TGIF!! It is finally the weekend, and I really need it, Nili the energizer bunny does not slow down from morning to night. I love her to death, and she is so busy, it is cute but exhausting LOL.
Last weekend Gidget came to spend two days with us, one night. I have been dog sitting Gidget for over four years, I know her quirks, her naughtiness and I adore her but last weekend was a nightmare. Gidget did not like Nili and they fought nonstop. I did not sleep as I was worried they would fight during the night. Gidget guarded my bed and would not let Nili on it, and if she did get on the bed there was a lot of growling so I would lie between the two of them to keep peace, Nili was just as much to blame in someways as she would bounce around on the floor, barking at Gidget wanting to play and it was not happening. To cut a long story short, my arms are blue with bruises, wounds here and there, and I concluded that there will never be a friendship between these two. Nili is ok with Nigel spending time in my house, so it was not the first time I had a doggy visitor in the house. It was a lesson for me also and something that I must work on with Nili.
The first hour when they lay on the bed together before all hell broke out
Nili met with a trainer on Monday, I learnt to use the command circle when she sees another dog with a treat in my hand and it is slowly working phew, the other command was touch which makes her smell my hand where there is a treat to get her to focus on my hand and not let her get distracted which is slowly working and she now does not try jump and run after people, skateboards, or cyclists. It is a work in progress and hopefully soon walking will be fun. She must learn to stop playing tug of war with her leash when I put her harness on which I am working on also. Nili is a clever girl, the trainer said it to me, but she knows how to manipulate me also LOL and I have to not let that happen. It is like any relationship we work together to get that happy balance and that is what I am working on.
Focusing on my trainer for a treat, Nili
After the meeting we went to my friend’s garden to hang out and relax in the sun, it actually was so hot we moved into the shade, but it was great to just sit back, relax and enjoy the outdoors. The plus with the garden is Nili can run freely about sniffing and exploring with no worries as she cannot get out. She was one happy tired girl when we got home but it was just what the doctor needed, she napped all afternoon LOL.
Relaxing in the shade in the garden
She met on the way home a cute little dog that looks like her and they tried playing but both were on leash but it was cute and relaxed me in the way that she does want to play but little fluffy dogs are the answer so I cannot wait for her to be ready for a Shi Tzu meet up where she will have fun. I am wondering if she is afraid of big dogs as being a stray something could have happened in her past.
Nili meeting Levi
I also got dental chews this week for her as I am trying to keep her teeth pearly white the way they are now so before bed at night she gets one and that is her last treat for the night, she loves them which is great as I know she is going to sleep with clean teeth.
So life has been busy, am out and about when I have to go, I am leaving her at home till she is fully trained, she loves her squeaky toys and keeps herself busy when I am not at home and how I know is all the toys on the floor LOL, I also got her a Kong which I stuff with carrots and she cannot get enough of that so am happy that she is happy plus of course the window watch which she loves.
And we must not forget, August is Empty the Shelters month and we need to keep speaking out for the shelter dogs and help them get homes, especially as the shelters are overflowing and so many are needing homes.
Before Nili goes to bed, we want to say a special thank you shout out to Anne from us for introducing Nili to everyone, we are truly honored, you can read about it on her blog on this link : https://zoolatry.blogspot.com/2024/08/nili-our-friend.html
Have a wonderful weekend everyone, thank you for dropping by to say hi, hug your fur kids tight
With woof and love
Nili
LOL! Nili sure is keeping her Mama plenty busy. I’m glad the trainer gave you some good advice, she will learn, I think she’s a smart girl too. Hey, Ann sure did a fun image for Nili, Ann is very talented. Thanks for joining Angel Brian’s Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
Brian she is incredibly smart and tht is why I am so relieved to have got the tips from her it is helping a lot. Ann is just amazing and I was so touched by her wanting to include Nili in her August blog, her artwork is just amazing. Thank you so much for your Thankful Thursday Blog Hop, I so enjoy reading what you are all up to.
Oh my! I’m so sorry to hear that Gidget’s visit didn’t go well. I wonder if Gidget thinks Nili pushed Layla out? Definitely something behind that behavior.
