Training Kids and Dogs

Quite a stressful day today with the toddler in a bad mood as daughter has taken away her dummy in the daytime and is just giving it for the nap and at bedtime. Had a really bad headache most of the day and really couldn't cope with the constant screaming on and off for the morning. Took the dog out to get away from it for half an hour and also retreated to the front room. Lucky here that we have 2 lounges. Cleaned the shower again and tried using wipes but its not a good job, so will get the white vinegar out tomorrow. I know it smells like a chip shop, but I have yet to find anything that moves the limescale better from the tiles and glass. It's supposed to be antibacterial too. 

 Magic Cleaner!

Would like to visit my other sister Jane tomorrow as I haven't seen her since Rick's funeral. That will be all 3 I have seen this month then. She has 7 children and a totally different parenting style than me, Amy and Mel. I always thought it was really bad but I must say her kids are growing up lovely so perhaps it is not a bad thing after all. Her style is what I think they call 'laissez faire' as she more or less let the kids do what they like i.e. bedtime when they felt like it, choose their own meals, did more or less what they liked, had whatever they wanted, no real structure to their day or routine. Completely opposite to me and mine. However, one niece has a degree and works in a bank. She had a fairy tale wedding. Another niece works as a support assistant and has been in steady employment since leaving school - she's studying for a management qualification. My nephew has moved in with his girlfriend and has a steady job - passed his test first time and has a nice car. Another niece is getting married next year and has 3 kids - always taking them on outings and to farms, parks etc. A really good caring mum. The 2 youngest boys are still at home and doing ok too. 

Laissez faire Parenting lol

Went to dog training tonight with OH which went well I think. I have come to the conclusion that my pup can understand most of what is being told/asked but then decides if she wants to do it or not as the case may be. Had a word with the trainer about food issues and how I am having to feed her sat on the carpet with dried food or she won't eat. Trainer just confirmed what I already know -

1) it's the poodle in her that makes her fussy 2) she waits for OH to give in and give her our food!

This session covered throwing food on the floor and not letting her have it, having a dish with food and raising it up and down, and then feeding when she comes back to you, sits and relaxes. Also weaving in and out of your legs and walking on a lead over 6 very low jumps. Rhondda did it all and was not frightened or hesitant at any of it unlike some of the other puppies.We had the session outside the hall this week as it was a nice evening 17C so reasonably warm. The trainer is really good and can control any dog and get it to do what she wants, even Rhondda lol.

Dog University Every Wednesday

Daughter is upstairs now (10.30 pm) on her dissertation again and OH has gone to bed already preparing for another early start in the morning. Time to relax - the dishes can wait until tomorrow. It's the manana approach again tonight lolol.