Hi Everyone!
I recently met Wolfie, the delightful Cardigan Welsh Corgi in last months Puppy School at The Village Vet! It got me thinking about this congenial little breed and how lovely they truly are. So, naturally, I set out to surround myself with my favourite Corgis for a day - the Queen was onto something there...
But first, I'll will share a Teachable Moment, from my home to yours; I spent a day with Domestic Animal Services to give some doggos a well deserved glow up! If you are considering a new pet, you won't want to miss the DAS open day coming up in October! And on that note, I hit up socials this month to chat about how to approach Getting A New Dog!
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A T E A C H A B L E M O M E N T
The Sofa
In Ollie's world, my bed is his and so too is my brand new beautiful sofa. He often helps himself and when I notice, I request for him to return to his bed... Ollie then marches straight upstairs to my bed. I then follow him upstairs and request him to return to his actual bed - his dog bed - to which he begrudgingly trundles back downstairs. After this ridiculous negotiation, he finally settles into his dog bed, just in time for me to get on with my day!
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Ollie knows no boundaries, especially with the sofa!
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This sequence is entirely my fault...when Ollie was a puppy, he wasn't crate trained and I had him sleep in my bed with me from day one. Cute, right - who doesn't want an adorable cocker spaniel puppy staring into their eyes first thing in the morning and last thing at night? I taught Ollie that my bed is his bed. I now realise that it is not the most healthy thing for a dog. It teaches him to be dependent on me; it confuses his understanding of his place in the family; it foster's a sense of entitlement and sadly, it means he is unsettled when boarded or at the vet for the day. I made some critical mistakes with Ollie that I hope you can learn from. Enter Lenny...
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Lenny is invited onto the sofa after she demonstrates she is calm and obedient.
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Nearly three years ago, I welcomed Lenny into my home.
I made some key decisions before getting Lenny, informed by my mistakes with Ollie 12 years earlier:
- No more dogs in the bed.
- Crate training is a must.
- I want boundaries around the kitchen and sofa.
- Be a better leader.
These decisions completely changed my world view of our relationship to our dogs and working with Lenny continues to teach me so much. Lenny is allowed on the sofa, but it's entirely on my terms. She is a smart working breed, and has required me to step up and be the leader she needs me to be. How? By having clear boundaries and setting expectations consistently over time.
So think about it: are your routines and home life on your terms with your dog, or is your dog ruling the roost? What could you do to correct that dynamic to improve your relationship to your dog?
For more teachable moments head to the 'Learn' highlight reel on my Instagram for more!
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K E E P I N G U P W I T H
T H E
C O R G I S
Meet my favourite Corgi clients; Wolfie, Manchego, Lulu and Suzie! Wolfie recently graduated from my first Puppy School session at The Village Vet last month! Manchego completed the February session at The Foreshore Vet and Lulu in June last year! As for Suzie, a friend gifted a photoshoot to Suzie's owner Bree!
Corgis were bred for herding, built long and low, they are quick and agile but are also one of the most affectionate and companionable breeds - without being too needy!
I caught up with the owners of these fine Corgi specimens, and asked them a few questions about their experience with owning a Corgi!
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Dee and her Corgi Wolfie, National Gallery of Australia.
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JBR: Why did you choose to get a Corgi?
Morgan: "I fell in love with Cheddar in Brooklyn 99 and had to have one!...We wanted a dog that would suit apartment living but could also join us on adventures, after all, they are a herding breed...Lulu had the right entry levels for both and loves keeping up with us on the farm and on hikes!"
JBR: What is the weirdest thing about your Corgi?
Morgan: "Lulu is highly offended by sneezing. She will bark at you if she catches you sneezing!"
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Morgan and her Corgi Lulu, National Gallery of Australia.
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JBR: Do they express some of the classic breed qualities?
Elly: "Manchego is really snuggly and definitely has the 'companionable' side of things down pat!"
Bree: "Suzie has a big bark for a little girl, and she's pretty stubborn..."
JBR: What did you not know about Corgi's that you know now?
Bree: "They all seem to pull on the lead and be in a rush to get somewhere!"
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Elly and her Corgi Manchego, National Gallery of Australia.
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R E H O M I N G D O G S W I T H D A S
I am thrilled to offer support to government agencies and charities like the Department of Domestic Animal Services to help animals in their care find a good home!
I recently headed to DAS, here in Canberra, to photograph some of their dogs who are currently available for adoption! I wanted to capture their true personalities and get to know them a little and I'm really proud of the results. My hope is that through a good photo, comes a compatible match!
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If you are considering a new pet, let DAS or myself help you understand if rescuing a dog is right for you and your family.
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DAS do not euthanise animals in their care and tirelessly train, place and provide for lost, impounded and surrendered dogs. They place an average of 98% of dogs into new homes each year!
Don't miss the first ever DAS Open Day coming up on Saturday 21st October from 9am-2pm at their premises in Symonston, ACT.
Did I mention the 3 week old puppies? Yes, all 7 of these pups will be ready and available for adoption at the Open Day!
R E A L T A L K
This month I took to socials to talk about Getting a New Dog. If you missed it, catch the Real Talk here...
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Keep sending in your questions for me to share with the wider audience - if you are thinking about it, so is everyone else!
Thank you, to each of you for your support - word of mouth goes a long way and so does a review!
I hope to see you soon!
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www.jbrpets.com | e: puppyschool@jbrpets.com | m: 0415 908 808
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