Kimi The Airedale Terror - The Chronicles

Termination of Kimi's Blog

2011-01-15T17:16:00.001-08:00

Dear friends,

It has come to my attention that the content of my blog for Kimi has been stolen without my permission and used by sploggers who have reposted the entire content of this blog for their own money making purposes.

My most intimate thoughts are being sucked up without permission, by people trying to make a quick unearned dollar. They’re called Blog Scrapers and Sploggers, and apparently, they are a common phenomena on the Internet world now that blogs are prevalent. I’ve found the entire content of my posts stolen and reposted by these… people.

It is very unfortunate but I've made the decision to terminate this blog. For those of you who are still keen to follow Kimi and Rummy's adventures and their story, please add me on your Facebook account as a friend, and you'll be able to see and read about our adventures.

Thank you for all your kind support and friendship all these years.

Cheers,

Sheila Wagner

Winter Wonderland

2010-11-26T16:00:00.000-08:00

We had two days of snow here in WA. This is Rummy's first real experience with snow. There was enough snow to stick around and we had temperature in the teens in F.

Early in the morning, we woke up to let the chickies out. And at the same time, frolic in the snow when it was still coming down fresh.

Rummy Cub found a chew bone and decided to chomp on it and play "let's hide it".

And while Rummy chomps on his chew thing, I buried my face in the fresh snow, and I loved it.

The snow was drifting slowly down, not making a sound, and it was so serenely beautiful and quiet.

In the early dawn hours, we saw how awesome and beautiful nature could be, and we lived in the moment. Just enjoying this very moment, the stillness of it all.

Kimi in the bushes.

We found out that the snow gave good cushioning if we fell and rolled around on the ground. So we made good use of the snow, and played rough. We played Bitey face, tumbled, and rolled and ran around, with our tails tucked under because we were so fast.

Kimi Sayang

Wow look at Rummy's awesome teeth.

Kimi

Rummy

Kimi's butt

Kimi wants to play, spot the dog

Are we playing catch?

In the middle of play, Rummy runs to the chicken coop to see if his chickens are doing fine. He loves his chickens and wanted to make sure they were all safe and sound.

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody.

Hugs,

Kimi and Rummy

BarksGiving

2010-11-15T13:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Rummy and I attended a special event called Barksgiving. It was a lunch party for us canines. We went to a doggie restaurant and got served a 5 course lunch.

Rummy sniffing Karla's butt, just to check what she had for dinner last night.

Gromit and I, sniff a new long sausage looking dog.

We could tell it was going to be a fun filled event, just by the sheer diversity of dogs there. It was a sniff fest too for us, and we had a lot of fun. The event was also for a good cause, as we were raising money to help build and establish the offleash dog park in Kirkland.

I think the best part for us was meeting all these new dogs, and having a ball of a time together. There was a lot of butt sniffing going on.

When we were finally seated in the restaurant, it was odd, because this time, dogs were sitting on chairs too. We waited patiently for our delicious food, and we were all very well behaved.

Mavy (on the right) got a new baby brother, Merline (left). He is also a field springer very young, and from Springer Rescue. He is SO cute, everyone wanted to carry him.

One of the oldest canine guests at the event was Lady (also from Rescue). She owns Megen (the human) and Lady came so beautifully dressed with her string of pearls, and a nice colorful necklace.

Mum and us. (Kimi on left, Rummy on right)

That's Mike and Hamilton. Hamilton is wearing a very nice autumn themed bowtie.

Doggies on comfy couches and socializing nicely

Rummy (right) and I waiting patiently and behaving nicely.

Baby Merlin was very interested in me. He came over, and smelled my beard and kissed me. No doubt, he must have smelled the deer that I just had for dinner last night.

Mum with baby Merlin. He was such a mellow baby. One of the cutest springer babies we've ever seen.

After a short wait, the appetizer was served. I just went straight for it, but Rummy was a little hesitant. We are not accustomed to eating off plates, and most definitely not off tables, so Rummy was a bit reserved about this new eating manner. He was holding back, and waited for Rob to hand feed him and let him know it was ok. After Rob said "Free" I was helping myself to my food, with no help at all.

Rummy being very happy about being allowed on the table.

What a happy boy

Baby Merlin (left) and Mavy (right). Aren't they adorable? They seem to get along very well even though Merlin has only been with his new pack for such a short time.

Lupe and Clancy (wheaten terrier)

As you can tell by now, the event was predominantly Airedale being the majority. It just so happened that the event had a few meal seatings, and all the Airedale buddies wanted to dine together, so we went for it and made it our own Airedale party too.

Rummy's favorite buddy, Gromit and his human Laura. Gromit is such a happy go lucky fella.

Our pack

Clancy and his human, Karla

Clancy even jumped up onto the table at one point, but since it was a doggie party, no one made a fuss.

Hmm... a meaty soup with yogurt and a meat stick. We didn't like it too much..

But look, Lupe seems to enjoy it a lot more. As usual, the Airedale beard is soaked after drinking.

No, we tried it, and we don't like it.

The main course was turkey, mash, and carrots.

It was such a small serving though... it was like bite sized. Do you know how much food Rummy and I eat everyday? This was nothing. Not even a teaser. We eat about 2 lbs of food every day, this lunch was really just a little appetizer compared to what we eat normally.

Rob needed to hand feed Rummy, because he was hesitant to eat off the table and plate on his own. This is not how we do things at home, and I guess, he just needed that bit of encouragement to be bad.

Yeah, the humans said for this time only, it was ok to eat off plates off the table.

Even Lady had Megen serve her the food.

Clancy was just grateful to be with his human and have the individual attention and love from her. He shares his human with 2 other Airedales, Chester who was too old to attend, and Lupe, the new kid on the block.

Dessert came in the form of a muffin for everyone.

Every dog was waiting so nicely for their humans to peel off the wrapper for them.

Rob needed to handfeed Rummy his muffin too.

Gromit and his human Laura.

After the lunch experience, we went out for an impromptu group shot.

Try and count and see how many Airedales you can spot in this picture.

Hugs,

Kimi and Rummy

(answer: 6)

Crabbing in the Northwest

2010-11-05T20:13:00.000-07:00

One of the nicest things to do here in the Northwest is to go crabbing on a cold autumn day.

We could drop pots at the pier on a quiet day, and wait for the crabs to feed on our bait, and then we catch them.

Me and grandma, waiting in the cold for the crabs.

Rummy still finds crabbing a real treat, as he has only been crabbing with us for less than 6 months, since crabbing season started late this year. I've been doing this for a few years since moving here, so this is really not a big deal for me.

Rummy is VERY happy to go crabbing. Can you tell?

Rummy loves to give kisses, especially to people who are at his face level. He gives kisses for no particular reason, he's just a very loving dog.

Rummy watches over Rob as he makes adaptations to one of the newer crab pots.

Rummy

Kimi (left) and Rummy

I turn 5 this month at Thanksgiving, and though I'm starting to age a bit, I'm still healthy and young looking. My teeth are shiny, white and clean, and the vet at my recent vet check said she couldn't believe I was 5 and had such good teeth. She asked if Mum brushed my teeth, and all she replied was "no, we feed raw."

Rummy

When Rob goes to check on the other pots periodically, we follow him, and help keep the crabs in line. We are good watch dogs, if they try to escape from the pails, we bark, and alert the humans that they're trying to escape. The humans come running, and put the crabs back into the pails, we get lots of praise.

When we do have smaller crabs which are not legal yet to keep, they are set free. Sometimes, Mum lets us play with a few of them.

Kimi (left) and Rummy (right) intrigued with the crab and playing with it.

In between checking the crab pots, we just hang out and wait on the pier.

Rummy (far background) and Kimi (foreground)

Rummy Cub

The boys wait patiently for grandma to give treats.

Rummy Cub on the doggie couch

Hugs,

Kimi and Rummy

Transitioning Outdoors

2010-10-18T22:11:00.000-07:00

Getting used to the chicks while they were indoors was easy, but getting trained with them outdoors is a lot tougher.

Outside, the chickens now run free, and they actually do run sometimes. They chase bugs, they chase each other, or they are playing, and we have to be trained not to give chase, or allow that instinctual prey drive to kick in. Mum starts out by putting us on a Down-Stay. We get used to the activities and behaviors of the chickens.

There are a lot more distractions for us too, more things to lose focus on, more ways to get in trouble, but we know by now, to stay calm when we are with our chickens. That's the crucial thing, to stay calm.

Rummy

Mum also feeds us together, and she's done this indoors too, so we have learned that treats = good chicken behaviors. The more we stay calm, the more praise we get, the more treats we get. The chickens get treated too. This is training for both species at the same time.

Rummy surveys the property to make sure all is fine. He checks the chickens under their favorite spots, and is satisfied when all is calm and orderly.

It became a daily ritual, at least twice a day, where we would be on a Down, and Mum would sprinkle oats and other chicken treats all around us so that the chickens associate us with good things.

Rummy watches his chickens from far and close by.

After we get "freed", we are allowed to move with the chickens. By and by, we all get so used to each other, that it no longer becomes necessary for any further training, and all is well.

Rummy moves with the flock as part of our pack.

So that was how we trained our chickens to love us. I'd say I am amused by my chickens, but I'm not in love with them, as Rummy is. That's me above, sniffing my chicken's butt.

We can now be left alone outside with the chickens, guarding them against hawks or other birds of prey. When we are near, nothing harms our chicks, and that's how we like it. Our neighbor lab, Howard has killed chickens before, and once, he came by around and went to the back fence. Our acreage is totally fenced in, but Howard has learned to push and shove his way under the fence so as to get to our chickens. Rummy was so angry and protective, he and I immediately charged to the fence, and Rummy was growling so hard and deliberately, telling Howard to "Go away, stay away! No entry to you". He really meant it. Howard heeded his warning growls and barks, and he did not push his way through that time. Fortunately, his owner then build him his own run, on their property, so that he couldn't attack our chickens. There is a saying, "Once a chicken killer, always a chicken killer." And Mum is extremely cautious about making sure we don't witness Howard making any kills in front of us. But I don't think Rummy or myself would allow any such thing to happen. The chickens are now part of our pack. We feel strongly for them and our urge to protect them is strong.

Rummy

When we sense danger or see a strange car pass, we'd bark and sound the alert. All the chickens would hear us and hide. They would dash into their house and stay away till all was well again. We become the alert signals and the birds heed our signs. This was, we become their guardians.

Hugs,
Kimi and Rummy

The Bonding Process

2010-10-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

This entry recounts what happened when we got the chicks.
The chicks were ordered online from a hatchery and they'd be sent to us by regular mail. The post office would call us at 6am in the morning, and Mum would get the brooder ready, turn on the heat lamp, then prepare food and water. Rummy and I, being the most observant, would trail her like shadows. We know the drill, she's getting chicks, and we would not leave her side.

