A Balancing Challenge at Royal K9 Korner

Oh the fun we had!!  It started out with one little dog who always seemed to have toys on or around her face and head. She always made me laugh and I had sent photos to her mom to share my giggles. Mom had also started placing toys on her head and little Sage soon became the dog who loved (well, certainly allowed) things being placed on her head. 

So proud of her new toy, Sage lets her mom place it on her head.
Photo courtesy of Sage's mom Nov. 2022

It made me wonder just how many other visitors would allow such a silly thing and I started trying out different toys during their visits. These days were always filled with even more laughter than a usual visit and I began to keep a record of which dog allowed which toy(s).
Before long I discovered the most accepted toys were the 7 tough tug/chew toys. I sorted them out and decided to only use them when I played the head balance game. The dogs seemed to enjoy the reward treats of veggies, fruit and goodies during the challenge times. I always had a good selection on hand and even used bits of cheese and dried liver some times. No kidding they liked the game. Or at least were more likely to want to participate.

As the summer progressed so did the stress of a BC Wildfire season. Some of our regular visitors were evacuated from their homes and some of their moms and dads are currently working on the front lines or behind the scenes fighting those fires. Instead of concentrating on the negative situation of our community and province, I tried to focus more on a lighter side of each day. This challenge was a wonderful way to pass some time and laugh from my heart.  
There is no denying the stress with in myself and everyone else in our area. I somehow have made it through thus far with a few smiles every day thanks to the unending humour the visiting dogs bring me. My idea was to pass some of the happy feelings to others by Facebook posts of silly dog antics  instead of all the dangers and tragedy of the Wildfire. There is plenty of it out there all necessary for various reasons. I personally give thanks everyday for the never ending effort that has been going into keeping us all safe from the rapidly spreading wildfires.  Paws crossed this ends soon and positively.

The silly times we had as well as the results of our challenge can be found in our Facebook album - On The Head Toy Balance Challenge.
The winners and prizes are as follows.

Sage 1st place winner 4 toys  Prize - Special Pink lace and ribbon bonnet

There was a 4 way tie between 2nd place winners! All will receive a fancy hand picked hat specially for them.

2nd place winners tied with 3 toys balanced Oskar, Bentley, Bailey and Kaia

Kaia, Oskar and Bentley are all living in wildfire evacuation situations
and will receive their prizes at a safer time.  Stay safe please!

I took some time in making a decision for what the prizes should be. When I found these cute hats I thought they were the perfect prize for on the head challengers. I ordered one Large size in the beginning and discovered it still seemed quite small. So I ordered all the rest in extra large. Any one that's ever ordered clothing items may understand that sizing for online purchases can be a bit disappointing. As a result of that, I decided to trade a hat for Bailey's chosen special hat. He has received one of the 3rd place winner hats instead. Such a lucky boy! 

Bailey shows off his special prize hat.
Me thinks it s tad too small :(

2nd place tie winner Bailey, sporting his substitute hat. A much nicer fit I think.

3rd place tied between 4 winners - Kona, Sadie, Ruby and River

Ruby, River and Sadie have all received their prize hats and even modelled them for us!
Thank you girls you are so talented! 
Sir Kona is also among those who are living through the scary wildfire evacuation! We trust you and your family will also stay safe boy. I'll hold your cookie and hat prize along with our sisters and the others. Stay safe and be a good boy!

3rd place Matron Sadie, Countess River & Miss Ruby.
Prize an "I WON" logo hat plus cookies

We also had 7 participant prize winners. Coco, Henry, Loki, Ellie, Nugget, Peaches and Miss Khione!
Congratulations all!
You have helped to pass the days through a very troubling time and I applaud your patience.

If you haven't received your cookie prize yet, I promise to keep them safe until we can met again.

Everyone has or will receive a bag of Royal K9 Korner logo cookies.
Ingredients used list -
Ginger, Molasses, Coconut Oil, Rice flour, Pumpkin puree, Chopped Pears, egg, Olive oil, Oatmeal.
Hand made with all the love and smiles you all deserve! Specially cut with a fabulous designer logo cookie cutter made by a Canadian Company. Family owned and operated 3D printer and Clothing Shop out of Petrolia, Ontario
Please visit Brian in their shop WhiteFam3DCreations www.etsy.com/shop/WhiteFam3DCreations/
Well done Brian. Thank you!
If anyone has not heard of this company, you really should go check out their shop!

