Ben Lomond

Posted on April 10, 2011 by Susan

We decided to start this year’s ‘munro bagging’ with the only munro that Beanie has climbed but not Biggles – Ben Lomond.

At the summit of Ben Lomond

Beside Loch Lomond prior to our ascent

Although there’s a well worn path all the way to the summit, there are some rocky bits that can get tricky when you’ve got two wiggly Beagles determined to be exactly where you planned to put your foot!

The well worn path winding all the way back down to the banks of Loch Lomond – you can just about make out the steady stream of walkers like little ants

Busy at the summit!

Waiting patiently while dad takes lots of photos

A few hours and several miles later – back down beside Loch Lomond

Beagle Zen

Posted on March 19, 2011 by Paul

Kibble on paws, but no-one’s snacking until they’re told. Beanie meditates on both pieces at once; Biggles is strictly a one-kibble-at-a-time boy

The two weeks of NILIF (nothing in life is free) were up some time ago but we’ve kept going with much of it, because together with the various self control exercises it’s worked wonders for bringing our two Beagles into line. We’re still hand-feeding them (it’s nice for them and us) and they still have to sit and/or perform a trick when crossing a boundary, but we are now inviting them up onto the sofa and into our bed for a cuddle.

Back in our bed on a morning, just where a Bigglet should be!

The aggression Beanie showed to Biggles seems to be thoroughly behind us now, though our boy still seems to lack confidence in some situations. We’re working to build him up, but we need to do so selectively because he is after all a Beagle boy; give him an inch and he’ll grab & tug it until it’s considerably longer, and probably full of holes.

They say it’s much easier to tell a mischievous Beagle to do something good than to stop doing something naughty, and I think that’s why the discipline of the baskets works so well. It took a bit of firm handling and patience, but now we can put a stop to lots of troublesome behavior simply by sending them to their baskets. Finally we can have TV dinners in peace, yet still invite our pups up for a cuddle when we’re ready!

The benefits of the NILIF programme have also spilled over into our agility training. Beanie is much less likely to go off on a poo hunt at the start of each session, while Biggly Boy is now able to follow commands at a greater distance and is very close to weaving unaided.

Biggles loves jumping almost as much as Beanie now!

And jumps are great for other things too :)

Beanie has her eyes fixed on the next obstacle as she slinks over the jump

The only thing that isn’t quite back on track is play between Beanie and Biggles. Having said that, they’re having lots of play sessions with us right now so maybe they don’t need to let off steam with chases and wrestling on their own. Also despite the odd clear day we’ve had a lot of rain lately, and Beagles generally don’t like getting wet. Getting smelly and disgusting: yes, getting rained on: no. Anyway, hopefully they’ll return to playing together as we head into spring and summer and they spend more time together in the garden.

Fitness, fun and training

Posted on March 16, 2011 by Susan

Beanie and Biggles have had a lovely day today.

This morning we met up with Susan and Carol for a canicross training run in the park.

Then, after a nice lazy day basking in the sunlight while mum and dad did a few hours work we went out for our afternoon walk followed by a fantastic play session. We incorporated lots of games that behaviourist Heather Smith had taught us to teach Beanie and Biggles self-control. (Beanie and Biggles are getting on great now thanks to Heather’s help!). Our play sessions are all designed to be a combination of fun, control and physical conditioning to keep the pups safe and sound in all of the sports that they do.

A quick game of ‘fetch’ to warm up.