11/07/07

Still attending agility and obiedience classes, Bentley is doing very well. He loves the jumps on the agility course and we've just started doing the weave poles and the frame. I'm sure with practise all will go well. However my work nights are soon to be changing on to days when my classes are so that means i probably won't be able to take Bentley anymore :( I'm really annoyed about this. I'll just do more home-work with him i suppose. Or try and find other classes on different days. I'm thinking for Bentley's birthday to get him a doggy cake which is made out of edible dog stuff, that should be interesting! Only a short note today as i'm now off into town to get Bentley a few bits from the pet shop. Toodles!

11/07/07

Well, the show i took Bentley to went okay for his first open show. He's a very fussy little dog and is very weary of new people and won't let people touch him. (He won't even let me touch his tail/back area.) So taking him to an open show where judges like to put him on the table (as he's classed as a "Table Dog") ... didn't go very well. I plonked him up and the table wobbled and he wobbled and jumped straight off. Another attempt, and the same thing happened, so the judge had to look him over on the floor. Bentley growled at the judge and his teeth came out, not a good thing. I'm a bit disappointed as he won't make a nice open show or general show dog because of his wearyness and dislike of being touched by people, but he's only 10 months so i'm hoping as he grows older, he'll grow out of bad habits along with some decent dicipline from me. On more positive notes though, he was one of the most stunning dogs there (if i may say so myself!) and he gained lots of attention off people and won a 2nd and a 5th place. Which i'm very proud of, as i didn't want to walk away with nothing! Not long ago a lady came round to try some show-set leads on Bentley. Well, we ended up buying one of her hand-made black half-check show sets and it looks very nice on it. Problem is, he does actually slip out of it very easy. So once he's older and his neck has broadend (if it can possibly get any wider, Shibas have very thick necks!) and he's also more used to being shown, i'll use it. It's too risky at the moment incase he slips off and i lose him. At the show he slipped off it and ran across the green and i panicked as i knew he would panic too. But i got my 'silent' dog whistle out and blew it and he came running to me, which i'm really proud of as i've been training it with him all week and it seems to do the job sometimes!. Today i took Bentley to his 2nd agility class where we moved off from the jumps and started on the tunnel. We had a bit of a struggle at first as he didn't like it at all. The struggle ended in teeth baring, snapping and some scratches on my arm. But i'm not putting up from any of it. He's nearly a year now, and i am not having a dog that bites like he does sometimes.

19/06/07

At Bentley's dog classes last Monday, a lady came in who specializes in teaching dog tricks. She and her doggy taught us lots of new tricks to try with our dogs which of course we'll be having a go at! It was really fun and i look forward to teaching Bentley more. Yesterday Bentley had his first agility class. We only done jumps and i have to say, Bentley done very well, going over 3 one after the other. My training instructor said he's got a very nice jump and that he's a collie in the wrong body! Haha. Next week we'll be practising with the tunnel which i'm quite curious to see how that'll go. This Saturday there's a villege fete in Ormesby and they're holding a little dog show, so i'm taking Bentley along to enter him into a few competitions. I'll post how he got on soon after. I've ordered him a nice lead for his shows he goes to, it's a half check combi showset. The man & woman who make them have hand made 2 for Bentley and they're coming round within the hour to try them on him (:

19/06/07

Bentley's unfortunatey missed 3 classes in the past few weeks as of other events that have taken their place. But hopefully we'll get back into the routine again, i don't want him forgetting all what he's learnt so far! I was watching Richard & Judy (for you U.S readers, Richard & Judy is a U.K T.V program) and they are holding a competition called "Strictly Dog Dancing" So of course i've applied :) Well, you never know, what have i got to lose? I seem to have lost Bentley's "Giggly Wiggly" ball somewhere, i have no idea where it's gone! Mind you, i'm not too bothered about it as it did hurt when he lobbed it over your head, however it was quite an expensive toy so would be nice to find it i suppose! I'm afraid i havn't really much to say in this update as i'm rather busy updating other things at the same time. I'm hoping to get back into a routine soon though as i've got college for 1 more month, then summer term and them i begin college in year 2, so hopefully Bentley will learn some more things! At the moment he's eating a Snack-A-Jack, don't ask how that came of his possession, but ah well. I also found a good method for people who have dogs who won't stop jiffling around and always like to be doing something (*cough* Bentley *cough*) And that is to give them ice cubes! They like nibbling on them and they melt into water anyway, so no stains and your dog is also drinking at the same time, Genius! (:

