A Dog’s Life

ILOVE an adventure. I love exploring Scotland’s far-flung corners, climbing hills, camping, staying in bothies – I love the feeling of being all alone somewhere very remote among big mountains, under big skies, with nothing to think about other than where to pitch my tent.

That side of my life, however, has been curtailed in recent times – not just because of the pandemic and lockdown regulations.

Back in December I got a puppy. Storm – pictured with his wee pal Oban – is a Border Collie, just like the dog I had as a boy.

It’s been more than 30 years since I had a pup – and I’d completely forgotten just how much work they are. Toilet training, lead training, recall training, obedience training and if I hear myself say “leave it” once more I’ll lose control…

Storm is seven months now, and it’s only now I’m starting to feel I’m getting a bit of my life back.

Probably the most difficult part is adhering to the guidelines limiting exercise for pups and young dogs so as not to overtax growing bones and joints – no mountain days for Storm until he’s fully grown. Which sadly means not very many for me either. I console myself with the knowledge he’ll be some hill dog in just a few months…

As any collie owner knows, limited exercise is a tough one to balance with unlimited energy. A great way to tire Storm out is to get him to use his brain and his nose.

I lay wee kibble trails, or hide things, like toys, for him to sniff out. Dogs’ noses are hugely powerful. Using them drinks their energy – and a tired dog is a happy dog... and I get peace and quiet.

Simon Chapman is a trainer who teaches dogs and owners how to scent track, which as well as being great fun, can also be a life-saver. Our production editor Rachel took her pooches along to give it a go. You can read all about it on page 96. Oh, and you’ll discover Simon also has a dog called Storm… Hamish Brown has a lot to answer for!