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MINE!

Nugget Visited for The Weekend!

Oh man she is so small! 10 lbs of the cutest little tuffy I’ve ever snuggled with.
Bailey came for a day visit and was so happy to meet her. Nugget's little tail wiggled as soon as she'd given him the once over.

Bailey and Nugget meeting for the very first time.

Bailey’s social skills around little dogs is impeccable. He knew to steer clear of her during his zooms and to lay flat when he first met her. Oh, my goodness what a good boy!
Nugget was initially a bit reluctant but overcame her shyness with in a very short time. She has met many other dogs but tends to steer clear of the over excited boisterous ones. Now she has a big new buddy. Together they played by the pool in the heat of the day. I kept her on a long safety lead most of the day. Her recall is not 100% and she’s too quick to allow so much freedom in our big yard for this little one’s safety. 

Nugget - "Hey, pass me that toy will ya?"
Bailey - "No, I want it."

Nugget on a long safety lead strapped to my hip.

Nugget - "Just don't touch my toy okay?"
Loki - "What makes you think it's yours?"

Miss Sage and her brother Loki arrived soon after. Nugget took one look at them from the safety of the gated doorway. She immediately went into her biggest, scariest, stay away from me behaviour. It set off the barking from Sir Loki and sent Miss Sagie running for cover. Oooh kay so, we'll keep you all separate for a while and play this one by ear. And so, we did.
The day passed uneventful with no other fussing. Maybe Nugget felt the need to express herself at first meeting to set the grounds rules early on. It was enough to tell me not to trust leaving the 3 unattended in the living room if I needed to go to the kitchen. The separation gate went up when I left the room and the next few days were easy peasy.

Sage - "Hey? Can I share your toys?"
Nugget - "No! Go away!"

Due to the hot temps during her visit, ball play was limited and relaxing in the shade was encouraged. That can be a draining task when trying to keep the 3 ball dogs, Loki, Bailey and Nugget, occupied and they really just want to run and chase. Fortunately for me everyone agreed this time. It was too hot and outdoors became just a bit of relaxing shade time.

Loki - "When can we play ball?"
Me - "Later sweetie when the sun goes down."

Ball time was twice a day. First thing in the morning before the sun came up and later in the evening after the sun had gone to bed. The rest of the day was divided between A/C time and shady pool time.

The girl rest on the daybed in the A/C after morning ball play

This was a first sleep over for Nugget and I have to admit I wondered how she would handle not having her mommy to snuggle in bed with. I don't allow dogs to share our bed, unless it's a very special time. Like a big scary thunder storm. There was no thunder this night so an open door crate was offered to Nugget. To my surprise she walked right in, did a few scratches and circles and settled down to sleep. Thank you Nugget. That's a very good girl!

Nugget - "But don't lock me in okay?"
Lady May - "You can trust my mom, you can leave the crate whenever you want."

Of course the bedroom doorway gate was closed and Sage & Loki were safely separated by the other gate. All was quiet all night. Such great overnight visitors! Sometime through out the night Nugget had moved from the crate and asked to join me in my bed. When I placed her back down she simply chose the quilted bed and snuggled back to sleep.

Sage and Loki always sleep close by each other.
When one stirs the other just takes more of the bed.

The following days went by quickly and Nugget became more accepting of the other dogs. I kept the separator fence up but she had several opportunities for  'togetherness' times with Sage and Loki.
Her chosen rest place was the big crate next to the TV. She had gone into the other one that Bailey uses but decided this one would be 'hers'. She seems so little in it. Lots of room for toys to protect and keep way from the prying eyes of Sir Loki.

Nugget - "These are my toys. Paws off."

Nugget's first over night visit and meeting with the others went very well. I'm looking forward to any future visits from her.  She is definitely welcome back any time!

My Needs Work With The Dogs Needs.

In my last Facebook post I mentioned some changes at Royal K9 Korner. One of the changes I’m moving into is revisiting how I accept and book the dogs.
A high percentage of my energy these days, is used up taking care of my own aging sweet girl Lady May. I will go into more details on her present condition in another post. To sum it up I do not have a bottomless pit of energy and know I need to save my reserves for her. 

One of the goals at Royal K9 Korner is to provide opportunities for dogs to have fun. To allow dogs the freedom to play and safely enjoy their time with others away from home. I love seeing dogs run, laugh, tumble and zoom. Or simply just lay around and be together with others. Some days are let’s go crazy days and some are slow quiet days. 

