CORGI GATHERING!

BARN:

Been bugging Mummy to take me out. Tried four times to get her to open her car boot on Wednesday night but she didnt get the message....Mummy not very bright.

(Mummy: Actually, it was almost midnight when Barn2 tried to convince me that he needed to pee or poo. Had to open front door for him four times. Finally realised that he was circling the car rather than finding his usual pee places. No way I was going to take him for kai-kai/outings at that time of the night! )

Yesterday, she suddenly decided to take me on a ride. We picked up Dexter and his parents and we went to my school! (K9 Kampus). While Dexter and Benny had a wrestling good time (they are best of friends), I had a good walk around the place....even checking out (from a distance) the hydrotheraphy pool. Mummy says I was a good boy generally- until I growled at a big dog lurking under the reception counter...and Uncle Josiah did a dominance (hand on muzzle) treatment on me. OK...so I growled at Dexter and Benny once when they were having a fun fight....but I was just doing what Ko Ko Trax would do: play the policeman!

(Mummy: Yup. Barn2 has improved)

Then we went to the corgi gathering at Bishan Park.

There were so many dogs there! There was Ode who went crazy wrestling with Dexter...

There was this cute little corgi who never stopped scolding everyone: Cookie with the short blue wings (wonder if he could fly? Hmmm).

Knight was there but he looked a bit lost without his two bossy sisters (I once dated his elder sister Lady)....and there was Frisbee Brownie who loved- what else? frisbees. I was quite well behaved. Only got irritated by Brownie when he tried to disturb me. Mummy yanked me away...

(Mummy: Must say that Barn2 was very good today. Proud of him. He wasnt the old Barn2 who growled at almost every dog he saw. He was more aloof, more mature...minding his own business most of the time...showing interest re a few dogs and trying to relate to them more appropriately. Good boy!)

I was a very, very tired corgi by the time we got home.

Couldn't wait to sleep......

Can't keep my eyes open now...!)

Mummy's still at her computer as usual.

I have to sleep with the lights on.

Rats.

Zzzzzzzzzzzz.....!

(MUMMY:

Acknowledgements: "Corgi gathering" photos from Dogsforum Singapore. Taken by Adrian 17, Noting and MyOde)

BARN2 LEARNS MANNERS

MARKY:

Today, Mummy packed BOTH of us into her car. Me- at the back of the car and Barn2 in his carrier. Aunty Carol came with us as well. We went to K9 Kampus for 'socialisation' classes.


I was put with the big dogs at the dog run. There was a GR who seemed interested in relating to me....but I was more concerned about where Mummy and Barn2 went....so I kept running to the fence to look for Mummy.


After a while, one of the staff brought me into a smaller holding area. There was Barn2! For once- he didnt growl at me. He studiously avoided looking at me as Uncle Josiah (the trainer) welcomed me into the 'pack' (oh yes, Snow, Uncle Josiah's Sheltie was in the vicinity as well). Then Uncle Josiah held on to Barn2's leash and mine...


We walked together beside him- one on each side of him.
Hmmm, my kid brother is behaving himself quite well.....

Then they brought in a Cocker Spaniel.
Barn2 suddenly launched himself at the girl (!!) growling.
Uncle Josiah grabbed him, pushed and held him down. I think Uncle Josiah growled at Barn2. You should have seen that little brat looking apologetic almost immediately.
Rather subdued.



For the rest of the time, Barn2 behaved himself.
I think he is improving.
Maybe one day, we can play together, my kid brother and I.....

Thunder and lightning: what do you do?

BARN2:

What do you do when there's thunder and lightning......?
This is what I do....

(MUMMY: It's not easy to extricate a very tense 20 kg corgi from one's head when one is lying on the pillow ....! )

Training Day Two

BARN2:

Today, Mummy took me to the K9 Kulture place again.
No massage.

Just socialisation.

Uncle Josiah took my leash and led me into a training area.
Then he invited 4 other dogs into the place.

All girls. Exciting huh?

Let's see- there's Snow, his own Sheltie....a Beagle, a corgi looking small black dog and a white Maltese...

Only thing is that I am not allowed to hump any of them. (Rats!)

I was very interested in Snow....but since I couldnt hump her...I got a bit bored....

...so I sat down and behaved myself..for a while at least.

I overheard Uncle Josiah say that I will have to come again next week. He says he will be introducing me to dogs of different sizes and to male dogs as well. I really dont know why I have to undergo these exercises - especially when I can't have my kind of fun.

In any case, I enjoyed the tummy rub Uncle Josiah gave me at the end of the session.

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MARKY:

When Mummy opened the car's boot area to me, I wondered where we were going.

As soon as we arrived, Mummy passed me to Auntie Cheryl who took me down this space. Look at the crowd that's looking at me!

Uncle Josiah introduced Snow and Benji (a Golden Retriever) to me. I wasnt that interested in them. I was more concerned- where is Mummy? Why is she leaving me?