Mum takes us with her to ride in the car. We get to sit up front in the passenger area, so that we can be 100% involved with the raising of the chicks. The bonding starts right at the beginning. Mum comes out from the post office with this box that chirps and cheeps very loudly. We get to sniff it, and look at it, but no pawing or making any noise. Then we go straight home.

When we get home, we sit patiently by the box, paying close attention to the little sounds coming from there. We're really excited, but Mum won't open the box until we are absolutely calm, so we settle down as quickly as we can, so she'll open the box sooner. We wait and the moment arrives.

Mum opens the box on the floor, telling us to watch and see. There are always chicks in the box, and this routine has happened 3 times, so we know what to expect.

I tend to hang back a bit more but Rummy puts his nose right in.

There are normally scared little peeps in the box, we can tell by their energy that they are anxious, and sometimes, the chicks shut their eyes because they are very frightened, so we stay very calm, and Mum also stays very calm. We don't talk much during the initial presentation process. And one by one, Mum carries the chicks up, to our noses, so we can have a closer look and smell.

Kimi smelling a chick upon its arrival

She presents every single chick to us both, one by one, first I smell it, and then Rummy smells it, until the box is empty. She lets us have the first inspection and lets us touch our noses to the chicks.

Once the chicks have settled in, they eat, sleep, poop and peep. They relax and their chirping sounds change from a high pitch cheep, to something mellow and deep. Their bodies relax and become soft, and they start becoming inquisitive about their environment.

From the first moment they get introduced to our world, the chicks get used to our furry faces. They smell our doggie breaths and they like it. Maybe they like it because our breaths are warm, and the chicks get a rush of warmth which they need. At this young age, chicks love to be under a heat source, so they go relax under the heat lamp in their brooder, or they cuddle with Rummy.

I would say from my observations that my brother Rummy is healthily obsessed with the little peeps. He would go first thing in the morning to check on them. It is almost as if he makes a mental note, how many there are, and would watch every single one to see if they were ok.

Eventually, the chicks are so used to having us around, jumping on our backs and perching there comfortably becomes a norm. I don't like that as much, but Rummy loves the chicken attention. That's Ebony, above in the pic, perched on Rummy's back.

Rummy shares a special kiss and moment with a Black Crested White Polish.

Kimi, following Ebony and Goldie.

We have learned not to rush at the chickens, that makes them go in a panic state, and they flap their wings and run away. We have learned to be gentle with them, to move slowly around them, to stay still if we want to invite the chickens to come close. Rummy is really good at these things.

He is the resident hunter in our pack, killing mice, snakes and moving things, but he has this sweet soft spot for the chickens, and who would have thought this could be possible?

While the chicks were still growing indoors, we'd hang out by their brooder everyday. Mum would lift the lid, and the chicks would perch on top, sometimes, when they see us, they'd come right up to us and play with us. They'd peck at us, pull our fur, and jump all over.

That's Smokey when he was little. He loved to climb on Rummy. Always, they would play together, and Rummy would be silly and love the attention.

When a new batch of chicks came, the whole routine would repeat. They'd stay indoors for 4-5 weeks and then get moved outdoors to the big bird enclosure. They'd have to learn to get along with the outdoor birds, and we'd be there to see that everything went smoothly. So from the time they arrive, to the time, they grow up and move out to the outside, we are right by their side, daily.

Rummy loved to spend his days and nights, laying by the side of the chick brooder. He'd watch them for hours, and seemed very content, relaxed and happy whenever they were together.

He would stick his tongue out to kiss them and lick them, and allow the chicks to peck at it. The chicks probably thought this was their hen, feeding them worms or goodies, but they would be unafraid of his huge canine teeth, or all his sharp teeth for that matter. He was so gentle with them.

Sometimes, he'd try to mouth them, or "feel" them through the grates, but the chicks would still be undeterred. For them, this was totally normal. Perhaps by instinct, when the chicks were close to him, he would never mouth them, or put them in his mouth although he easily could.

Rummy being super pleased with his chicks.

Everyday during our practice/bonding sessions, Mum would carry the chicks and let us get super close to them. That's me, kissing and sniffing a chick. I get bored of them easily, and I lose interest, but Mum still makes me stay and be with them. She was trying to build a strong bond between the species, so that eventually, we feel protective over the chicks, and it has worked.

Rummy being close to Smokey as a wee baby

Be it day time, or night time, Rummy or my face would be stuck in their brooder. They got very used to us, and grew confident and tough. Because of their familiarity with us, they would show no fear, or negative energy when they started free ranging. That in turn, dialed down the prey drive within us, because we didn't sense their fear, and we didn't see the need for a chase.

Rummy's face was a common sight for them.

Now we have stopped getting anymore chicks. Mum said, we've got enough, and we're getting eggs everyday now for free. So we're all really happy. Rummy and I get hard boiled eggs, fried eggs, and raw eggs for treats too. This is really wonderful.

Hugs,

Kimi and Rummy

These are Our Chicks

2010-10-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

Some of the following pics are a bit outdated, since it covers the time when the chicks were still indoors with us, but they were so darn cute, we just had to share them with you.

You'll see why Rummy has such a soft spot for them.

That's Smokey, the Blue Cochin roo when he was teeny. From that young age of a few days old, Rummy and him have been tight, like the two pieces of chopsticks in a pair.

Mum used to have these bonding sessions, which doubled up as training sessions, where we'd have to sit by the brooder and the chicks, and calmly socialize and interact with them. Rummy was only too pleased to do that, but I had better things to do. But Mum made me. So being the good Airedale that I am, I'd listen to mum, and did as she bid me.

As you can obviously tell from the above pic, I could care less what the chicks were up to, but Rummy clearly relished every waking moment he could be with them.

When Smokey came over and jumped onto my forearm, I let him, but I didn't want to pay him any attention. I was giving avoidance behaviors, such as not looking at him, hoping he'd lose interest in me too. But the chicks were really keen on cuddling up with us.

I'll have to say that Smokey and Rummy were meant to be best friends. They've always been close, right from the very beginning.

Smokey

Smokey making himself very safe and comfortable, snuggling up into Rummy's armpit.

Rummy gives Smokey kisses and licks.

The happy Airedale and his blue Cochin chick.

Furry and Feathered kindred souls.

The chicks really amused Rummy to bits. I was really being cool about it. I've been to many places, experienced many different things, but chicks are really one of a kind. They are quite affectionate and bold actually. Who knew birds would have personalities?

Rummy and his chicks

Smokey, Ashley and Ebony

Ivory and Ebony

Smokey resting on Rummy's head

Let's both take a nap together

Besides Cochin chicks, we also had 9 Polish chicks.

A gold laced Polish chick

White crested Black polish chick.

In those early days, the Polish did not have any names assigned to them yet.

Whatchya looking at?

They start climbing on our backs while they are young.

That's me and 2 buff laced Polish chicks

The Polish chicks are now all grown up, as you can see from the other posts.. We'll post more to come. Stay tuned.

Hugs,

Kimi and Rummy

Our Daily Lives in Chicken World! Oh No!

2010-10-14T23:22:00.000-07:00

Power to the CHICKENS??

Our lives are now intertwined with the chickens in our pack, but do you think the chickens will run our world? The slogan "Power to the Chickens" has been heard being chanted over and over in our yard. We Airedales must bond together and never allow this to happen. How dare the chickens even dare to rule the roost? Here is compelling evidence to prove that the Chickens are plotting on ruling our world.

Photographic Evidence

Gromit came to stay at our home for a while, and like us, he was also trained to subdue his strong urge to eat these tit bit sized snacks. These pics were taken when the chicks were still growing indoors in a brooder.

He just laid there, and allowed the chicks to crawl all over him. Oh Gromit, you're a real hunter like Rummy Cub, what happened to your courage?

As for my brother Rummy, he just has a sick weakness for these feathered creatures. He lost all his nerve and bite for them. The Cochins loved him so much, when he laid down to nap, they would go and snuggle up to him too. They'd burrow into his armpits, neck, belly and butt, between his tail and thighs. I think the chicks may have thought he was chicken mummy or the "hen".

That's Miss Goldie, a golden colored Cochin with the frizzle gene.
She and her feathered kind just lopped onto Rummy the moment they see him.

The chicks stretching out comfortably with Rummy in Mum's study.

Rummy and all his Cochin chicks sleeping together one evening.

And that is Ashley, a blue Cochin snuggling up to Rummy's forearm.

That very special blue Cochin on his neck is Smokey. He is the one who nabbed Rummy's heart.

That's me. I tolerate the chicks, and I choose to share my world with them, but only because Mum said so. One thing I would not tolerate is the birds jumping up on me, on my back, or shoulder or head. They can hop on my forearm, but not anywhere else. I get up the moment I feel bird feet on my body.
No way am I going to totally submit to mere birds.

Grandma thinks its funny and cute when the Polish chick jumps on Rummy's back. Gromit watches intently and I sniff at it, but don't let it come near my back.

You see, that's 3 of us Airedales, made to submit and be calm when the chicks are frolicking around, shaking their tail feathers at us.

Are we really going to just take it? Among us 3 dales, we could easily eat them all up in a second.

But no, oh Rummy has to defend them, he has to spoil them, he has to encourage them to jump on his back. Unbelievable.

Gromit grew to love the chicks too. He was also very gentle with them. Am I really going to be overrun by chickens? What is this world coming to?

Hugs,
Kimi and Rummy

We're BACK!!

2010-10-13T23:28:00.000-07:00

And yes, finally we are BACK to blogging!! And as you can see, with a tonne of feathered creatures.

The chicks that were raised indoors with us have now all grown up into adults and are producing free range organic eggs for us everyday. Even Rummy and I get to eat them, boiled, fried and raw.

Mum celebrated her 35th birthday last month, and we bought a walnut cake from Costco. Ironically, the humans didn't eat the cake and it ended up on the yard floor, for the chickens and us. That's me, Kimi, digging into the cake, together with the chickens, while Rummy hangs back, waiting for the chickens to have their share first. Rummy spoils the chickens, but not me.

Mum has bought us birds, more chickens, can you believe that?

We now have about 45 chickens, and only half of them are not chicks. That means in a couple of months, we're going to have so many eggs, we won't know what to do with them.

The chickens were raised with us watching over them, so they naturally have no fear of us. We can all share a nice nutty cake together and eat it at the same time with no hesitation. Some people have said it is impossible for us Airedales to do this, given that us terriers were meant to kill vermin, rodents, birds, small furry creatures and feathered beings. We were used in flushing out these very same birds that we're tolerating and sharing our cake with.

But yes, we have done the impossible. Rummy and I both do not see the birds as prey, we see them as our pack members. We were intimately involved with raising them right from when they were wee teeny chicks, and it has taken a long time and lot of effort to ensure peace and harmony in our corner of the world.

We have many types of chickens now, functional ones and ornamental ones too. A bit more about them later.

This bird's name is SengKnet. That means crooked in Malay.