 Peaches, Sadie, Lady May, Sage and Loki
5 dogs but the dynamics feel like only 2 are visiting

I have the option of setting up what type of day it will be by who I book in on those days. I love them all and they all keep me smiling. I want that to continue.
Sometimes there’s a need to keep visitors separated. When I do, it’s due to a safety issue. It could be a minor safety issue like keeping someone separate during rough and tumble play. Perhaps someone doesn’t like to see that type of play and will act out if it happens around them. If that scenario is stressful to them, I will help them remove it by separating them.
It takes energy to watch for this, but I believe it’s an important use of my energy. 

Generally, when it’s a more serious health related issue, it’s been requested by a vet along with the moms/dads. Somebody may have an injury or healing from one. Aggravation by association with buddies is very real. A romp on the grounds could send them back to the Dr’s. with a more serious injury. What ever the reason, they must be kept separate, even though I feel sad doing it, do it I must.

Matron Sadie shows the temporary fence set up for those who are not allowed to jump

At times a separation is needed because someone just doesn’t feel comfortable being close to another. Fortunately, my yard is set up to accommodate all those visits. It’s possible to allow them to safely visit through a fence. I like to think they’ll grow more accustomed to the other if they can still see, smell and touch noses. That’s not always possible and sadly it may become more appropriate to keep buddies two sections away. Those are the days that tell me to make a choice not to have those particular visitors here on the same day in future and certainly not over night. It just doesn’t seem fair to me or them. It’s time to say, let’s “just drop this” I’ve spent enough energy and so have they.

Miss Sage and Ruby,
quite happy to have a fence between them

If dogs are excessively playful to the point of being over the top ‘into’ each other. I call a ‘timeout’ for them. When I have two dogs who can not be called into time out, I will separate them. There is a possibility of one overpowering the other and it quickly becomes a power match. That is no longer safe play, and it will be stopped. It requires too much of my energy to continue to monitor two particular dogs. I take that into consideration when/if they are requesting future playdays together.  I base the booking dependant on my energy reserves those days.

Sir Henry and Squire Bailey play rough and tumble but still able to hear my words  'Cookie Break"

Some of my regulars may have noticed I’ve been full more often than not. It’s likely I only have one or two dogs those days and I’m considering that full due to how much energy it will require of me.
I believe using my energy wisely will allow me to continue to maintain the safe, fun and healthy daycare and lifestyle for our visitors needs.
If I'm full on the day you request, please try again another day!
I love your dog and truly want to have them visit.
Thank you so much for all your understanding. I wish I had a bottomless pit of energy. However, I need to save my reserves for myself, my family and my sweet little girl Lady May.

Nugget's First Four Hour Visit

What a fun day to reopen daycare after a week off. Little 8 year old Nugget came for her 4 hour previsit.
She came through the gate with excitement and headed straight to find her favourite toy.

"Hey Lady? Wanna play catch?"

She’s a darling little girl and was not concerned about being left in my care at all. We played together awhile before the sun was too hot. She changed toys a few times but always sought one that squeaked. Well, of course she did. Wouldn’t you?
She kept me laughing watching her playing IN the toys. As normal, it seems, for little dogs, she always choose the biggest toys and really kinda ignored the smaller ones this time.

I'm ready to play now. Let's go in the yard!

We spent time getting familiar with the house, gates,my voice and movements as well as the stairs. We went back and forth, indoors, and out and chose a different entrance each time. Nugget likes to zoom up the stairs and she taught me to step aside during those times. She’s a very little girl and climbing up the ‘tall’ steps requires a bit of speed. That’s just fine little girl. I get it and this is one of the reasons a trial visit before any others are present works best. I’ll be sure she heads out at the same time Lady May does when others visit. Safety first.

Nugget seemed very comfortable during her visit and most of our time was devoted to toys.  She was attentive to my voice and her recall was so good I dropped her long lead and the harness came off her very soon.
We played mostly in and around the pool. The heat didn’t seem to bother Nugget this day. I'm quite sure staying by the pool helped and was great fun for her. I made sure the depth of the water was safe for her and wondered whether the height of the sides would be a problem. She took her time and very soon she figured out exactly how to get the toys out. A bit of scrambling at first but once she’d removed a few times she was up and over the edge like a pro. Good girl Nugget. 

