Podha, Black & Moomoo (the dogs)

The dogs are a friendly bunch so be friendly with the dogs.

Podha is a polish tatra sheepdog he has been here the longest and his job is to guard the property. He is getting old, a little deaf and blind.

He may be a little enthusiastic sometimes when playing and wanting to put your hand in his mouth, you can let him know if you don't like this by saying „nein“ and pulling your hand towards your body. He is only playing.

If you are approaching the dog while he is sleeping make sure he knows that you are there, calling his name or make a noise before you get close to avoid startling him. If for any reason the dog is being aggressive do not approach him. In the worse case scenario do not run, call his name and tell him that everything is ok. “Alles gut!”.

He likes to be brushed and cuddled - it's also a good technique to make friends with him and especially if you are afraid of him you should let us know immediately so that we can introduce you and guide you to overcome your fear. It's also good to stroke him and tell him what a good boy he is.

If you go out of the gate please make sure that the dog doesn't go out with you, ensure the gate is closed behind you properly before you walk away. He is not allowed in the house or in any of the buildings, he knows this and will respond accordingly when you tell him to go out.

Commands he responds to include:

• sitz = sit
• platz = lay down
• raus = go out
• warte = wait
• nein = no

If you feel comfortable with the dog and would like to walk him:

1. always ask Gert first
2. always put him on the lead (can be the long lead)
3. walk towards Blandikow (avoid 2 big dogs that are in the other directions)
4. he likes to swim or drink from the creek on the way back (here he can go without the lead)

Black is a mixed breed cross something between a labrador and a hunting dog. He is a rescued stray, that is friendly with people he knows but diffident of people that are new.

When you get to know him better he may be a little enthusiastic and jumps up to greet you, if you don't like this you can say “no”. He is only playing.

When he gets to know you better he likes to be petted and cuddled. If the dog tries to avoid you that is because he is still afraid of you, don't try to force a friendship he will come to you when he is ready. It's also good to stroke him and tell him what a good boy he is when he is friendly with you already.

If you go out of the gate please make sure that the dog doesn't go out with you, ensure the gate is closed behind you properly before you walk away. He is not allowed in the house or in any of the buildings, he knows this and will respond accordingly when you tell him to go out.

Commands he responds to include:

• sit
• stay
• barra = out
• wait
• slowly
• walk (avoid this word in front of him unless you are actually taking him for a walk)
• no
• ersaq = get out of the way
• lie down

If you feel comfortable with the dog and would like to walk him:

1. always ask Aimee first
2. check that the harness is put on properly, ie the middle part should be in the middle if this isn't the case take the harness off and put it back on
3. always put him on the lead (can be the long lead)- the lead should be attached to the harness and not the collar
4. walk towards Blandikow (avoid 2 big dogs that are in the other directions)
5. he likes to swim or drink from the creek on the way back (here he can go without the lead)
6. he pulls, when he does that stop and tell him “no”, make sure you give him time to sniff the trees and pee etc. be patient

Moomoo is the youngest of the pack, he is very friendly and very playful. He is a cross breed of pointers probably involving a german shorthaired pointer. He is breed to be obedient, energetic and fast to hunt.

When you get to know him better he may be a little enthusiastic and jumps up to greet you, if you don't like this you can say “no”. He is only playing.

When he gets to know you better he likes to be petted and cuddled and he absolutely loves to run after anything that flies so throwing his ball around would make him happy. It's also good to stroke him and tell him what a good boy he is. He tends to feel the cold more because of his short fur, if you see him sitting on the chair cover him with a blanket.

If you go out of the gate please make sure that the dog doesn't go out with you, ensure the gate is closed behind you properly before you walk away. He is not allowed in the house or in any of the buildings, he knows this and will respond accordingly when you tell him to go out.

Commands he responds to include:

• sit
• stay
• barra = out
• wait
• slowly
• walk (avoid this word in front of him unless you are actually taking him for a walk)
• no
• ersaq = get out of the way

If you feel comfortable with the dog and would like to walk him:

1. always ask Aimee first
2. check that the harness is put on properly, ie the middle part should be in the middle if this isn't the case take the harness off and put it back on
3. always put him on the lead (can be the long lead)- the lead should be attached to the harness and not the collar
4. walk towards Blandikow (avoid 2 big dogs that are in the other directions)
5. he likes to swim or drink from the creek on the way back (here he can go without the lead)
6. he pulls, when he does that stop and tell him “no”, make sure you give him time to sniff the trees and pee etc. be patient

If there are 3 people willing to walk the dogs then you should know that Podha should go on the long lead and Black on Moomoo should go on short leads, all dogs pull, you need to be patient and strong. If they pull you have to stop and correct the behaviour.

Walk towards Blandikow (avoid 2 big dogs that are in the other directions), if you see other dogs on the way avoid contact and walk in the other direction. If you see deer also avoid as the dogs will want to chase after them.

In all cases if you walk in the forest please keep the dogs on the lead at all times as there is a fine for walking the dogs there without a lead.

The dogs eat in the morning, podha takes one full bowl in the cage (where the stone dog house is) fill his bowl and close the gate while he eats. Once a week, Mondays he has one can of wet food instead.

Black and Moomoo eats from a bucket that is in the wooden dog house on the left of the porch. The bucket should be 2/3 full of dry food.

The food is in the cellar.

If you would like to give the dogs a treat please do so as part of a training exercise ie ask the dogs to sit and lie down.

The treats are in the pantry.