She was suffering from a bird illness called Crook Neck, some have theorized it is due to vitamin deficiency, some say it is due to injury, but with a lot of care and additional supplements, SengKnet is no longer seng knet. She has somewhat recovered with spells of doing the "stevie wonder", rolling her head about. As you can see from the above pic, she is the boldest bird, staying around and eating with us longer than any other chicken. It is because she spent many nights indoors with us. She knows us best.

For the last few months, Mum went into a deep depression. Her nightmares and feeling ill spells were not making her better, so her mum and papa, our grandparents had to come visit, all the way from Singapore. When grandma and grandpa came by to stay, Mum began to feel so much better and could smile and be normal again. I think the presence of her loved ones and support meant a lot to her and it gave her something else to think about.

Grandma and Grandpa loved us both a lot. Rummy and I both relished having more attention, hugs and love. The chickens also loved getting extra treats every morning and evening, just like our normal routine, except that now, there was more loving to go around.

Grandma carries Smokey on her lap, and examines his beautiful grey feathers. They are shaded with different hues of grey and black, hence his name, he was named for the smoke color of his feathers.

Smokey is also very special because Rummy adores him to bits. From the very first moment they laid eyes on each other, Rummy and this blue Cochin chick has been bound together with a special thread that transcends our difference in species.

Rummy allows Smokey to do anything to him, peck at him, climb on him, eat his food etc. He follows Smokey around slowly, just like a lost puppy, but Rummy is not like this normally if he wasn't with his chickens. He is the resident hunter in our pack, so it is very abnormal for him to love the chickens so much, especially Smokey.

Take for instance, banana is one of Rummy's favorite things to eat. If there was banana being given out, Rummy would allow the chickens to eat it first, he would watch them gently, and let them have a go. He would just hang back, while they ate his favorite fruit.

When the chickens are out playing, pecking around, foraging for bugs and worms, Rummy spends a lot of his time, watching over them, and hanging out with them. For me, I'd rather play or chase a ball or something. Watching chickens is not a great past time of mine.

But yes, I do make sure everything is alright. That's me, sniffing Mr Frizzles butt.

We play an important role in our pack. We act as guard dogs, not just for the property, but also for the chickens. There are hawks that fly overhead, but when they see us, they do not dare attack any of our chickens. We've lost one chick, a gold laced polish to a hawk some months ago, that was when both Rummy and I were indoors, and no one expected that the hawk would actually attack, but it did. Our property is all fenced in, so no other predators can get to us easily. But it is still hard to deter air borne predators.

At feeding time, the chickens get special treats such as shredded carrots, and we put our several feeding stations for them. Heck, would you believe it, even the chickens have a pecking order, just like us dogs. There are top alpha chickens, just as there are top alpha dogs. If we only had one feeding plate, the more dominant birds would stop and block the subordinate birds from getting any, hence the multiple feeding stations, and why Rummy and I are there to keep law and order.

Rummy watches over the birds at feeding time to ensure there is no chaos and fighting among the birds.

We know this is bird food, although if we were given the chance, we would try to eat it too, but Mum said to "leave it" and so we do as we're told.

That's me, watching over the Silkie chicks. They are only 5 weeks old in this photo, very young, and would be bullied if they did not have their own feeding plate.

I am very gentle with them.

After the chicken coop and sheltered enclosure had been built, the humans decided that they needed to build an expansion to house all the birds in preparation for winter.

The above pic shows the fancy chicken house and shelter. There is some empty space behind the enclosure and a large tree stump in the middle of it. The humans decided to build the enclosure behind here, with the tree stump in the center as a show piece. They wanted to add a fun feature I suppose. Or perhaps, they didn't have a way to remove it.

Naturally, I am in the middle of it, inspecting the grounds before the work began.

I also marked the tree several times, to make sure, all the critters knew I was in charge of it all.

There was a tonne of blackberry shrubs to get rid of, and other than that, a lot of work was still necessary. They had to dig out the roots, shrubs and debris, and also level out the plot as much as possible.

During the entire process, Rummy and I were supervising the humans to make sure nothing got left out.

While Rob worked hard at making sure everything was in place, the rest of us peeps went on life as usual. We dug holes around, and even made it easier for the chicks to look for earthworms and bugs. Because we dug holes, the chickens could get to them much easier. Life was good for us dogs and chickens, but not so for worms and bugs.

By this time, the Silkie chicks were already used to loud noises and banging and hammering. They had been flooded with loud noises since they were chicks indoors. The vacuum cleaner and other loud noises like Rummy and I play fighting was a common thing, so by the time they had been moved outside, they were not afraid of the nail gun and work that was going on right next to their chick brooder. The chick brooder is actually my old crate, turned upside down.

Mum is very much a good chicken care taker. She hunts for earthworms to feed the birds, and takes care of their needs well. Who would have ever imagined the changes our human has gone through? She was a city girl, who loved the niceties, but now she's often seen wearing muck boots, digging for worms, and finding contentment in the simplest of things. Mum has changed a lot in the last few years.

You can often see Rummy right in the middle of things. There he is, right where the chickens are as usual.

Mum holds us a blue Silkie chick for me, while I examine it with my nose. I love my chickens too, but not as much as Rummy does.

I even go as far as licking the chicks.

Smokey on Rummy's back.

They really are special.

Stay tuned for more tales from furry and feathered creatures.

Hugs,

Kimi and Rummy

Taking Some Time

2010-05-25T23:44:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,

My Mum would like to apologize to everyone for not putting up any recent posts for me and Rummy. My human Mum is going through a personal hard time and she's needed to take some time off.

Rummy and I give Mum wet kisses everyday and we're doing our best to remind her that she is our life now, and we depend on her for everything, so we love her to bits, no matter what happens. We hope that she'll soon feel better again and start posting, but until then, we'll be here to love her.

Big Hugs,

Kimi

The Tulip Bed

2010-04-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

Mum takes a lot of pride in her tulip beds. She was hard at work last Fall, planting in the bulbs, and she's been quite consistent, making sure we don't dig them out, or run in the beds and break the tulip stalks. But sometimes, we run too fast and get so overwhelmed in our play, we just dash through the beds. Well, I don't do that, but Rummy does, and it drives Mum mad.

Me and Mum's special tulips

I do my best not to run through the tulips but as you can see, Rummy doesn't really care.

Rummy says "hey Mum, what? Don't stand on your tulip bed? I can't hear you."

Rummy standing in between Mum's precious tulips. He has been responsible for many broken stalks.

Me on the other hand, I keep clear always, and stay on the edge. I'm the good one you see..

And with regards to the Chicks, here's an update. The chicks have tripled in size in the last month, and they now have twice the space to roam, with both halves of my crate being used as home.

Rummy still loves to watch them, and he licks them whenever he can stick his tongue and reach them.

Keeping watch over his chicks. Rob thinks he wants to eat them, but we'll see.

The chicks stick their heads up to reach him, they peck on his nose, his tongue and pull on his fur. We guess that maybe they think he's their mum, which is why they come close and peck at him for food.

Head Rubs,

Kimi

Rummy's Bad Habit

2010-04-20T19:36:00.000-07:00

As you may all know by now, Gromit lived with us over Christmas last year, and Rummy learned a really bad habit from him. It is shredding toys that have stuffing inside.

Rummy finds himself a toy, uses his teeth to create a gap, and will take his leisurely time, pulling out the stuffing. The disemboweling is the goal of the game, and he's really good at it.

Sometimes, Rummy likes to chew on the stuffing, but he never swallows. He leaves it out for the humans to pick up after him. What a nice gesture..and what a mess!

Nope, no guilty faces here.

Disemboweling is allowed at our house now. The humans don't seem to mind, Rummy fine tunes his gift of disemboweling, and improves his "hand, eye, mouth" coordination skills. We consider it a gift here at our pack.

Rummy says, thank you Mum for letting me shred in the open. I am happy and content as can be.

Beautiful Rummy Cub

I then decided to chew on my brother's jowls. That's my game.. far better than chewing on a soft toy...

Head rubs and Wet kisses,

Kimi

Update with Rummy's Chicks

2010-04-20T19:19:00.000-07:00

This is an update blog entry about Rummy's experience with his chicks.

Our chicks have grown double in size, and now they like Rummy!!

They are not afraid of him, even when he sticks out his tongue to lick them.

All the chicks love Rummy, and take turns going up to him, and peck on his nose, they pull his fur too.

All 4 chicks taking turns and gazing at Rummy. This is a cute twist, from the inside looking out, and outside looking in.

We still aren't sure if Rummy is trying to eat them, or if he pushes his nose as close as possible toward them so he can be close to them.. He loves to go up as close as his nose can push through the gaps and let the chicks peck him. It is very cute to watch. I think he enjoys the interaction.

Our chicks are growing so fast. We have to keep them indoors till the weather warms up, then the humans will start introducing them to the outdoors and let them stay out a few hours each day to get acclimatized to Seattle's Spring and Summer.

This chick just pulled on Rummy's fur... can you see? It is lucky it doesn't get a wet tongue licking it.

The chicks are clearly saying something to each other.. "oh, its the big black nose and furry monster again... let's peck at him"

That's our last remaining hen from last year. She survived winter, coyote attacks and being alone for so long without chicken buddies. Soon, our chicks will join her, and they can be a big happy feathered family.

She gets her own bird food, and pieces of fruit when she comes to our porch. Most of the time, she likes to eat bugs and insects from the yard.

After she was done eating, Rummy decided to chomp on some chicken feed. Eeewww...

"Oh hi mum, yes I'm eating bird food he he he..."

Headrubs and wet kisses,

Kimi

Rummy and His 1st Snake

2010-04-14T21:47:00.000-07:00

Rummy caught himself a garden snake today. His very first one. The weather was nice and sunny and the snake must have wanted to enjoy the sunshine as much as we did.

Rummy's 1st Snake

The poor snake must have never have expected that the furry Airedale would be able to catch it weaving in and out of the grass. Who would have thought?

That's the snake laying dead by his right leg. See Rummy's smile? He was very happy and proud of himself with his catch of the day.

Having a good old sniff

Rummy didn't seem to want to eat the reptile, he simply wanted to catch it for fun. None of us saw him kill it, but he took it with him and laid by it on the front porch. Good thing he didn't sneak it into the house, because Mum would have had a heart attack.

That's me, I decided to get up close to investigate what it was. I've never caught any snakes in our yard before. Rummy has a much stronger prey drive than I do.

Brothers with the snake

A closer shot of the dead snake

Rummy

The weather was really perfect today. Rummy munches on a twig as he enjoys the sunshine.

The weather was pretty good too, for a game of tug.

And playbiting...

Me and Rummy (right)

black and tan

See my brother showing off his scary canine fangs?

Rummy and the teddy toy. It was my favorite puppy toy, it is a blue bunny soft toy.

