tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33409278299757964152024-03-04T21:53:01.855-08:00short pawsshort pawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182988934215627438noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340927829975796415.post-36189988149816498582013-02-02T21:49:00.001-08:002013-02-02T21:49:29.060-08:00I'm not dead yet!We've been busy....and apparently I have <a href="http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/adhd-adults" target="_blank">ADD</a> (no really, I'm seeing a specialist about it)...so posting about our canine exploits frequently gets forgotten. Looking back at my posts, I last wrote in April about what I did in February of 2012! That means I have a whole year's worth of dog-riddled fun to share with you! <br />
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First, Hoagie continued with his <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musical_canine_freestyle" target="_blank">Freestyle</a> last summer, complete with a second video. <br />
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I have to admit that I like our <a href="http://youtu.be/TD82KTUaXXM" target="_blank">first performance</a> better. I think I was trying to put some new moves in this performance that weren't quite ready. We are currently taking another freestyle class, and should have another video for you soon! Hoagie truly loves dancing, and I love dancing with him. He's a great partner and I hope to continue for as long as he's willing.<br />
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The second bit of news is really special. After all our hard work, in the middle of a rain storm, and amidst a chaotic <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conformation_show" target="_blank">conformation dog show</a>, Hoagie and I earned our first qualifying <a href="https://www.apdt.com/rally/about/" target="_blank">Rally Obedience</a> score! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing with his ribbons. Always the serious boy.</td></tr>
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It only took 3 years, and a <i>very</i> kind judge. It certainly wasn't the prettiest performance, but we squeaked by, and came out with a qualifying score and a 4th place ribbon. Now we only have to do it two more times, and Hoagie will have a bona fide <a href="http://www.akc.org/" target="_blank">AKC</a> rally obedience title. Truly, I'm thrilled with a qualifying score, and if we never do it again, I will still feel as if we accomplished something significant. This little milestone means a great deal to me, and the ribbons will always have a prominent place on my wall. It may not seem like much, but considering what we've been through to get there, that green qualifying ribbon means more than any huge trophy ever could.</div>
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And now, we can't forget about Pretzel. The little guy's also been a busy pup!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Yeah! Don't forget about me!"</td></tr>
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This December we enjoyed walking in our first Christmas Parade with <a href="http://www.slodog.com/" target="_blank">SLODOG</a>. Unfortunately we don't have any pictures of Pretzel in the parade, <a href="http://www.eatdrinkexplore.com/index.php/radio/holiday-parade#.UQ3Vyl870FA.blogger" target="_blank">but I was able to find a video online</a>. SLODOG comes up at about the 25 minute mark. Just a warning, the commentary and video quality are terrible, but we get a couple minutes of air time. Pretzel got to ride in the decorated garden cart and hammed-it-up all the way through the parade. We are definitely looking forward to next year's parade! </div>
