Tam, Jade and Franky's European Adventure

[Northernraider]

If Haydee is anything like Lola she'll be all run and bounce when out then curled up and dead to the world when inside.

We've taken Lola on some of our walks and left her in the car while we've had lunch and she just sleeps (car parked in shade and windows open a little btw just in case anyone is concerned!!!)

Well I'm hoping that's the case and I tire her out

I figure with blinds closed and all the skylights in my van she should be fine anytime she's left in it.

 

[Northernraider]

There are lots of places to park around and about the Sierra if you search them out. Did you get to the Estrecho?

The next few days may be busier with Spanish motorhomers then it should be back to normal.

I didn't that time ....i was put of by the 3.5 tonne limit cause I'm just over 5 and didn't want to risk it...but I wanted to see the straight of arbu ...wotsit that's up there

I will be staying around there for a few days anyway as I don't want to drive too far with her to start with and want somewhere quiet because you know what kids etc are like with puppies so better she gets a few calm days first to settle before we start hitting anywhere crowded

 

[Southdowners]

When you first buy food for Jade try to get the same type that the rescue centre fed her - a change can lead to upset tummy!

 

[Northernraider]

When you first buy food for Jade try to get the same type that the rescue centre fed her - a change can lead to upset tummy!

Yes I need to ask Silvia what she gives them but I'm suspecting she buys in bulk somewhere cause she gas about 70 dogs in there. I'll ask Sharon to ask her as my limited Spanish doesn't stretch to that

 

[Southdowners]

You can always change it over slowly. I know you’ll be bamboozled by the vast array of food available but if you get grain and cereal free food it will be best for your pooch. Poos are much smaller and your dog will be healthier. Generally speaking the cheaper foods are bulked out with cereals which dogs can’t digest.

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[jumartoo]

I didn't that time ....i was put of by the 3.5 tonne limit cause I'm just over 5 and didn't want to risk it...but I wanted to see the straight of arbu ...wotsit that's up there

The road just before the wooden bridge is very wide (parking for buses) so no problem to park your motorhome there. Walk across the bridge and down the steps, turn right down a couple more steps and head into the vegetation which then leads into the "throat"!

 

[Northernraider]

The road just before the wooden bridge is very wide (parking for buses) so no problem to park your motorhome there. Walk across the bridge and down the steps, turn right down a couple more steps and head into the vegetation which then leads into the "throat"!

Ah cool that should be ok then

 

[Shrimp]

Tam, if you’re only going shopping a stay in the cage of say 30-40 mins may seem a long time but to a dog time is relatively meaningless as they’ve forgotten as soon as they see you again, try not to be too long shopping and supply some treats and toys in the cage with her, can you leave some music/radio on, that will help.

 

[Northernraider]

Tam, if you’re only going shopping a stay in the cage of say 30-40 mins may seem a long time but to a dog time is relatively meaningless as they’ve forgotten as soon as they see you again, try not to be too long shopping and supply some treats and toys in the cage with her, can you leave some music/radio on, that will help.

Yes always have music about so that's not an issue.

 

[Northernraider]

Can't believe out of all the places I coukd have moved to yesterday I had to pick one with the crappest pet shop and China bazaar
No crates no small female harnesses poor choice of everything else too.

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[Drum Major]

Everyone is so helpful on here with helpful hints I think everything is going to be great for you and your new wee doggie. Looking forward to your new adventures

 

[Riverbankannie]

I have messaged my veterinarian daughter and her best friend a nurse and puppy training specialist.
Daughter has recommended this site for some bedtime reading

https://www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk/
and adds, whatever you do, stay away from training that involves telling off the dog or forcing it to do a commmand eg pushing its bum down to sit,
Always do reward based training.
I am pretty sure that I don’t need to be passing on this message to you though.
Might get a reply later from our friend.

 

[Northernraider]

I have messaged my veterinarian daughter and her best friend a nurse and puppy training specialist.
Daughter has recommended this site for some bedtime reading

https://www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk/
and adds, whatever you do, stay away from training that involves telling off the dog or forcing it to do a commmand eg pushing its bum down to sit,
Always do reward based training.
I am pretty sure that I don’t need to be passing on this message to you though.
Might get a reply later from our friend.