Rummy chomping on a twig

Me and Rummy (right) sharing the twig

Rummy

Rummy (left) and I

Rummy is only 8 months old now, but as you can see, he is fast growing, and he is almost the same size as I, and I am turning 5 this Thanksgiving. How time flies. I can barely remember the time when I was his age, I was also very rambunctious and fun. Now, I have mellowed out a lot, and I am calmer and more self assured. Age and maturity has made me who I am today, and I feel happy and content.

Hugs,

Kimi

Chick TV

2010-04-11T19:29:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought? Rob and Mum got Rummy and I a wonderful surprise. Well, perhaps not so much for us, but more for our hen in our yard. After all the coyote visits, we have only 1 hen left. After the fences were put up, it is much safer now, for our hen and for us too. Mum felt that she'd be happier if she had a friend or two, so we got chicks! 6 cute tiny 1 week old chicks.

Rob and Rummy at his first glance of the chicks

After Rob set up the chick enclosure, we got to say hi. They used my old crate and turned it upside down to make it the chick house, and it works well.

As you can imagine, we were both so excited to see this new thing in the house, we dashed straight in toward the crate barking when we saw tiny things moving here and there. They were also making chirping noises.

We were so curious, we just kept staring and looking. Rummy tried scraping the side of the crate and Mum corrected him harshly. Ok, no scraping and no pawing the crate walls. When I barked at them, I got corrected too. Ok, no barking either. Seems like the only thing we're allowed to do, is watch the chickies... yes, that's what Mum is calling these furry creatures.

After a while, I got a little bored, but Rummy couldn't peel his eyes away.

The chickies are very cute. Are they for food? Are they toys that move?

Very early on, we have now established that chickies are not my thing. They are Rummy's little pets. He just loves watching them move around, making their little bird sounds.

Rummy and I with our pet chicks

Rummy (left) and I (right). Rummy grins up at mum and says thanks for getting us chicks.

Ok, I'm not really into staring at chicks for hours on end.

Rummy and Rob gazing at chicks

From left, Me, Rummy and Rob

Rummy tries to sneak around to the other side to have a peek.

From left, myself and my brother Rummy. Do you know how to tell us apart? I am older, so I have a more established beard and a more grown up look.

Since it is the first night the chickies are with us, we just couldn't keep our curiosity in check.

Rummy loved his chicks so much, he even took naps by the crate.

Mum is trying to nurture the protective instincts in Rummy and I, so that instead of seeing the chickies as our meals, we would try to protect them as part of our pack... that is a tough challenge, especially because Rummy's prey drive is much stronger than mine. If the chicks grow up into hens and they start running, it will be practically impossible to stop us from chasing them. Mum will just have to work really hard at flooding us with the chicks and building the bond across species, and put in a lot of effort in this project. At the end of the day, if Rummy or I eat a hen or two, then so be it. We can't help it, it is in our nature. We are terriers. We hunt things.

Evening time.... Rummy with the chicks

Night time.... Rummy with the chicks

Late late night time .... Rummy with the chicks

Rob thinks Rummy wants to eat the chicks, but Mum doesn't think so. His gaze is not a predator's gaze, it is one of amusement and curiosity, one could even guess affection. He just loves gazing at the chicks, and now we call it the "Chick TV".

Wee early in the morning, the first thing Rummy checks on are his chicks.

He checks on them from all sides, to make sure they are all well.

The chickies

Daytime checking

A head shot of me.

Myself and Rummy gazing at our chicks

Me (Left), and Rummy

It will be very interesting to see if we manage to raise the chickies, and stop ourselves from eating them. We haven't had the chance to smell them yet, but Mum says in a few days, we'll get to smell our chicks. Yummmy... oh sorry Mum. I will try not to eat our pet chickies. Yay for more yardbirds.

Hugs,

Kimi

Visit at the Dog Park

2010-04-11T18:56:00.000-07:00

Rummy doesn't get as many opportunities to visit dog parks as I did when I was young. Back when I was a pup, I lived in Issaquah Highlands, where there was a huge 4 acre dog park in our suburb. There in Redmond, which was another suburb close by, there was a 40 acre dog park where Mum used to bring me quite frequently. Out here in the woods, we don't have any dog parks, since most people have their own land, and the dogs mostly don't socialize that way. Fortunately, at the place where Rummy goes to school, there is a nice dog park there, and we go there every Saturday for socializing.

Rummy gets a free rub down from a random stranger the moment he enters

Me climbing on a ramp with a new Boston Terrier friend. He was very well behaved.

Me jumping over a gap on the ramp. This is new, most ramps I know don't have gaps in them.

Hi Mum

Me leaping up the A-Frame

Later on, Rummy and I met a very anti-social terrier, we knew he wasn't well socialized because he snarled when we came close, and kept trying to run away without saying a doggie hi. Perhaps he was feeling intimidated because there were 2 of us. But after a while, we made our introductions and went on with life again.

Rummy with new friends

Rummy learning his proper greetings, and practicing good canine manners

And this is the way to meet other strange dogs. Rummy shows his side to the strange dog, while keeping his tail up (confidence) and staying still till the other dog shows readiness to say hi, note how his tail is tucked under and his slouching body is showing uncertainty. Rummy reads his body language, and hesitates going too fast to sniffing. He is definitely excited and eager to say hi. Perhaps the older lab can see that.

Once the lab relaxed, his tail came out from between his legs, and his shoulders relaxed too. Rummy approaches the older male lab forward with a few steps but to the side of him. Going to meet other dogs gives Rummy and I opportunities where we can practice our skills and doggie manners.

Rummy finds a cardboard tube and runs proudly with it, trying to lure other dogs into a chase game.

A female mix, feeling very uncertain seeing two dales at the same time.

We showed her some attention, but Rummy really liked her. She was feeling overwhelmed so I left her alone, but Rummy and another male kept following her. Later on, Mum suspected she was on heat, because she noticed wet moisture at her swollen privates, and quickly took Rummy and I out, because Rummy is still intact.

What a trip it was. Very fun and relaxing for both of us.

Hugs,

Kimi

Easter Egg Hunt for Canines

2010-04-07T20:45:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not! We had our very own Easter Egg Hunt this past Easter Sunday. Our friend Laura opened her nursery for us, and all of us (11 dogs, mostly Airedales and their humans) had such a ball of a time.

On our way in the car to the nursery.

Rummy jumping for joy and so happy to see so many Airedales in 1 place. Wow, free treats too!

Airedales greeting one another. There were 7 Airedales of all ages at this event. How wonderful!

From left, Kimi, Gromit, Rummy and Hamilton

Rummy at 8 months of age, has started lifting his legs to pee and mark like the big boys.

And so the Easter Egg Hunt begins... Humans and dogs hustle for treats.

Me and my Easter egg. I can smell the treats in the egg, but how do I open this? They are closed tight, but Mum opened it for me, and I had myself free treats. It was first come first served. Whoever finds the egg gets the treats inside. What a fun game.

Gromit and I sharing the contents of an egg. There were so many eggs around, we share nicely.

Easter eggs line the borders. They are easier for us to find this way.

Me and another Easter Egg. Yummy goodies.

Chester and his special Easter eggs. He is very old, and has many ailments. He can't eat anything bigger than a pea, so he needs special liquid cheese in his purple Easter eggs. His human Karla filled them specially so he wouldn't feel left out.

Many more doggies, and their humans

Airedales hopping around Megan for more eggs.

Megan showing off her wonderful Airedale Rescue t-shirt

Chester and his human Karla opening an Easter egg. Chester wears a special vest that keeps in place and hides a tube that feeds into his belly.

That's me, doing my best to look good to Karla, hoping she'd share her cheese with me. I love cheese.

Me and Annie, we suspect Annie is 6 or 7, and we don't really know because she's a rescue dog.

Annie is not young, but she has the look of an everlasting Airedale puppy. No wonder Rummy likes her.

Rummy made a new great friend that Easter day. He and Annie chased each other non stop. Such fun. Of course, Annie was the more dominant, and they took turns dominating each other in play.

My baby brother Rummy, eating treats from his Easter egg.

Mavy is a field springer, he is 1. Rummy loves him too. They share good energy together because they are close in age, and love to play chase.

Rummy (background), Lady (old dale) and myself, looking for more Easter Eggs.

After a while, Debbie was squeezing out liquid cheese from a can. Rummy helped himself to the concoction. Barley was having a good time with liquid cheese too.

Karla and the hard boiled Easter Eggs.

Rummy Cub

My brother Rummy and I

Look at us, can you resist our smiling faces? Ok now, pass over those treats.

Rummy and Gromit playing rough

That was the first ever Easter Egg hunt for Rummy and myself. What a blast! I hope we have one every year.

Hugs,

Kimi

Me and Mini Me

2010-04-06T21:56:00.000-07:00

My brother is growing up fast. We are almost identical now. Very soon, it will be very hard to tell us apart.

Me and Mini me (Rummy)

These are our aliases

Kimi

The older one
Sayang boy
Kimi Kims

Rummy

The younger one
Rummy Cubs
The naughty one

We are known by many other names, and the humans give us these nicknames because they think its funny. I think very soon, we'll need to have collars of different colors, because we do look so alike, especially when the light is dim.

Hugs,

Kimi

Rummy Attending Doggie School

2010-04-06T21:51:00.000-07:00

Rummy is now attending The Dog Savant, a canine school opened by my previous trainer from CascadeK9. He is now in Level 2, which is the Intermediate level of Obedience training.

The focus of the training goes beyond the regular, Sit, Down, Stay, Heel commands. At our school, training is more hardcore. We learn how to be social dogs, how to behave with other dogs, regardless of size, and we learn to blend in with the regular world of humans and dogs.

Rummy and I browse through a store at Reber Ranch. Rummy is looking at a sculpture of a full sized horse. He doesn't seem to be fearful at all. My brother is the braver of the two of us.

Learning to walk loose leash even when approached by another stranger dog is very challenging for my younger brother Rummy. He is so eager to go say hi. He needs to learn reservation, because not all strange dogs are friendly, and want to meet him.

Rummy on a Sit Stay, while handler Rob walks away. Our trainer Pascale attempts to distract Rummy.

Taking our training into the parking lot means a lot more distractions, because of other sights, sounds, dogs and people. This is so challenging for Rummy, but everyone is having fun.

All the dogs are on a Sit Stay command, waiting for the Formal Recall. Rummy is doing so well, paying close attention to Rob for his command to "Front".

Walking toward Rob for his Formal Recall from 30 ft away in a crowded parking lot. Good job Rummy.

Getting praised and loved, and treated for a job well done.

The dog next to Rummy breaks his Sit Stay and comes over for a sniff. Rummy allows him to sniff and still doesn't break his own Sit Stay. What a great challenge that was Rummy. Good boy.

Getting love during training session reinforces the bond between handlers and canines. This is what we canines thrive on. Positive reinforcement and an engagement in activity involving our humans.

Learning to walk loose leash is one of the key lessons in our training. A dog pulling ahead is such an unpleasant walking experience for all. I think my brother Rummy is doing well so far.