I bet Nili will learn quickly. Henry LOVES to train. I don’t take the time to train with him as much as I should though. But he still does very well with all his commands, thank goodness. However, if he feels like we need to train more (to him this means having more fun), he invents some new game he’ll insist on playing. I never knew dogs would invent games to play with their hu-moms.
Such a cute video of Nili. That toy is hysterical with the noise. I thought something was wrong with my computer for a moment. I bet she does love her Kong toy. That’s a great idea!
Levi and Nili look like they were separated at birth. Two peas in a pod. I hope they can have playdates. I’m hoping she’ll love the Shih Tzu meet-up. Sounds like fun!
Here’s to a more relaxing week (with no upset pups and lots of positive learning). Sending you both hugs and pets from Henry and me.
Terri thanks and I hope Gidget and Nili will become friends, as for Levi he was just adorable and it was good to see her react well with another dog. I am going to try the Shi Tzu meet up next month but keep her on leash so I can control her also, as she needs to socialize. Henry is smart finding new games to get treats, Nili is doing the same so am giving her carrots instead as they are not that fattening LOL. I hope you have a relaxing week also and take care with a big hug to Henry
I see Nili’s personality is starting to show!! Good for you for hiring a trainer so quickly to teach her good habits and get rid of bad ones. I wish more people did that! Poor Gidget, maybe in time they will become friends or at least tolerant! Thanks for the reminder about Empty the Shelters month. While people spend insane amounts of money buying a dog, others are literally being killed every day because they’re unwanted. I think all of us, including shelters and rescues have to do a better job of showing how wonderful these dogs are. Sadly I think many people view them as damaged. They also like to show off they bought a pure breed. It makes me laugh because a Labradoodle for example is a mix!
Hindy thanks for your words of encouragement, I need to stop all the bad behaviour as soon as possible so walks can be relaxing and fun and I do not have to be on alert especially as I do want to be able to take her to a dog park also. I hope Gidget and her become friends in the future as Gidget is very special to me too but maybe next meet up should be in a dog park or neutral place.
We need to remind people about clearing the shelters and I agree all these fancy doodles are just mutts. Have a great week
You are a great dog mom for going to an expert trainer to guide Nili along the right path. A new dog is like a blank slate and you must write the ‘right’ things to make sure she learns. I hope she learns Gidget is OK. I am not a doggy person but I am guessing she feels a bit threatened maybe? I am sure your trainer will be able to help.
Marjorie thanks and I have a lot to learn with Nili but we will get there slowly but surely, I have all the faith in her. As for Gidget, I think as Nili gets more confidence and feels more secure in the house she will settle down with Gidget also, Nigel spends time here and she has no issues. Have a wonderful week
Hi Ruth, Hi Nili ~ today we’ll remember your beautiful, and so loved LAYLA, as we know she’ll always hold a very special place in your heart of hearts. Of course, little Nili, the
rambunctious youngster is making her own place now (in a frisky puppy way!) and she is an adorable little paw-ful for you … thank heaven for training-help! It was a pleasure to work with you on your blog here, an honor as well. Hope to see you posting often … Ann and JUNE, the meower one!
Your blog logo looks great! It’s a shame Nilli doesn’t like Gidget, I hope that will change. Jessie is afraid of most other dogs and she does not like poor Icy at all. It’s so disheartening that they will not be friends. Jessie is getting used to 2 other smaller dogs in the neighborhood though and she now greets them very nicely. No playdates or anything, I don’t think she knows how to play with other dogs, which is sad for her.
Thank you for your compliment on the logo. I have since learnt that Gidget does not like young dogs and that is why it all happened. Nili played all the time with Winnie when she was in foster and loved it, it kept her busy LOL. I am so sorry Jessie does not like Icy as she is such a sweetheart and it could be something from her past. Hopefully in time they will become friends. It is a good sign she is greeting the small dogs and maybe that will lead to something positive in the end.
Whew, you’ve certainly had a busy week! Oh, my, I’m sorry they do not get along, but it is nice to see Nili likes the little dog she met on the way home! Hopefully, she and Gidget will warm up to each other and learn how to share you!
I love your new header, too. So special.
I’m Pinning this to share with my followers! Hugs to Nili! xo
Hi Dorothy, phew is right it was busy and crazy. Thank you so much for your compliment on our new header, I love it also. Nili gets on better with smaller dogs but like everything will learn in time. Thank you for pinning 🙂