When puppy co-ordinator Wendy told us it was important to maintain focus when training your dog, I believed she was speaking about concentration.
However, I now realise she was referring to maintaining my Ford Focus, which is slowly but surely being eaten by Yancy.
I have a dog guard across the back. This, it seems, is to keep us out and not her in. She can then tuck in to fixtures and fittings with gusto, untroubled by human vehicle occupants.
Plastic luggage hooks x 4…gone. Carpet…successfully chewed through and removed (too late) to a place of safety. I fear the spare tyre will be next on her menu.
She is quickly turning my estate car into a hatchback (should that be munchback). I should have bought a cage for the car, I know. I foolishly believed the dog guard would be sufficeint for the canine reprobate!
It seems to be worst on the morning school run. I drive along yelling into my rear view mirror as the sound of gnawing grows louder, James cowed by my side: “Yancy NO…NO YANCY.”
I’m amazed I haven’t sparked any road rage incidents “No really, sir, I wasn’t shouting at you. It was our puppy in the back…”
Slight transport blips aside, Yancy is doing marvellously well. She is now just over 20 weeks old and she takes everything in her stride. She is much adored by all who meet her and the MacCallum family are delighted she has joined our Barry clan. I can even forgive her systematic destruction of my car.
Since our last blog, Yancy and family have been everywhere man.
We’ve had meals out in St Andrews and Broughty Ferry, bus trips in to Dundee (the Overgate Centre’s a big favourite), a visit to Arbroath RBLS Pipe Band coffee morning and many lovely walks.
Yancy also loves ‘free running’ in the stubble field behind our house where she bounces in a gazelle-like fashion. It’s a grand energy burner, but must be used sparingly.
I even took her to Scotscraig for a game of golf. We managed nine holes, thanks to my playing partners’ lead-holding assistance. Yancy had a grand time, feasting royally on rabbit droppings (a rare delicacy and big favourite). Her puzzled look when putts disappeared into the hole was a picture it’s such a rare occurrence that I’m the same. I did try and make her sit and watch me play a shot at the 18th but she shot off with my ball…sadly, in the wrong direction.
The main thing is that she experiences as much of everyday life as possible. Being comfortable on public transport is a must and busy shopping centres must hold no fears.
She remains unfazed by all that life throws at her. A top pup!
For more information on Guide Dogs for the Blind and on puppy walking, visit guidedogs.org.uk