Dog Training

Penny has been with us for few days already.

With her biting incidents, we got a dog trainer to see if he can help us to overcome the issues with Penny.

Ricky came over around 7.30pm. Very punctual guy. Cool.

I was imagining that he would be bringing a parang, choke chain, or maybe a cane. :P

Just kidding. He came with just his little bag of I-dunno. C’mon, don’t expect me to peep into his bag right?

Learn quite many things from him.

His assessment of Penny is that she is of very strong character. She is also trying to get used to our home, and assessing each and every one of us at home. She is an unwilling pack leader.

He spotted a few safe havens which Penny is trying to establish at our home. Advising us to do something to remove the situation, so that she will see us as her pack leader.

There are 4 basic needs and security a dog needs to have, according to him.

Feast, Attention, Perceived danger (internal and external).

So we have to remove her safe haven in order not to let her build her empire. If not, we will become slaves to her. :P

This is part of her way in dealing with internal perceived danger.

We didn’t notice that until Ricky tells us. Seems interesting to know.

For external perceived danger, that’s her instinct to bark at people or dogs outside our house. She is so protective of us because she thinks she is the leader among us.

So we have to constantly remind her that we are her leader, and we can deal with the situation rather than let her bark to protect us from outside danger.

As for food, we have to prepare in such a way to tease her that the food is yummy. Fake-eating her food if possible (with chips or nuts on hand lah).

If she doesn’t want to eat, will have to take the food so that she will treasure her food.

Cannot do it buffet-style.

We don’t usually do it that way, as our old dogs are very greedy. They gobble the food down in a jiffy. J

That’s probably the easiest to make them feel food is important.

Attention, well, due to her unpredictable aggression, we have to slowly give her the attention she needs.

It cannot be done when she wants attention. We have to give her attention when we want to give her. This is to make her feel that we are important to her, and not the other way round.

Sounds logical too right?

If not, every time she asks for attention, and we give it to her, she will think she is the leader, as we give in to her.

Have to ignore her when she asks for it, and only to give her the attention from our part after a few minutes. That’s to show our importance to her. How cool is that?

Another thing Ricky mentioned, when we get home from outside (work or otherwise), if the dog wags her tail too much, it is not necessarily a sign to mean she is happy to see you.

It just means she is very excited, and her energy level is very high.

And dog will usually ask for attention at that time.

Thus, we have to ignore her for a few minutes. Cannot totally ignore.

After that few minutes, we have to do reunion with her, to show that we care for her.

Reminds me of parenting talks … … …

Well, it is really an eye/ear opener to learn from Ricky.

Doing it is the hard part, as usual.

Well, the Tay family has to try. No way out. LOL

Next session with Ricky will be a few weeks later.

Let’s home by then little Penny can feel more relax to relinquish her leadership role to other members in our family.

That way, she can be happier, and hopefully less bites.

New Dog

It’s Labour Day!

Time to do some labour!

Nah.

This morning, went to West Coast area. 

Went to this Estrella Condominium at Pasir Panjang.

Not to view house ok. To view a dog.

Over the weekend, we also went to some dog for adoption places. Saw one male schnauzer, but the poor little seemed to be very afraid of other dogs and human beings. Kept keeping to himself at a corner. Decided to KIV.

Yesterday, Karinna chanced upon an ad for adoption.

So arranged to see the dog at 0930hours.

A bit early right? *Yawn*

Met the owner. Foreigner from forgot-which-country. I mean I forgot, not owner herself ok? :P

She said her dog is generally good, except she does bite. Thus, have to be a little cautious on that.

Ohhh. I have to be careful with my butt when near her … …

She’s a mix from schnauzer and poodle. Wow. That would make her very intelligent.

比我还厉害。

And she’s pretty strong too. Bigger built than our Precious and beloved-Sapphire.

She knows basic commands, in English of course.

And she has a very nice sitting pose. Really nice.

Owner kept emphasizing on the dog having the potential to bite. Can tell she is very concerned on that. At least she is being honest.

Also, the dog would get very excited if she sees other dogs. Hmmmm.

Didn’t get a chance to see that part, as there were no dogs earlier.

She has a big lump at her neck area though. Was told it is just a lump, nothing malign about it.

Anyway, after some short interaction with her, Karinna decided to adopt this little dog.

Erh. Little? Hmmm.

So we got some of her toys from the owner, got her usually sleeping couch, and that’s it. Time to go to our home.

As we drove back home, it reminded me of the day when we adopted Precious. 

If I remember correctly, Precious was adopted on a Good Friday holiday.

And now, this dog, on Labour Day.

We came home, Zyan was surprised to see a new addition.

The dog didn’t bark at Precious. Precious is already 18, plus she cannot walk anymore. Precious used to be very barky, now silence is her prerogative.

At least they can get along well.

This new dog is learning to get new affection from us. Smart.

 

However, when I was cuddling her, probably accidentally cuddled near her lump area.

She bit me. *Ouch* 

Well well. Have to think of disciplinary actions for this little dog. Erh. Little? Hmmm

Let me heal my finger first.

And oh, Penny, welcome to the family.

Hope you can adjust well here.

