An Uffa Busy Week

Since our last post Uffa and I have been fairly busy. We visited a mother and toddler group which was great for his training. He behaved well and didn't have any of the little ones in tears. By the end of his visit he really didn't mind the little hands on him at all and mosly just lay and chewew his toy. We then went out for lunch before having a long nap in the afternoon-him not me!

We have been to the library this week which is his furthest street walk so far. His walking is improving as things that were interesting are now becoming run of the mill. He is still far too ready to nip to the side for a smell or to find a noise etc. He is just NOSY.

We were at a fund raiser at our local garden centre in which he was the wee star. If only you could have seen my red hands at the end as I had let him mouth me and not all the children and adults as they passed by. He was just a bit hyper for the first half hour.

Today he has been orienteering for the first time. We were at Bennachie and it was freezing-we even had snow! Eric went out on a course but Uffa and I just did a forest walk. Although it was cold it was nice to be out and Uffa certainly enjoyed it.

Uffa now has lost 3 teeth and gained 4!! and no more leg lifting has been tried!!

Three legs on my Uffa!

Uffa had trips in the car on both Saturday and Sunday so was very happy. He was also out for lunch on both days with us and behaved impeccably. His walking is now coming on really well so we now walk to the shops and get the bus home. Why are the floors of buses so disgustingly filthy?
The big news is Uffa has attempted to lift his leg when 'busying'. He is not very steady but he has now tried it twice. We have a small tree in his toilet area which so far has never been used as Alec left having never even attempted the manoeuvre!
He is still settee jumping so if anybody has any solutions on how to stop this please let me know. So far I have hauled him off (only thought it was fun), Taken him out of the room (started going himself and jumping up on return) and ignoring except feigning interest in something so Uff has to find out what. He now just has a look and heads back. I even tried putting boxes on which he just squeezed between. I knew Alec was easy but it's only now I fully appreciate him.
Despite all this I wouldn't swap Uffa for anything now.

Waiting Patiently

Uffa waiting for dad to come home.



Uffa has now lost his two front teeth and didn't wait for Xmas for his replacements. His behaviour this week has been eratic and I just wonder if his gums are sore. Yesterday morning I got so frustrated with him I started shouting at him. He was just doing everything he shouldn't such as biting me, jumping on the chairs, digging the garden etc and would not respond to 'come' at all in the garden. Even if he learnt nothing, I did. Getting angry and shouting only makes things worse and does no good whatsoever.
Uffa has been to puppy class today and did not behave too well. On the recall exercise he felt the need to visit all the other puppies before reaching me-all 5 times. We called it a day after that.
He is now home fast asleep and I don't think he will be a bother to anyone soon!!
On a positive note Uffa is now walking well and 'steady' is even being used. I took him to some busy roads with large lorries passing close by and he was not bothered at all. He seems to accept new noises and situations much better now. Best of all he still likes a cuddle!

Anyone seen a fairy?

Uffa has lost his first tooth. Uffa was at Shell offices to encourage the sale of some Xmas cards when I noticed a little blood on his teddy and sure enough when I looked he was missing his top front tooth. This possibly explains his boisterous behaviour all morning and that he was rather mouthy with everybody but I suppose his mouth was probably sore.

I also found out where I am in his pecking order. At the weekend we were out in the woods when for the first time he didn't come back when shouted. He had only gone 20 feet away but I couldn't see what he was doing so I went to investigate only to find him eating a great big pile of horse poo. What is it about that stuff that attracts dogs so much?

I was told on Friday that Alec has gone to Hamilton but is not yet matched. I am pleased he has not had to go too far and I suppose I have to admit I have a wee hope I might be able to see him again. That is two of my boys now near Glasgow. Hi Graeme!!

Uffa's busy week

On Monday afternoon Uffa was off to visit Hilary as I felt he was becoming too dependant. I was at a bit of a loss so went into town and as usual couldn't be bothered shopping. Uffa had had a busy afternoon as he slept from the time he got home until his tea and then napped all evening. (Hil did you do the same?)
Tuesday is walk and coffee morning. Uffa was initially walked with his extending lead and then was run free. But being Uffa he took the end of the lead in his mouth and walked himself back to the car! While having our tea and fresh scones Uffa behaved absolutely perfectly. He couldn't do better if he was a working dog.
Wednesday meant a trip to the airport to look cute as Xmas cards were sold. He managed this task with ease. I also got him weighed at the vet on the way there so he is now almost 14kg. No wonder I can hardly lift him now.
Today David(supervisor) came to see how we were doing and to give advice on any problems. We had a trip to Asda so David could see him 'working'. All went well and David seems happy with his progress.
He is to change to his big boy collar and adult lead-Where has my baby gone?
With all his travels I am pleased to say the 'spill kit' has not been needed.
I think a nice wood walk this afternoon is on the cards.