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Stew did manage to get a couple cool pictures of other folks in the parade.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet light effects bro!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The last event of the year was probably one of Pretzel's favorites. Our friend <a href="http://www.gentlepets.com/Trainers/Katie.html" target="_blank">Katie</a> invited us to try straight track racing with the newly formed CCASH: Central Coast Association of Sighthounds (an <a href="http://www.lgra.org/" target="_blank">LGRA</a> club) Before you say it: no, pretzel is not a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sighthound" target="_blank">sighthound</a>. He's a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrier" target="_blank">terrier</a>...um, thing. The great folks at CCASH however let us try running, and Pretzel may have found his new favorite sport. All he had to do was run after a toy on a pulley system. No training, no other dogs, no need to pay attention to Mom; just run like heck. He turned out to be more enthusiastic about running than some of the actual sighthounds! I'll have to wait until next time to get some pictures of him, but in the mean time, enjoy photos of some exceptionally beautiful and graceful sighthounds.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Borzoi</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.akc.org/breeds/rhodesian_ridgeback/index.cfm" target="_blank">Rhodesian Ridgebacks</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1502840900"></span><span id="goog_1502840906"></span><span id="goog_1502840914"></span><span id="goog_1502840923"></span><span id="goog_1502840930"></span><span id="goog_1502840938"></span>Silken W<span id="goog_1502840917"></span><span id="goog_1502840918"></span>in<span id="goog_1502840903"></span><span id="goog_1502840904"></span><span id="goog_1502840909"></span><span id="goog_1502840910"></span>d<span id="goog_1502840933"></span><span id="goog_1502840934"></span>houn<span id="goog_1502840942"></span><span id="goog_1502840943"></span>ds<span id="goog_1502840907"></span><span id="goog_1502840901"> </span><span id="goog_1502840915"></span><span id="goog_1502840924"></span><span id="goog_1502840931"></span><span id="goog_1502840939"></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie's gorgeous girl, Groovy, a <a href="http://www.silkenwindhounds.org/" target="_blank">Silken Windhound</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The majestic Chi-Peka-Shihtz Terrier: Apparently built for speed.</td></tr>
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So, all in all, we've been busy people and pups. There's definitely more to share, and lots coming up soon, but that's for another blog post. More <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musical_canine_freestyle" target="_blank">Freestyle</a>, <a href="http://www.funnosework.com/home/whatisk9nosework.html" target="_blank">Nose Work</a>, and even some <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_agility" target="_blank">Agility</a> on the horizon! </div>
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Thanks for stickin' with me while I took a little writing hiatus. Because you're all awesome, have a bonus ridiculous Christmas picture! See ya'll next time!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">*We moved to Nipomo in August, so our new backyard is a bit sandy. We've taken to vacuuming a lot...</td></tr>
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<br /><span id="goog_1502840925"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1502840926"></span>short pawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182988934215627438noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340927829975796415.post-39180025480640975522012-04-24T21:32:00.000-07:002012-04-24T21:32:53.438-07:00Video evidence of my insanity.I present the long awaited video of our first Canine Freestyle performance! (There are two run throughs of our routine on the video.)<br />