15/05/07

Last night at dog classes was a fun night where all us dog owners and dogs layed off the training for the night and just watched any impressive tricks, had raffles and cake sales and done a mini dog agility course. All was quite fun, and i'm proud to say Bentley won the most impressive trick competition with his 'weave' trick which involves me walking and him weaving in and out of my legs. Also 3 weeks ago Bentley passed his Kennel Club Bronze test where we recieved a certificate and a rossette. So very proud of my little boy! Bentley's little face has also appeared in our local newspaper, Great Yarmouth Mercury in the Top Dog competition. I took Bentley to Capture Studios to get some portraits taken to be entered into the comp and in 2 weeks we'll find out who the winner is. So good luck Bentley! I've been so busy with social life and college lately that i havn't taught Bentley many new tricks, yet i do plan to soon! Keep checking back!

02/04/07

I havn't updated Bentley's diary since mid-January so i guess i have quite a bit to write! Reading back on the last entry, Bentley's progress has been amazing. Bentley is no longer in puppy-classes and has moved up to grade 2 classes. I take him every Monday at 8 til 9 where we practice our sit and stay, down and stay, recalls, heelwork and anything new they may suprise us with! The lady there told me Bentley's progress improves strongly every week and i believe so too as he is a very keen learner. He's learnt lots of new tricks, and is becoming more mature (even though he has his moments!). I'm going to take Bentley to agility training in July when he's nearly 1 year old as long as he becomes better off lead and improves on his recalls. 2 days ago i was sitting at the computer and when i got up, i realized Bentley had chewed through my camera charger! I'm not impressed, so can't take any pictures at the moment unfortunately until i phone up and order a new one which may take a while. So in the meantime, i've updated his 6th month gallery with some pictures i took of him not long ago. I'll post an update on the main page when a new gallery is posted!

19/01/07

Bentley is exactly 5 months old today and he's coming on in leaps and bounds. In the past few days, he has now learnt 'paw' and he looks very cute when he does it! On Monday 22nd he has his puppy class test where he has to walk round in a square, halt, sit and walk round me. It doesn't soud hard but you never know if he's going to play up or not. I'll let you all know how that goes soon. He learns very quickly and is fun to teach, so i'm going to have a go at teaching him more tricks too. I was trying to teach him 'crawl' today, but it might take a while! Keep checking Bentley's 5 month gallery for recent pictures of him at this age.

31/12/06

Bentley is now starting to look more like a dog than a puppy. He's really growing fast and his adult fur is coming through which is quite coarse, unlike his soft puppy fur! He had his first Christmas which he loved, as he got to open lots of his own presents where people had spoiled him rotton! He still gets irritated by his tail which comes over his back & is constantly fighting it! However, something good is how him and the cat are getting along. When we first brought Bentley home, he would chase the cat and the cat would run, but more recently the cat has been sticking up for himself and bopping the dog over the head whenever he comes too close. As a result of this, Bentley isn't chasing him as much! However we still have a long way to go. He's a very handsome dog, and he's almost there with the toilet training. At the moment, i'm trying to teach him 'paw' and to catch the ball in his mouth when i throw it without letting it bounce. These dogs learn very quickly! Well, it's new year's eve tonight, so HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone! Love Bentley and Hollie. x

7/12/06

Now nearly 16 weeks, Bentley's really getting a character now. He's quite cheeky, and when he steals something he knows he's not to have, he'll run off behind the sofa with it. He has fun socializing at his puppy classes which he is quite good in, well, some weeks he plays up! He's very good at rolling over & laying down, but will only do tricks like that with a treat. Not sure we've entirely got there with the whole toilet training situation, but he's definately learning as we havn't had a big mess in the house for some time now! He enjoys his walks once he's out the door, but kicks up a fuss as soon as a collar/lead comes near him. We tried to see if it would be easier training him in a harness the other day, but could we get that on him, no! It's risky letting him off a lead as i just know he'll chase everything with a pulse! However, he is good with strangers and other dogs. He's made a Yorkshire Terrier friend called Poppy at his classes who he likes to play with! I'll update his gallery soon, so you can see how big he is getting!

