Bella and Kai

Well it has taken five months, but Bella has now fully accepted Kai and doesn't growl at him anymore, bare her teeth or try and keep out of his way. Major step forward, and means we won't have to worry when they all get left on their own occasionally. It also means that we have a lovely, harmonious household. Indeed Bella still grumbles at Kayla, yet lets Kai do things she wouldn't let Kayla get away with in a million years!

We can't claim any of the accolades for their bonding, it was largely down to a lot of hard work done by Kai himself, together with Bella deciding that he is no threat and actually is as lovely a dog as we think he is! It has been fascinating watching Kai slowly wear her down. He stopped barking at her ages ago or standing his ground when she bared her teeth and growled at him. He started to be more submissive, sniffing around her muzzle, then making himself as low as possible when she growled. Basically he started to show her more and more respect. He has never rolled over though submitting completely, he's too sure of himself to do that.

He also tried another tack. Bella has specific toys that she likes to play with, a boot and a little squeaky dog. Kai started to try and grab them when I was playing with her. At first she was really hostile but over time she became more comfortable. So then he started to pick up the boot when it was on the floor and try to get her to chase him. As time has gone on she has become more receptive. We have actually got to the point now that if Belle is on my lap, he will sneakily grab the boot and run off with it. She then will go after him and try and get it back. Not very successfully at times either! This sort of thing would have been unthinkable a few months ago.

It's a brilliant outcome, because both of them are happier in themselves, where Kai wasn't sure why she wouldn't love him, and her feeling all threatened and negative. Fingers crossed they remain the best of friends forever.

Kai the Magnificent!

Thursday 5th January 2012, the date the Kai was clipped for the first time. It proved to be a roller coaster ride of emotions with bizarre behaviour we could never have anticipated.

 Took him over to Rochford and left him with the groomer. We then spent the next hour like anxious parents munching chicken burgers and coffee at the nearest McDonald's. Drove back to collect him, I caught a glimpse of his head as she carried him out, and was absolutely blown away. He looked incredible and so handsome. I could tell that Eric was as blown away as me, he had been transformed into the classic Schnauzer look. Our little man looked all grown up! Apparently he was a good boy, a bit scared of the clippers but did very well. She complimented me on his ears, I'm doing a really good job with them. Huge relief because I hadn't been sure whether I was doing them right or not.

All good so far. Then all the good feelings we had evaporated because of the Girls' response to him, Kayla in particular.They clearly didn't recognise him, with Kayla being actively hostile. Every time he went near her she bared her teeth, growled and even had a real go at him. He was frightened of her and literally ran if she came near him.

He has never behaved like that ever so it was really upsetting to see. Eric got really annoyed with Kayla, but apart from that what could we do? Things remained difficult for much of the rest of the day, with Kai very subdued, no doubt partly because of the clipping as well as not understanding why Kayla wouldn't. love him. She slowly showed signs of mellowing and realising that he was Kai after all. The major breakthrough coming at bedtime when she not only tolerated him being on the bed but was wagging her tail at him.

Thankfully normal service was truly resumed today. Kayla was absolutely fine with him on their walk, and they were back to playing etc as normal after that at home all day. For his part, Kai seems to have regained his 'bounce' and is back to his normal self. They had a really great rough and tumble session this afternoon, something that would never have been possible yesterday.

 With the benefit of hindsight I suppose it stands to reason that if we thought the change in him was huge, then the Girls would as well. Probably didn't help that he smelt of shampoo. We'd better not have this every time he goes to be groomed. I don't think I could stand it!!

Fetch!

Kai is now 20 weeks old and continues to soak everything up like a sponge and is a smart little chap. He still managed to surprise me completely the night before last.

Kai playing with my hair!

He came to the side of my chair with his new fabric toy. He asks to play or come up for a cuddle by jumping up and putting his front paws on the arm of my chair. We played tug for a bit and then I decided to throw the toy for him to see if he'd go to it. I expected him to either ignore it completely or at best go over to it and grab it.

