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Sub Dio
Oct 3, 2020 20:53:07 GMT -6
Post by Xentus on Oct 3, 2020 20:53:07 GMT -6
"Let us try staying one more time, alright little pups?", the leopard asked them, smiling gently at the canines, "Saku, Laku. Sit." The fun in petting and playing with his hands was over, sadly. The houluh seemed a little saddened for the fun to end, but were diligent in sitting as asked. They did want to please the treat-giver. That would result in more treats, right?
Xentus's blue eyes hovered over either pup to ensure that they sat properly, then he backed away from them a step. "Saku, Laku. Stay", he directed firmly. And wit that, he turned and started walking across the dirt plot, listening intently for the sound of movement. "Stay, pups!", he called over his shoulder, just to ensure they didn't think about creeping up behind him. Once he was a few paces away, he turned again to examine the two canines. They.. Seemed to have stayed put this time. Their paws were firmly planted on the ground, though their eyes told that they were just waiting for the moment that they could come bouncing over to him. A satisfied smile crept up on the leopard's snout. They were doing so well!
"Alright pups! Come, come!", he called.
Saku: Stay - 5 Laku: Stay - 5
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Sub Dio
Oct 4, 2020 13:26:25 GMT -6
Post by Xentus on Oct 4, 2020 13:26:25 GMT -6
The pitter-patter of paws on dirt was all he heard before his feet were assaulted by the two houluh pups. Well, that and the happy yip-barks. A smile crested on the man's muzzle as he kneeled down and offered the pups their share of praise and pets. A chuckle escaped him as their lapping tongues tickled his palm, eager for the taste of more treats. Alas, the praise would be their only reward for the efforts. Until they were slated to master a new thing, treats were off the menu.
They young ones were still fresh to any sort of discipline, but this was a good start. Xentus picked up their leads and led them away from the shaded dirt plot and back to the cobblestone path that lead into the park. The puppies were more than happy to follow along, buzzing with endless energy. They'd gone for a little go-round not too long ago and were already refreshed and ready for action. Laku yipped happily, playbowing to Saku. This meant play time! Or running around time! Saku was eager to oblige, bowing and yipping in return to the other pup. With a few happy, bouncy patters of feet, they raced around the leopard with glee.
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Sub Dio
Oct 4, 2020 13:35:58 GMT -6
Post by Xentus on Oct 4, 2020 13:35:58 GMT -6
He envied them. Youthful and spry.. Oblivious to the world, living only in the moment. Perhaps by playing with them, he'd gain whatever scraps of youthful essence that they shed. He could only hope. While he didn't think himself old, he did feel like he could go for a few more younger years if given the chance. To see new things with fresh eyes. Well. He supposed he could still do that. This city offered so many interesting things to do. And plenty of company to go around. Ah, he shouldn't dwell so much.
The leopard was rather absentmindedly leading the two pups, ignoring the occasional tugs as they spotted something or creature of interest. It wasn't until he nearly tripped that he snapped back to reality. The red leash of Laku crossed over right in front of his foot.. He barely managed to catch himself to avoid falling over outright. A hard blink and a shake of the head, discerning eyes looking to the tangle of leads toward either pup. They.. Didn't have very good leash discipline. Normally this was fine, but he wasn't quite paying attention. The leopard huffed and kneeled down to take a moment and straighten the leads, which was a clear sign that the pups should come play.
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Post by Xentus on Oct 5, 2020 1:36:24 GMT -6
Oh how cute, but so bothersome when he wanted to get something done! A resigned smile was plastered on the leopard's face, eyes looking between the two excited puppies as they danced about his arms. "Ah, what is this one to do with the two of you, hm?", he questioned them, shaking his head, "Sit, sit. Saku, Laku. Behave." He had to put his foot down. The puppies seemed a bit saddened to have their play time cut by this boorish sitting business, but they did as they were told. Their tails were wagging all the while, ready for whenever the leopard was ready to get going again.
They somehow managed to tangle their leashes good, a knot in the center between them. A soft grumble escaped him as he untied the knot, which was fairly easy with one of the leads being made of a thicker leather material. Impatient growls came from the houluh, growing tired of this sitting thing very quickly. They wanted to play and run and bark! As soon as the leads were slack, the leopard stood and beckoned for the puppies to follow along, much to their delight. Saku was quick to bounce after the man, leaving Laku lagging behind.
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Post by Xentus on Oct 5, 2020 1:44:00 GMT -6
With things back on track, Xentus decided that a brisk walk around the park would do them well. It worked before to help tire out the pups, it would surely work again. Though, somehow, the dogs seemed even more excitable than before.. He could hardly keep up with how much energy they could store in their tiny bodies! Saku tugged his arm one way, Laku tugged another, and if it weren't for him keeping a careful eye on where which pup went and when, he would've gotten himself tangled up in their spontaneous decisions to switch direction.
