jennyarntzen.project

 

  My working dog. Research assistant, writing partner, exercise coach, guardian.

 My last morning on the farm. I woke up to 2 inches of snow. I am just starting to get familiar with the animal routines, which means I am able to set us up for success rather than setting us up for reactivity and problems. One thing I remember as part of my instructions was that the donkeys like to grab a mouthful of hay as you come out of the feed bin, and once they have it, they will follow you to the feeder and not try to break into the feed stall behind your back. I forgot that instruction and was trying to figure out how to lock the feed stall gate as I came out with both arms full of hay. When I remembered, I just let the donkeys get their mouthful and then we all made our way to the feeder together. There were no donkeys left behind trying to get into the feed stall for their mouthful. Much easier to manage in harmony with the donkey's routine instead of trying to impose a fruitless discipline that actually doesn't improve the process.

 It takes time to adjust to new circumstances.  Last Tuesday I arrived at midday to the farm. I had driven almost 8 hours, including crossing an international border. I had followed Google Map to get me to my destination.  After I arrived, I was being introduced to the farm animals and the farm itself. It was my first time visiting. These introductions included meeting the chickens, ducks, dogs and donkeys. All of these encounters were new to me. After 3 days I was left to look after the farm animals with on-call support. I was processing an avalanche of new information, here is a preliminary sample of information and activities to learn about the big guardian dogs: THE BIG DOGS Don't let the big dogs out of the barnyard without their harness and leash Only take out one dog at a time Put the harness on the dog with the coloured strap on top and the buckle on the port side of the dog The dogs are still learning to be relaxed around the chickens and ducks Let them get close...

 It is likely a complex result depending on several factors: My evolving familiarity with the donkey and dog routines;  My feeling more comfortable because I can predict where they might be activated; Me getting better at manipulating the gate chain for opening and closing the gate; Conditioning a feeling of relaxation and non-excitement at the gate by not opening the gate until everyone is disinterested; Rewarding disinterested behaviour. Since I ran this first series of exercises I have not had any crowding at the gate when I entered to take care of feeding and yard maintenance. That is what I call a result. Just before sunrise

 I left the gate with Strawberry in a reactive state of mind at the gate opening. I turned away to the chickens and ducks all gathering at my feet and some photos and videos for drawing reference later. This time, as I approach, the donkeys are watching me, but they are not bothering to approach the gate. Blue comes up for attention, he is very relaxed, no jumping up on the fence. Panda does not bother to get up from her sunspot. Donkeys are relaxed, Strawberry does not pay any attention to me. My feeling is I could go into the barnyard now and not be attacked by Strawberry. I'm going to run one more series before I do that. It helps that it is a sunny day. The sun makes the animals drowsy and less energetic. There isn't any donkey rowdiness going on.

This was the second series of gate exercises, first approach. So I had gone back into the house, left the barnyard for about 15 minutes, and then came back out and approached the gate. The dogs were excited to see me and you can see Panda jumped up on the gate. I petted Blue and when Panda saw what was going to get her attention, she put her feet on the ground and I affirmed that with "Yes".  In the meantime, Strawberry has inserted himself at the gate to get close to me. It was hard to tell if his ears were back for the scratching or if he was feeling tense and unsure. I kept myself in a safe position in case he got activated. When he sniffed down at the ground I interpreted that as relaxation. Panda was watching what was going on and inserted herself between me and Strawberry. I don't know if she sensed Strawberry getting tense. However, I do notice Strawberry's ears are back, so I'm not sure Panda isn't protecting me. I move over to the gate latch to test f...

  My goal this morning is to take Blue for a walk and leave him in the barnyard and take Panda for a walk and leave her in the front yard with some food. To accomplish this goal I need to: Enter the barnyard without Strawberry coming after me Reduce excitement at the gate Establish a relaxed protocol for going through the gate Harness Blue and take him for a walk Unharness Blue and harness Panda Pick up Panda's long tie down rope on our way out Walk Panda Tie Panda to the front of the house Scramble eggs for Panda (I wonder if I can use a covered plastic container to sneak some food out with getting Blue excited) When I first approached the gate this morning all the donkeys and dogs crowded around it, pushing to either get to me or the soon-to-open gate. Strawberry pushed to the front with his ears laid flat back. He was not in a relaxed state of mind and I had no doubt he would attack me if I pushed into the yard. So I stayed behind the gate and said, "Uh Uh" to let him ...

  On the farm.  Priorities for today: Personal Care Shower Straighten up bedroom House Dishes Laundry Barnyard Pick up droppings from overnight Pick up droppings from day Fill slobber buckets from water trough Fill trough with hose Dogs Blue - harness and take out for a walk (colour on top, harness buckle on left side of dog) Evening feed - add 1/4 can of wet Panda - harness and take out for a walk Long tie down at front of house Morning feed Coco and Miki - w/ Azriel for now Donkeys Barricade road gate (check if Az is going out) Release to graze Plan for indoor activities to avoid rowdy donkeys Chickens Collect eggs Label in carton