Fletcher has settled into a new lockdown routine surprisingly well. A morning walk takes place a little later than usual, followed by a day in the garden to make the most of the glorious sunshine (I hope it lasts), then an evening walk.
I’ve also noticed people are much friendlier than usual and stop to chat, from a safe distance of course.
Fletcher seems to be enjoying the slower pace of life. He now has our full attention all day. Playing ball whenever he wants, extra belly rubs and treats, he is living the doggy dream. The only downside, Fletcher is in desperate need for a haircut. His quiff is out of control and keeping him clean is proving quite difficult. It’s like a cloud of dust follows him around and I spend most of the day sweeping up after him.
We’ve had a lot of time on our hands (and paws) recently, and I did think I would struggle to write this column. However an article popped up on my feed that stated intelligent dogs can recognise up to 165 words. Brilliant, what a way to pass a couple of hours…I decided to put Fletcher to the test and write down all the words he understands.
The list is below, but hopefully you’ll find this task useful during isolation too. Get in touch on social media and let us know how many words your dog understands! Can your dog beat Fletcher?
Disclaimer: he may know these words but that doesn’t mean he actually listens!
Sit
Paw
Fist bump
High five
Stay
Wait (he’ll take a few extra metres then decide to wait on his own terms)
Stop
Down
Lay
Up
No (definitely doesn’t listen to this)
Roll
Go
Ok
Out
Get it
Drop (very hit and miss)
Nicely
Gently
Good boy
Well done
Walkies
Walk
Park
Field
Beach
Trot (a new word; we changed walkies to trot and he figured it out within 5 days)
Bed
Wee wee
Poo poo
Shake
Night night
Kisses
Cuddles
Stick
Stone
Go swim
Swimming
Running Come
Wash your paws (our command for when he is covered in mud and we want him to wash off in the stream)
What’s that
Breakfast
Dinner
Drinkies
Water
Chicken
Biscuit
Dentastix
Jumbo
Crocodile (he loves the crocodile shaped chews)
Ball
Bone
Red (his favourite toy)
Car
Shop (he often goes to work with my husband)
Pub
Garden (without a doubt one of his fave words)
Fletcher
Mummy
Daddy
Nanny
Grandad
The boys (my mum’s dogs)
Lucy (my friend)
Juno (his best bud)
Chewy (his Labrador friend)
Izzy (a newish friend who just about tolerates him)
Boris (a golden retriever we regularly bump into on our walk – they are obsessed with each other)
Albie (his “cousin”, my sister-in-laws dog)
Total = 76 (I counted each word in a phrase…not quite a genius dog yet but I’m sure I have missed a few!)
For more information on up-to-date info and things to do during your new lockdown routine whilst observing social distancing, why not check out our Facebook Page or Groups dedicated to your county Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk. Those dog lovers out there would be barking mad not to join our Doglife Group and vegan’s, you’ll be pleased we have one dedicated to you too.
You can also find us on Twitter and Instagram for all the latest info, competitions and stunning images of our beautiful counties in the Eastlife.
