2nd sit with my dog, a Border collie and an English setter

0ctober 2022 : 2 hunting dogs + mine in the Pyrénées 

So delighted by the experience we had, my dog and I, in Nimes, I asked Miranda if Tahoe could come with me when I applied to look after her 2 pets : I hoped we would have as much fun as one month earlier. Having read the review about that successful sit with Ringo, and the photos,  Miranda agreed. This time I could not show up first, Perpignan was too far away from my home.

Beau, a  14 years old border collie and Diego, a 5 years old english setter looked less enthusiastic than their owner on our arrival : they were obviously not very happy at first sight to meet my own pet !

As always, Tahoe wagged his tail to say hello when we showed up, but got total  indifference in return.

Diego was even growling when Tahoe came too close sniffing him  ! But there was no fight, they only snubbed him, never followed us  when we stayed in the garden or near the  heated pool. They did not go out when I threw balls, as not concerned...They showed no curiosity at all.

The 2 dogs were used to share  every sofa in the house, even if they had their own cushions downstairs. Tahoe understood immediately he was not welcome, avoided to make them angry. We decided he would sleep in my room  upstairs.

Diego looked rather neurasthenic after his masters' departure. Having seen suitcases in the hall, he had  refused to eat his croquettes, so before leaving, Miranda fed him by hand  in order to check he was not sick but only depressed ! I was obliged to do the same that very evening and  the following day.  When i decided to leave his bowl near his couch, he finally decided to eat...

In spite of a nice and very warm  weather (30°C mid october !), Beau & Diego  stayed the  3 following days inside, on  their couch, running only outside when some folk was passing in the street, or if they heard me preparing their bowl of food. When I grasped their leashes, they were less lethargic, obviously eager to go out  for a walk !

 As these  2 were rather heavy (around 30 kilos each), I wonder whether I could walk 3 at the same time. Was i strong enough ? I doubt as I'd been advised they could jump when  meeting a cat  or other dogs. The first days, Tahoe was the one who was left behind. I took him to the fields around later on, I could hear him bark to protest.

Although I had been told Beau was good on the recall, I kept him  and Diego always attached for my own peace of mind. There were sometimes hunters around : I did not feel very safe walking on small lanes,  hidden between coppices... I prefered to be seen.

On the 3rd day Beau became more friendly : he appeared near the pool and spent some time near us. Diego took more time to go to the garden, he came first  for a few minutes,  watched us play, went back inside, then came back the following afternoon. And decided to stay with us.

None of them ever tried to chase balls, they looked rather surprised Tahoe was so enthusiastic to run  and jump to pick them up. 

    

It had taken time but ice was broken. The 3 dogs instead of staying apart, shared the same rooms during the day.

 

    

As they seemed ready for that, on the 4th day I tried to walk the 3 together, hoping not to fall : it was a big challenge  due to their total amount of weight  ! 

The 2 youngest and strongest ones were attached  around my waist, on the central ring of a belt conceived  for dogs who run behind cyclists. Tahoe with the longest leash, in order to walk ahead, Diego with the shortest one was kept behind, Beau, always calm, could be taken in hand.

We walked for an hour together without any issue,  I was rather surprised to see them sniffing the same places one after the other, very placid, as forever friends. Tahoe tried to jump, inviting Diego to play, but Diego remained still distant...But I did not hear him growl. Agressivity was over.

On the 6th day,  I had an early morning visit : for the first time,  Diego went upstairs to "my" room, jumped on my bed while I was reading. Showing me he wanted a cuddle but probably also suggesting he was OK to go out for a walk

I was obviously adopted, no more a stranger, if not an intruder.

In the afternoon , Diego decided to refresh in the pool... Being pretty sure he was not allowed to do so, I insisted upon him to go out.

At the end of my stay, the relationship between the 3 dogs had become  really nice. They stayed in the same rooms, not ready yet to share sofas : I was the only one tolerated on Diego & Beau's lap !