Imagine the shock when not only did he go to the toy, but he picked it up and brought it back to me. Paws back up on the arm of the chair with the toy in his mouth ready to do it again. A quick 'drop' command and I had the toy and threw it again accompanied by 'fetch'. Not that the commands were needed because he does fetch like a Pro. We carried on for ages, each time, him bringing the toy back to me, ready for it to be thrown again. And to prove it wasn't a fluke we played fetch again last night, and again this afternoon. This time he started playing with Eric and then came back to one or other of us.

It was completely spontaneous, I haven't tried fetch with him at all, so can only assume that he's watched the girls on their walk and at home doing it and decided that he fancied playing that game as well. Makes training easy when your puppy learns stuff by himself!!

Getting older.... and even more fantastic!!

Our little man, surrounded  by his toys

Kai was four months old on Saturday (17th). Not posted anything about him for a while, largely because there hasn't been a lot to write. It seems like a good time to take stock of where Kai is in his development. We're starting to see the dog he will become, his temperament, his reactions to things, his relationship with other dogs.

Where to start? Well let's look at the physical stuff first. He has had several big growth spurts, now standing a lot taller, with longer legs and a longer body. His tail must be at least twice as long as when we got him. It is held erect and has a wonderful 'windscreen wiper' action when it wags it. He's outgrown his first coat and now comfortably fills his new 12" one.

He still has to be lifted on and off the settee etc, but is noticeably taller. He can ask to get up by placing his paws on the arm of the chair or the seat of the sofa. He doesn't help himself though, backing away repeatedly when you go to lift him up. This rather sums Kai up to be honest.

What is he doing?

Everything is a game at the moment, or something to be explored, chewed or run off with. He somehow manages to drag items that are far bigger than him away from where he finds them. Eric's large walking boots are a classic example. Or the very large dog cuddly toy which is a current favourite. Initially he barked at it, presumably thinking it was a real dog. Now it is dragged around, chewed, jumped on and I hate to say it 'humped'. Not the only thing getting that treatment. Canada goose toy and my elbow whilst playing with him springs to mind...
Well we are four months old now!!

His facial fur is absolutely gorgeous. All fluffy and scruffy, with a beautiful contrast between the jet black and the white. His head seems to have widened and the classic Schnauzer beard is coming along well. I brush him and within five minutes he looks as scruffy as he did before. It won't be too long now until he goes to the grooming parlour. I wish them luck, he could wriggle for England!!

Yet more grot he's found!!

Kai is lovely. The word sums him up completely. If I ask Eric why he is lovely, his response is that he 'just is'. He's right. He has a wonderful nature, not a malicious bone in his body. Bright as a button, very playful and mischievous, yet more than happy to snuggle up and have a cuddle or sleep in my arms. He and Kayla absolutely adore each other, to the point that both are upset if the other is away. There are even signs that Bella is mellowing, especially when he's lying on me. Scary stuff indeed!

His recall is excellent, he understands no and drop, well most of the time. Sleeps on the bed with Eric and Kayla (only Bella lies on me in my chair at night, otherwise my life wouldn't be worth living). Incredibly good when we go out, he chews nothing, doesn't generally have an accident and gives us a fantastic welcome when we come home. He stretches up as high as he can manage, desperately trying to lick us.

Three banana shaped dogs to come home to, what could be better?

Oops, there goes another toy!

Kayla has always had the habit of dropping toys in the pond.  She is incredibly dexterous, leaning precariously over the  edge to grab them back. How she doesn't fall in is mystery.

Eric captured this lovely moment of the two of them gazing down at the latest victim.

Kai, the imp!

Kai is at that age where everything is interesting and must be explored. This has ended up with him falling in the pond twice recently. Thank goodness for a hairdryer and a puppy who rather likes being dried that way!! Unfortunately no pictures, we were more bothered about getting him dry as soon as we could.

