Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi's Blog (4)

Yarrow is just shy of 12 weeks now.  She'll be three months on December 10th.  My hands are so sore from all the mouthing and yesterday she broke the skin and left a bloody little gash on the back of my left hand.  I was putting her leash on.  There was no intention or effort on her part, just an open mouth and razor sharp shark teeth.  Anyway that's not news.  Here's what's new.

I've just joined the group Training - Experiences and Mindsets.  In the discussion, Lucy and Annabelle's…

The Bernese Mountain dog was originally bred to pull the carts of the dairy farmers in the Swiss mountain towns and villages.  Yarrow's mother is a Berner, as they are nicknamed.  I can tell that the drive to pull is quite strong in Yarrow.

Here in the mountain town of Kimberley, B.C., it's not possible for me to go anywhere without having to go uphill one way or the other.  That includes a simple trip to check the mailbox at the front of the house.  I instruct any deliveries to the…

Yesterday was a busy day.  After having a decent night's sleep, the weather was a bit warmer and I took Yarrow and Sadhu to walk around town.  We were gone much longer than planned, stopping and chatting with others walking their dogs.  Yarrow is quite timid around strange, large dogs.  She sits behind me with her head between my legs, as if my legs are fence boards she can safely watch from behind.  It's good for her to just sit there and experience the calm exchange of conversation after…

 I have had some of the most wonderful dogs through my life.  I was always the woman in town with the one dog who was so well behaved, I was discouraged by shop owners from obeying the 'no dogs allowed' sign on their doors.  And, I've raised three children.  Lots of experience!  Never, in my wildest imagination, did I think I would have such a difficult time with a puppy. Even my beloved Basset Hound who used to eat EVERYTHING including the carpet, seemed easier because she wasn't always…