Yes Rummy, you've got it! See how Rummy pays attention to Rob as he heels by his side. This is wonderful heeling from Rummy.

Practicing the Sit Stay, even though the handler is walking away or trying to distract the dog into breaking the command. Rummy is good at it. He learns very fast. We are all very proud of him.

The "Watch" command, means focus on the handlers eyes, and do not look away no matter what.

Baby Rummy at 8 months of age. His ears are glued for a final time and his chest, neck and head are not stripped out, but the rest of him is. What a weird looking dog, don't you think?

I look on as my brother is in training for a Sit Stay, while the handler moves away for a length of time. I think my brother is tempted to come to me, but he knows better not to.

Walking loose leash is easy.

In our class, we have dogs of many kinds, but most of them belong to the AKC Working and Herding groups, such as German Shephers, Belgian Malinois, Rottweilers, and other kinds of sheep dogs. There is a great proportion of dogs in our class with very high working drives and super intelligence.

The Formal Recall, and paying attention to the handler

A moment of love and praise

Learning to heel in a very tight circle with other dogs, with noses to butts makes the heeling exercise a lot more challenging. How do you resist sniffing the dog's butt ahead?

Weaving through other dogs, as they Sit Stay with their owners. We learn to weave in and out without paying attention to other dogs and humans.

Rummy is doing very well in the Intermediate level.

I get bored just watching him, and fortunately, Mum includes me in the training too, so I don't just sit there. I give her a look, like "Mum, can we join in the training? I also want to get praise and treats, and feel like I'm accomplishing something. Rummy looks like he's having so much fun."

I've also graduated from Advanced obedience, but going through the exercises can be a good thing and keep my mind challenged and engaged. I love it when my humans get involved with doing things with us. It doesn't matter what the activity is, it could be tug of war, it could be a game of "leave it", it could be "chuck it", as long as our humans are engaging us in activities, Rummy and I just love it.

Hugs,

Kimi

Spring Time Gardening

2010-03-23T16:17:00.000-07:00

Spring has officially arrived, and the plants are thriving. All the daffodils and tulips that the humans have planted are starting to bloom and bud. The bees are out flying about and insects are aplenty. The country life is soaked in sunshine, and we canines are happy.

Rob decided to use the weed whacker to trim the grass, and mow and lawn. This was really Rummy's first time seeing the lawn mower in action and he hung back (as you can see from the above picture). My baby brother wasn't too sure what to make of it. Me on the other hand, I just took it all in stride. Normally, I'm the scaredy cat of the two, but now Rummy is showing some apprehension. Finally.

After a while of waiting for Rob to get it all together, Rummy decided to bask in the wonderful sunshine and chew on a nice stick. There are tonnes of toys in our natural surroundings that can become toys for us. Isn't it great? Mum is learning to love it more and more, being in the country. She remembers the song by John Denver, about feeling happy when sunshine touches her shoulders, and how her eyes well up with tears when sun shines in her eyes.

As you can see, we are both in need of some handstripping, and we've got some grooming to do.

Rummy investigates the weed whacker closer and the plastic thread which is used to cut grass. It makes a loud noise and the smell of the fuel is stinky.

Canines investigating what's new around the yard.

It is so early in Spring, and yet it feels like summer. Is this a sign of Global Warming? Should we be alarmed? It is normally freezing cold here in Spring up in the NorthWest. We even have snow in April, so this warm weather is truly unusual. But we dogs just want to have fun.

Hugs,

Kimi

Rummy's 1st Mouse

2010-01-06T23:01:00.000-08:00

We are very proud to announce, Rummy caught his first mouse 2 nights ago. And better yet, last night, he caught his 2nd mouse. So far, he has caught 2 mice, on back to back nights.

Rummy and his very proud catch, a mice

Rummy was out taking his usual potty break in the evening, when suddenly, he came to the door with something dangling in his mouth. He was a little unsure about what our response would be, so he hovered outside. Rob was the first one to spot his catch, and he was very happy, he told Mum to grab her camera.

And so we went outside, and praised Rummy and made a huge fuss over his major accomplishment. Rob gave him real treats to make him see how pleased we were with him. Bear in mind, no one taught Rummy how to catch those mice, and we have a few of them on the property, and they're wild. But he has allowed the terrier side of him to come out, and he has stayed true to his form - a ratter. Terriers were bred for ratting, amongst many other gifts that Airedales possess, but this is extraordinary, because Rummy is only 5 months old, and untrained.

The poor dead mice

We allowed Rummy to walk proudly with the mouse hanging off his mouth, and stayed with him, while he poked at, sniffed at, nibbled on, and chewed on his catch.

Rummy's dead mice

Gromit and I were also very surprised that Rummy did this on his own. It was pitch dark outside, how did Rummy see so well that he could catch a fast running mice? It must have been amazing to watch but no one was around to see in the dark, how he did it.

Gromit and I come closer to Rummy to investigate that dead mice in his mouth

Rummy was willing to share his dead catch with us, but we wished he would just let it go so we could have a bite at it too

Gromit inches closer to Rummy's dead mice, and Rummy allows his best friend to sniff

After a while, Rummy decided that he wanted to bury the mice and he and Gromit proceeded to dig a big hole in the plant bed. Rob and Mum yelled "No".

The mice is in the yellow line. Gromit was having fun poking at it.

Gromit had a few bites at the dead mice, but no one ate it in the end. Rob took the mice and threw it into the trash bin. The 2nd night Rummy caught a mice again, we didn't make a big fuss anymore, but we still praised him and made him feel happy about it. He wanted to take it into the house this time, but Mum yelled "No". She didn't want a stinky mouse in the house. No way.

Hugs,

Kimi

Our New Year Weekend

2010-01-06T22:46:00.000-08:00

Sergay and Mary-Anne came to stay.

And we decided to go take a hike together in a nearby state park.

Gromit and I examine some strange smells at the edge of the water

Happy doggies who hike together stay calm and happy.

From left, me Kimi, Gromit and Rummy

It was a calm and cold day. There was hardly a soul at the park, which was nice because that meant we could go offleash. It was fun running back and forth and investigating smells and things.

Gromit and I had a good time, investigating leaves and scents that were around. We followed the humans, but they were very nice to let us have time to do dog stuff, which is to sniff around and let our noses examine the world around us.

Doggies catching up with the humans.

Sergay follows Gromit's lead. What's there? Oh, its just a squirrel. Its a good thing it climbed quickly up the tree, Gromit really wanted to eat the squirrel, but Mum said, "Let's go" and he gave up that idea. Lucky squirrel.

Gromit dashing through the woods like a happy camper. He seems so content and happy most of all when we are hiking.

Rummy goes on the leash, because he didn't come when he was called, and had to have his offleash privilege taken away for a while. He walks loose leash with Rob to show he is well behaved, but my baby brother still needs to learn his off leash recall work.

Rob and Rummy in a moment of discipline. Gromit is never far away from his best friend Rummy.

Rummy on a Sit-Stay. After a while of showing he is being good, Rob lets him go offleash again.

And off we go.

Then we came to the water front. As we live on the peninsula, there is water all over our neighbourhood. Lots of little lakes and ponds too. We take turns dipping into the freezing water of the Puget Sound. The water was so clear and clean, we could see right into the water.

Yippeee... Rummy stays on the shore because he hasn't gotten enough confidence to come into the deep water with us.

Gromit and Rummy chase after me

Gromit tries to lure Rummy into the water, but Rummy is still a little unsure. Its too cold, or Mum or Rob would teach Rummy how to swim and go into the water. It'll take time.

After we went home, we were tired.

Rummy cuddles up next to Sergay but Gromit is still game for fun. He takes the Ruffian toy which is loud and squeaky to Sergay and asks him to throw it for him. He had a lot of fun with our guests.

Sergay and Rummy

Gromit and I sit nicely and patiently, waiting for Rob to give the release command before we dash out off for a potty break.

Chilling out nicely with friends over the New Year weekend was very nice indeed. Bliss...

Hugs,

Kimi

Bone Sharing

2010-01-06T22:32:00.000-08:00

We share bones like good doggies.

Gromit on the left, Rummy in the center and I'm on the right.

Mum sets down the blanket in the hall, and we all chill down, relax and chew on a beef rib each. We all have our share, so we don't fight. Mum won't tolerate any food possession, so we learn to eat in each others' presence and be calm.

This is a great test for Gromit and he has come so far with his re-training. No more food possession or food aggression. We are all very proud of him. Good job Gromit.

Hugs,

Kimi

New Years Eve (2009)

2010-01-06T22:29:00.000-08:00

I'm very sorry, we have outdated blog entries, but we've been mighty busy. My human and I can't believe it is already 2010. Wow!! This year Nov, I turn 5. How time flies.

Happy New Year to Everybody... We hope this year brings you better fortune, good health, peace and may all your good wishes come true.

My brother Rummy lays close to Gromit's side, even though he is on the treadmill.

Rummy and Gromit are inseparable. They are very very close. I must add that Rummy is closer to Gromit than he is with me. I'm not jealous, I think its great that my baby brother has a buddy he loves so much. When Gromit goes home, Rummy is going to be very bummed.

When we came out to the living room, guess what we found? A heap of cotton wool, disemboweled from a soft toy. Must be Gromit who did it.

Yes, see the guilty party with a happy grin on his face.

Rob and Rummy help clean up the mess while Gromit looks on.

Gromit didn't get into any trouble, because he wasn't caught in the act. Besides, he seems to have learned in our house that only food should be swallowed. Gromit had many issues with eating everything he saw. He has had US$5000 worth of medical surgeries done on him because he used to eat all kinds of stuff, that isn't food!!

From left, me Kimi, my baby brother Rummy and Gromit

Gromit

As I've mentioned before, Gromit and Rummy are tight like peas and carrots. They love to lean on each other, cuddle and stay close to one another. Wherever one goes, the other is not far behind.

Rummy and Gromit taking a nap

How many dogs are in this picture?

3 Airedales in a pile

Rummy play dominates Gromit, and Gromit loves it.

I get into the action as well, and we do a 3 way bitey face. FUN

Gromit play bows to Rummy, and says "Let's play"

Who's got the toy? Is it a game of tag?

In our house, the Christmas tree comes down on the 12th day of Christmas. And by the time you see this post, the tree has already come down. We were good with the tree, didn't chew it or pee on it at all.

Hugs,

Kimi

Walking on a Loose Leash Techniques

2010-01-03T13:28:00.000-08:00

Posted by Sheila Wagner (Kimi and Rummy's Human)

Dear friends,

A few of you have expressed interest on how I've managed to train Gromit to walk on a loose leash. As a matter of fact, I've had to train Kimi 4 years ago to walk nicely on a loose leash, I've had to train Rummy now as he is growing up and any other dog who comes to stay at our house. I realize it is an ongoing process everyday, even with Kimi who is so proper on the walk.