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This was taken at our last <a href="http://www.gentlepets.com/Classes/FreestyleClassInfo.htm" target="_blank">Freestyle class</a> at <a href="http://www.gentlepets.com/" target="_blank">Gentle Touch Pet Training</a> back in February. I got a bit lost towards the end of the 1st run, but I think we faked-it alright. <br />
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Hoagie did fantastically, especially considering he had a bit of a traumatic run in with another dog in the class. One of our classmates lost control of her dog during their routine, and he decided to be a bit <i>forward</i> greeting Hoagie. As I may have stated before, Hoagie isn't exactly the "meet and greet" type when it comes to unfamiliar dogs. With the help of <a href="http://www.gentlepets.com/Trainers/Ivy.html" target="_blank">Ivy </a>and <a href="http://www.gentlepets.com/Trainers/Teah.html" target="_blank">Teah</a>, we were able to break things up, and after a little breather, Hoagie came out ready to shake his tail for a second run.<br />
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Despite the drama, everyone in the class did really well. It was truly entertaining watching everyone work with their canine dance partners. Between our performances I was able to get some great photos of all our classmates. The pictures came out a bit blurred due to the low light in the room, but let's just pretend they are intentionally <b><i>dramatic action shots</i><i>!</i></b> (and not just due to me avoiding distracting the dogs with the camera flash).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donna and Booker</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their pink theme was adorable!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBR9Vw0nagRjuqJJhAHoVG4s1CtT46qKXJr-FkeGHftZg7wR0VZCieLrQohcA8J3VVJDSOhr4Cs9XFF1bQUWg_1TjHpmTmXMqIJRC99Md2gktBb1h9y634AJ5iNHARKp7aiyYV5Rz4RZl/s1600/taz2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBR9Vw0nagRjuqJJhAHoVG4s1CtT46qKXJr-FkeGHftZg7wR0VZCieLrQohcA8J3VVJDSOhr4Cs9XFF1bQUWg_1TjHpmTmXMqIJRC99Md2gktBb1h9y634AJ5iNHARKp7aiyYV5Rz4RZl/s400/taz2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taz the Golden rockin' it!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nvbc6w5mt5O9_eZP_q6f89ElrrW9nU9yTqcsgDJQXT48YYMo0w6pZkAQBbAem9ydYNXHtUbpGygZORWJq7lvtUIeSFBG4jbb6IGLg0iYCy3WP9n-yAJSd-U5rkMWlLdnpyTu1O8Un4QQ/s1600/shiraz2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nvbc6w5mt5O9_eZP_q6f89ElrrW9nU9yTqcsgDJQXT48YYMo0w6pZkAQBbAem9ydYNXHtUbpGygZORWJq7lvtUIeSFBG4jbb6IGLg0iYCy3WP9n-yAJSd-U5rkMWlLdnpyTu1O8Un4QQ/s400/shiraz2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shiraz the cocker lookin' cute!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHJltHLdieWfzBKksJHwXIKfdv7Y8XWoe7xDbva1zLYDssBZ3oMawWJF2C69xxFsTNL3Ec4kOJwbvOSY4Y-K_FElp0hjXTC75wz62UJy8186XiPMY4va6W04kX4zcGfn9UhMAsyMo0zhO/s1600/teah2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHJltHLdieWfzBKksJHwXIKfdv7Y8XWoe7xDbva1zLYDssBZ3oMawWJF2C69xxFsTNL3Ec4kOJwbvOSY4Y-K_FElp0hjXTC75wz62UJy8186XiPMY4va6W04kX4zcGfn9UhMAsyMo0zhO/s400/teah2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teah, the owner of Gentle Touch with her English Cocker, Shamie.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQuPNAQhtyZIWbkqNQXyqbIfT7a_JccargpxIRxmpD9uUV6UNvZe2EVO1RH18-eDgDTYajrTu7Z__SyYKRpSqccLQINkcYP7Htkc8fVGCQykcQsAellxyqcAaJaKOTLE5zwVYMiVXEKqA/s1600/teah6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQuPNAQhtyZIWbkqNQXyqbIfT7a_JccargpxIRxmpD9uUV6UNvZe2EVO1RH18-eDgDTYajrTu7Z__SyYKRpSqccLQINkcYP7Htkc8fVGCQykcQsAellxyqcAaJaKOTLE5zwVYMiVXEKqA/s400/teah6.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the look on Teah's face in this picture.