Dogster

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My new family

Snake avoidance

Mom decided I needed to learn about rattlesnakes, so she signed me up for snake avoidance training. We went to my (our) favorite place, Bass Pro Shops. There were lots of people and dogs there. They fitted me with an e collar, which I didn't mind, and then mom handed me off to this guy I didn't know, but he was nice. He walked me up to these snakes that were coiled up on the ground and I was curious to see what they were, so I put my nose right on them and I got a big zap! I jumped up and ran away with the guy and he praised me real good. Of course the snakes have their mouths taped shut so no one gets bit. He walked me over to them again and I didn't want to go near them. I made a big circle around them, but I couldn't resist a peek. Well I got zapped again, but not as bad. We ran away again and he gave me a bunch of praise. They even went to mom and said I was awesome, most dogs take over 6 zaps, I was done with two, I knew I didn't want anything to do with them.

They then walked me to a different spot with a snake hid in the grass. Nuh uh, nope, you're not getting me near it. Again I got lots of praise and no zap. Then mom got between me and the snake and she kept calling me. I didn't know what to do, I wanted to go to her so bad. Finally I decided to go around the snake and everyone was clapping and giving me hugs, especially mom. I was so upset and happy I didn't know what to do.

Next I got to walk with mom along the walkway. What I didn't know was there was another snake hidden in a bag under a log. I couldn't see or hear it, but I smelled and when mom walked toward it I didn't want to go. She praised me again for doing so good.

Finally we walked by the first snake in plain sight and they had a recording of it rattling. Boy, did I really show everyone how to avoid that one. Mom was walking me between her and the snake and I practically pushed her in the bushes, much to the delight of the specators. Mom is really proud of me, that I learned so much quicker than any dog there. So now, not only do I know to avoid rattlesnakes, but I can warn mom and she will know if one is nearby.

Oh, and I got lots of treats and play when we got home hee hee.

You know, it may sound mean to lead a dog to something they may be curious about and then zap them. But if you live where there are snakes, or in my case go camping and hunting, this is much safer than the real thing. I know mom did this because she loves me and doesn't want anything to happen to me.

Summer fun

Ok, it's been a while since mom has updated my diary. I've done a couple more Splash Dog events, 4 so far this year. And I've won a different rosette for each one! Everyone teases mom now because she has to come get me out of the pool, heehee. I now have my official Junior title.

I have a new dad too, he is so good to me, I love him. He treats me so nice and mom says I mind him very well. They took me fishing on the boat for the first time a couple of months ago. Mom wasn't too sure how I would do so they were prepared to come in early if I didn't like it. But it was too cool! It was exciting watching the guy put bait in our tank, and while mom and dad were fishing I enjoyed watching the fish in the bait tank. Later in the day mom caught a small shark, but she wouldn't let me near it. I can't wait for another fishing trip. They also take me camping at the beach in the RV. I get to go for lots of walks in the sand, too bad I have to be on the leash all the time. And while mom and dad are out surfing I get to sleep on the bed. I'm usually pretty tuckered after a walk. Dad finds a stick and throws it for me, then I try and dig it out of the sand, great fun.

New Year Splash Dogs

Wow, another year starting for Splash Dogs. Mom decided to go on Sunday, since it was pouring on Friday and she wasn't sure about Saturday. They said that Saturday was really crowded, lots of people and dogs. I didn't do real well in distance, my best was around 12', but mom didn't care. The funniest part was that I did my best jump and mom didn't even throw the toy! I really love this sport. They also call mom the tamale lady now, because she brought everyone tamales last time we competed. And everyone loved them. She promised to bring some the next time we compete. At the end of the day they told mom I had made it to the finals, so I got to jump two more times. I wound up winning 8th place and got a really pretty brown rosette, just like me! Mom is going to try and get a picture, someone has it.

We emailed the manager at Bass Pro to thank him and found out they are plannign 3 more events, we can't wait. Plus mom sent him the picture I have as a main on my Dogster page and he loved it. He wants to use it for a collage in the store. I'm going to be famous!

For Valentines Day we're going to be in Bakersfield for another round of SD. Hopefully I can get another rosette, heehee. Mom has it hanging in our room. She was so proud of it, she took it to work to show everyone. Yup, this is my sport.