4 April 2009

Another day like all the others. First dad got up early, and after the usual stuff - on to the dog show. This time there was another dog there. She was all black and much bigger and older than Daisy.  Well - I figured out that being big doesn't matter much because Daisy won against bigger dogs before today.  It looked like Daisy was having a good time.  The other dog- not so much.  She was not behaving for her mom in the ring.  And you know what?  It worked.  Daisy - a little puppy just like me, she beat the big dog.  Mom got more ribbons and something else called a point.  I didn't get to see the point thing, but it sure made mom happy.  I guess I don't know all there is to know yet about this dog-show stuff.  But it makes mom - and especially dad happy, and I get to go along too. I guess it's fun.

After the dog show we went to the dog park again. We played a few hours, then mom and dad drove us all to our little room for lunch. They got lunch - we didn't - Daisy and I.  After lunch everyone took a little nap.  I like naps. After the nap - back to the dog park.  We got to play some more - and all our dog friends were there again.  I am getting to like this place. But after a while - way too early - mom called us in.  We loaded up in the van and left the dog park.  We went back to the dog show.  It was just like last time - the Obedience Humans were there.  Dad gave them some green paper again, and dad and I got in the ring.  This time it was another lady.  She really made dad and I work.  But I liked it.  She made us walk normal, fast and slow, turn right and left, stop and start, stand-stay, and the RECALL!  I liked the recall.  At first I didn't understand it.  Dad told me to wait, then he LEFT ME!  I started to follow and dad said "NO!".  He made me sit and wait again.  Dad walked all the way across the ring, then turned to face me and pulled a treat from his treat bag.  Then when the training lady signaled him, he called me.  I ran right to him and sat in front just like I am supposed to do so I could earn my treat. And it was yummy!  Everyone was watching, and I heard lots of humans saying what a fantastic dog I will be when I finish my training.   When the training lady finished with us, we got back in the van and left.

Recall Exersice

Healing Pattern

Mom and dad went looking for that Sam human again.  This time he was there. Daisy and I got locked in the van with the windows open again.  It was late, and not at all hot, so we didn't mind... Much.  Mom and dad went inside.  It sure smelled good.  After a while, mom and dad came out.  It was almost dark, so we went back to our little room. River and me got our dinner, then a short walk... And then bed-time.  It was a good day.

5 April 2009

Another day like every other day at the dog show.  Except this time the big dog won.  I was happy for her, and her mom was very happy too.  Our mom was happy just being at the show I think.  Daisy was not happy.  She likes winning I think.  They both got more ribbons, and the big dog for that point thing.  I wish I knew what that was. 

Dad took me over to some guy selling stuff.  There were dishes of dog treats out on the table and bags for dog food stacked behind the table.  I was sniffing at the treats, and dad let me try a few of each.  Then dad asked me which one I liked best.  Well - the best one was the Bil-Jack Chicken-Liver.  It was chewy and oh-so tasty.  So I stuck my nose in that dish, and dad bought all the bags of Bil-Jack Chicken-Liver the guy had - just for me.  Training treats dad said. But mom was in a hurry.  She was already packed and we left the dog show.  I was expecting to go back to the dog park.  Instead we went back to the little room, and mom and dad loaded everything into the van.  Daisy and I got a quick breakfast while they loaded up. 

Mom made a quick shopping trip to get some special dog food we only get when we travel.  Then we started on another long ride.  I got sleepy and rested all the way.   When the van stopped, we were home.  Heidi and Bobby the skin-puppy came out to greet us.  Dad backed the van in, and we all got out.  Daisy and I played in the yard while dad emptied the van.  Then mom drove Heidi and Bobby home while dad put the stuff away.

We had a really good time.  I think Daisy liked her shows too.  I hope we go to more dog shows - I liked it a lot.  We slept in our own beds that night.  It was fun at the dog shows, but it is nice to come home to my dog-mom Sammy, Uncle Justin and Grandma Quiver - and especially my nice bed next to dad.  I like my home too.  Uncle Parker, you were right.  Dog Shows and Great Adventures.... I can't wait for more.  Thank you Uncle Parker for picking me to be dad's new show dog.  I know dad  misses you a lot.  But I also know he loves me too.  And I miss you too Uncle Parker.  Time for bed.

7 Apr 2009

OH-BOY - DOG TRAINING - MY FAVORITE!  I'm a lucky dog - a lucky lucky dog.... We are going to DOG TRAINING. 

Dad came home - just like last week.  So I knew it was a training day.  Sure enough, dad got the training bag out and checked it over.  This time dad didn't need to make treats, he got some special yummy treats at the dog show.  He put them in the treat pouch.  Dad bought about 500 treats at the dog show - so I will have yummy treats for training for a long time.

We loaded up in the dog-show van and left.  Poor Daisy had to stay home this time.  As usual we were the first ones at training, so dad let me play with the BAD-CUZ toy.  I like it cause it bounces funny when dad throws it.  But too soon some other dogs started showing up.  Then training started.  I train with dad, but I watch the other people and dogs some too.  I notice that my dad stays focused on the training and makes me do it right.  Most of the other people and dogs are not as focused as my dad.  Maybe that is why the people at the show thought I was doing so good.  When we train - we train.  Dad is demanding, but not mean.  Mom thinks I will be ready for shows in the fall. 

My friend Raven was there, but she didn't get to play.  Her mom left her crated up.  I was looking at her, thinking she should get to train too.  Sometimes it is hard for me to stay focused, and dad starts to get upset.  But I look at dad with my puppy eyes and dad smiles and tells me we will get it, and everything is OK again.

Then I got in trouble.  There is one little dog in the class that I do not like. So at break time as dad and I was walking past that dog, I jumped at it - just to scare it a little.  Dad didn't see me do it, but mom did.  The next thing I knew, Karen the Alpha-Human had me.  Uh-oh... Now I am in DEEP doo-doo.  But she was actually gentler with me than dad would have been.  And I did a bad thing, I deserved the correction.  Sorry Karen.  I will be a good puppy - I just forgot myself.

I still get confused with the stand-stay.  Actually, dad still has trouble with stay and wait.  STAY means to not move, and dad will come back to me.  WAIT means to not move, but dad will call me to him soon.  Sometimes dad gets them mixed up.  I am more and more convinced that Uncle Parker was a super-dog. Somehow he knew what to do even when dad got it mixed up.  Well - I am not that smart yet.  Sometimes dad tells me to STAY - then he CALLS ME?  I don't know what to do then.  Dad calls me again, and louder.  So I get up slowly and come, not sure if I am doing right. Together we will figure this out in time.

Then class was over.  We loaded up in the dog-show van and left for home.  Then I got a really good dinner.  It has been another really good Doggie-Day.  I can hardly wait for more.