The training technique I use for loose leash walking is 2 fold.

I use a prong collar which doesn't do anything to the dog when it is on loose leash, but if a dog moves forward or pulls, the pulling action causes the collar to tighten its grip around the neck, like a mother dog's bite on a puppy's neck when being disciplined. The pressure is divided all along the length of the collar instead of pinching in one spot. The moment the dog slacks and moves back, the grip of the collar on the neck loosens correspondingly. I refer to the prong collar as power steering in a dog. It looks medieval, but it serves its function well and is possibly the most humane effective dog walking training tool. It trains the dog to realize that if he walks at my pace, and slackens the leash, he doesn't feel disciplined, but if he pulls harder, the grip gets harder. I use the prong collar only when training to walk nicely. The moment the dog successfully learns to walk consistently on a loose leash, the prong collar can be put aside and the regular flat leather collar can be used.
Timing is essential, learning when to correct (make a snap on the leash and collar and release) and when to slacken the leash totally is important. The walk starts inside the house, at the door when the leash is being put on the dog. I do not put on the collars and leash until the dogs are 100% in a calm submissive state, on a "Sit" or a "Down". I make them wait, sometimes 10 secs, sometimes up till a minute or more. They do not step out of the door before the human. And when outside, they tend to jump up jubilantly and happily, and I allow their expression of joy for a few moments, while we walk to the property gate. Same thing at the gate, they do not get to step out until they are 100% calm and good. I begin the walk by giving the command "Walk" in a very clear obvious manner. There will be no doubt from my serious tone of voice that we are on a structured walk. The dogs get it and then we walk side by side. They are allowed to walk side by side or slightly behind.
When they start walking ahead (their shoulder going pass my foot), or at a faster pace than I am comfortable, I will repeat the command "Walk" and if they do not slow down, I will correct them before they get a chance to pull tight on the leash and collar. This is to help them understand that to "Walk" is a command and this is a structured exercise, not a free for all. And if they do not respond accordingly, there is a consequence of a correction. After a good correction, I will repeat again "Walk" while they are walking nicely by my side, so they learn to associate, "Walk" means walk by human's side at the human's speed. Normally, I do not give verbal praise when on a walk, because the walk itself is the reward for the dog. To be given the honor of being in my pack, is the reward too. To be in my favor is the dog's reward as well. Giving the dog my quiet approval is good enough. The reason I do not give verbal praise exuberantly is because I do not want to excite the dogs into an excited state of mind, which would trigger pulling, fast motion, or jumping up and down - actions which I am actively trying to discourage while on a structured walk.
Finally, there is a need to allow the dogs to "walk at their leisure". While on a structured walk, they are not allowed to sniff around, pee, or stop for any reason. They have to be on a walk at my pace. They start and stop at my command. When I am satisfied with their walk, occasionally, I will release them from the command while I still hold on to their leashes, I say "Free" and they can walk ahead of me, or to the side or behind, as long as there is no pulling tightly involved. After they are done peeing, pooping, or sniffing, and just walking however they want, I will return them to the structured walk exercise and say "Walk" and the structured walk resumes.

For the first few times, practicing the structured walk, be prepared to be patient and keep on correcting and slacking your leash when you need to. When the dogs are walking nicely by your side, be very conscious always on how you are touching your leash. If they are walking nicely, loosen your leash up to a foot long or half a metre, so that the neck is close to your hand while it is relaxed. Don't hold on to the leash too tightly while walking. Your energy is transmitted to the leash. Just relax and have the mindset that the whole world belongs to you, the entire road belongs to you, the dogs belong to you, and all is well. The positive calm energy is transmitted to the dogs through the leash, and they in return will relax and walk nicely.

If they pull so tightly that it is uncomfortable for you to hold the leash, or if it is just impossible to move forward, just stop in that position. Breathe, and correct the dog, while snapping the collar to the left or right side of the dog, not pull the leash backwards. Correcting using the sideways approach puts the dog off balance for that split second and forces the dog to gain equilibrium and thus snaps it out of the bad behavior in that instant, giving you the upper hand to control again. Wait until you've gained 100% calm submissive energy from a dog, before you even move one step from that position. If you move forward while the dog is still acting up, you will have to keep struggling with the pulling. You've got to regain the focus for both you and the dog that the walk is a structured exercise and not a free for all.

It is possible for me, I am a petite Asian woman, weighing about 55kg, or 120lbs, to walk 3 Airedales. If I can do it, anybody can too. The trick here I think is mind control. I make believe that I own the world, and the road, and therefore I am in control of everything, and the dogs just have to deal with being content, walking with me. They seem very blissful and happy.

My neighbour has an emu in her yard. Yes, a full grown emu. The dogs still act up when we pass her property and the curious emu loves to walk alongside the fence, watching the dogs, and you can imagine how my dogs bark and act up. The momentum of the walk is always broken here, and my current challenge is to make them walk nicely in spite of the curious emu. Stay tuned to see how we're coping.

Sheila

Gromit walking on a Loose Leash

2009-12-30T18:24:00.000-08:00

The walk is paramount in helping to create the pack bond. We learn from a young age to walk nicely with Mum, it is acceptable to walk by her side or slightly behind her, but not out ahead of her. Unless we are "freed" to walk anyway we like, we have to walk nicely by her side.

Gromit has learned to walk without pulling on the leash. He is also learning to walk with 2 other dogs and to walk nicely in order. He is a very strong dog and if he decides to pull, it can be very treacherous for Mum, but now that he is trained to walk nicely, he will be a pleasure to walk with.

Hopefully Gromit's pack will benefit from all the training we've done and hopefully, they will enforce the rules of the pack too, so that Gromit will be a well balanced dog.

Hugs,

Kimi

Snowshoeing in the SNOW

2009-12-24T17:06:00.000-08:00

Airedales like us are natural in the snow. I just love the snow. Rummy chased me up and down the hill when we went snowshoeing.

Gromit does the playbow in the snow, initiating more chase games with Rummy. This was Rummy's first time snowshoeing, and I think he just loved it. He covered himself in snow, and never showed any fear when he sunk into the deep snow. He just popped his head out and off he went, hopping like a snow bunny.

Kimi (in blue), Gromit (in orange) and Rummy (in yellow)

Rummy and I

Our facial furnishings were totally crusted with snow and it was fun.

Gromit

The hike trail wasn't too steep, but the hills we were hiking on were steep going uphill and downhill from us. It didn't stop us from going off trail and frolicking in the snow when we had a chance.

Gromit kisses me and we put our noses together

Playing bitey face in the snow is fun too, because even if we tumble and fall, it doesn't hurt.

Gromit chews on my neck and Rummy does a full body slam on me. Two against one isn't fair...

Hiking behind the pack leader

Mum Sheila and us

Rob gives affection to Gromit because he came when he was called. He stayed close to the pack while we hiked offleash, and showed very good behavior even though he was offleash and formally untrained. Because he is being 'reset' at our home, teaching Gromit to hike nicely with the pack was paramount in inculcating pack mentality. A pack that hikes together, stays together. It enforces the bond and trust within our pack.

Airedales playing in the snow

Rummy sitting on the hill off to the high side of the snow trail.

Gromit says "Hey guys, why are you taking your own sweet time, Rob and I are waiting"

Hiking nicely behind the other pack leader in an orderly fashion

"Hey Rummy, what have you found?" Gromit and Kimi look on.

Rummy is closer to his terrier roots than I am. He loves to dig around and bury his head into the ground. Here he seems to have found a scent, he dug himself quite deep into the snow, till his whole head and shoulders could fit in it.

Hiking uphill toward some icy waterfalls. It was so beautiful. The icicles flowed down and we could hear the trickle of water.

Kimi looks at Gromit who has just covered his snout with snow.

Kimi watches over baby brother Rummy

Yay... this is so fun!! White stuff called snow.

Hiking downhill

And then hiking uphill

Gromit

Kimi

Snow covered muzzle

Rummy Cubs

Let's do this again soon. We love the snow...

Hugs,

Kimi

Sleepy Time

2009-12-19T18:35:00.000-08:00

At night, Gromit loves to sleep in his crate with us in the room. He is an indoor dog, just like us. We Airedales are meant to be indoor dogs, we love to be with our humans. We love to be involved in all the human activities too.

Rummy goes into Gromit's big crate space and tries to cuddle with him in the tight space. Like I said, Rummy and Gromit are now chums. Real buddies. Gromit doesn't mind sharing his space with Rummy.

For Gromit to sleep in the room with us also helps to assimilate him into our pack faster and more efficiently. That way, he will learn our routines, body rhythm, and rules and expectations much faster, and be a better adjusted dog faster. He wouldn't feel left out, or cry in the night because he is stressed out. He can hear us shuffle in bed, hear us snore and make sleepy sounds. He doesn't seem to miss his humans or his other canine pack member Tucker in the least bit. He loves to stay with us. I think Gromit feels very fulfilled in our pack. We love having Gromit as a guest. He is so much fun.

Hugs,

Kimi

Learning Table Manners

2009-12-19T18:29:00.000-08:00

From left, Gromit, Rummy and Kimi

All waiting for the release command to eat.

We all learn to eat close to each other.

Gromit chomping down on a large pork rib bone with meat.

He uses his molars to chomp the pieces into smaller pieces easier to swallow. The meat goes from his left jaw to the right and back, until the piece gets smaller and smaller.

Gromit learns to eat while Rummy comes very close to him, and he doesn't show any signs of food possession or aggression. He is polite and compliant in spite of Rummy being so close to his own food bowl. This could be also because Rummy and him are now chums.

Gromit tolerates it, as Rummy goes through his food bowl. Learning to share by eating out of each other's bowls helps reinforce good pack behavior.

Bowl swapping

Hugs,

Kimi

Gromit Learns the Door Manners

2009-12-19T18:17:00.000-08:00

Most dogs rush to the doors, and then rush outside, without any manners. At our house, there are many rules to follow, and some of the rules are incorporated at the door, upon entry and exit. These are very important too, in helping to establish pack hierarchy, to teach doggie manners, and instill self control.

This is because, alpha dogs most often go ahead first, they also control tight spaces, and have the right of way. They control the movements of subordinate dogs as well, through the use of body language, eye contact and energy.

Kimi, Gromit and Rummy.

We wait at the door, while Mum or Rob gives the "Free" command, meaning it is now ok, to go out. We are either to stand, sit or down, while we wait to go outside. Upon entering, we also always wait till the humans have gone inside, before we go in. We are not allowed to push past the humans to rush in.

Kimi looks back for assurance

Kimi the beloved.

Hugs,

Kimi

Gromit on the Treadmill

2009-12-19T18:10:00.000-08:00

Rummy lays by my side, giving me support while I show Gromit how it is done.

Gromit lays down at Mum's feet, taking it in.