Thanks for that I've been reading most of the branch off links to that last one you posted.

How does a dog know what sit is or means though unless you show it?

If anything I'm worried I'll be too soft on it and it will be spoilt lol ...


I've actually found the first beach I've seen in spain that's specifically for dogs and I dinnae gave the dog yet lol

 

[Reallyretired]

Absolutely agree about the training. Reward based but ideally not with food, praising them is best. Particularly avoid the Barbara Woodhouse method which is training by torture.

 

[namwaldog]

Tam, if you want a dog to sit in front of you, hold something that the puppy likes such as a toy etc, in your hand, move your hand with the toy in it over the dogs head so it looks up at it, slowly move it at the same height but backwards towards the pups tail and the pup will find it more comfortable to sit rather than crane its neck backwards. As the pup sits, tell it what it is doing in a nice voice "SIT". Avoid "SIT DOWN" as you may want to use "DOWN" later.
If she does anything you don't want her to do, use "NO" in a firm voice.

Repeat little and often at a time and place that you control, NOT when the situation demands!

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[Northernraider]

Nice wee parking spot on the beach here in aguilas. ....seems both camping and dogs are allowed on the one ...shame I don't have the dog yet lol.
But I did finally manage to catch one of those gheko's
Also spotted a sawn off cathargo. .smallest one of those I've seen too 8

 

[busby]

Thanks for that I've been reading most of the branch off links to that last one you posted.

How does a dog know what sit is or means though unless you show it?

If anything I'm worried I'll be too soft on it and it will be spoilt lol ...


I've actually found the first beach I've seen in spain that's specifically for dogs and I dinnae gave the dog yet lol

All ways found dogs just want to please you,,have never resorted to treats to train,,just fuss and encouragement,,,Did have 6 dogs of all different breeds at one time and they were all well behaved (when i was watching them) Never used cages,,must be frightening because i know it would be to me,,,Good luck Tam,,,BUSBY,,

 

[Northernraider]

All ways found dogs just want to please you,,have never resorted to treats to train,,just fuss and encouragement,,,Did have 6 dogs of all different breeds at one time and they were all well behaved (when i was watching them) Never used cages,,must be frightening because i know it would be to me,,,Good luck Tam,,,BUSBY,,

I think a cage would only be frightening if you forced the dog to use it and used as punishment or something
Certainly from the thread @Riverbankannie posted showing how to crate train it meant the dog saw the crate as it's own safe space etc ...so if I can manage to do that she shouldn't be frightened but actually feel safer I'n the crate

 

[Rob and Val]

Great that you've now made up your mind about getting a dog. Little Jade looks gorgeous. Your life will never be the same again!

 

[f6c]

Nor will Tams

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[reckless]

I've loved reading about your travels Tam but not commented yet. Jade changes that she's a beauty. Well done you.

You're getting lots of good advice here and there's tons more online. We have a 4 month old puppy, see avatar, she's a hooligan but so worth it. I've only had a few nights unbroken sleep since we got her. Apparently there's a window up to 5 months old where they're most receptive to training so start little and often straight away. Make it fun so she enjoys it!!

Re the crate. I've never used one before but Roly has one and loves it. She takes herself in for a rest in the day and sleeps in it at night (covered with a blanket). We have another in the car. She hasn't been in the motorhome yet.

To help with chewing and boredom we bought a buffalo horn, not cheap but last for ages and it's a calming activity. You can also get antler horns. It sounds obvious but make sure whatever you get for treats is suitable for puppies.

(she's just done a poo by the door - indoors I was distracted writing this and missed the signs - she had the zoomies and turned her bedding upside down. So my fault)

Good luck and enjoy your new travelling companion. You'll both be fine.

Karen

 

[gus-lopez]

Centro Commercial 'Parque Almenara' The chinese there 'Corte Asia' has a large selection of harnesses, beds, toys,etc; & I'm sure there are dog cages ,albeit plastic .

 

[gus-lopez]

Can't believe out of all the places I coukd have moved to yesterday I had to pick one with the crappest pet shop and China bazaar

The big one two streets up from Mercadona used to have some decent stuff albeit twice the price of up here. Or are you talking about the one along the main road opposite the tobacconists in the 'old' mercadona as they don't have a lot.