Mom had told me Nugget is not fond of other dogs so we'll be going very slow with any introductions to buddies. She is booked for a 4 day visit soon and so far I have those days free of others. Perhaps a couple hour drop in, depending how things go.  I'll play it by ear.
My goal is to keep Nugget happy and most of all, feeling safe and secure.
At the moment she seems to trust us and I plan on holding on to that.

Hey where's all the toys Lady May?

Oh Yes! This is way more fun!

Even indoors, Nugget was not interested in a nap and continued to ask for play. That's okay by me. I can easily do a 4 hour playday with this little darling.

I'm waiting for you to throw this one. Are you ready?

The time flew by and it was soon home time. When she saw her mom come through the gate she immediately ran off to find the toy she likes best and brought it to show her  mom.

What a little darling. I'm happy to welcome you to Royal K9 Korner little Nugget.
I'm certain you'll enjoy your upcoming visits as much as I will.

An Update and a Happy Almost Birthday - Peaches & Bailey

Remember this post - Yes, We Had Puppies. . . from last Fall when I was making a difficult decision to revisit my intake policy on puppies?
Those two little darling puppies are now about to turn 1 year old.  They came together for a visit this week and what a day they had! Peaches will be turning one year old in a day or so while Bailey is still a month away from his birthday in July.
Did they remember their past meeting?  Oh, who knows? Did they get on alright? Oh man did they ever!

We also had little Suzy Q and Countess River visiting that day. What a bunch of fun they had. Peaches started off a little shy but was being very polite meeting the senior girls. 

Peaches - "Hi, do I know you?"

After an uneventful individual meeting of Lady May and the other girls, we headed out doors to wait for young Squire Bailey to arrive.

River- "Okay I think we'll accept you little girl. You pass our inspection."

Peaches remained subdued and allowed the girls to completely check her out. When they were done an invitation to play was given and happily accepted.  So polite.

River- "Are you Ready?"
Peaches- "You bet!"

Before Bailey arrived Peaches already had plenty of time to feel confident in playing with Countess River. Suzy Q can be a bit bossy at times but Peaches knew how to avoid her and handled herself just fine.

 When Bailey arrived he was his perfect young gentleman self and gave Peaches time to feel comfortable with him before he set upon an invitation to 'go wild'.  He showed Peaches he was most interested in the sprinkler and Peaches seemed even more comfortable.

Not long after, the invitation to play was given and the three new friends were zooming around the yards having the time of their lives. Zooming and dashing around is the kind of play Peaches wanted this day and both Bailey and River were happy to oblige.

Time to take the lead off Peaches and let her go!

and go she did!
Their body structure has definitely grown and they have a years worth of experiences behind them now. Their happy disposition and ability to enjoy a morning of romping and playing together was sure fun to watch. I'm really looking forward to future visits with these two.

 Here's a little reminder of one year ago - Yes, We Had Puppies. . .

 And this day June 13th 2023

 Happy almost birthday you two!

We get cookies right?

Did they remember their past meeting?  Oh, who knows? Did they get on alright? You bet they did!

Welcome Little Nugget

 She may be small but she sure has personality plus. Welcome to our extended pack little Miss Nugget.

This 6 year old, is 10 lbs of the sweetest little golden nugget by far. She definitely suits her name. Nugget is a 'people dog' and not at all interested in becoming somebody's best zoom buddy.
At her Meet 'n Greet Nugget was calm, very polite and respectful of Lady May. It happened that our energetic Sir Henry was visiting that day.
He's big and he's loud and he's so full of "I NEED to meet you." They met in the living-room while I held Henry at a distance from Nugget, and mom kept Nugget on lead.
Nugget's reply was "Please hold him tight. I'm nervous!"  No worries little girl. This is not the day you will officially meet Sir Henry.  Henry had a sore paw and all play was restricted. Another day for that.

Outside Nugget immediately found a ball, but of course it was not a very good size for her little mouth. That didn't stop her, she went right into fetch mode.  Even though it was a bit of a struggle for her, she was determined to play ball.  I brought out the 'small dog toy bin and she sifted through several toys right away.

Her favourite toy that day turned out to be the little stuffie that our Countess River likes to play with. It's an older little squeakie, stuffie chicken leg. 

Nugget - "Hey! Something sure smells good in here"

It's one of the toys that hasn't yet been ripped and chewed. For some reason this little toy has made it through many play days and remained in tact. Good choice little Nugget. Let's play!

