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Will Wag for Food

Training, and Dog Parks, and Treats! Oh My!

Well, it's been a dog's age since I last wrote anything. Pun intended! Hee hee. I have been very busy the past few weeks. I started what Mom calls, "Puppy School" four weeks ago. Even though I'm not a puppy she likes to call it that. Since I started puppy school, I have gotten many, many treats. I get treats when I sit, when I go down, when I walk beside Mom and when I come when called. Now, I have always enjoyed my walks but the fact that I get a constant stream of treats makes me that much more excited about walking.

The other exciting new thing is that I have gone to the Dog Park. My first day there I made sure to stay very close to Mom. I just watched a group of dogs bark, and play. After about 20 minutes, Mom started to encourage me to play. Out of nowhere, I got a burst of energy, ran right for the pack and inserted myself into the play. Mom kept calling me the General because I like to keep everyone in line, literally. Mom says that my Corgi side makes me want to herd. So I do my job, nipping at heels and bottoms, and barking to keep everyone in line. I have met dogs that are my size, smaller than me and much bigger. Mom noticed that the fur on my back raised up when I met a dog that was about three times my size. For some reason, this dog really liked me. He followed me around, barking and whining to get me to play. Finally, I put my front paws on his back and started to play. Mom thought that I was trying to ride him, since I kept jumping up trying to get on top of him. Each time I have gone to the park, I wait and check out the scene before I run around and play. I still like to know that Mom is near by and I like to jump up to lick her face so she knows how much fun I'm having.

So, following my decision to eat one of Mom's gardening gloves and destroying her favorite coffee cup (hey, plastic is fun to chew!), I went back to staying in my kennel while Mom is at work. I don't mind since I really like my kennel. Mom says she worries about me bring in there too long and says that soon she will try to leave me out (with the kennel gate open). I hope she doesn't leave out anything that I'd like to chew.

Okay, well, there is my update. Viva la dog park!

All's cold and quiet

Today's morning walk temperature: 15 degrees.

Mom and my walk today wasn't as cold as it has been. I actually didn't have to wear my booties or my coat. And because a lot of the stuff that makes my paws slide around is covered with snow, I can walk much faster.

Mom was home a lot last week but the last couple of days she's been gone for much longer. At least she leaves the TV on so that I feel like someone is around. She always says this word "work" before she shuts the door. I'm not sure what that is but I don't like it since it takes her away.

The other day I went to the store with mom and afterwards we went to what my Mom calls the "vet". All I know is that a few different people poked at me, squeezed me, and stuck things in my ears. It was cool though as I'm just an easy-going pup. I explored the little room that Mom and I sat in though I really liked sitting on the bench next to Mom. On our way home, Mom said that we'd find another vet since she didn't really like the one we saw today.

Oh, and the most exciting thing that has happened is that now I get to sleep right next to Mom at night. I used to sleep in her bed but we had some problems with that. I'm not sure why she cared that before getting into bed, I'd jump up and spread across the bed...not able to be moved by any force of nature. I used to sleep in the family room where I spend most of my day. Well, Mom must have noticed how much I enjoy sitting in the chair in the living room because she brought it into her room and put it right next to the bed. Now I sleep in the chair at night. In the morning, after the loud bells start to chime, Mom invites me to climb into bed with her and I get lots of belly rubs. Until, of course, she falls asleep. I like that the chair is so close that I can walk right over to the bed and climb in. My Mom says it's the perfect solution. I have to agree.

R.J.

Runs and Treats!

Today's temperature for morning walk: 0 degrees

Yesterday, though, it was 30 degress. Mom took me to a place that I could run without my leash and I met lots of new dogs. Luna, Merlin, and Jordan were there too. I met them last weekend on Christmas. I was a little shy then, being at their house and all, so I stayed close to Mom. The dog park was fun except for those loud cars that go over my head...Mom calls them planes.

After the dog park, Mom and I went to the pet store to buy me food and even though that is all we needed we managed to pick up treats as well. Greenies and a shin bone filed with yummy stuff. Mom brought me to a part of the store where I could get a bath and my very long nails trimmed. At first I was a little unsure about walking away without Mom but I just went along with it. I got a shampoo though I was a little afraid of the dryer. The woman who gave me a bath said that it was okay for me not to go under the dryer. She gave me lots of cookies too. After I was done, I got a neat little scarf to wear. I was glad that Mom had come back to get me. As I was leaving, everyone said how nice I looked. The woman who gave me a bath said that I was the best little doggie that she'd ever groomed. See Mom was right, I am a good boy.

Yesterday, I got a lot to eat. In addition to dinner, I got to eat one Greenie, peanut butter from a Kong, cookies at the pet store, my normal small peanut butter cookie at bed time, and the inside of the Shin bone (because my Mom caught me chewing on the wood of my toy chest). Whew! When I let out a big burp after having eaten the inside of the Shin bone, Mom realized her error in giving me too many snacks.

Today, Mom and I took a nice walk although it was so cold. I wore my booties and my jacket. Mom says that I look very nice and that she is lucky that I am so okay with wearing them. My paws get less cold when I wear the booties so I don't have to hop on three legs to let the one paw thaw out. The coat is annoying but I deal with it. I suppose it does keep me warmer and it still lets me mark every tree, pole and fence we pass.

Today, we might go to another dog park. Mom says if we do I will meet two new friends. It's supposed to be 15 degrees today, so...

R.J.