Spring has sprung, and it’s time for 4-month-old Ponsu to get out and enjoy the nice weather. During the first half of the month, we did various walks around the grocery stores and eventually out to the trails. We walked to Siphon Falls, where he successfully tried his footing on an open grated staircase and on another walk, he saw 8 deer. He was curious about the deer and learned not to give chase. They watched us from a distance, but as we did not approach, they couldn’t be bothered by us. So, a good first encounter with wildlife, which is so numerous here in the Okanagan.
Since Ponsu has now had all his shots, it was time we could start socializing with other dogs, so Ponsu was introduced to a couple of my friends who have dogs named Norma and Millie. With Norma, who is seven years old, we took a couple of leisurely walks along Canoe Beach. The beach is very quiet at this time of year, so it was a good start. Millie, on the other hand, is a year and a half old, high-energy Sheepadoodle with whom we had to start off slowly in control. We kept our trail walks short and were on leash for most of it, and then off-leash for parts, letting Ponsu practice his recall and stay close. Millie is a great mentor, and with her high energy, she ran in large circles around Ponsu, who merely stood there in awe!
We had 3 PADS puppy classes this month. The first two classes were indoors, where we practiced our skills: slow and fast walking, sitting in the middle of a circle of cones, while another pup walked around the outside circle, perch work, including moving the hind end around the perch and eventually circling into a heel or side position. Then we worked on approaching various distractions like a tug toy, a ball or a food bowl, but not touching it. Luring into a heel and side position by a wall, and then luring into a down or stand position. The last class was outdoors in a park in Kelowna, where everyone had individual Two-on-One classes with our trainer. We were matched with Minnow, a very spicy, high-energy female pup, who had trouble with the new surroundings at the park. We spent a lot of time just trying to calm her down. Mild-mannered Ponsu settled down quite quickly after arrival, and he did many loose-leash passes around the spunky Minnow. A great training experience for all!
We read with the kids at school three times this month. Ponsu is working on child distraction in the hallways, but it’s more the kids that need training, not Ponsu! He settles nicely as we read. One student practiced “chin” with Ponsu, so cute!
This month was Spring Break for the schools, so we babysat our grandson, Heath, for 4 days the second week. The two of them are getting along better. Heath likes to run and play with Ponsu on the deck outside. Ponsu is very mouthy and grabs onto Heath’s arm sometimes, so it’s better if the pup has a toy in his mouth instead. One day, Ponsu & I walked while Heath rode his push bike, all the way to the skatepark and back! We also met Millie at the dog park, so it was a win-win for all!
I’m happy to announce that, finally, the toilet training is going well. Yes, Ponsu did poop in the house once, but now he sits by the kitchen door to let me know he needs to go out. And has not had another accident. He still needs help to be catapulted into the back seat of the car, but he can now jump out of the car on command, where he rides in a soft kennel. He learned that Snowberries are not a good thing to eat, and that they make you throw up, so he’ll be staying away from them from now on.
We did all our usual outings: weekly Wing night dinners, visits to our favourite breweries, chiropractor, and Costco, where he is still the center of attention.
I started weaving a blanket at the guild this month. It’s a very quiet place where I sit and weave while Ponsu lies beside me, taking a power nap. A great place to hang out after a walk.
And lastly, we attended our first blood donor clinic together in March, a service I provide every 3 months. We were greeted warmly by the regular workers who always love to see my newest puppy in training. Ponsu was a star and settled nicely beside me.
Submitted by: Chris Buitinga