Getting our exercise on the treadmill is paramount and advantageous in many ways. It allows us canines to spend our excess energy, and being Airedales, we have a lot of it. Going on the treadmill forces us to use our mental capacities to focus our energy on a given task, we have to train our minds to focus on the repetition of our steps, we listen to our breathing, and go with the flow of our steps and movements. It is very relaxing to do this, either at a slow walk (1 mile per hour) or a slow trot (3 miles per hour).

After 3 days of getting accustomed to the sound and sensation of the treadmill, and after seeing Rummy and I get on it to have fun, Gromit now can go on the treadmill on his own, stay there, and learn to walk on the treadmill.

In the beginning, Gromit couldn't coordinate his front legs and back legs at the same time. Too much was going on for him, so Mum had to carry his back legs up, so that he could just walk with his two front legs.

Later on, mum held on to support his belly, while his back legs started walking slowly, just lightly touching the belt at first, and then finally putting his back feet down. The rhythm of the walk was coming back to him. Of course, walking is a natural movement for us dogs, so walking on the treadmill wasn't as difficult as Gromit imagined it to be, and with the passing tries, he gained more confidence and got better and better.

Finally, Mum no longer needed to carry him or support his belly up. However, she still needed to support his butt so that he wouldn't slide off the belt. She stayed there, touching his butt, but also giving him words of encouragement as Gromit walked slowly. Soon afterward, Mum was able to step off the treadmill, and just stand at the side of the treadmill for Gromit to walk entirely on his own.

It took Gromit only 3 days to master the walk on the treadmill, through small little increments of sessions on the treadmill. From not wanting to even be on the treadmill, to putting his front legs as brakes and refusing to move, to barely walking and now walking independently, Gromit has come a long way, in a very short time. He likes going on the treadmill now. What an amazing transformation.

Hugs,

Kimi

Yard Playtime

2009-12-19T17:55:00.000-08:00

The Orange Chuck it ball is one of the all time favorite ball games for Chuck it and tag games. Whoever gets the ball gets to be chased by the others. Rummy and I love to play it but Gromit is still learning how to play this game. He doesn't seem to play Catch either, but with our guidance, he is slowly learning the game of tag.

I've got the ball, and Gromit is stalking slowly us, trying to figure out what this game is about.

Gromit says "hey guys, wait for me, I don't know how to play this game".

Ha, finally Gromit gets the ball in his mouth and he's running. Rummy and I give chase and I think he finally gets what Tag is all about.

Rummy's turn to have the ball. It is still a wee bit big for his mouth, but that doesn't deter my little brother.

Let's jump up on each other and play rough.. yay

Rummy is half the size of Gromit, but he shows no fear. He bares his teeth and instigates a rough game of bitey face. Gromit plays along nicely. He tries his best at bite inhibition and is good at it. Rummy bites his tail and doesn't let go, he chews on Gromit's ear, his muzzle, his neck and all over. He is one ferocious little player. He is game for anyone who is brave enough to play back.

After a while, Rummy goes to play "Dig" at the dedicated dig site. There is a big hole in the ground where the humans dig to get earth for planting, so the dogs get to dig here too. Rummy loves to dig, and stay true to his terrier roots. I on the other hand, don't really like getting my paws that dirty with earth.

Gromit follows Rummy into the dig site and tries to get into the spirit of digging.

"Hi Everyone, I'm Gromit, I'm a year old Airedale, staying here at Sheila's ReBoot Camp".

Gromit getting sick of the dig site and venturing off

High speed chase

Gromit

Kimi teaching Gromit "Keep Away" with the chuck it ball

Rummy and Gromit at the gate

Airedale heaven

Hugs,

Kimi

Training the "Watch" command

2009-12-19T17:11:00.000-08:00

Mum sits with the 3 of us, with endless hotdogs shredded into tiny pieces as reward.

She tells Gromit to "Watch", but she doesn't attempt to hide the treat from him. She waits till he figures out how to get the treat. By looking at mum in her eyes, she says "Free" and he gets the treat reward. The more we practice, the faster he gets at doing the "Watch", responding quicker and getting the treat faster too.

Mum takes the opportunity to train all of us together, because I already know these commands, and Rummy has also learned all these commands. The fact that Rummy and I are learning together aids Gromit in learning it faster too because he is watching us set the example. He learns by watching us. He is such a smart Airedale. Gromit has also learned the "Leave it" very well. He won't touch a treat right in front of him, unless he has been "Freed". Such a good dog he is.

Hugs,

Kimi

Sharing Bones Together

2009-12-19T17:07:00.000-08:00

Rummy has the knuckle bone, and Gromit wants it. He play bows to Rummy to try to get it. "Hey Rummy, please share the bone with me" says Gromit.

After a day of play, bitey face, chase, and running on the treadmill, the boys knock out at the dedicated canine couch. Gromit and Kimi take the top, and there's no more space for Rummy.

Gromit surrenders in play to Kimi, the more alpha of the 3 boys. He bares his belly and shares a smile, being totally vulnerable and trusting. Gromit says, "I'm just a puppy Kimi, I'm not a threat, I may be taller than you, but I surrender to you".

The boys strewn all the toys around the living room, and the best pals return to each other, taking turns gnawing at the same yucky knuckle bone.

Rummy watches and waits for Gromit to get tired of the bone, and he keeps a close eye on the bone. He can't coerce Gromit to surrender the bone because he is younger and smaller, so he waits there patiently till Gromit gives it up eventually.

Still waiting.....

And more waiting... Gromit is doing very well, to tolerate another dog being so close to him when there is such a prized bone to chew on.

"Mum, will I ever get my turn?" Rummy wants the bone so badly. Good things come to those who wait. It is amazing to watch how close their noses can get together, while they wait for each other to tire of the bone. Only a few inches apart, sharing each other's breath, and the scent of the bone.

Hugs,

Kimi

The Feeding Ritual

2009-12-19T16:56:00.000-08:00

At our home, the Feeding Ritual is very important. Mum uses the Feeding Ritual to teach dog manners, to wait, to surrender, to practice self-control, to show deference to the alphas, and to focus on the alpha, while staying in a calm submissive energy. We are fed twice, once at lunch and once at dinner.

Gromit and Rummy practice the "Watch" while Rob handfeeds the dogs, one piece by one piece, both Rummy and Gromit taking turns at doing commands.

Some pieces are first hand fed, and then after the training is over, the dogs are allowed to eat freely. Gromit comes forward to see Rummy being hand fed.

Gromit practices the "Watch" command without flinching. He looks into Rob's eyes until he is "freed". He is doing so well, being so patient waiting for his turn.

Rummy, Kimi and Gromit learn to eat at the same time, in the same location, in close proximity. This forces them to learn how to eat together, because eating together aids pack cohesion and communal activity. It also helps to discourage food possession or food aggression. Such bad behavior is just not acceptable in our pack. If anyone growls or shows teeth, he gets corrected with a touch to the shoulder or neck immediately.

The dogs share food together, swapping bowls around, so no one eats out from one bowl alone.

Gromit learns to share his food with Rummy. This is remarkable for Gromit because he used to have an issue with food. He would gulp his food without chewing and cause himself to choke. He would snarl, curl his gums and show teeth if anyone or any dog went too close to his food.

Everyone swaps bowls at the same meal. Taking turns to investigate what each other eats and finish whatever the other dog has left there.

So far, Gromit has been doing very well at the feeding ritual. His human will be so proud of him.

Hugs,

Kimi

Gromit Comes to Stay

2009-12-16T15:22:00.000-08:00

Gromit is going to stay with us for almost 3 weeks. Rummy and I are both extremely happy he is here, but we have different reasons. I am happy because that means I get a break from Rummy, and Gromit is a good distraction for him. Rummy is happy because he gets a new bitey face pal and he can rough house with Gromit and they get along well and play superbly together.

Rummy and Gromit baring teeth, jumping on shoulders, play biting, playing dominance games with one another. Gromit is 1 and Rummy just turned 5 months, so they are closer in age. That may explain why they have such explosive energy for each other.

Play bowing and showing growly teeth at the same time means "I mean no harm, we're just playing"

More obvious play bowing accompanied by growling and baring of teeth going on here....

Ok, laying down and playing bitey face gives us both a time out and yet we're still playing rough.. cool

Rummy jumps on and pounces on Gromit. Gromit loves it.

Rummy displays his ferocious set of teeth

Gromit jumps back and Rummy is in hot pursuit. This can go on for hours with Airedales...

Everyone on a down. Gromit is on the leash indoors because he needs to be 'reset' and relearn all the human rules and boundaries. He needs to gain our trust, and build a bond with the alpha (Mum) and do everything expected before he gains his indoor freedom.

The next morning, the usual routine goes on, and Gromit must learn how to go on the treadmill just like every does.

Gromit watches as Kimi shows him how it is done.

Hi Gromit, you look relaxed and happy. You're going to be next on the treadmill.

Gromit needs a bit more time to watch. He munches on a knuckle bone as I trod on. If he sees, hears and senses that the energy in the room remains the same while the loud machine is on, he will associate that this is normal behavior, and is what is expected.

In the afternoon, Gromit learns to step on and step off the treadmill while it stays turned off. On and Off, On and Off, he is getting used to the sensation of the belt under his paws, and the feeling of getting on this machine. He is a big boy, Mum will have a much harder time teaching him how to do it.

Stay tuned for Gromit's "Re-boot" experience at our house.

Hugs,

Kimi

Winter Wonderland

2009-12-14T13:05:00.000-08:00

When winter comes along, the Pacific Northwest is transformed into a winter wonderland. The mountains have fresh snow toppings, and sometimes, if we're lucky, we even have snow right down at sea level where we live. But if we want snow, we need to go up into the wilderness to romp in it.

The South end of Lake Wenatchee, one of the most beautiful scenic routes for snowshoeing

The mist was coming off the lake and it was so quiet and serene

Unfortunately, we didn't get enough snow to snowshoe but it was still Rummy's first time ever seeing snow. The daytime temperature was 12 deg Farenheit (-11 deg Cel), it was so cold, the water on the lake formed ice shelves on the edge.

Mum was getting us ready to pose for some Christmas card photos, so we had to put on some ridiculous Christmas hats. What do you think? Silly huh?

Rummy was the dedicated Santa elf so he had this funny elf hat with ears on

The logs were covered in snow, the surfaces were all covered with snow and frost, it was really cool.

Me jumping over my brother on the log by the lake

Walking on a log covered with snow and frost

Hi Mum, this is so fun! Its my first snow

Rummy taking a sip from the lake

Can I give you a kiss big brother Kimi?

Ergggghhghhghg.... I'm going to pull on your foo foo collar

Rummy walking on an ice shelf by the edge of the lake, and Mum is yelling, stay close.

