The Puppy Files: Little soldier
BY NICK BARNETTI have a long and ever-changing list of endearments for each of my pets. Some I will never publish, out of regard for my grownup reputation. But I've got a new one for 13-month-old Connor: Soldier.
Previously he's been titch, tiddler, tiny, due to how he is a mere dot at less than 5kg and low-slung enough to fit in a breadbin, standing.
But I looked at him the other day and he made me think of a little soldier. It was something to do with the way walkies with Connor is like watching a full-tilt assault on the world, intent and unstoppable. The way he bravely (foolishly) will take on any dog of any size who seems to pose a threat to his pack.
The way he runs with such determination, shortened front legs flying out in front of him.
Then, at home, there's the way he growls alertly at the merest nearby sound, and rewards any visitor with a shock-and-awe onslaught of barking.
He's like a fearless, bolshy, sharp-witted soldier, protecting his precious way of life!
Except for when the cat raises a paw to him, at which time a tactical retreat is called for.
And except for the fact that he won't follow orders.
It would be good, actually, if he were a little less martial in his ways. It would be a relief if he could make fast friends the way Phoebe can, and be less on a hair-trigger of alarm; a diplomat rather than a soldier.
A big step forward has been his new friendship with a pair of poodles whose owner we sometimes meet up with at a local park.
Connor started off as untrusting as usual, but soon calmed down and now happily plays with Louie and Bella - alongside his favourite playmate, Phoebe, of course. In fact, this is Connor's first "long-term relationship" with any dog other than Phoebe, so we're convinced it's a healthy thing to happen.
Meanwhile, my partner (and trainer-in-chief) has restarted some basic obedience training with Connor, and we're continuing to socialise him with as many different kinds of people and situations as possible. Soldiering on, I suppose.
Have you ever had a pet that took a while to blossom - perhaps with some hard work from you? How did it turn out? And am I the only pet-owner to invent new nicknames for his pets, almost daily?
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Soldier is also appropriate he goes commando in public every day.
Entire languages have been invented around nicknames for animals. Mostly its a weird hybrid dialect of soothing tones and baby-burble.
That first picture of Connor is so cute!!! :D
Oh Connor is SO cute... man I miss having a pet. :-(
Definitely I used to invent several (embarassing if they ever got out) names for my cat daily. Sometimes I'd call him the little wittle pest in a cutesy tone and he'd come purring over and sit on my lap and dribble with joy.
Our red setter took ages to get properly socialised. She was really untrusting and not affectionate. Took over a year to win her and she was one of the best pets I've ever had. Sadly liver cancer took her from us a few years ago... anyway hang in Nick. Connor will get there. :-)
I would love you and Connor (and Phoebe) to meet my one-year-old little griffon - he has yet to meet anybody who he doesn't like - and all dogs have loved him so far. We usually walk in Katherine Mansfield's Park in Thorndon - please get in touch if you are interested. A little soldier might just find another friend...
I think it took my dog a year or so before he realised his name was Errol, and not No. Around the house, I usually call him Pup, Puppy or Matey, but I always call him Errol when I want his attention or obedience. His only other special name is Mr. E. - reserved for when he starts barking for no apparent reason.
Oh yes my 2 dogs have several nicknames, which they seem to still recongise. Like Phil #6 I will use their actual names if I want attentions or obedience.
You're not alone with the new nicknames! Our two cats get new names all the time. Sometimes the more embarrassing ones even stay!
And when they slip out ... *blush* Poor wee Bill-ums. I bet he cringes when we're calling for him in the evening ;)
I have a wirehead aswell and he is 2 and a half and who is still stuck on the same boat as your dog
we have new nicknames ALL THE TIME! Some examples:
Mia (cat): plumpy, plumpygirl, burmia, toothy, toothy McGrin, scabby cat, plumpernickel...
Zekey (cat): meowser, moewserskoff mamood, exzekial, ma ma ma meowser, ...
Vincent (dachshund): sossy, shark sossy, wuppy, wupsicle, sossmeister...
Bridget (dachshund): Bridgey, midget, smidge, bridge, (or combo - bridgey midge midge smidge)
lots of other short term ones pop up all the time too :)
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I must admit I come up with nicknames for my 2 dogs and in fact the cat as well all the time, i wander if they get confused and that i should just call them by their actual names all the time. We are lucky though as our dogs have been pretty good from pups and learnt most things quite quickly, except one does like to bark at anything or anyone that goes past or even near the gate. She doesn't seem to listen when i tell her off but oh well it could be worse