Nugget offers a polite invitation to play. Lady May chooses to decline.

Nugget is still working on her recall skills, so when she visits without her mom she'll be on a long safety lead. I have been told she's not very fond of a lead so we'll be practising some leash skills. Mom has some days already planned to have this little Nugget stay with us and her safety is of the upmost concern for me.
Now to find a day we can have a 4 hour visit. . .
Welcome to our home little Nugget. We'll be seeing you soon.

Welcome Miss Ellie

Ellie is a 21 mon. old GSD with a happy disposition.  She’s ready to meet new playmates. Her mom and dad brought her for a Meet ‘n Greet this week. They first contacted Royal K9 Korner last Fall, and have been waiting until Ellie was spayed and there was an open day to visit us.
Thank you for being patient, I’m happy we finally had an opening.
During her M&G Ellie was respectful of Lady May, she said a very polite hello and acknowledged Lady May’s, “Leave me alone, please.”
Suzy Q also requested the same, "No playing with me today please"even though Ellie was politely asking. Don’t fret Miss Ellie, there will be plenty of buddies for you to play with in the near future.

Lady May - "Please just leave me alone okay?"
Ellie- "Okay, I can do that."

Ellie has visited other daycare places in the past and is comfortable with meeting new friends. I can't wait to introduce her to a few of our regulars.
We're looking at a playday in the next few days with the bouncy boy Bailey.

Where's all the good balls?

Ellie came for her free 4 hour visit yesterday. She was calm when dad dropped her off and headed straight for the toy bin.  Ellie's favourite game is ball! Good choice Miss Ellie I have a lot! It's a good thing too, because if you ask Ellie the rules to her ball game, she will say, "You throw the ball to me and I will run for it, find it, grab it, then drop it on the way back to you, while you throw another one. Or I will catch it and run. Then you throw another okay?" Not fetch, but definitely a fun game, (for Ellie)

I have to learn to throw the ball before Ellie can jump for it.
She'll intervene before I throw any distance every time, unless I play the game better.

The weather was hot so the game didn't last long, (happily for me) Once I knew her rules I was ready to try a few other games. Like maybe . . . Tug? Oh boy I need to be strong so I sat on the bench while Ellie tried with all her might to drag me off. If I could stop laughing I'm sure I would have won sooner. Instead, in order to win I must admit I cheated a bit.  I simply pulled my end nearer the sprinkler and once Ellie realized she was getting wet, she dropped her end. Yay! I win! lol
Ellie says, "Next time I'll win." She grabbed the tug toy and ran off with it.  

"Come on Lady. what are you waiting for! Am I too fast for ya?"

Okay new game, Chase me.Well, I know full well I can not win that game. So I introduced another game. 'Come" An easy win for me when I have a cookies pouch on my hip. Ellie is enrolled in a training program and doing very well. She has also excellent recall so my goal for this game was really to familiarize her with my voice. I need newcomers to understand the requirements when they hear certain words and when they see my specific behaviours.  "Watch me" was great for the afternoon games we played. We played search for balls and squeakies in various areas of the yard. Under hedges, in corners, under 'Cora' and on the porch etc. Ellie listens for my voice and watches my movements for cues. She's a very good girl and we had a perfect day to get to know each other.

Ellie - "I'm sure the lady said there was a ball in here"

 As usual with new comers Ellie was required to wear her harness until I knew she was comfortable enough to respond to my requests. It wasn't long before it was off. Good thing, because I'm sure it was hot to wear.  We took time to lay quietly in the shade. Ellie tried to close her eyes a few times but was distracted by the birds. So instead she laid perfectly still and watched them above her while she rested.

Ellie - "There must be a way to get them from here!"

The 4 hours went by fast and after 3 1/2  hours Ellie was ready to find a cozy place to nap until home time. She made sure she had her current favourite ball with her. She tried out both living-room crates and finally settled on the porch using the mat as a pillow.
*Note to self - this girl is another pillow lover so have one handy in case of a sleep over for her.

Tired but not quite cozy enough to sleep

Fast asleep, cozy enough for today. Rest well Miss Ellie. Your mom will be here soon.

I thoroughly enjoyed our special day together and believe Ellie did too. We'll be figuring out some days for introductions to a few others so she'll have some doggy buddies and not just boring ole me.
We'll see you soon Ellie. Thank you for choosing Royal K9 Korner.