The Weekend

Uffa finding stones / Flying Uff with Hilary

Uffa with Eric / Uffa recalling VERY QUICKLY to Eric

We have just had a lovely weekend with Uffa. It started with an early walk along Aberdeen beach with Hilary as the men went jogging. The sun was out and with no breeze it was lovely. Uffa was off his lead and returned with every call to either Hilary or myself. The only slow recall was when he met a couple of dogs, well he was just having a chat!

In the afternoon Eric and I took him for his coffee outing where he could not have been better in anyway. Most people didn't even know he was under the table.

Today we took him to some new woods in the morning and again we practised recall-that is when he actually goes far enough away. He came back a bit muddy but he seems to dislike mud and go around puddles. This surely won't continue!!

In the afternoon we went to Stonehaven and he was lead walked and he actually pulled for some of it. Uffa, I think, is getting to like being out. Let's hope it also continues.

I hope you enjoy his weekend snaps.

A teenager-Please not yet!

The last two days have been slightly more trying as Uffa has been more hyper. He has been back biting me and snapping the air like a crocodile. As he is still little the nose wrinkles up so it is hard not to laugh at him.
This morning the vase of flowers in the hall got tipped over as he was tasting the lillies! He got a big row and now just goes and lies looking at it obviously still tempted. I do admit to leaving them just so he can be taught to leave objects on tables etc depite being able to reach them.
Today was Puppy Class which went O.K. In the afternoon we had a short free run which I think he enjoyed. He picked up a little stick to carry round which made me smile as Alec always carried enormous logs.
He is asleep just now so again all sins are forgiven!!

The Coat

I decided it was about time Uffa started to wear his coat if 'working'. For the last few days I have been putting his coat on and playing with him. Each time he wanted to eat it but slowly he became more accepting of it until yesterday I put it on to visit Aberdeen's newly opened shopping mall. Uffa was really well behaved but sadly Frankie and Bennys' would not let him in for us to have a cup of tea. The second choice welcomed us all! We just made it out in time for Uffa to 'busy'. He made it about 6 feet from the door before letting go, for that I am very grateful.

As you can see Uffa's coat is slightly too roomy, so much so he looks like Superdog with a lovely blue cape when he sits down. He doesn't bother at all now and it can be put on and off anytime.

Today was the first trip ,by bus, to the local shops. I wondered how he would feel about the walk inbetween but he was not too bad. He is getting better but still prefers to walk at my heels rather than lead the way. Not quite the right way round!

14 weeks and counting

Uffa had a busy Saturday visiting Grandparents. He was in the back of the car for the 1 hour journey and seemed to be fine. We only saw him when we slowed in towns. He knew his Macduff toilet despite only having visited once before. He was really well behaved and even trotted round a walk.(mostly behind me but at least he didn't sit down) I have now heard that both his mum and grandmother were not keen on walking so it seems to be hereditary.
Sunday morning we decided to do a Tesco shop with Uffa. Again he was really good until 3/4 of the way round when he decided to lie down in the middle of the aisle. Eric decided this was a good time to leave me to finish. Who was fed up?! The rest of the day we just watched the rain and slowly lost the grass under water. We have stayed here 20+ years and have never seen this before. Uffa didn't want to see it ever and delayed toilet trips as long as he could. As we stood outside in the rain calling him he just sat inside plucking up the courage to go.
Yesterday was lovely so we were out walking again. We started on the street and that lead to the wooded area. Again Uffa was having to be coaxed on the street but seemed to enjoy the second part. Again he was allowed off the lead and he even had a 'puppy moment'. It was lovely to see his mad turn so maybe he is getting the hang of this.
Guess what? Rain again today. This is past a joke. Today is Auntie Hilary day which Alec knew meant a lovely walk followed by a coffee shop. Uffa still just thinks it means coffee as it seems to rain every Tuesday. Maybe a short damp walk first today.
Now Uffa is 14 weeks old he has decided he is too old to sit on my knee. He used to sit on my legs facing me and pull the zips on my tops up and down. He now sits beside me with only his front paws and head on my lap, usually with a toy. He is now really too big for me to carry. Puppy days pass all to quickly. Never mind I am still working on keeping him off the settee. The message has not sunk in yet, it is still too much fun!