Lily's Adolescence

Lily goes to School

Like most puppies, Lily was a wild thing during her adolesence. Early in January we started obedience training, with Dawn Strickland at Petcetera. Dawn is a great instructor and I learned a new positive treat based method of training. It was perfect for Lily, who at the time had no interest in pleasing any one, but herself. She was willing to work for treats and eventually as we built on her training and we left the treats behind.

We graduated from class with most improved. Lily's biggest problem is still the first 5 to 10 minutes she meets someone. She can't seem to control the urge to jump up. She is getting better and I am determined!

She is very smart and in the beginning tried hard for dominance over me. The obedience training was my only hope in gaining control. Many thanks to Dawn for helping me become top dog!

She has several dog friends and enjoys a good rough and tumble. Over the last 6 months of her first year she grew into a great sweet natured dog. She gained little extra weight, but seemed to use her puppy fat to build strong muscle and bone. She may look like a poodle, but she has the tough solid bones of a retriever.

Unfortunately she likes to hunt and retrieve dead things. Our neighbours enjoyed her first kill, a meal of grouse and have offered to eat her future conquests.

Water Lily

In the picture on the left we went for a walk along the edge of the Atlantic. My twelve year old grand nephew Peter threw stones and sticks in the water for her. She bounded in the cold salt water over and over. I was chilled just watching. She loves children, water and fetch all her favourite things. She does not swim yet, but I am sure it will not be long.

One of my best friends has a daughter who is allergic to dogs. Lily is the first dog Renee has been able to be around with no reaction. This could be because Lily does not shed, except for a few tail hairs. Lily loves to torment Renee and tries to lick her feet every chance she gets.

On to Lily's Second Year