Monday 15 November 2021

Teaching terrier ways


Gail took me for a walk around Dunecht Estate at the weekend, and my wee poodle neighbour Ella joined us while her owner Kirsty stayed home nursing a sore toe. 

When Ella first came to live on our street she was all shy and nervous, and I've noticed she tends to stay close to Kirsty or Gail when we're out and about, even when she isn't on a lead. Which in my view is disappointing behaviour. 

Although I am not that much older than Ella (she's nine and I'm eleven) I feel she looks up to me* - both literally and metaphorically - and I think of myself as her mentor.

And so on Saturday afternoon I tried to encourage her to be less timid and more adventurous, leading by example of course. 

Initially she seemed hesitant.

But soon she gained confidence.

Poodles are of course quick learners,

And by the end of the walk, I'm proud to say Ella was displaying a positively terrier like mindset, happily striking out to investigate some new scent, without heed to whether or not Gail approved...
Way to go Ella! 

*Gail feels this is wishful thinking on Bertie's part.

18 comments:

  1. you are the best teacherfor that little cute girl... professor Bertie, the eggs-pert for all good things...

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  2. What a view for an estate. I'm sure that being 'properly outdoors' does our dogs the world of good. I do like Bertie's confident tail!

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  3. What a beautiful place for a walk, Bertie. I hope you're not teaching sweet Ella anything that will get her into trouble with Kirsty? That would never do!

    Love,
    Inca xx

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  4. You are a great teacher and a good friend to Ella, Bertie. Look how much fun she is having!

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  5. Wow Bertie, to us you are little, this little girl is itty bitty after seeing her next to you.. way to go Bertie, you can now be Professor Bertie... glad you have a canine companion on your walks.. Ella is a sweetie

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  6. Hari Om
    Bravo, Bertie lad... Ella could do no better than follow your example. Though I was glad to see that there was no more than distance than Gail's camera lens would allow... hugs and wags YAM-aunty xxx

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  7. You sure know how to show a gal a good time, Bertie. We're sure Ella learned a lot from your adventure together.

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  8. Bertie of course Ella looks up to you...you are crowned Prince of your block and 187% the best trekker EVER!.
    Ella, FYI Bertie has been known to wander in kitchens and make mad dashes on the train platform...so pretty girl be mindful of where you are when you follow Bertie. Just Sayin'
    I am thrilled that you are coming comfortable out and about with you new home
    Hugs Cecilia

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  9. You're a great teacher, Bertie!

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  10. WTG Bertie….you are widening Ella’s horizons.

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  11. You are a super good friend helping your pal Ella to have some fun! And such a spectacular walk with all the pretty autumn leaves!

    Rosie and Redford

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  12. You are an excellent teacher!

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  13. Such encouraging photographs! Ella looks a bit lamb-like in many (so cute).

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  14. Way to go, Bertie. You taught her important life skills (and we do not believe Gail's assessment at all!). -- Your fall leaves are still beautiful!

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  15. You are a good terrier teacher, Bertie. We bet Ella had a lot of fun.

    Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber

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  16. Hi friend, Ojo here! Of course she looks up to you! You are very wise and a good teacher. I am glad she got to do some fun things under your guidance!

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  17. Ella very much accepts Bertie as a good ally. She is also very proud of covering 50 miles a week in October. Glencoe and glen Nevis. She even went up hidden valley and loved scrambling over the rocks. A little help across the burn because her owner was concerned. Not her. And she wasn't concerned about eagles either !!!

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