 

[alex n]

Glad you've come to a decision on the 'doggy front' Tam. Hubby, Alex and I have had different thoughts on your dilemma about becoming a dog owner. He thinks it would be too much work, hold u back, be a problem when you want to use your bikes or enter into certain tourist sights and a hellavalot of work. On the other hand, I think she'll be a fab travel companion, you'll never be lonely and an enjoyable challenge to train giving back more than you give........eventually. Bit like choosing your first motorhome - a question of priorities and compromise. If your mind's made up, Jade will be one lucky puppy!

 

[Northernraider]

I've loved reading about your travels Tam but not commented yet. Jade changes that she's a beauty. Well done you.

You're getting lots of good advice here and there's tons more online. We have a 4 month old puppy, see avatar, she's a hooligan but so worth it. I've only had a few nights unbroken sleep since we got her. Apparently there's a window up to 5 months old where they're most receptive to training so start little and often straight away. Make it fun so she enjoys it!!

Re the crate. I've never used one before but Roly has one and loves it. She takes herself in for a rest in the day and sleeps in it at night (covered with a blanket). We have another in the car. She hasn't been in the motorhome yet.

To help with chewing and boredom we bought a buffalo horn, not cheap but last for ages and it's a calming activity. You can also get antler horns. It sounds obvious but make sure whatever you get for treats is suitable for puppies.

(she's just done a poo by the door - indoors I was distracted writing this and missed the signs - she had the zoomies and turned her bedding upside down. So my fault)

Good luck and enjoy your new travelling companion. You'll both be fine.

Karen

Your pup looks gorgeous ...but I'm lost with these buffalo horns lol.

I've started the van preparations already the carpets are out rolled up and stored onntye lockers lol

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[Northernraider]

Centro Commercial 'Parque Almenara' The chinese there 'Corte Asia' has a large selection of harnesses, beds, toys,etc; & I'm sure there are dog cages ,albeit plastic .

Whaurs that? ....ive buggered of back up to murcia city ...parked up at thader cause i know there's a mahoosive china bazaar here and I'm sure they had crates etc ..ideally I want a collapsible metal one.

But closed tomorrow hopefully open Monday

 

[Northernraider]

Glad you've come to a decision on the 'doggy front' Tam. Hubby, Alex and I have had different thoughts on your dilemma about becoming a dog owner. He thinks it would be too much work, hold u back, be a problem when you want to use your bikes or enter into certain tourist sights and a hellavalot of work. On the other hand, I think she'll be a fab travel companion, you'll never be lonely and an enjoyable challenge to train giving back more than you give........eventually. Bit like choosing your first motorhome - a question of priorities and compromise. If your mind's made up, Jade will be one lucky puppy!

She's gonna learn to run with the bike ....ride in a basket on back when knackered and even ride on the scooter eventually ....just have to get her used to it

 

[reckless]

Your pup looks gorgeous ...but I'm lost with these buffalo horns lol.

Oh she's certainly got the looks but she's feisty as hell But in just this short time she's improving little by little.

Buffalo horns, hard as rock, great for gnawing on and they don't splinter. I've no idea where you'd get them in Spain.

I think Jade's going to love her life with you

Karen

 

[Northernraider]

Oh she's certainly got the looks but she's feisty as hell But in just this short time she's improving little by little.

Buffalo horns, hard as rock, great for gnawing on and they don't splinter. I've no idea where you'd get them in Spain.

I think Jade's going to love her life with you

Karen

Ah ....think I'll have to interrogate the Spanish dog owning residents to find the best treats

I'm certainly hoping she does ....

 

[Southdowners]

When you go shopping for doggie things it might be worth looking at something to keep her in the MH when you’re parked up with the door open... I wonder if something like expanding garden trellis would make a temporary child-type gate? That would keep her safe inside until she gets a bit older.

We had one at home when ours was little - it was just like a child safety gate - we found it useful.

Another vote for reindeer horns here. Our dog had one which lasted for a couple of years - they last for ages. He buries bones so can’t be trusted with them but doesn’t bury antlers. We had a couple of times when he buried his marrow bones only to dig them up at a later date when riddled with maggots... disgusting creature!!

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