The New Adventures of Henry Spaniel.

[BBP]

I think it’s important to remember that it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed when introducing any new family member, dog, horse, baby (so I’m told!). Of course not everyone will but I felt that way introducing one dog into a zero dog household. And with adding my young horse to my herd it took 6 weeks of separation before BBP quit trying to murder him over the fence. I definitely had a ‘what have I done?!’ feeling and like it would always be hard. The yearling fixed that problem himself by jumping the gate into the velociraptors den and spending the day trapped in with BBP, when I found them in together at the end of the day all was solved and they are now firm friends. My point being it can take time and patience and sometimes wine, but the benefits are worth it long term.

 

[PapaverFollis]

Things are going a bit better today. Noone is at ceiling level wound up!

Henry came out to the barn with me for stable duties. I tied him up with a bed and a couple of toys and a kong and ignored him, bar the occasional pat when he was being good and laying on his bed. He was good for the most part. A little bit fussy after a while, but he did need a poop. He did an excited bark at the feral cat poking her nose out of the hay barn. He watched the horses come in calmly. He chewed his kong a bit. Snoofled and bounced a bit. Chewed on an old lead rope a bit. Was a little vocal when I left the main barn and he couldn't see me. But overall I'd give him a C+. (An A* would be chewing the kong then going to sleep! A C+ is good!).

When we went back to the house he went in his crate and crashed out while the big boys sat with me for a cup of tea. Everything was much calmer than yesterday. Hugo only started posturing at Henry in the crate when I sat at the table (close to Henry) for lunch. But even then he only did it a bit, then settled. Even laying down right next to Henry's crate and letting Henry sniff his tail a bit.

We've just taken Henry and Oscat out for a field walk. At first utterly joyous! A bit of light rough housing then important spaniel business. Henry following Oscar about happily. Henry checking in nicely. Then Oscar went lame. ? I think there was a shoulder barge involved, but it might just have been a misstep. So we brought them back in. Oscar has been lame on and off a few times in the last year. It never lasts long enough to consult a vet, no more than a few days and the time it went on longer was sometime in the middle of the proper lockdowns so we held off and it went away, but it is upsetting. I think it's his wrist. I think we need to consult a vet about it now. He is 12, he might need some painkillers.

He was so darn happy running around with Henry though! Proper spaniel love going on. And they're both flat out now while I have a cup of tea.

I need to make a list of things to do. We need to get the vet out for everyone! Get an opinion on Henry's eyes and legs. And book the horse physio. She can look at Henry and Oscar too.

My plan after my cup of tea is to take Hugo out for an on lead walk by himself. Then he can go out again for a lead walk with Henry later.

I could have done without the emotional hit of Oscar going lame and reminding me that he's old. I was just starting to feel some nice positive feelings.
Don't get me wrong. Henry is an absolute dude and I am so glad he's here!


I just struggle with change more than most. I get decision fatigue quickly and completely and really feel the lack of executive function through periods like this. Which gets me pretty down on myself because I still feel like I *should* be way more capable then I always actually turn out to be.

I also wish Oscar wasn't old. ?

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

Ssh, 12 is no age! Bear will be 12 in June and he runs round like a youngster. I have him on a high dose of a Yumove-a-like, just in case. He too goes occasionally lame-definitely a bit bulldog square at the front and his elbow sticks out a bit sometimes, but it never impedes him. Brig was rising 16 when e went. There's loads of time left.

 

[Clodagh]

When they get old it’s so sad. But hopefully much serious spaniel business with Henry to get up to in the meantime.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

My eldest collie is 10.5 and I have seen her go lame in front after a rest following a good run round. Only lasts a few strides but to my eyes her ankles look thickened and I suspect arthritis which is why I have semi retired her from agility. She is currently on Canine Prime which seems to have reduced the incidences of lameness and settled her dodgy gut. I will be asking the vet what he thinks when she has her booster later in the month.

 

[palo1]

Things are going a bit better today. Noone is at ceiling level wound up!

Henry came out to the barn with me for stable duties. I tied him up with a bed and a couple of toys and a kong and ignored him, bar the occasional pat when he was being good and laying on his bed. He was good for the most part. A little bit fussy after a while, but he did need a poop. He did an excited bark at the feral cat poking her nose out of the hay barn. He watched the horses come in calmly. He chewed his kong a bit. Snoofled and bounced a bit. Chewed on an old lead rope a bit. Was a little vocal when I left the main barn and he couldn't see me. But overall I'd give him a C+. (An A* would be chewing the kong then going to sleep! A C+ is good!).

