Using subterfuge
Mum spends her life using subterfuge to get Pebbles to cooperate. To be honest, it’s a bit like watching a game of poker and each of them keeps upping the stakes. To describe Pebbles as independent would be an understatement. One thing we have all had in common, until Pebbles arrived, was perfect recall. We would rather be by Mum’s side than absolutely anywhere else. Pebbles has zero recall. Pebbles also doesn’t want to spend any time in her crate anymore. Given that she is not to be trusted around the house when Mum is home, there is little choice but for her to go in the crate if Mum is going out.
Crazy games
All this leads to crazy games for Mum to be able to get Pebbles to go into her crate at any time of day. Firstly, Mum will let her out into the garden for the toilet. Whereas the rest of use might go off for a good sniff, if Mum called us to come back we’d be there almost before she’d finished calling. Pebbles simply carries on with what she’s doing.
Yesterday Pebbles went one step further. She came to about fifteen meters from Mum and simply stood there. Mum offered her a treat and Pebbles simply ran back down the garden. The next step is for Mum to go back inside and hope Pebbles gets bored being outside. She doesn’t seem to. She’s actually far happier out there than inside.
Fish
Mum tries calling fish – that doesn’t work in the garden now. Then Mum tried squeaking a toy – also not working. We really are running out of options. Yesterday, Mum had the foresight to lay a trail to the outside pen. Pebbles is happy in that area. Once Mum had secured her there, she came indoors for Pebbles’ lead. It’s almost as though once Mum has ‘won’ the game, Pebbles will cooperate and came in. She then makes no objection to voluntarily going into her crate, whilst Mum has to go for a lie down to recover.
Love and licks
Wilma
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