Dogster

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The Gizmo Times

Ever have a ‘duh’ moment?

Sometimes it’s the little things that get you. Just when you start to think maybe you know some stuff, you’ll realize you don’t know so very much after all- like when my trainer points out something stupidly obvious that I should have figured out, but somehow it went completely over my head (poor lady, she doesn't get paid nearly enough to put up with me!)

This is a ‘duh’ moment that I managed to have recently (all on my own, no less- progress maybe?)

I have been trying to figure out why Abbey will sometimes break position on a stay. Does she not completely understand what I’m asking? Does she take issue with sitting on a particular surface- i.e. long grass/wet grass/ cement? Is she just giving me her version of the middle finger? I mean, she is a terrier, and rather opinionated.

It took me a pathetically long time to realize that she was breaking position when I broke eye contact with her. Eye contact had, unintentionally, become part of my cue.

As they say ‘be careful what you train for, because you’ll get it.’

~ Giz and Abbey’s Person

Another Birthday and Other Changes

Gizmo turned 13 last weekend. Doesn't seem possible, where did all those years go? It seems like just yeaterday she was a puppy and then we were starting out first agility class together. I took her to class with Abbey a few months ago and did a couple runs with her, she had a great time, but she definitely can't run like she used to. I've also noticed in the last few months that she seems to be mostly deaf now. Other than that she is the best looking 13 year old dog I've ever seen...maybe I'm a little biased though.

I finally took the plunge and switched both dogs to a raw diet. Don't think I'll ever go back to kibble, even the really good stuff. Wish I had done this years ago, they just look incredible. And after struggling with Gizmo's teeth, they are now perfect. I keep grabbing her and looking at them. I can't believe they're that clean! Next dog is going to be on raw from the start- hopefully that will happen within the next couple years.

~Giz and Abbey's Person

Out And About W/ Abbey

M’kay, so an interesting occurrence: I took my car in to have a flat tire repaired, and had Abbey with me. The place was really loud and busy, and we’d been waiting for an hour or so. Abbey was having a grand ol’ time, getting attention and treats from people. Out of nowhere, seemingly, she gets agitated and starts barking. Which was both embarrassing after everyone commented on her good temperament and behavior, and weird because she’s not a mindless yapper, if she barks she has a good reason. One of the employees comes in from the garage and comments ‘You know they’re moving your car now and she knows it. Smart dog.’

So it makes me wonder- what was her motivation? It wasn’t her happy ‘I want to go for a car ride’ behavior. It was her suspicious ‘this is wrong’ bark, which I haven’t actually heard since we ran into an angry drunk on a late night summer run last year. Did she think someone was stealing my car? Is that even a concept a dog can understand? Pretty impressive she could even hear them moving the car outdoors and at the back of the building with all the noise and air ratchets and what not going on.

~Giz and Abbey’s Person