Naughty Hallie

Now this settee was bought for us (Humans) to be able to sit in the evenings and  have some quality time in the kitchen with the dogs. Hallie has different ideas about the settee, it is certainly her launch pad for attacking Bobby as he walks past, if she stands on the arms of the settee she has a great view of the entire kitchen and as she is now a qualified counter-surfer she can see any food left out from her increased height! We have a few times managed to quietly sit on the settee without her knowledge as if she spots you, her manners disappear and within seconds she will land on your lap, throw herself backwards for the ultimate tummy rub. It is rather sweet, but I do wonder what would happen if someone ever came to our house that didn't like dogs.
Hallie is growing up rather nicely, she has a brilliant coat still and a lovely brown hue to her curls, so some days she looks completely brown and other days she looks black, its a bit like owning 2 dogs.The best news of all is that Bobby has learnt to share his toys with Hallie, they spend most of their time together and the best game is a piece of cardboard that measures an inch square, they must both hold it with just one tooth, and their heads look like one, but hey it keeps them quiet and they seem to enjoy the challenge!

Hallie and training

Charamese Hermione aka Hallie

Grandma Be-poppy aka Bepop

Training a Barbet is not hard work, but you need to understand that you have to go at their pace and look at what they are good at and turn that to your advantage. I am learning about training once again with Hallie, she is very different to Effie who lived with me till 16 weeks old and so I had the opportunity to start early basic training. Hallie is very sensitive, showing any displeasure means she walks away in a huff and as you know training always has to be positive especially at a young age.At the moment she is very much a family dog, she loves us all and shows no real attachment to anyone in particular but the other day I did witness her showing a preference of trust. Julian and I took her swimming, the water was deep and the entry was tough for her as she had to jump in, Barbets can be very careful over water entry so we are just seeing if early jumping into water will make her less worried as an adult. So she became more confident as she jumped after the duckwing, however getting out the water was an issue as she needed to be hauled out by her collar. I was in charge of the camera and you will not see any photos of her getting out the water as she would only let me do it, when Julian tried to grab her she swam away, after three attempts I decided to intervene and bingo so we tried again and the same happened. I like to know my dogs and how their minds work, so this fascinated me, so when more quirky things happen I will keep you posted.   

 

Barbet Puppy time at nearly 6 weeks

Two girls and a boy all reserved

 A lovely visit yesterday at Annettes to see the puppies who will be 6 weeks on Thursday.

I know he is having a scratch but he remained still for a second! This chunky boy is reserved.

This boy is still available, he is very sweet and just loves the big dogs.

Barbet puppy photo request granted

Happiness is....a full belly

She is just a sweetie

He is getting bigger

Novaforesta Drew aka Remy

Copyright Graham Peacock

Sad news for the barbet in the UK as dear sweet Remy was involved in an accident with a car on the 24th February. Remy was a boy from the first litter born in the UK, he would have been 4 years old on the 4th March.
A kind, loving, playful and devoted companion to his owners, and Bepops' favorite shooting companion.
Remy is a real loss to the world of dogs, if every dog was as sweet as him then these terrible stories you read about dog attacks just wouldn't happen.
So the barbet world has lost one of its finest examples in my opinion, but I feel very lucky that I have the most wonderful memories of many many days spent with Remy and his owners, memories that I will cherish.

Novaforesta Eton

A beautiful dog on a beautiful day.