Tuesday with the Pack: Training, Grooming, and Canine Chaos A Chronicle of Life with Four Collies and a Terrier

SOLITARY MORNING 

This morning began a little differently from the usual routine. I woke up to an unexpected silence, feeling momentarily confused and disorientated as I reached for my glasses and checked the time—06.57 am. Just then, as if on cue, Fleck’s unmistakeable demand bark shattered the quiet. Only then did I remember that John was away house-sitting, leaving me in charge of the morning routine. I let out a groan, rubbed my temples, and shuffled out of bed, pulling on my dressing gown and slippers, bracing myself for the day ahead. 

As I made my way downstairs, the enthusiastic chorus of barks grew louder, welcoming me to the chaos of the morning. Letting the dogs out into the garden, I opened the fridge to retrieve a tray of raw chicken wings for their breakfast.

After pulling on my surgical gloves—still grateful to have all ten fingers intact after previous breakfasts—I handed out the wings. Holly, ever the connoisseur, took her time to savour hers while I cleaned up, smiling at her dainty manners compared to the others’ frenzied eating.

With the breakfast routine finished, I started to prepare for our outdoor training session, looking forward to spending some focused time with the dogs.

OUTDOOR TRAINING

 

I have an arrangement with a dog-owning friend—or rather, a friend who, like me, is well and truly ruled by her four lively collies. She takes a couple of my collies out with her own pack once a week, giving me a rare opportunity to concentrate on my other ‘crazies’. In return, I help her out with grooming her gang when needed.

This morning, she was due to take Cora and Kaytee for a social walk with two of her own. That left Jill and Holly for some individual training time with me.

As I was gathering leads and treats, John popped in briefly to feed his birds and collect Fleck for their own adventures. 

After everyone had set off, I drove to a nearby recreational ground and parked up. We always practise calm van exits, but Holly simply cannot contain her excitement, letting out a shriek as soon as I open the van door. Without Kaytee to echo her enthusiasm, she settles quickly, lying quietly in her crate. Jill follows suit, showing her calm side. Once both dogs were settled, I rewarded them with treats for staying in place before we stepped out, ready for our training games.

We worked on impulse control, which really tested their focus, and enjoyed some energetic tug-of-war games. Holly got to play the obligatory game of fetch, to finish the session. The combination of mental and physical activity always brings out the best in them—their unique personalities shining through in both discipline and play.

After our session, we returned home, and soon Cora and Kaytee were back, greeting me with their usual exuberance. I handed out pizzle sticks as a treat, and with the dogs settled, I headed to start my working day, feeling a quiet satisfaction from a productive morning with the pack.

 GROOMING CLIENT CHAOS

Once my workday began, the grooming room was next on the agenda. Today’s first appointment involved two dogs from the same household—mischievous little monkeys who announce their arrival with a racket the moment their car pulls up outside. This inevitably sets my own dogs off, so I moved quickly to get everyone settled and bathed the first client.

Grooming reactive dogs is always a challenge; one unexpected sound is enough to set off a barking frenzy that carries through to the house. I could only hope my neighbours were out for the day, sparing them the racket. Despite the commotion, I couldn’t help but smile at their boundless enthusiasm. Moments like these remind me why I love working with dogs—their energy, personality, and the constant surprises they bring. Every dog has their own quirks.

By the time I said goodbye to my final client, I felt more worn out than usual, but there was still more to come.

Once grooming was complete, it was time to prepare for obedience class—an evening tradition that always brings a different kind of energy to the day. 

OBEDIENCE CLASS

 

This evening, I packed up for dog club, where we were continuing our good citizen training. Kaytee, who is now in the silver class after earning her bronze, took centre stage. Jill, who passed her bronze some time ago, wasn’t attending at the moment due to her slightly unhealthy obsession with some chihuahuas in the class—so for now, she stayed home.

Kaytee is fairly proficient at most of the obedience exercises for her level, but we’re still working on polite greetings. Not everyone appreciates being wrapped up in a canine cuddle at first introduction, and it’s a skill we need to master. Her tendency to embrace people is entirely down to genetics—I blame Cora completely, since ‘Cora the Cuddler’ has well and truly lived up to her nickname.

 The club is always lively and sociable—a highlight of the week for both me and the dogs. Kaytee, however, is not one for unnecessary socialising with the other dogs. She deftly manoeuvres herself onto empty chairs to avoid unwanted sniffing, and if that doesn’t work, a flash of her gleaming canines usually does the trick. Watching her assert her boundaries with such confidence makes me both proud and amused.

Kaytee at obedience training

We wrapped up the day with a well-earned portion of fish and chips before heading home to rejoin the rest of the pack.

As I reflected on the day’s events, from the early-morning chaos to the evening’s triumphs and challenges, I felt a deep sense of contentment—grateful for each dog’s unique quirks and the joy they bring to every ordinary Tuesday.