This expression originated in the 16th century, when dogs led very different lives to the pampered pooches of today. Generally, they lived outside and were fed on leftover scraps. They were not pets but often guard dogs. Their lives were perceived as being miserable.
This brings me to my own dog, Zeph. He is just five months old and I thought it might be time for an update on his life; far from miserable – I hope!
One of the major events, in his life, has been starting puppy school. There are four other dogs who attend; two Labradors, one Cocker Spaniel and one Bull Mastiff. Zeph is the only male.
The classes are held, every Sunday morning, in a local village hall. Social distancing comes naturally because if the pups were not kept a reasonable distance from each other, there would be mayhem!
Every week, the trainer puts something at the entrance to the hall to see how the puppies react! An open umbrella didn’t phase Zeph, at all. A life size Labrador toy was a different matter! We had barking, boxing, wrestling…
Zeph’s training is excellent when in Puppy School, in the house or in the garden. Take him out and it is almost as if he has never been trained at all! His recall is still a work in progress, so we have to be cautious about where we let him off the lead. Nine times out of ten, he will come back but if he spots a dog and its owner, in the distance, he’ll be off, unless we spot them first.
We’ve already had two unscheduled visits to the vet because Zeph has eaten something he shouldn’t. I’m not sure if it’s a collie thing but I’ve never had a dog that tries to eat everything in its path, with unpleasant results. It means keeping an eagle eye on him, particularly in the garden. I’m hoping it’s something he will stop as he gets older.
@zephbc continues to grow. He now has 150 followers!! He doesn’t appear to be particularly impressed. His most popular post is this one:
This rather startling photo reminds me of a horse! On the other hand, it does show off his different colour eyes rather well.
This is the second most popular post on his Instagram account. This was taken back in August, when I could still pick him up, without risking back problems!
Finally, here are a few of his latest photos in which you can see him playing with a new, squeaky duck toy, having a snooze with his bed and enjoying a Sunday stretch!
Having a dog again has definitely brought so much joy, in so many ways. I’m particularly enjoying the walks, even in the pouring rain! Owning a dog, is not without its challenges, especially at the puppy stage, but the rewards far out way any difficulties. I do hope you’ve enjoyed this update on Zeph’s development and stay safe!
Fancying France 
Enjoyed reading about Zeph’s puppy school training and how he is coming along. Has he tried to chew any furniture around the house yet? I hope he hasn’t taken a fancy to any to cut his teeth on and is happy with his chews. Do you find you meet the same people and dogs each day when taking him for a walk if you stick to a routine? Marion
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Marion, I’m pleased you enjoyed reading about Zeph. He had done very little chewing around the house. We have kept him provided with lots of alternatives to the furniture, including a fairly, large and thick piece of wood which my husband had amongst his ‘useful’ bits and pieces, in the garage! Zeph is also a fan of cardboard which he shreds and chews. There is very much a dog walking community where we live and we do meet some people relatively regularly. We’re lucky that there are so many places we can walk Zeph, in the immediate area.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He is absolutely beautiful! Hope the training continues to go well. #PoCoLo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lisa. Of course I think he’s beautiful but I am very biased! My husband’s birthday is in January, so I might be ordering a card from you, nearer the time, which would include Zeph!!
LikeLike
I don’t think I could cope with a puppy nowadays, so good on you. When the children were young we had a golden retriever who was lovely and gentle but prone to eating things that she shouldn’t have….a grass snake and a coleus houseplant spring to mind. She was very sick both times. She also ate several LPs and totally ruined a chair! Lucky Zeph for having such a loving mummy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think if we’d left it much longer, we wouldn’t have been able to cope with a puppy either! I’m not surprised that your poor retriever was very sick after eating a grass snake and a coleus. My last dog – a lurcher – ate a dark choc Terry’s whole orange and a box of mini Green & Blacks and wasn’t even sick. It could have ended very badly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh dear, I understand that chocolate can be very dangerous for dogs. Lucky lurcher!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed!
LikeLike
I’ve come a bit late to this post but thought I had to comment as so much of your post reminded me of our blue-marl collie. cross She was the best ever dog in her classes but outside the class at home and on walks it as as though she had never been trained. She did though keep near us and we could let her off the lead but sadly we had to be careful of all other dogs. This was because she was a rescue and had not been fully socialised when young, so she was frightened of other dogs and consequently was aggressive with, not all, but most. It was a cross we had to bear but apart from that she was a delight and brilliant with people and young children, and yes she hoovered up up snacks from the ground and if it was an old curry the results the next day….. But she never chewed anything around the house and really she was just lovely and I miss her so much even after all these years.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m the world’s worst for commenting late – you may have noticed! Anyhow, I don’t think you’re late at all! Our last dog was a rescue and although he was an absolute sweetie (a lurcher), he definitely had issues. We thought long and hard before getting a puppy and we did feel that it was a now or never decision. I can tell from your comment how much you loved your blue-merle collie cross. When a family dog dies, they always take a piece of our heart, I think.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry to hear about the vets visits, hope nothing too serious when swallowing foreign objects. Love the first photo, how on earth is he comfortable like that. Thanks for joining in with #pocolo
LikeLiked by 1 person
The vet visits were a bit scary and, so far, he hasn’t swallowed anything big but eats plants, bird poo etc. which affect his tummy. I know it’s normal for puppies to eat all kinds of inappropriate stuff but Zeph seems more inclined to do this than previous pups. Maybe it’s a collie thing? Thanks for commenting #pocolo
LikeLike