Necklace!

http://frenchietags.com/
I love this so much!!

Bottles N Brushes

I was on the waiting list to "Paint Your Bestfriend" at Bottles N Brushes. So I was really excited when I got the call that I had a spot in class!

My plan is to return and have a complete set of dogs "Live Laugh Love"

Back to Lessons

Buddy and I ventured back to dog lessons tonight. It was great. Just us, Ginger a lab puppy, trainer's dog Meiko (black GSD) and Tommy Grammer

We were working on Stay and Come. Buddy did great, I was so proud of him. He didn't hackle, and only had one outburst when the wild puppy got close. I'm quite sure we gave the owner a mild heart attack.
I really think being around Meiko is a good thing since he is so incredibly calm.
I overheard the lab owner talking about dropping her off this Saturday for a stay at Tommy's to train. So jealous I wish we were dropping a dog off there!!

Intro to Agility with Jade!

Jade got into agility! I have no clue if she will do anything, but she can be around other dogs off leash, so we are going! I had to give her training resume on more than one occasion and since she is under 3 years old I was praying they accepted her.

Woo Hoo!
Here are some things I have been told to practice before we attend.

Sit stay
Down stay
Touch (hand)
Targeting (touch something else) like a coffee can lid

This document teaches touch but also moves into targeting

This video is what I don't want to teach, but it reminds me of targeting:

so much to remember

If we ever go out for a date and have a babysitter, the dogs MUST stay in their crate, even Jade.

Nanny Watch

This link/blog post makes so much sense. The dogs schedule is off, the baby schedule is off, leadership is not as strong=the dogs sense something is wrong and a bite could happen.

Dogs and Babies

Just for future reference you never know...

Babies have been a hot topic recently for us. Is it wrong to think, I need to talk to our dog trainer (not family doctor) before we decide to have a baby?

So many people dump their dog when they get pregnant, I feel the complete opposite. I keep questioning the dogs, like...Are you ready for us to have a baby?? HA.

Blogs:
Dogs & Storks

Family Paws

Babies and Beasts

PittieBoo's Advice:

Strangers kids = not a realistic view of how your dog will be around your baby

And from what I gather, you were holding him [dog] while showing him the baby? Bad idea. You took away his ability to flee something that distressed him. When fearful, dogs have 2 natural responses, fight or flight. By holding him, he had no choice but to display his "fight" i.e. growling and snapping.

You need to work hard on:

1. Not babying him- stop holding him or carrying him if you do; this should be reserved for the bay. Best to stop now so it's not a shock to him.

2. Introduce him to older dog savvy kids who come bearing loads of treats. If at any time your dog acts like he doesn't want to meet them, do not force the issue. Slow and steady, baby steps, etc... Forcing him will only make him dig his proverbial heels in deeper.

3. Acknowledge that he is a product of his surroundings- that'd be you. Get some professional help now. Nothing you have written is that alarming to me at all. Pretty minor stuff all in all.

4. Read my blog. Yes, changing your dog's behaviors is going to require work, but everything in life does. And really, a little dog training isn't rocket science.

5. Accept the advice given here with a teaspoon of sugar, you mentioned rehoming your dog to a large group of women who bust their ass to save homeless pets. Your pet has a home and changing homes only takes away a potential home for one of the 7-8 million animals sitting on death row yearly. They are just doing their part to make you aware even if it's a bitter pill to swallow.

About to give unsolicited advice!

So my friend rescued two kittens from the shelter. Yay for rescue!

However, they were the typical adopter who just lost a older cat and let these two cats do whatever they want because they were still sad from their loss.

Last night they mentioned declawing the kittens if they get a new couch. WOAH!

So here are some links:
Declawing: What you need to know
Anti-declawing
Catsdotcom

Exactly how much "toe" they cut off...if you declaw