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEQ_Na2V7zb2GJN2gJ9SBayuw_jjJGCVccAUxQUqHduAOg9v3FwwKlLpM2j9iVByUVnq4ycf1xLGFsgNbePavoTpcZ-WPnKnLwUepOU6tWXIo0klh-bfdbvAY3z47oH-p5tlme3bWYqzr/s1600/FScarol2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEQ_Na2V7zb2GJN2gJ9SBayuw_jjJGCVccAUxQUqHduAOg9v3FwwKlLpM2j9iVByUVnq4ycf1xLGFsgNbePavoTpcZ-WPnKnLwUepOU6tWXIo0klh-bfdbvAY3z47oH-p5tlme3bWYqzr/s400/FScarol2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our starting pose.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLF95eX7VK2LAynqfGGKOus49nb46R_OzIPhou8cXQUmAvlGPf_qGyClQMFzjuStAjpqDIX94tvGjFuJJ5k_9bE4NRgiBTUgYnNY1AyA0hxWmI0NPjYMNCQPfqIA4B9zY-8DMHaKxq6D0f/s1600/FScarol11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLF95eX7VK2LAynqfGGKOus49nb46R_OzIPhou8cXQUmAvlGPf_qGyClQMFzjuStAjpqDIX94tvGjFuJJ5k_9bE4NRgiBTUgYnNY1AyA0hxWmI0NPjYMNCQPfqIA4B9zY-8DMHaKxq6D0f/s400/FScarol11.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome figure eights!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsVELx6mFCx8QDp1ZY35FhqH-Ko-c0fVTIqgmXm4LfiU3YdutRn7eTNU6DIyYflvOAkviJDKQDebXvBVhEhpWTSUu5Z8NC6kChpSr5ayn3A1AsbFhUS6z8HuC3ujnjaBZgrScTTONzjA-/s1600/FScarol7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsVELx6mFCx8QDp1ZY35FhqH-Ko-c0fVTIqgmXm4LfiU3YdutRn7eTNU6DIyYflvOAkviJDKQDebXvBVhEhpWTSUu5Z8NC6kChpSr5ayn3A1AsbFhUS6z8HuC3ujnjaBZgrScTTONzjA-/s400/FScarol7.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toe touches!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOcU3cIi-j7FO6SpNtaHF8cCniSmQESZRAaQbOG5pb7Z1eTP1GDVm9VtK2p8yxArpleanT_YrI-p1QmHlrYexTOu_1yWtY4DUzcJm33JBhSSVNi_mb_vhRv4BnBGs33YWW_9Cao0LQcOD/s1600/FScarol9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOcU3cIi-j7FO6SpNtaHF8cCniSmQESZRAaQbOG5pb7Z1eTP1GDVm9VtK2p8yxArpleanT_YrI-p1QmHlrYexTOu_1yWtY4DUzcJm33JBhSSVNi_mb_vhRv4BnBGs33YWW_9Cao0LQcOD/s400/FScarol9.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High five! Ta-da!</td></tr>
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Hopefully we will be able to continue working on our freestyle routine as we learn more moves and improve our skills. We had lots of fun and look forward to plenty more doggy-dancing silliness! Enjoy the video, <i>but be nice</i>, it's our first attempt. Thanks, as always for reading!<br />
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P.S. You can keep updated on all our pup related exploits by liking <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ShortPaws" target="_blank">Short Paws blog on Facebook</a>! Thanks!short pawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182988934215627438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340927829975796415.post-56797945902504741692012-04-08T13:34:00.000-07:002012-04-08T14:10:43.039-07:00Happy Birthday Pretzel!April 7th was Pretzel's 1st birthday! Yay!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vwImY-79JaertkDpzF3Q02TwGQvlzQB6hyphenhyphenc4XdNhyphenhyphen6-gaIcuZZVsvoNRbGhc6uiddwane1lXtEgYkcKZERcqTmKKZ7CvxW_VfFzuxMQSjmZnWY4pAe9sTQpLnyzbn1kWfRiBmOhyOkqU/s1600/bday1.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vwImY-79JaertkDpzF3Q02TwGQvlzQB6hyphenhyphenc4XdNhyphenhyphen6-gaIcuZZVsvoNRbGhc6uiddwane1lXtEgYkcKZERcqTmKKZ7CvxW_VfFzuxMQSjmZnWY4pAe9sTQpLnyzbn1kWfRiBmOhyOkqU/s400/bday1.jpg.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretzel looks thrilled.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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He did however have a nice day. We went to <a href="http://www.slodog.com/runthroughs.html" target="_blank">SLODOG run through</a> and handed out homemade dog cookies to all his canine friends. Everyone seemed to enjoy them. You really can't go wrong with pumpkin-peanut butter cookies!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYT76RyopHVEeMv74ioFNpNBk6a-tEt4_23nBeKxNnR3OzxujR3VheOJsAQ65kFR05P99Vg9tcdkSy3fZVpq02GKOwjY9FjrhTD_Dr5jtGLZ67YFQIEFbEset1PMKeW1tz2O0g4heO_UV/s1600/bday6.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYT76RyopHVEeMv74ioFNpNBk6a-tEt4_23nBeKxNnR3OzxujR3VheOJsAQ65kFR05P99Vg9tcdkSy3fZVpq02GKOwjY9FjrhTD_Dr5jtGLZ67YFQIEFbEset1PMKeW1tz2O0g4heO_UV/s400/bday6.jpg.