When we went back to the house he went in his crate and crashed out while the big boys sat with me for a cup of tea. Everything was much calmer than yesterday. Hugo only started posturing at Henry in the crate when I sat at the table (close to Henry) for lunch. But even then he only did it a bit, then settled. Even laying down right next to Henry's crate and letting Henry sniff his tail a bit.

We've just taken Henry and Oscat out for a field walk. At first utterly joyous! A bit of light rough housing then important spaniel business. Henry following Oscar about happily. Henry checking in nicely. Then Oscar went lame. ? I think there was a shoulder barge involved, but it might just have been a misstep. So we brought them back in. Oscar has been lame on and off a few times in the last year. It never lasts long enough to consult a vet, no more than a few days and the time it went on longer was sometime in the middle of the proper lockdowns so we held off and it went away, but it is upsetting. I think it's his wrist. I think we need to consult a vet about it now. He is 12, he might need some painkillers.

He was so darn happy running around with Henry though! Proper spaniel love going on. And they're both flat out now while I have a cup of tea.

I need to make a list of things to do. We need to get the vet out for everyone! Get an opinion on Henry's eyes and legs. And book the horse physio. She can look at Henry and Oscar too.

My plan after my cup of tea is to take Hugo out for an on lead walk by himself. Then he can go out again for a lead walk with Henry later.

I could have done without the emotional hit of Oscar going lame and reminding me that he's old. I was just starting to feel some nice positive feelings.
Don't get me wrong. Henry is an absolute dude and I am so glad he's here!
View attachment 88407View attachment 88408

I just struggle with change more than most. I get decision fatigue quickly and completely and really feel the lack of executive function through periods like this. Which gets me pretty down on myself because I still feel like I *should* be way more capable then I always actually turn out to be.

I also wish Oscar wasn't old. ?

Aw, it sounds like you are doing brilliantly! It is difficult to cope with seeing our dogs age and that with all the new dog change is emotionally very draining. I think some people find it really helpful to externalise aspects of their executive function (which is one reason why HHO is such a great resource!!) as it is so difficult to hold, process and do the analogic reasoning bit internally. Journals, spreadsheets, timetables etc can be really helpful. Henry is gorgeous and it will get so much easier - in a few days your EF won't be stretched to bursting point

 

[PapaverFollis]

Just had a really successful evening lead walk with Henry and Hugo! Talk about a roller coaster today!

They both walked on their leads (perfectly by the way) right next to each other while concentrating on their handlers. So bodies almost touching and heads either turned away or forwards but neither trying to interact with the other at all. Henry is such a good spud. This type of thing is very much in Hugo's wheelhouse... he's working so everything else is ignored.... but I'm amazed that Henry was just as good. I'm not sure they'll be best friends at any point yet but I'm much more convinced we can get to the point of tolerance without anyone (me most likely) having to live in the barn.

Going to have tea then take Henry out to the barn to help get the stables ready for the morning. That way he can have a walk instead of hanging around while I do that in the morning. Then hopefully a quiet hour or so before bed. Henry staying crated for now still.

Oscar still limping but I think it has eased slightly already. We'll see. It's definitely time to involve a vet.

 

[HashRouge]

I think you're doing amazingly. I struggle a lot with change as well, to an extent that it actually really irritates me but I just can't help myself, so I'm hugely sympathetic to the upheaval that must come with a new dog! But there is a huge change between your posts yesterday and today, so things have obviously improved a lot in a short space of time and I'm sure things will continue to head in the right direction. And Henry is such a cutie!

 

[nagblagger]

Sounds like you are making great progress with your patience and hopefully you and MrPf weren't so tired today. I can understand your stress of introducing dogs, my partner had a dominant dog as did I. It took weeks before they tolerated each other. You have the extra stress of HHO watching (and supporting) you. Don't put extra pressure on yourself to post many updates if you need 'timeout'..but I do love reading them. All your dogs are gorgeous.

 

[meleeka]

Just catching up. I’m so pleased it all sounds like it’s going well.

My sisters dog goes lame sometimes. She just has a bottle of anti inflammatory for when it happens and it’s really no big deal. I think it worries us more than them and there’s nothing quite like a new playmate to give him a new lease of life.

 

[PapaverFollis]

Just had the vet here for horses and dogs! Phoned this morning and they could see us this afternoon. My brain is fried.

But he gave Henry a good check over and says he's fit and well. Doesn't feel that eyes or legs require any action, said his tears are draining fine so although the eyes look quite droopy they aren't currently causing an issue. Said his legs might go a bit more exaggerated as he grows and it will male him more prone to arthritis but his opinion is that any kind of straightening operation doesn't prevent that anyway and they aren't wonky enough to be a problem generally.