Merit Award

After being on cast and splint for the past 5 weeks, yesterday was the day for his review to decide if his elbow fracture recovery is making good progress.

It was supposed to be on Saturday for the appointment, but there was an interesting event for us in the morning, which made me change the medical appointment to yesterday.

Any case, we went to Camden Medical Centre in the afternoon, after I picked Zyan from his school.

Brought him for his lunch first. Greedy boy ordered 3 piece chicken KFC meal!

So expensive lunch!

Ahhh!! Look at the blood trails around my heart … …

 😋

Oh well. Reached the place to take x-ray first, then see doctor.

Dr Chan said it is pretty much healed. However, still be cautious about more strenuous exercises that possibly involve the elbow area should be avoided.

So for now, still no Wushu and no Gymnastic and no Trampoline jumping.

Violin and swimming are ok.

Time to arrange for some of the sessions to be continued as per normal.

Many have been adjourned for the past 1 month.

Thus, he is out of the splint now. Or rather, the splint is out of him. Whatever.

My powderful English cannot decide which is which. J

This morning came the interesting one.

Zyan was awarded Education Merit Award for his academics performance.

Needless to say, we as parents are happy for him, and for ourselves too.

Usually I am at these places to help out. This time, get to be part of the participants.

Kinda fun.

Met my NC Chairman at the carpark, then went to register the attendance for Zyan.

Seated at the waiting area, waiting for our batch session to start.

I think this time round, the organisation looks more organised. Pretty good.

Zyan also met a few of his school friends there.

Before the actual ceremony, they had a talk on financial literacy. It’s quite a good idea, just that it would still be quite bombastic for many of the children there. Some older kids would probably understand there.

They also had a game for the children to learn about basic needs, and differentiation of needs and wants. I think it is good. Just a bit chim for many of them to grasp.

The usual pattern of the ceremony.

Mr Tan Chuan Jin will give his speech.

The compere will call out names of the students, take picture for the student, and then with the family.

Once all completed, then it’s another closing speech.

Then it’s out to get refreshments.

Meanwhile, photos will be ready for collection, and the certificate and vouchers ready as well.

  

So we chop chop finish up, and left the place.

Zyan, we are proud of you!

Hope you can continue to work hard, and more importantly, cultivate good behaviour and have fun in your childhood days.

我的儿子八岁了

我的儿子八岁了

我的儿子八岁了

我也变得懒惰了

原本不想再写了

两个月后回来了

我的儿子八岁了

高度一点三五了

不是班上最高的

调皮捣蛋算他的

我的儿子八岁了

学校经常闹事了

他会有份参与的

投诉飞到我家的

我的儿子八岁了

希望他更懂事了

处事待人好好的

让我好好放心的

我的儿子八岁了

猪扒还是爱吃的

垂涎雪糕一定的

吃到蛀牙都来了

我的儿子八岁了

现在有点胖胖了

吃喝永远不停的

所以他叫“是圆”的 （哈哈!!!）

我的儿子八岁了

最近手肘受伤了

哭得稀里哗啦的

运动必须休息了

我的儿子八岁了

复原算是挺快的

昨天证实没事了

多加留意就行了

我的智元长大了

28 Apr 2018

0925am

Elbow Review

Zyan has been on the half-cast for a week.

Every now and then, somehow always in the night time, he would come to me and ask me if able to remove the cast.

Why? Because it is itchy.

Of course the answer is no.

Actually, I think it was Tuesday, I said I would remove the bandage and let his elbow air a little bit before putting the cast back for him, and he can scratch it also.

And then, the gey-kiang boy said no need. So fine.

Wednesday asked him again, he said no need also.

Only on Wednesday / Thursday / Friday night keep asking me to remove to scratch. So late of course no.

I guess the medicine to curb the itch also help a bit.

Else he would be like an “elbow-Sun Wokong”.

Anyway, today is the day for review.

Wake up early morning, went to 9am appointment to change his half-cast to a splint. The doctor recommended that as the splint is easier to handle, and it is a lot easier to remove during bath time.

Ultimately, it is not to be removed. Still has to be used 24-hrs except during bath time.

The process didn’t take a long time, maybe 30-45 minutes or so. It is custom-made.

It sure looks a lot easier to handle.

Taken at library in the afternoon

After the cast is made, went to get the X-ray done, and then let the doctor review.

Doctor is quite pleased with the x-ray taken, although the fracture is there (obviously can’t disappear so fast right), the elbow does look positive to healing.

It will take time. Probably 4-8 weeks not to have more physical things related to the elbow, would be ideal.

So his gymnastic has to stop. Even violin has to stop for time being. Swimming also. So many things right?

Next review by right would be 3 weeks later. Doctor not around, so push to 4 weeks later.

By then should be able to remove the splint totally.

Good work!

Bubur Cha Cha

Yesterday morning, a whatsapp message came in.

One of my 四大美女 friends said she would be making bubur cha cha, and would bring to the rest of us.

My四大美女 friends (SF / WL / SC / SL) were from my Secondary School days. 

It was just 5 years ago that we graduated. Hahaha.