This afternoon he was wandering around in the kitchen, exploring as usual. He disappeared under one of the kitchen units and look how he came out..

Here are the car keys - Let's go!

Putting his coat on has become an absolute battle of wills. He thinks it's a huge game, being totally unhelpful. Trying to get his head though the hole, whilst trying to stop him grabbing at the coat at every opportunity is somewhat of a challenge. Of course he is wriggling like an eel at the same time which makes it even harder. We get there in the end, Getting the coat off isn't as difficult thank goodness!

This photo sums it up really. He looks really miffed because he didn't win!! Stupid really because once it's on he doesn't bother about it at all.



And finally the latest photo we have of Kai. aged 14 and a 1/2 weeks old.

He seems to become scruffier by the day. I brush him, yet moments later he is as scruffy as he was before. Still absolutely gorgeous though, and only adds to his impish nature.

Kai's first walk

Today was the day. The day that Kai went for his first walk. It is too difficult for me to go with Eric to walk the dogs at the best of times because of my CRPS, let alone in the Winter which makes it flare even more. There was no way I was going to miss it, so this morning 'Operation Dog Walking' rolled into action. Eric has to help me do everything so going out is a military operation at the best of time.

our little man taking a breather

'hello, I'm Kayla, who are you?'

Suitably dressed and safely seated in my electric wheelchair with Kai on my lap off we went down the road. Eric took the other two down in the car as normal. It takes a good 10 minutes for me to get to the playing fields but Kai was as good as gold, sat quietly, didn't fidget, just gazed around taking everything in. He was a little worried by the traffic noise when we got as far as the row of shops, especially the double decker buses but didn't try to get off or get away. Over the pedestrian crossing and then Eric took him so that he could have his first taste of walking on a lead. Just across the car park to the car where the girls were waiting, probably miffed because their walk hadn't started!!

He was really good on the lead, needed a bit of encouragement at first but then happily toddled along next to Eric. Then we were on to the fields where the real fun began. He loved it, and everybody loved him! Lots of cuddles, meeting other dogs and most importantly lots of chasing after Bella and Kayla!

He is such a bold little chap that he took it all in his stride, wasn't scared, wagged his tail at people and dogs alike, having a really positive first experience.

'The Girls' - Kayla and Bella

The girls chased off a big fluffy German Shepherd that started to come bounding over so it is clear that they will look out for him. He responds to his name and comes back well. But to be honest he didn't stray far from us, and just followed the girls.

For a tiny puppy he certainly has lots of energy. He kept running after them long after I thought he would be tired. I fully expected to have to have him on my lap on the way back to the car but no he went the whole distance, albeit a far shorter walk than the girls' normal length.

ready to run after the ball again

The girls have a tennis ball each so there is lots of throwing and fetching to be done. I suspect it won't be long before he has a ball of his own. He did try to pick Kayla's up at one point, but he couldn't get his jaws round it. Bless him. Thoroughly soggy and wet he took the trip home in the warmth of the car.

As an aside I have to say that it was absolutely wonderful to see Bella running round, enjoying her walk. I really miss walking them so it was a double delight for me. She seemed really pleased to have me out with her as well. 

You would think that Kai would have crashed out when we got him home. Not a chance. He seems to have been even more energetic than normal for the rest of the day. We really do have a Duracell puppy!!

All in all a very satisfactory walk I'd say....

Click here to watch the videos we took of their walk 

Progressing nicely - general update

Well Kai was ten weeks old yesterday. He now weighs 2.2kg. He had his second vaccination (he yelped again, poor little man) so in a couple of weeks he will be going with the girls for a walk in the morning. He should have no trouble socialising, being confident and bold. There is no doubt that the girls will see off any dogs they don't like the look of to protect him.

He is picking things up really quickly and easily. He really is a good puppy, no trouble at all. His manners are improving. Where he would try and get in the mug with you whilst drinking tea, he is now not paying as much attention. If the mug is on the table though then it's fair game, which keeps us on our toes! He's not teething as much so biting is less. Huge relief all round.