Oscar's lameness is elbow arthritis but early stages he says. He's getting some loxicom and he suggested a good joint supplement, getting a bit of weight off him (although he was adamant that he wasn't as fat as we think he is ?) and being a little careful with the exercise if he does go lame but he also said he has to still enjoy himself.

Henry isn't due jabs yet. But everyone else is restarting their various things... missed the tetanus for the horses deadline by a few weeks! So vet will be back in 3 weeks as well. Henry was good for the vet but was not 100% happy with all the poking and prodding. So I'll be doing some work on that and he cam maybe go say hi to the vet again in 3 weeks even though he doesn't need anything.

The big news is (though not Henry news) that The Beast was a complete angel for her jab! Amazing. No vet squishing at all, not even a twitch. I've been training her and it might actually have worked a little bit!!

This is a disjointed update as my head is properly melted and I am late feeding horses! But there you go.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

That's a good medical update for Henry ? and it seems for everyone else too, v pleased for you that The Beast accepted her inspection x

 

[PapaverFollis]

We're all starting to get used to Henry being here today I think. Including Henry himself. I do think moving house and moving house again, as well as probably thinking he lives in a van now in-between, has unsettled him a bit. He's clearly very confident, with good bounce back, as his natural state. But he's current not too pleased if he's left alone, either in his box or tied up in the barn, during the day. He was being quite vocal. BUT that is getting a tiny bit better already as he is getting used to the idea that we do come back again.

He's also had an hour of croft exploration on his long line two mornings in a row which has made for a tired and happy Henry. Yesterday he had the vet but the plan is for a tidy walk on the road in the afternoon/evenings for him as well. He's still only 9 months so I don't want to over do it. Croft exploration is at his pace with lots of sniffing out mice in the long grass and paddling in the bog. And I'm keeping the lead walk short but with lots of concentration on being a Good Boy involved. He's great fun to walk with. The long line is a pain but there's no way I'm risking it yet. Too many sheep in surrounding fields and Henry is very interested in birds. I could see him taking off after a bird then getting in with the sheep. I'm not working specifically on a recall yet either. Just showering him with praise and treats and training games when he checks in, which is a lot in the grazed field and a lot less in the long grass. He's doing nice loose lead but not heal work walking round the back field path as well. So just a relaxed walk where he can sniff and things but isn't allowed to pull. Tidy walks on the road are properly at heel, lead attached to collar, and he's really super at that. Especially for a spaniel!

He got a bit of time out of his box in the house today. By himself, then with Oscar for a bit. The problem I have there is they just want to play and it's actually Oscar that is being most obnoxious about it and not listening when I tell them that's enough now! ? Oscar is a very silly dog for the elder statesman in the house! Henry has had a tiny bit of Hugo interaction in passing which mostly involved Hugo being a bit p*ssed off and grumbling at him. Henry seems to be being careful enough though. He's not a complete idiot like Oscar can be with other dogs. And I'm pretty sure Hugo is all gob, although I'm not taking that for granted.

I still think it'll take us quite a bit of time.

We did manage this though...

...on the hundredth attempt. But no-one had a fight in the process. So that's good. Henry is very teeny. Oscar and Hugo are both around 17kg when Oscar isn't fat (diet food arrived today, sorry Oscar). Need to weigh Henry but I think around 13kg at the moment? I definitely think there was a show cocker involved somewhere...

I did a "go mad at Pets at Home" internet order today. Lots of chews. Some spray for the excitement tinkles ??. A collar and harness. I've gone for Ezydog camo. I know, I know. And some general treats and things.

I need a drying coat for him. Hugo's equafleece is massive on him and he gets excited and bitey getting his legs in the sleeves. I don't want to be wrestling him so need one with good coverage but easier to put on. And I'm also looking for a huuuuuuge dog bed that can go on the living room floor and I'm going to tell Hugo that it is human furniture rather than a training mat.

So yeah. I'm back to enthusiastic today. I'm still a little concerned that we'll ever get a calm (ish), harmonious three dog household without crating at least one doggo at a time... but I'm more hopeful than I was.

Oscar's lameness is a lot better today but I don't think wrestling with Henry helped much. Loxicom to pick up from the vets and I'm going to get Riaflex HA for him. Vet said the arthritis is just mild and the joint still has reasonable mobility so hopefully a supplement and occasional loxicom will do the trick. He was talking about a monoclonal antibody treatment which has had really good results but they haven't got enough to start new patients on it... it did sound like it might be quite expensive though!