The leopard rounded toward the front of the park, leading the pups as much as they lead him. He was mindful of the various visitors coming in and out, and especially their pets.. With how this place welcomed even untrained seekers within the perimeters, he wanted to be sure that the pups wouldn't disturb something that wouldn't be so welcoming to their cheerful presence. A man and his vulticus passing through caught their attention the most, the canines all clearly interested in one another. The vulticus was much larger than either young pup, the sight of which actually seemed to calm them down a bit as their incessant yipping came to a halt.
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Post by Xentus on Oct 5, 2020 1:50:13 GMT -6
He didn't have a good feeling about this.. "Come, Saku, Laku", the leopard quietly murmured to houluh, tugging on their leads gently. But, the pups seemed frozen. In fear or curiosity, he wasn't sure. But the stare down was lasting for much too long for his comfort. And as the mammalian started to pick up the nearby Saku, the vulticus loosed a growl. A scowl planted itself on the leopard's face, pointed to the man leading the vulticus into the park. He'd best have that wolf under control, or there would be a problem. Laku was looking scared at hearing the growl, head lowering and tail tucked between his legs. The owner of the vulticus was doing what he could to avert its gaze, but he didn't seem to find much success.
Slowly, Xentus scooped the scared Laku into his arms, maintaining eye contact with the growling wolf. Its ears were standing tall and alert, fur bristling. If it felt threatened by a couple of young pups, that beast needed some discipline. But that was not his problem. Xentus backed away slowly with pups in arms, leaving the owner to attend to his beast before it went out of control. Perhaps.. That was enough for today.
> Exeunt Saku, dismissed from this point onward (25)
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Post by Xentus on Oct 5, 2020 1:59:50 GMT -6
The next day, the leopard decided to continue working with the houluh. Though he felt he could handle both of the rambunctious pups at once, he did need to spend some quality time with Laku in order to keep him.. Saku would get a rest for the day. The two were back at the dirt plot the leopard used for taming and training, with a kiddie pool of water situated in the center. Laku wasn't going to like this.. It was bath time. That silky coat wasn't going to maintain itself!
"Alright, Laku. This won't be as bad as you might think, Xentus assures", the leopard cooed to the happy pup, rubbing the top of his head. Before getting him into the water, he decided to start with de-shedding. He grabbed a fine toothed comb, letting Laku sniff it before attempting to run it through the houluh's long fur. Laku was suspicious of this strange device.. He moved himself away from the strange sensation.
Tolerance - 1
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Sub Dio
Oct 5, 2020 20:54:20 GMT -6
Post by Xentus on Oct 5, 2020 20:54:20 GMT -6
It was like petting, but with many tiny, pointy fingers. Laku wasn't sure to make of it just yet. A cautious yip sounded from the pup as the leopard brought the comb back toward him. Trying again, Laku's eyes remained locked on the comb, still deciding whether or not it was a good or bad feeling yet. It felt nicer on his long tufts around the elbows and thigh, but grating over his torso. Laku moved away again.
"It is ok, Laku", Xentus assured with a high-pitched, sweet tone, "Laku will grow to enjoy this, no doubt." The comb was switched out for a soft brush, the feel of which Xentus enjoyed even on his own fur. He started by petting the houluh's floppy ears, then added the brush after a few strokes. The leopard moved down the hound's head and along his back, and it seemed the brush was much more appreciated in comparison to the comb.
Tolerance - 2
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Post by Xentus on Oct 6, 2020 1:50:38 GMT -6
The brush was quickly clogged with fur as the pup was groomed to rid it of excess shed. For such a small creature, the amount of fur it had was surprising. The thick coat of the silky houluh was really something - and this one wasn't even fully grown yet. The leopard grimaced as he thought about the grooming Laku would need when he was older.. It would be good to get Laku accustomed to being groomed and touched from a young age.
After the quick brush down, it was time for the main event. Carefully, Xentus picked up Laku and slowly brought him over to the kiddie pool. The pup's eyes boggled at the sight of the liquid, and he began whimpering and squirming. "Shh, Laku..", the leopard hushed the puppy, letting its paws touch the lukewarm water. He flailed and splashed in an attempt to escape, but to no avail. The leopard's grip was firm.
Tolerance - 3
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Post by Xentus on Oct 6, 2020 2:02:28 GMT -6
The pool was shallow enough for Laku to stand with his belly just barely touching the surface of the water. Once his legs were immersed, the leopard began forcing his hind down into the liquid. "It is ok Laku, sit", Xentus directed gently, rubbing water into the pup's fur. The houluh sat, but his wide eyes told of his feeling of betrayal. Xentus hardly felt guilty - this was what must be done. Gentle fingertips began to massage shampoo into suds, starting from the nape and trailing to the tail. The leopard wasn't afraid to clean the nethers either, much to Laku's distaste. He voiced this in a subtle growl, but was quickly hushed. "That's a good boy, Laku", the leopard murmured quietly, "It is not so bad, just scary at first." The pup did seem to settle down quite a bit now that he grew acclimated to the water. He even seemed to enjoy the massage, leaning into the leopard's touch.