Oh, they've gone upstairs again and I can't follow them..

Toilet training going well. He takes himself to the back door or toddles down garden with Eric. The only snag is that he is so easily distracted that he forgets what he's out there for, and then does it when he comes back in. He is also using the paper if he can't get out, when Eric is out. Sadly his aim isn't particularly great. He goes round and round in circles and then misses. Still, he's go the right idea!

He and Kayla adore each other. They regularly play together. He gives as good as he gets, and Kayla is really gentle with him. She also gets him to chase her, something she's tried with other dogs we've had, but never succeeded. Kai is only too happy to oblige. As a result he hasn't really chewed anything he shouldn't. There are so many toys around anyway because of the girls that there is always one to hand. He has a couple of toys of his own, soft ones which he seems to like. The teething toy we bought him have been thoroughly chewed up. Unfortunately not by Kai, but Kayla of course. At this rate we're going to have to get two sets, one for Kai and another for her!!

He has reached the age where he wants to try any bit of 'grot' that he can find. We get all manner of things being brought in, from twigs to pieces of foam (thanks to the builders next door) and anything in between. He even came in with a bowl that was so big that he couldn't walk properly with it in his mouth. Like most of the girls' toys this doesn't bother him in the slightest. He just totters forward, falling over it every few steps!!

It's a hard life being a puppy...

Grooming him can be a bit of a battle. He wriggles so much it becomes impossible to brush the leg or whatever bit you're trying to do. He doesn't bat an eyelid having his ears plucked. I think it bothers me considerably more than it does him. It's usually the front paws that are hardest to do. Hopefully as he gets older he will be calmer. Vital that he gets a full groom each day otherwise it could become an issue. Not good as he will have to be clipped at regular intervals throughout his life.


Kai is an absolute joy to have. He's brought us so much pleasure already. We are lucky to have him and love him to pieces. Who wouldn't love our little 'ewok'!!!

Velociraptor!

Ah, a finger.. Think I'll bite that!!

Oh boy, is Kai teething or what?!?

He has teeth and he knows how to use them. Namely sinking them into us at every available moment given half a chance. He prefers to bite Eric, going for sleeves, shoes, wrist, hand, fingers. He has also become very adept at pulling his hankie out of his pocket.

He has teething dummies which he is starting to gnaw at but irritatingly Kayla seems to get hold of them at every opportunity. She got through two whole sets of teething keys when she was a pup, plus what was left of Bella's.

Kayla teaching Kai to play

Kayla is learning to be gentle with him. After the first couple of days where she was her usual dysfunctional self, clumping him with her paw to get a reaction, making him yelp, she has taken a different approach. She started doing play poses at him, then pounced back and forth. Initially he sat and watched her but after a few attempts he started to respond. Tentative steps towards them starting to play. He has started to do the same back. Some lovely moments upstairs when I was having a bath.

Kai is so brilliantly sure of himself, he sits and watches, taking everything in before going further. Even when she was too rough with him, he went straight back in for more. He isn't frightened of her or Bella, and has started playing with Kayla's toys. They are huge but he manages to lift them and carry them around.

Magical moment this morning. Kai was holding black sheep. Kayla pounced with her paw, got the toy. Kai jumped backwards. Kayla then put the toy on the ground a little in front of her. As if giving the toy back to him. She then picked it up and placed it closer still. He was watching her but didn't move. Finally she nosed the toy towards him. This time he grabbed it. A lovely moment showing just how caring she is.

Similar thing happened this afternoon. Kayla went and got her yellow rugby ball. She rolled it to Kai from further away and hadn't got his attention. She rolled it a second time. This time he grabbed at it.

I think Kayla and Kai are going to become very close. Kayla is constantly looking out for him, she is such a caring girl and now she has someone that she can love and be a playmate to. She is constantly looking for him and checking he is alright.