 

[Michen]

Great update

 

[HappyHollyDays]

PF you are doing a fantastic job with managing the original hounds and having a new Henry. Glad all is going well xx

 

[The Xmas Furry]

PF you are doing a fantastic job with managing the original hounds and having a new Henry. Glad all is going well xx

What she said! ??

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Lovely update! And fab pic.
I can recommend Lucky Paws dressing-gowns (sorry, drying coats). No sleeves but they work well and our Labs love them, easy toput on over the head and fasten round the tummy.
I might be able to find a photo.

 

[FestiveG]

Put on for PaS?

 

[COldNag]

What a lovely update!

If this helps at all, one of ours does not take kindly to being bundled into her Equafleece, so I put a zip in the neck to about half way down the back. Makes it a doddle to put on and took about 15 minutes to do.

 

[Karran]

Mrs Spaniel has a rydale fleece. Has little sleeves like the equifleece but bonus zip up the back. No way would I get an equifleece on her!

 

[Clodagh]

Ours have Lansdown rugs, they just go over the head and do up a surcingle. They are great and have lasted well.
https://www.lansdowncountry.co.uk/collections/dog-coats
You get them with normal necks too.

 

[lozzles]

Equafleece do one without the legs which mine who feels the cold loves

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

Superb picture!

 

[PapaverFollis]

Just had Henry out of his crate for a while with the other two. I'm not quite sure if it went well or not. There was an awful lot of testosterone and posturing going on. Hugo determined to be the big man. I didn't get a brilliant read on what was going on to be honest. Hugo seemed to be pressing his point rather more than required, standing over Henry and getting right in his face, but then I don't know how much lip young Henry was actually giving him...he is a confident chap who can hold his own... to my eye Henry was being submissive but wasn't terrified at all, just kind of "alright mate, I don't want any trouble" rather than "omg, please don't hurt me". It's possibly Hugo wasn't quite satisfied. I did call Hugo away and tell him to lie down a few times (which he did with no bother) just to break the tension up a bit and give Henry a break. Weird thing with Hugo turning his back to Henry as if daring him to try and hump him! No humping allowed.

Oscar mostly completely oblivious but Hugo is better at stopping Oscar trying to play with the puppy than I am. I could tell Hugo had relaxed a bit when he let Oscar go over to try and play. We stopped proceeding at that point as we were all knackered and Oscar needs to rest his elbow.

So yeah, I don't know. I still think they'll settle but I don't think we'll have relaxed interactions for a while yet. I think Henry and Hugo need some off lead time together outside as well. They have been lead walking together again today and completely ignore each other! I think they are all friendly enough at heart to get through this bit. I just think everyone is just being a bit male at the moment. Silly burgers.

I'm kind of just quite pleased noone bit anyone and noone pissed on any furniture trying to prove something!

Henry back in his crate and snoring in triplicate now.

Feel a little out of my depth with them not just completely being cool about each other immediately. But determined to get through it, I'm sure we will. All we can do is keep trying stuff, observe carefully and take things slowly really. When we first brought Henry in here in his crate, Hugo was stressing and posturing at him. He's stopped bothering now, really quickly. Hopefully we'll see a similar progression with Henry out of the crate.

I'm bliddy knackered after that.

Have a picture of young Henry when I let him have some house time without the other two earlier...

 

[Michen]

Love reading these updates and sounds all really good for 5 days in. Imagine the progress in another 5!

 

[Michen]

Ps your pics are great- what are you using to take them!?

 

[PapaverFollis]

My phone, Michen. It is a Samsung but I always blank on what kind of Samsung when I try and remember. Galaxy something.

Hopefully in five more days Hugo will have stopped being quite so silly! About Henry at least. I've been waiting ten years for Hugo to stop being quite so silly generally ?

 

[Michen]

My phone, Michen. It is a Samsung but I always blank on what kind of Samsung when I try and remember. Galaxy something.

Hopefully in five more days Hugo will have stopped being quite so silly! About Henry at least. I've been waiting ten years for Hugo to stop being quite so silly generally ?

So much better than my ancient iPhone!

 

[MurphysMinder]

It all sounds as if it's going in the right direction. I would expect weeks rather than days to integrate a nearly adult male into a pack of 2 other males.

 

[PapaverFollis]

It all sounds as if it's going in the right direction. I would expect weeks rather than days to integrate a nearly adult male into a pack of 2 other males.

That's good to know! Thank you. I'm happy to go at their pace. Knowing it might be expected to take a little while longer is reassuring at this point.