After a while, I was brought to this place where the big dogs are. I was supposed to socialise with them. Its nice to know that there are dogs of my size around ( at home, my brothers are the height challenged corgis). Some of them are crazy about the swimming pool- especially the GRs. Me? I am not sure about the place. Let me look around before I decide if I like the place or not.... I dont even like water! Dont expect me to jump into the pool..... (Mummy: see Benny the corgi's blog - it has a video of the dogs swimming in the pool... http://www.bennyxobile.blogspot.com/ )

After a while, Mummy appeared again.

Mummy, can we go home?

(Mummy: Both Barn2 and Marky are here for their weekly socialisation sessions. It seems that Marky 'passed' the socialisation 'test' and would be allowed to play with all the other dogs in the common area. He just needs a bit more experience with other dogs to gain confidence. Barn2 on the other hand.....sigh....needs to be introduced to different dogs (sizes, gender,etc) gradually.

So next week, he will continue his socialisation class....)

A GREAT DAY OUT!

BARN2:

There was no warning. Mummy suddenly opened the boot of the car and invited me in. We're going out!!! It's been a long time since I got to go out. Mummy had not taken me out for a ride since Ko Ko Trax disappeared.




Where are we going, Mummy?

The trip was quite a long one. I managed to stand up against the back seats and stare at the cars passing by. The best part was when Mummy had to stop at the traffic lights. There was this foreign worker in an open lorry who was so shocked to see me appear at the car window next to his face- grinning straight at him. He soon broke into a smile when he saw how cute I am.
Hee hee.

After a very long ride, Mummy stopped. She brought me to this place called K9 Kampus or something at Turf Club Road.

Most of the houses/ shops there are under renovation. Only two shops were open...and outside one of them, stood Benny's Mummy- Auntie Zoe! (Picture above is of Aunty Zoe's shop. Photo taken from Benny's website yesterday- so it has Benny in it) http://www.pawsitivesensations.com/

OK...where is that Benny boy....? Hmmmm....We went into the shop and I looked around for him. Yes, I can smell him everywhere...but he isnt there. Hey, Benny, Benny, Benny......want to come out to play? I'm the one you call 'Darth Vader'.....

Well, in case Benny comes back later, I will leave him my calling card....(Mummy: Barn2 left some drops of yellow wee2 at different parts of the reception area. Naughty boy.)

Then Auntie Zoe called me to her....and began to massage my back, my paws, my chest, my head.....

Oh, she is nice. I think she likes me!!! Very few people can resist my charm ( except Aunty Carol, Junior's Mummy. I dont seem to be able to impress her)- I know how to give them THAT look with my eyes....it simply melts their hearts.





I felt more relaxed at the end of the session.
Ahhhh! .....I feel good.......
You can tell that, can't you....?

Thank you Auntie Zoe! I like you......

After the session, I took Benny's place- temporarily- as the 'resident dog'.

Nice posture, huh? Maybe I can cover for him when Benny goes on holiday. I kinda like the place.

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The second part of the time there: I am not sure if I liked it. Mummy and Auntie Zoe took me to a big guy called Uncle Josiah. He's the boss-man of the place. He's a dog trainer. I heard them telling him my antics: how I growled at Ko Ko Marky and fought with him etc.etc.etc.

Then Uncle Josiah took my leash and got someone to bring out a Sheltie. I was very interested in her (yes, it is a HER)....but alas! she wasnt interested in me. But before I could get into more serious introduction, Uncle Josiah got a BIG Golden Retriever to say hello to me.

Me: Grrrr....(YANK!!) mfft....I'm sorry.....I wont do it again....I'm really a good boy....
( a few minutes later...I forgot)....Grrrrr!!(YANK! NO!!!!!)......mfffftttt....sorry....sorry.....

It was quite embarassing really. He called all his new staff together to view our encounter.
I was to be the 'demo dog'- Demo Dog of Bad Behaviour.
Humans were looking at me. Whole bunch of doggies were looking at me.....
And then there's the Golden Retriever.

Grrr...(YANK!!)...opps. I forgot...sorry....

(Mummy: The evaluation was that Barn2 needed some socialisation training. From his history, we suspect that his 'dominance/ aggression' isnt genetic...but learnt....from his Ko Ko Trax.

Trax was a good Don Coleone aka DOGFATHER. Samseng Tau /"Head Gangster" to Barn2 the samsengkia ('little gangster'). Trax's aggression was certainly genetic and he was prone to biting humans and dogs without warning. We suspected he had canine rage syndrome. He had mellowed a lot since he hit old age. He became such a sweet character with younger dogs .But even in the midst of his 'grandpa sweetness'-Trax was still able to pack a sudden chomp anytime- on humans or on dogs- even in his final months.

Barn2 learnt how to be aggressive from Trax. I hope to be able to send Barn2 for classes on Wednesdays. Will see what happens.)