17/11/06

Bentley is now 13 weeks old. He can sit now, and is really good at down. And currently being taught 'roll-over'. Of course all his tricks are still done with treats to encourage him, apart from sit which i'm pretty sure he's got 100% now. He gets walked every day pretty much, and they are getting better. I walked him today and he was running across the path, trotting along with a big stick in his mouth! His first puppy classes were excellent, and the training begins on monday there, which i'm quite looking forward too, hopefully he enjoys himself too! If you look on his gallery page, there is a little video of Bentley i've made by putting some clips of him together which is quite sweet! Update soon.

05/11/06

Since i last updated, Bentley has improved so much. He can sit, fetch and he's slowly grasped the idea of 'stay' and i am currently teaching him 'down' which he's also grasping on to quite quickly. He's had his second vaccination and is allowed out for walks now, and i took him on his second walk in the park today. His first walk he was quite happy and bouncy, but today's walk was excellent. He comes when he's called, runs along side you and i have to say, i had a really good time with him! I can tell he is going to be a great companion and we will have many good times together. He still tinkles when he's excited, but is nearly all the way there with the toilet training! We've cut him down to two meals a day now instead of three. He really makes me laugh the way he gets annoyed with his tail up on his back and rolls over continuously! Our next walk will probably be on Tuesday, which should be exciting! As long as he doesn't drag me in to any more muddy puddles so we both come home wet and muddy!

21/10/06

It's a week today since we've had Bentley and it seems like we've had him for longer! In a week, he's already learned his routine of waking up, toilet, food time, toilet, play and the first few days he'd wake me up during the night, but now he sleeps through the night and wakes up at roughly 7.00-7.30. He can sit, fetch a ball and bring it back (if he wants to!) and all-in-all is going very well. I'll add some more images to his gallery next week perhaps and also more vidos of him. We've found lots of things he likes, and the things he doesn't (thanks to that high-pitched Shiba scream!) Paris is getting wiser now, and keeps out of Bentley's way, but still isn't afraid to approach him and luckily, he hasn't gone for him yet, the cat's been very genuine despite what we thought might happen. He's very good in the garden, doesn't run off and keeps around you. I'll update his diary again next week sometime to keep you all posted. Thanks for reading!

17/10/06

The time is nearly 7am. Bentley is currently sitting and eating a chew. Since Saturday, Bentley has made amazing progress. He's settled in just fine and slowing learning routines of how things are done around here. He sleeps in my room, and we get up at 6, and i take him out for a wee, then i feed him his breakfast and then take him out for another toilet. This seems to be working really well. I started off losing alot of sleep though! He tends to keep me awake, but last night wasn't that bad. He's even learning how to sit! He's not keen on the collar and leash yet, but he's accepting it slowly. Him and the cat are quite funny to watch, as he chases after him to try and play and Paris just sits there with a funny face on, until he's decided he's had enough and runs away! He fetches balls and brings them back to you, and is very good with treats. Sometimes we let him in the garden with no collar/leash on and he's very well behaved. And yes, he screams when he doesn't like something! So, so far all is going well and we can all notice his progress and intelligence getting better as each day goes on, he's a very wise little pup. And i'm sure he'll grow up to be a beautiful, handsome dog!

14/10/06

Well, today was Bentley's first day home. It was sad taking him away from his mother & sister. We put him in the car, and he was a little frightened at first. But settled down once we were on the road, cuddling up on my lap and going to sleep in funny positions. We did have a bit of howling at the window, a bit of panting because he was hot so down came the window a little, and he loved the breeze on his face! He wasn't interested in any food/toys to start with. But once at home, had a waddle around, he was eating his blanket & bed and playing with his toys. Him and Paris (the cat) seem to be getting on okay so far. Paris is a little hesitant towards Bentley, but Bentley is nice and gentle with him, going up to him slowly and not provoking him much like i thought he would. He's gone to the toilet in the garden today, but not very happy about his lead & collar! But after i played with him for a while, he soon forgot it was on! When on the lead, he rolls around and chews the grass up, i suppose because it's all new to him! But he's an explorative one in the garden! Indoors he only prefers one room we started him off with, i guess everything else is a bit scary! At the moment, it's 24 mintues past midnight and he's asleep next to me. He wakes up every now & then & has a play, then dozes off. All i can say is he was worth it, and he is absolutely gorgeous. So i just want to thank Sharon for her support and thank her for a real lovely dog!