

Lady May and Sage stood watch and were eager for the boys to join them. They were all just a bit too excited to say hello so we just remained separate for a while longer. I puttered around the kitchen while everyone relaxed.

Sage - "Hey let us out I wanna meet the new boy!"

Soon little girl, soon. Let's try a hello through the gate and see how it goes.

Sage - "Okay buddy, that's close enough. Why do you have curly lips?"

Sage displayed all the appropriate behaviours to let Oskar know she wasn't comfortable yet. Good girl Sage.  We stayed separate for a while longer. Until both seemed more comfortable with each other's  presence in the house and Oskar was ignoring Sage behind the gate.
I decided to let Bentley in with Sage first for a happy reunion. They were both delighted to see each other again and eager to head outdoors.     

Sir Bentley - "Hey let's go outside and chase balls!"

When it was time for Oskar to enter. Sage was more confident and displayed it, but asked him to keep his distance.  She allowed an official meeting from Oskar who was listening to Sage's request to be left alone. Before heading outdoors Sage and Oskar spent sometime together while I watched and stood close by and monitored them.  They seemed comfortable enough so we headed out to the small play area where I could continue monitoring them.

Sage - "I hope you can read my body language."
Oskar - "Ya, I hear you. I'm not gonna touch you."

So out we went and as I expected Sage made a beeline to the pool with Oskar close behind.

After awhile we tried some toy time and all was great. Until, Oskar made the choice to 'herd' Sage during a chase me game and nipped her heals. Sage yelped like the entire pack had chomped on her and dropped into a submissive position. Oskar jumped back and retreated. Good Boy Oskar! 
The ball game continued and soon I opened up one more area for some extra play space.  Lady May and Bentley were playing contently with their balls and all were enjoying fun play.

Before long Oskar went into his instinctive herding mode again and as quick as a wink he lunged after Sage and nipped her back end. This time a bit rougher. Ut oh, not good Oskar. He was verbally reprimanded and quickly separated into the gated off yard. The game abruptly ended, right now!
His look was one of, "Wait a minute. What just happened. We cant I play that game? Why not?"

"Hey? When can I come back out there?"

After that moment Sage and Oskar were kept separate for the couple of hours that Oskar and Bentley remained.  I alternated between Bentley and Lady May with both Sage and Oskar taking turns. 

Sage - "I feel safer with just Sir Bentley."

I know little girl and we'll try another together time another day. For now you and Oskar can play with a divider gate between you. 

Oskar - "Hey, where's the little girl dawg? Look I got more toys to chase her with"

When outdoor time ended I put my inside divider fence up to give Sage an extra measure of security and again alternated buddy time with Bentley

Oskar - "I dunno why everyone's sleeping its not nap time yet!"

Oskar - "Why is there a fence between me and the little girl dawg?"

Sage - "It's up so I can sleep with out being disturbed or herded"

By the time lunch time came around, Oskar and I had plenty of time to practice listening skills and he certainly seemed to be a quick learner. We practiced "off/leave it" with a few kibble in his bowl. It was obvious his mom has been working with him on this skill. Way to go mom!

"Hurry say EAT so I can get that kibble before my brother does!"

We also spent a great deal of time doing some desensitizing with the vacuum. I had placed my vacuum in an obvious area the last time Oskar was here and replaced it there again this day. As I expected, there was no reaction to it as it stood quietly. I began by slowly moving it silently around the room. Both Bentley and Oskar were on point but made no move towards it. They received lots of positive praise and cookie tidbits for such wonderful behaviour. Step by step we progressed to the stage that is depicted in the following video. Great job boys! You are awesome!

Why is this a part of my complimentary 4 hour practice daycare day?
I use the vacuum so regularly and I can not always predict which day will be a vacuuming day or who will be present. It's important to me that all visitors can remain at a low level of comfort if I have to pull out the vacuum. I want to avoid as many negative associations while they are in my care.
Does it always work? No, not always. There are visitors who I k now are driven out of an area by the sight/sound of the vacuum. I can promise the vacuum is not used on those days.

For these two, I'm proud to say we're on the road to fearless vacuum days.
I'm looking forward to our next visit boys. I may even take a look at the lawn mower next.

Oskar - "I better get some sleep if there's yet another scary monster challenge."