Tolerance - 4
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Post by Xentus on Oct 6, 2020 2:16:47 GMT -6
Xentus was sure to clean every inch of the pup. He grabbed at the pup's paws, massaging the soapy water between Laku's toes. The gesture wasn't the most appreciated, but Laku seemed to put up with it fairly well. "Good boy, Laku, you are doing well", the leopard praised gently as he worked suds into the back toes. There was no part of the pup that went untouched. Once the leopard was satisfied, the houluh was let out of the pool and rinsed off with fresh water. Knowing all too well of how canines loved shaking excess water off, the leopard held the young pup still to prevent this. It took Laku some amount of willpower to overcome instinct, but he managed to resist with the aid of Xentus. And to finish off bath time, the pup was dried - rubbed all over his body with a clean, dry towel. Some of the longer patches of fur were squeezed to release excess water. "All done! Good boy!", the leopard chimed, releasing the damp pup from his cottony confines.
Tolerance - 5
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Post by Xentus on Oct 6, 2020 2:25:40 GMT -6
Laku was happy to finally be freed of this whole endeavor. While he put up with bath time fairly well, it didn't mean he liked it.. But the leopard was proud of him anyway. He let the puppy run about to fully air dry before moving on to the next lesson. "Okay, Laku! Sit!", the leopard called to the pup, garnering his attention, "Now - focus." The leopard held up a little meaty treat marble, instantly gaining Laku's interest. The pup's eyes were glued to the snack, his tongue lapping out and licking his chops in anticipation. The leopard moved the treat in the air before his face, to the left.. To the right.. And Laku's head would move in tandem with the treat. It was cute, really. Not quite what the leopard wanted him to do, but it was a proof of concept. "Good Laku! Good focus, Laku!", he praised, tossing the treat toward the houluh's awaiting mouth.
Watch Me - 1
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Post by Xentus on Oct 6, 2020 2:31:37 GMT -6
Laku snapped up the treat with ease, scarfing it down in two quick bites. He stood and yipped, bouncing about the man's feet begging for more, but this only made his chuckle. "Hah, eager one aren't you, Laku?", the leopard asked, petting the creature's floppy ears, "Let us try again. Sit!" As directed, Laku sat down. And next, he was told 'focus'.. Something that didn't quite have meaning to him just yet. But his eyes followed the treat that the leopard waved in the air. Xentus could see the pup swallow, beads of drool forming at the edges of his jowls. Now that the pup had a taste, he wanted more. This was something he could use to his advantage. The treat was placed before his face, and he walked a couple of steps around the puppy with it there. "Focus, Laku", the leopard reiterated, trying to link this action with the word.
Watch Me - 2
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Post by Xentus on Oct 6, 2020 2:39:11 GMT -6
If there was anything in the young pup's focus, it would be the treat. He couldn't see the treat without also seeing the mammalian's face, so he hoped that the association would build easily enough. After spending a few more moments torturing the puppy by depriving him of the little morsel, it was tossed over to the creature along with a word of praise. "Good boy, Laku! Yes, good focus", the leopard murmured, crouching down to pet the pup's head. Again, the treat was scarfed down with ease, little Laku much more interested now in sniffing another one out from the man's hand.
"Alright, Laku. Stay", Xentus directed, slightly changing direction now, "Focus." Laku didn't really need to be sitting to learn to watch his face. The pup stayed put, eyes already tracking the next treat that the leopard had hovering before his muzzle. The pup's eyes stayed locked on the leopard's nose, just about where the treat was. The two shapes blended in together..
Watch Me - 3
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Post by Xentus on Oct 6, 2020 2:49:57 GMT -6
"That's it, Laku, good focus", the leopard praised while slowly stalking around the pup, "Focus.." Laku watched the treat intensely as the leopard moved about. While the houluh stayed where he was, he did move his feet to reposition if the strain of twisting his neck grew to be too much. His tail wavered carefully, excited about the idea of eating another treat, but also reserved because the 'stay' command was yet to be lifted. He was just waiting for the mammalian to give their word..
"Alright, Laku! Good boy, good focus", Xentus finally called, kneeling down to reward the puppy for his efforts. Laku happily bounced over, gnawing at the man's fingers to eat the treat. Then, he reared up to have a go at the leopard's nose. Xentus thought it endearing at first, But the sharp nip of puppy teeth quickly made him rethink what he thought was going to be a kiss..
Watch Me - 4
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