The timing was changed from before 12noon to after 12noon to around 2pm. It was ok for me, until Karinna said she had some massage around 1pm.

So I told SL I cannot receive the dessert in person, and may have to pass to the people at my home.

I was out with Zyan, we were at Udders after alighting Karinna for her massage.

We had ice cream on waffles. Greedy father and son. It was not long after lunch.

Must be belly belly ho jiak!

With the whatsapp avalanche, the Uber-like-treat delivery was made to my home. J

Zyan was just reading his story books at Udders, and met 2 friends whom he played a little with.

Time passed quite fast, and nearly forgot to go and pick Karinna. :P

Didn’t go anywhere after picking her. Went straight back home.

First thing home, my helper said the bubur cha cha is here. Also, got some pizza and bread from Karinna’s friend.

Wah. Whole day can eat free things. Not bad. :P

Karinna likes bubur cha cha, so poured out 1 for her.

I personally don’t really eat that, although I don’t resist it.

I took a few scoop. Not bad. 爱心甜点。赞啦！

Belly good!

You want some?

Eventful Cycle

Yesterday, brought Zyan to east coast park to cycle.
Rented a bike for him and myself. Karinna wanted to use the scooter, which we brought over.

So enthusiastically, Zyan rode off fast towards direction of Marina.
I had to catch up with him to watch over him. As for Karinna, she was left all by herself as it is slow for her to pace up the speed.

As we moved, we reached the road safety training area for children. Zyan likes to cycle around this place.
It was just a short distance ride from where we rented the bikes.
So happily circling a few rounds within the compound.

I kept looking out to see if Karinna managed to come to this place. Couldn't see her.
Had wanted to call her, but Zyan told me her phone is with him.
He took the haversack from her, which her phone was place inside there.

Thus, we lost contact with her. LOL.

I told Zyan, it is better to link up back with mommy. Then we decided to backtrack our route, and look out for her to at least pass her the phone.

I had to watch Zyan, as well as looking around for the gorgeous woman.
Couldn't find her. Probably not that glam yesterday. Hahaha

Even we when reached back the bike rental shop, no sign of Karinna nearby as well.
Then I thought and told Zyan: Maybe mommy got tired and resting at the McDonald area?
Let's go find her!

We rode off again in search of the missing mommy.
Zyan reached there first. I was walking towards him at McDonald, maybe about 30 metres away.
I saw him standing near his bike. A group of people were blocking my view to see full clearly. As my view cleared further, I saw Zyan on the floor crying in pain with the bike over him.

Some people sitting nearby him quickly helped him. I moved up as well to check on him.
He was in pain, not wailing hard, but crying in pain to himself.
I think it must be very painful for him.
I could see him a bit like 脸青唇白.
Event number 2.

I needed to place him seated. He couldn't stand firmly due to pain.
And the bikes have to be returned. 15 minutes more of usage!

I was stuck. Had to return the bikes. Couldn't find the mommy.
If I cannot find mommy, I have to leave Zyan alone to return the bikes.
I made the decision to pass him Karinna's phone, for me to contact him.
Bought him a milo dinasaur to keep him occupied while I had to push 2 bikes slowly to the shop.
Hopefully can find the missing person at the shop at the stipulated time to return the bikes.

So that was the plan.
Managed to push the 2 bikes safely to the place.
Looked around, missing person is still missing.
Waited from 6.00pm to 6.10pm (time to return is 6.05pm) but still see no sign of missing person.

Called Zyan.
Jialat! Never pick up call. Called again. Same. Again. Same.
Jialat!
One more time, the weakly voice answered.
Then I think cannot wait for missing person, have to go pick my son back first.

Off I went.
The parking place there is full. Another challenge. After I managed to drive into the carpark, I had to park illegally. No choice.
Quickly moved to look for Zyan. Well, at least he is still there at the table, resting his head down on the table. Must be too painful for him until he cried internally until he got tired.
Wah. What type of English statement is this. Anyway.

I could see he looks a bit better. The pain is a bit more manageable. Still pain though.
So I told let's look for the missing mommy again.
To exit the carpark is a challenge. Took like minutes just to get out.
Managed to go back to the bike rental place.
Still no sign of missing person.

I received a call from Sock Ling, my friend from Secondary School days. I knew it must be related to missing person.
Sure enough, they happened to meet in the vast land of East Coast.
Finally, the missing person is found.
Went to pick her, and off we went home.
Thank you Sock Ling!

After dinner, we decided to bring him to check on his injured elbow.

Clinic can't help much. In the end, went to Parkway East.
X-ray was taken. Generally still ok, but there one part where the doctor seems a bit unhappy with the bone structure. He suggested to get the orthopedic to check, but it can cost about $500!
Wah. 杀人放火。
A bit extreme statement, but very expensive.
Good thing is, he still still able to move this hand and elbow, just pain. So more likely the tissues acting up and some lines of crack.

Mommy bought some Delifrance to share.

Seems like he is happy with his new sling

So we decided to followup maybe on Monday.
But he will have to be put on half-cast.

A cycling short trip that was extended to an eventful day.
And the damage for the day is, 心痛的感觉， 它它侵蝕了我。

Monday. That's tomorrow. :P