Following in big brother Kimi's steps

Running on ice again

Walking off leash with the pack through the woods. There wasn't enough snow to snow shoe but it was a nice hike, nonetheless

Let's play bitey face

Kimi says "come get me if you can"

Sharing on a stick and chewing it together like loving brothers

Rummy wants to pose for the cover of GQ magazine

After our hike, we went to Leavenworth, which is a town in the middle of the cascades mountain range. It looks like a fairy tale German town, but we all know it really isn't German. Its just made to look and feel German. The Christmas light were up and there was music in the air. It was so pretty and lovely. But oh, it was cold. I still had my jacket on because I'm in the process of being stripped, oh I most definitely still needed it, because it was still so cold.

Rummy got to meet new children again, and wherever he goes, he seems to attract these mini humans and they give him so much love and attention. They are also helping to socialize him so that's a good thing.

Rummy

Hugs,

Kimi

Treadmill Training

2009-12-14T12:30:00.000-08:00

The time has come for Rummy to learn how to exercise on the treadmill. At my previous house, I had a treadmill too, but after we moved, I've not used one since the new house didn't have a treadmill. But the winters here in WA means that sometimes, it is really horrendous to spend time outside. And for us Airedales, we still need to have the avenue to exert all the energy and exercise. Fortunately, there is this thing called the Craig's List in the human world, and Mum managed to find a good one at a cheap price. She bought it, put it in her study, and then we did our best to teach Rummy how to use it.

These are the steps to introducing an Airedale to a treadmill.

Keep a positive mindset and a calm happy attitude
Introduce the treadmill to Rummy with calmness, but with no excited energy, or fuss
Allow Rummy to sniff at, look at, feel, taste, and climb on the treadmill
Get Rummy to associate the treadmill with good things, so we put treats on the treadmill so he would eat it
Give a command "Climb" and prompt him to get on the treadmill. Treat him and reward
Give a release command "Free" and allow him to step off and then reward
Repeat many times
Once Rummy is accustomed to the treadmill, the next step is to show by example
Get Kimi to show Rummy how it is done. Kimi "climbs" onto treadmill, and I use my enthusiastic voice and start my sequence, "Are you ready? Ok, let's go". Turn on treadmill and Kimi loves it.
Allow Rummy to watch
Release Kimi, treat Kimi, praise Kimi
Give "climb" command to Rummy and leash him to the treadmill, so he doesn't get off
Do the start sequence and encourage Rummy, if necessary (normally the first time is a must) allow the leash to tighten and for him to slide off the end, but the moment he slides, encourage him to run forward, "Come on, Let's go". By now, Rummy also understands "let's go" means move forward
He will whine, cry, fight, struggle, make a protest, acknowledge the unwanted behavior but keep encouraging him to move forward, "Let's go, this is fun". Tie the leash loosely to the treadmill
Stand close to him near the front of the treadmill whenever Rummy is on it for the first few times
Start with 10 min, praise "Good boy" when he is doing it well
Release with a "free" command after 10 min, treat him, and immediately take him out to pee or poop. Exercise seems to trigger bowel movements so allow him to relieve himself and then resume treadmill exercise if you wish.

During the early phase of introducing Rummy to treadmill.

Allowing him to associate the treadmill with good things, such as treats.

Kimi watches over Rummy

Rummy says, "I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do, but this seems fun"

Calm energy associated with the treadmill

Rummy chills on the treadmill

When will we start playing on the treadmill Mum?

Mum teaches Rummy by leashing him to the treadmill for a start

I show my brother by example. I'm so good at the treadmill that I don't even need a leash. I love it up on the treadmill.

Rummy watches Kimi set the example

It is easier to train Rummy to love the treadmill because Kimi already loves it

I'm watching you big brother... so this is how it is done

Rummy's brain is working in overdrive, figuring out how his brother is moving but not really going anywhere. He sees Kimi's calm happy energy on the treadmill, and knows this must be fun because Kimi gets on the treadmill looking at Mum, waiting for her to turn it on.

"Yes Mum, I know it will be fun, I'm a little apprehensive, but I will try it for fun."

By now, Rummy can go on the treadmill without the leash, but we still leash him in just in case he decides to jump off, when he does, we correct him with "No, that's bad, climb" and get him back on track. He can only get off the treadmill when we release him, because he was on a 'climb' command.

Hugs,

Kimi

Port Townsend, Washington

2009-12-07T16:54:00.000-08:00

On a cold wintery Sunday, we decided to pay a visit to Port Townsend, a quaint little port town North of the Key Peninsula. The canines were loaded into the back of the car, and the humans took the front, and we all enjoyed an easy drive northwards.

Rummy tails at the back with Mum, while we stroll the quiet streets after the Thanksgiving weekend. It was very quiet, but there were some people and their dogs walking every now and then..

Gail and the canines

At the newly built pier, we were allowed to roam offleash while no one else was near. It was nice frolicking around in the chilly winter gray. The air was crisp and cold. Fortunately, I had my blue winter coat on, because I was mostly naked on my core saddle from the handstripping. My coat hasn't grown in yet, so I would have been very cold if not for the coat.

Rough playing never ceases with the Airedales...anytime and anywhere, just bring it on

Bob and the patiently waiting canines, with the matching bandanas.

Big brother and small brother.. watching as the people go by...

Many people stopped to greet the handsome pair of Airedales.. Rummy was very happy and excited to meet a mini human. He watched how Kimi greeted the small human nicely and gently, and followed suit.

Kimi gives the human toddler a close-in sniff and a kiss... Rummy watches his big brother greet other humans nicely, and learns how to do it. Easy and Gentle does it...

It is a good thing, Rummy is learning not to jump up at humans, and to wait patiently to be loved and shown affection.. he wags his tails from left to right so quickly, his butt shakes. Rummy is learning that humans like to touch heads, chins and come close... even the small ones..

A stranger then comes up to Kimi, gives him a big bear hug and a body rub, and Kimi takes it in with delight.

Standing by the big wooden moose with the Welcome sign.. Rummy is not scared of anything. He is learning well, and absorbing the world in like a sponge.

Rummy loves to stroll the streets, and both Kimi and Rummy enjoy people watching

Humans and canines

Mum Sheila and the doggies at the pier

Our immediate pack, Rob, Sheila, Rummy and Kimi

Hugs,

Kimi

Playing in the Garden with Koa

2009-12-07T16:32:00.000-08:00

While Bob and Gail were out gallivanting, Koa had to wait at home with us. We took the opportunity of clear skies and went out to play for an hour or two.

Rummy

Rummy on the porch, Kimi on the driveway and Koa in the background

As usual, Rummy has lived up to his name as a terrier, and dug up some ferns that were growing nicely on the earth. I think the humans had intended to use it for decorations somewhere.. but Rummy ruined it.

He took his time sniffing and exploring the huge blanket of ferns

and then proceeded to tear it all up and shred it into smaller pieces.

Koa watches from the side, and wonders what this puppy is up to..

Happy Rummy trotting away from his misdeed

Hello, who's going to throw the ball for us?

Standing side by side.

In a few short months time, Rummy is going to be as tall as Koa. In the past, Koa was also the first shepherd dog to live with Rummy as we stayed in his house in Manteca in October when Rummy was only 10 weeks old. Koa and Rummy remember each other and have a great time together playing.

Koa is a great canine teacher to Rummy. Koa and I take turns to teach Rummy basic canine manners, we help each other stay in touch and in tune with our canine language. It is very necessary to expose Rummy to as many canines as possible, so he learns that dogs come in all shapes, sizes, ages, and temperaments. Not all adults can tolerate a puppy like Rummy and he needs to learn the proper manners so that he can be an all-rounded Airedale.

Rummy gets to run with the big boys like us, but he learns to give way and defer to us if we want the ball, and he understands to give up his toys when we want it. We take turns passing the ball around and taking turns to play chase and catch me if you can, with the ball in our mouths.

Rummy goes for my jugular. He loves to nip my at neck, and every now and then, Koa corrects Rummy to let him know, enough is enough. Koa interjects when I don't, and I think Koa is very good at helping me out. I tend to be very tolerant with Rummy because it is my nature to be a bit soft. I do correct Rummy, but not often enough, and not forceful enough. I have a feeling, Rummy might be more dominant than I am when he gets to adult age.

Comparing jaw sizes and vocalizing at the same time. Koa watches us with the ball in his mouth, trying to get Rummy to chase him. Koa's favorite game is chase.

"Grrrraaaarrrrr" Here comes Rummy the Airedale Terror

Play wrestling with my baby brother

Rummy finds a bug to toy with and explore..

The happy trio, Rummy, Koa and I, smiling for Mum's camera

The bushy look

Rummy loves to dig, and we allow him to. There are many areas for him to dig, but he loves to dig in deep at the tree roots. The pine trees are his favorites. He tries to bury my nice chuck it ball, and Mum has to keep taking it back out after Rummy tries burying my special toys.

Hugs,

Kimi

Rummy Getting Ears Glued Again!

2009-12-07T16:04:00.000-08:00

Koa and I, gazing out the big window

It was time to get Rummy's ears glued again. This is the 2nd time we're gluing his ears. As we've mentioned before, Rummy's ears need to get glued because they are at a low ear set. To have perky beautifully set ears, an Airedale tends to have some periods of his adolescent life with ears glued.

Rummy and Mum, Sheila

Mum glues Rummy's ears and then sets it in yellow vet bandage. (At least he got the yellow one, I had pink when it was done to me ages ago) The vet bandage helps to keep the ears in position while the glues gets tacky and sets, and it seems to calm Rummy down, and stops him from scratching the ears immediately. It gives him something else to think about.

Koa goes to Rummy slowly, and examines him. He sniffs Rummy's head gently and senses that he is in a calm submissive mood, and he's doesn't seem to be in any distress. Ok, Koa doesn't have anything to worry about.

"Ha Ha, I'm just fine Koa" says Rummy

Rummy and I on the dedicated canine couch

Koa has one ear sticking up and one ear sticking down. That's what makes him special and cute looking. Makes him look like a perpetual puppy don't you think? Koa is my age (4 years old), so ear gluing won't help him any longer, but if he were a young puppy, his ears could have been set upright so that they set normally like an adult shepherd's, or like the Dobie's and Schnauzers.

Don't worry Koa, no one is going to glue your ears...

Hugs,

Kimi

Getting Ready for Christmas

2009-12-07T15:51:00.000-08:00

The weather outside is hitting the mid 30s for the day and low 20s at night, it has been freezing. But where is the snow? We're all waiting...

Mum decided to put us in Merry Christmas garb to get into the mood, and she got trigger happy one day, while Koa was still at our house... what fun... but Rummy is so bored, he's falling asleep quick.

Oh no, Koa is falling asleep too. Oh Mum, when will this all be over?

Christmas is a special time for Mum. This was the happiest time of the year for her, when the tree would be lit up and she could gaze at the twinkling lights and listen to happy Christmas carols and songs. Almost everyone speaks with a more cheery tone, and people are nicer to one another. I wish Christmas could be everyday.

The happy Trio

Kimi, Rummy and Koa

Happy Holidays from us in Washington

Hugs,

Kimi