Daffs and Dogs

I keep forgetting to mention that the daffodils are finally starting to flower.

We planted well over one hundred bulbs back in October last year, and I noticed that the first signs of growth were visible on New Year's Day. I can now report that they seem to have done really well. There are lots and lots of buds and the first dozen flowers have just started to open. 

It'll be interesting to see how they look at the peak of flowering.

There is not a huge amount to report for today. The weather was cold and dry, and I got out for a walk with the two dogs* in the early afternoon. 

I use the walks as an informal training session, focussing on their recall and walking to heel, off the lead. These are the key behaviours that are needed so they become conditioned to returning when we see cars, horses or pedestrians, and that they walk alongside me as we approach blind bends and junctions.

I have to say that they are both doing really well. They still love to race ahead, exploring the hedges and fields, but are content to come and walk to heel, when conditions dictate. We have had a few tests recently, and, so far, they have responded perfectly.

I should state that these tests have all been where the car, person, or horse has been seen well in advance. We have yet to execute a recall in a close encounter scenario.

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* We seem to have divided and conquered when it comes to dog walking. I walk Hobson and TB. They are the youngest and need most exercise. 30% now walks Whiffler and The Rat. They are the older dogs and need far less exercise. The reason for this division of labour is that 30% is less mobile than I, hence I get to complete the longer walks.