MUMMY:
After sending Barn2 home, we picked up Marky.
Zoe was holding Marky's leash as I prepared the car boot space for Marky's entry.
Then it happened.

Marky slipped his rather loose collar and ran down our road....with Zoe and I running after him!

It was my fault. I forgot that his collar was loose. We couldnt catch him and he was heading towards a construction site. Since my car doors were open (anyone could have reached in to take our bags from there) and there was no way I could catch up with him on foot....I ran back to the car, praying that the Lord would bring him back because he is such a klutz on the road (he has no road sense- which was why he got hit by a car when he was a stray 6 years ago) and his life was at stake. Sensed the Lord saying- 'no problem' even as my mind said, 'there's no way he will run back this way...'

I drove down the road. By that time, Zoe had managed-miraculously! PTL- to get Marky to run back home. He was in front of our gate when I managed to get hold of him. We put a choke chain on him and bundled him into the car.

So much for the day's excitement!! Both Zoe and I were breathless and exhausted.

------------------

MARKY:
It was fun!!!! (making Mummy and Auntie Zoe run). I havent had a chance to run like that for a long long time.....Felt great!

OK...they brought me to Auntie Zoe's shop. Everything smelt different. Strange. I smell Barn2 here. Is my height challenged little upstart of a brother here?

Auntie Zoe started pressing different parts of my body. It felt ticklish at times...

When it felt uncomfortable (she was touching my leg where I had my car accident)....I walked off...


But there were times when it felt...GREAT!




When it was over, they brought me to a Uncle Josiah. He introduced me to the Sheltie and to the other dogs. I growled once (albeit softly) and got scolded. But other than that, nothing happened. It was just interesting to see so many dogs in one place...and also (later), seeing so many dogs jumping in and out of a huge pool, having so much fun. Maybe one day I can join them....Can I, Mummy?

It was a good day....

(Mummy: Mr Josiah Gan's acessment of Marky is that Marky is not confident but he is more sociable than Barn2. Easier to train. Can bring him along for the socialisation sessions when I bring Barn2 ).

Renovation completed!

Mummy: (27 August 07)

Just completed the renovations. We were building a room for a maid. We are planning to get a maid to take care of the dogs, Dad, housework and cooking (in that order). The room is now ready. Looks great.

The backyard is much neater now. Marky has lots of space to run. When the maid comes in, Marky will get a human companion living close to him. Our only concern is that when there's thunder and lightning- will Marky be trying to break down her room door? Hmmmmm....

Barn2's favourite wee2 place has also been changed. The little grass patch in front of the house- well, the workmen bricked up the parameters of the patch so that the bricks wont drop when Barn accidentally kicks them as he jumps onto the patch. It looks neat.





.

Tonight is the first night that Marky is sleeping at the back of the house after the renovations. He is feeling a bit uneasy with so much open space. Barn2 is happy to be able to live life more normally now- ie he can have the free run of the house and the front yard. But there have been so many changes in past three weeks...both dogs are still feeling a bit tense and anxious.

Barn2 and Marky just had a fight

Mummy : ( 26 August 2007)

I was opening the front door and Barn2 slipped past my foot. He charged at Marky and there was a minor fight. Not a lot of growling as I feared there would be...and when I yelled at both of them and separated them, it was Barn2 who was a bit more difficult to disengage from his growliness. Marky seemed to be more relieved to be pulled off. Got my dad to hold Marky while I carried Barn back into the house (easier to carry him than to haul him). Then I checked them for wounds.

Barn seemed ok. Still raring to go. Bad boy.

Marky was walking on three legs. His hind left leg was in the air. Checked him for cuts. None. Realised that Barn2 must have hit his muscle- his vulnerable spot. Marky had a major operation there when I first took him in. The head of his femur bone was totally crushed by a big truck (hit and run) and the vet had tied all his muscles together around the remaining bones. He healed well because he was a pup when it happened. He walks and jumps well but if one observes carefully, he does walk with a very very slight limp. My shortlegged furball must have hit his muscle quite hard. After massaging his outer thigh for a while, I noticed that Marky could put his leg down but for only a while...then he would resume his three legged walk/runs. The only sign of the canine tiff was a small tuff of fur on the floor. It looked like Barn's because it was more wool-y than Marky's straight short fur.

Feelings/ thoughts:
1. A bit relieved because I realised that the two are ok...more or less. I think Marky will be ok after a short rest.
2. A bit relieved that the two(who are both cowards) did not seem to have the strong will to fight each other in the same way that Trax would when he encountered Marky (and vice versa). Compared to all the growls they had made against each other across the door grills, this was very very mild.But am concerned whether Barn2 would be emboldened to try again (he is walking with a swagger.the ya-ya boy!)..and fight to be top dog. Am concerned that if Barn2 manages to get out when I am not around (my dad is less careful..) what would happen. Would Marky be likely to go all out to fight back?