Saturday, February 28, 2009

Family Dog Class & Rally Novice

The six-week training class ended today. Paris did very well, especially considering that I don't work with her at home as much as I should. We did two things at class today that really made me nervous! The first was to tell Paris to sit and stay. Then I walked away about 30-40 feet. Then I said "Paris, Come" and as she started towards me the instructor had the other classmates call and try to entice Paris to go to them and not me. She hesitated a tiny bit but then she came right to me! YAY. The second time around there was no hesitation at all. The second thing we did was to drop our dog's leash on the floor, walk to the door, and open it. Then the person was to back off and see if the dog bolted out the door. Paris kept looking up at me and just stood at the doorway. Another YAY. Here is the proof that we finished the Family Dog Class. I am proud of my puppy!



A six-week Rally Novice class begins March 21. First I decided to take Paris, but I have changed my mind and Frasier and I are going to go to Rally Novice. He has not been socialized enough. I believe that Rally Novice will give him confidence. When I was at Kelly's house (the breeder of both dogs) last fall, she took Frasier for a couple of minutes to show me a few obedience things. He really responded quickly. I think it will be good for him.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Cranky Day

The human in the house is extremely cranky today. The fog is so thick I can't see the far end of my pasture. It has been drizzling and raining since yesterday afternoon. I spent a couple of hours grooming Frasier yesterday and he immediately went outside and acted like he was on a NASCAR track; he was as wet as when he had a bath. The dogs need a walk but I don't particularly want to go out in the fog and rain. waa waa waa This is such a juvenile entry.

Training class went very well Saturday. I am about a week behind on working with Paris on specific subjects though. Thank you to Kelly for the advice on 'downs'. The instructor asked if any of us were having problems with 'come' and 'down' and I was one of many who raised their hand. So the instructor took her and Paris was PERFECT. I felt like an idiot. Then we started working on random sits. Paris likes that. We only have one more class left. I am hoping that we can immediately start another class the following week.

A friend and her son came over yesterday. I thought it would be a great test for what both dogs have learned. Holy cow! Both dogs went absolutely wild. I have no excuse for Frasier because he is 2+ years old. The excuse for Paris is that she is 7 months old. The excuse for the pack leader is that...um....er....never mind. At least they had fun?

It is suppose to rain all week. I am going shopping tomorrow!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

New Purchase For The Dogs.....!

Oh man, I really do need to stay away from QVC. I have no self control when I see "Electronics" on the guide. The first time was when I just knew that I needed a GPS device. So I get the GPS and as you all know I never go anywhere.

Ok...last week I see "Electronics" and go to the channel. This purchase is for the dogs.. uh huh. I received it today and can't wait for the battery to charge. It is a Panasonic palmcorder (camcorder) that can be held in the palm. It has an internal 60 GB hard drive and also a slot for a SD card. And folks a 50x optical zoom....FIFTY. Records still pictures. Image stabilizer button...blah blah blah. The dogs will love it. Anything for the dogs.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Spay, Training, & Being The Only Dog

Paris was spayed a couple of days ago. She is recuperating very quickly! Frasier got to be the only dog for a day and a half. It seemed that he really really enjoyed it and soaked in all of the attention. I had bought him a new plush toy for the occasion and a new hoofie. He romped around for about 3 minutes with each new toy. He mostly just wanted to be with me. When I brought Paris home, he lit up! It was obvious that he loves Paris. That made me feel good. I do need to add that I got him a new plush toy because Paris has de-stuffed every one of his toys, and he must've had 15 to 20 of them. The only toys left are the hard rubber ones. Anyway, both doggies are happy to be back together. I am happy that Paris is spayed.

Paris is still in training class. We have three more classes. I am having a bit of trouble getting her to learn the "down" position. She puts her front down but keeps her bottom up. The building the class is in has a dirt floor so we'll work on that after her stitches come out.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Paris' Spay Postponed

Paris will be spayed on Feb 10. I was walking out the door to take her to the clinic this morning when I received a call asking if it could be postponed. The clinic was slammed with emergency patients. Paris had been wondering where breakfast was! She went nutso when I got her snood out! heheh