Therapy Dog Test

Mom and Dad took a chance on me and tested me for the Therapy Dog International test and I passed with flying colors. Both Mom and Dad tested with me so I will be able to go visiting with either one. It will probably take a month to get my paperwork processed, but I am so excited! I was so happy to show off all my new skills and greet all the people.

Howl-O-Ween at PetSmart

We ventured over to PetSmart tonight for their Howl-O-Ween costume contest and pictures. There were lots of pets there, so it took a long time to get through the contest. Toby and I took 2nd place as fisherdogs. Of course, Mom and Dad were dressed up too. We were beat out by a dog wearing a spaceship costume. It looked like his owners spent a long time making it. Speaking of long time, we spent fur-ever waiting in line for our picture.

Halloween Happenings

Mom and Dad took Toby and I to a Howl-O-Ween parade and costume contest in Schaumburg. They divided us up into small dogsa and big dogs, so I went with Mom and Toby went with Dad. We were all fishermen. I had on my fishing vest, with lures, and a fishing hat and wicker basket. The hat was just slightly too big for me and it kept covering my eyes, which are already a bit blocked by my long fur. Anyhoo, I ended up taking 2nd place. I got a Halloween jester's collar with lots of bells and some treats as a reward. Then they had a parade around the block. Mom then got a crazy idea to have me try out the agility course they had set up AND participate in a fun run against a few other dogs. Mom and Dad were quite impressed with how well I did on many of the obstacles (the treats were a great motivator). I successfully completed 5 of the 7 obstacles, such as a panel and tire jump, weave poles, a bent tunnel and an A-frame. I ran out of time to do the chute and struggled on the dog walk. Mom felt a bit guilty having me try the dog walk (and earlier the teeter) because she knows usually you would do a lot of other work to build awareness of feet and build confidence before going on the big contacts. But I was very cooperative and had lots of fun.

A Bad Day at the Dog Park

Today I had a bad encounter at the dog park. Dad, Toby and I were almost done with our romp around the lake, when I was attacked by a white terrier slightly bigger than myself. I was on the bottom of the scuffle when Daddy came to my rescue, literally pulling us apart. He noticed my heart was really racing and I was a bit scared. The other dog's owner did leash her dog and escorted him out and gave Dad her name and number just in case. Mom and Dad didn't notice any cuts or marks on me, but I was glad to get home.

School Is In Session

Well tonight was my first "official" day of Obedience, although I was in class last week. Mom and Dad took turns working with me tonight. We started on some tricks like jumping over a pole (it was slanted and only a few inches off the ground). I was doing pretty well, until Mom decided to step on the gas and nearly dragged me around like a mop. I guess she kinda forgot which dog she was working with. Daddy worked with me on the swing and around commands to help get me in a sitting position right next to him. I did okay. We also practiced weaving around the poles, trying to avoid using the leash. I do fairly well heeling, but still need some work on the back command so I don't get too ahead on those inside turns. I did very well with the distracting noises and actions (like dropped books or the teacher running around us). And I do good on the part where Mom meets a stranger with a dog (although she would like to see me sitting a bit closer to her). Mom thinks my biggest obstacle still is having the teacher touch my paws--I tend to back away.

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks

Mom's got her mind made up that I should become a therapy dog too and therefore might need to brush up on some obedience skills to do so. So, tonight we were off to The General Pet Store that offers an obedience class in the back through Double M Obedience Training. I was excited to be able to go somewhere (other than the vet) without Toby along and doubly excited when we got there to meet new dogs and people. Mom and Dad were surprised when the instructor let them jump in with me and try out the class. The class is already in the 3rd week, but everyone thinks I'll be able to keep up. We practiced commands like a sit to a down (I did this okay), back to a sit (I didn't see the need to go back to a sit once I was comfortable in a down). The swing and around commands were new to me, but I certainly like getting treats for trying new things. I did okay with heeling and stay/come commands. There was some more things, but that's the jist of it. The instructor commented on how thin I looked and gave Mom and Dad a sample bag of Evo to try. Won't Toby be jealous.

A Little Under the Weather

Mom and Dad think I might be a little sick today. I seem to be sneezing now and then and got sick twice. But I seem to be in good spirits otherwise, even though I didn't get to go on the outing today. Last week I went to the groomers again and got another fancy Lion Cut. Mom laughs at me when my fur gets wet cause I go from very fluffy to very skinny. I went and watched my brother Toby's agility lesson last week. I was pulling at the leash to get out there are try too (well actually I could do without the equipment, I just really wanted the treats and attention Toby was getting.)

BURRRR IT'S SUMMER

Last Friday we ventured to the Wauconda dog park, my final test for the off leash challenge. I stayed with Mom and Dad although a few times I was slightly distracted and had to be reminded to follow along. My bigger challenge lately has been with the burrs that keep attaching themselves to me. Mommy is surprised how many she finds on me while brushing me. Especially since I stick pretty much to the trail, unlike my brother who goes in every which direction.

Another Amazing Day

Mom and Dad decided that since I have been doing so well off leash at the Libertyville dog park, to try their luck at a different dog park. Once again, I was a very dog boy and stayed right with them. It was very hot out today so we took the short route. We went early so there were only a few dogs there, but plenty of new and exciting smells.

What a Good Boy I Am

Mom has been so impressed with me the last few days. She has been taking me and my bro, Toby, to the dog park herself and said I did such good job. Yesterday she had treats with her and was very impressed with how quickly I have been doing my sit and down commands. She has even been teaching me how to weave between her legs. (I'm not sure why it's taken her so long to realize how smart I am.) I also got kudos for coming when called when I was in the field playing with other dogs, especially since I was a very far distance away. Mom says my tail is wagging all the time since I have more time now to interact with all my canine and people friends. Her confidence in me really grew today when she forgot the treats in the car and had to trust me to come when she called. I passed with flying colors despite several temptations of other fur friends with whom to interact. And for the grand finale, I stepped a little bit into the water myself when we stopped by the lake (okay, Mom was standing in the water too and I was hoping for a treat, but given my dislike for water she thought it was a big step).