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bone and squirrel shaped. Yummy!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHx2zAZV3jD3oHZV6G51mgL58RfPv30aG5lQaN7QTITtRoLo59CzyCP1hiAC37lHLvx9F_N02JEo8cOxG1SLnkbe-vbAG_Y1OjR9QeZklD7lhytvkvahacYyHa7jy25YdE4RrIOJCPvG9t/s1600/bday9.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHx2zAZV3jD3oHZV6G51mgL58RfPv30aG5lQaN7QTITtRoLo59CzyCP1hiAC37lHLvx9F_N02JEo8cOxG1SLnkbe-vbAG_Y1OjR9QeZklD7lhytvkvahacYyHa7jy25YdE4RrIOJCPvG9t/s400/bday9.jpg.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretzel certainly enjoyed his cookie. (In his favorite spot on the nice carpet, of course.) </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0-hXO2Iys1E8H1vPoZC6RPoqK2s4uMLZhzgB5OnN08dhBpXMvKJ5x3Z4olSW-DG8dsRhKTl_m0ulSAxVHaHRI_h5C9EQ-bNVN3hGoyff4McBT6VSDTq6-HJIz3fkHxHRkU8rFZjoP_KQ/s1600/bday8.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0-hXO2Iys1E8H1vPoZC6RPoqK2s4uMLZhzgB5OnN08dhBpXMvKJ5x3Z4olSW-DG8dsRhKTl_m0ulSAxVHaHRI_h5C9EQ-bNVN3hGoyff4McBT6VSDTq6-HJIz3fkHxHRkU8rFZjoP_KQ/s400/bday8.jpg.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big brother Hoagie even got a squirrel!</td></tr>
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Then, Mommy subjected the boys to the obligatory birthday photo shoot. Turns out Pretzel isn't quite the photo hound his brother is...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbgLSUcaxwAn5ROJKOqrC5wOQbnmYCgKBGAu0-mAP9ikEXDNv3s-sDAWyB_uHxpuCu_3kDnPawMMMOHm_NSpB0APBsu9Zo41SY8npF71AqIKF0tZCMlJ_ITStslTE-iB0K0nAsmOrlJxC/s1600/bday3jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbgLSUcaxwAn5ROJKOqrC5wOQbnmYCgKBGAu0-mAP9ikEXDNv3s-sDAWyB_uHxpuCu_3kDnPawMMMOHm_NSpB0APBsu9Zo41SY8npF71AqIKF0tZCMlJ_ITStslTE-iB0K0nAsmOrlJxC/s400/bday3jpg.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3MaBJtSB5BWbJBRDmhI-hsyyhUVFyNtU6iHQjcoPwtG4aS3h3UC7VkSHEh1_yVLvXmTvsLChGvo7XXZD6W6IDXv2ZQe2-goqvOgWiUMapJN0mx821CZIH94NMf3nwn0hmIwCEZSJIi2V/s1600/bday4.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3MaBJtSB5BWbJBRDmhI-hsyyhUVFyNtU6iHQjcoPwtG4aS3h3UC7VkSHEh1_yVLvXmTvsLChGvo7XXZD6W6IDXv2ZQe2-goqvOgWiUMapJN0mx821CZIH94NMf3nwn0hmIwCEZSJIi2V/s400/bday4.jpg.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MR2C-BSa4D-nY3p5t585AfhvOACivSfbUsVdmCAjY80O8wYgsfpjTBgQ2n8Zu3UFNprBxkdC3JDPtBho-LqQBKZSLuXlIQX4XYYSlbMZR9z_moG0Q4nYyg7NgSi_t1-HTHEU07Ru1Egr/s1600/bday5.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MR2C-BSa4D-nY3p5t585AfhvOACivSfbUsVdmCAjY80O8wYgsfpjTBgQ2n8Zu3UFNprBxkdC3JDPtBho-LqQBKZSLuXlIQX4XYYSlbMZR9z_moG0Q4nYyg7NgSi_t1-HTHEU07Ru1Egr/s400/bday5.jpg.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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...but he's getting better.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaQGs_SGWpR7PQMIkQOT5D-rPtOHi3O2ZHzChAXPAmn7F1qM8t_zQ4oRt3vy9NCzlUya25xw3FYgHYwnnqX4JB33Br2qYjfTR4FSB6qSGBe8Xz5XMPrLv50g58-h9vh8tBeXh4XcNZR-N/s1600/bday10.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaQGs_SGWpR7PQMIkQOT5D-rPtOHi3O2ZHzChAXPAmn7F1qM8t_zQ4oRt3vy9NCzlUya25xw3FYgHYwnnqX4JB33Br2qYjfTR4FSB6qSGBe8Xz5XMPrLv50g58-h9vh8tBeXh4XcNZR-N/s400/bday10.jpg.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at him rock that 70's background. Not every pup can pull that off!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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So happy 1st birthday to the best little Heinz 57 pup ever! It's been quite a year, especially the 8 month's he's been with us, but we're happy to have him in our little family!<br />
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Happy Birthday Pretzel!<br />
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<br />short pawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182988934215627438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340927829975796415.post-23932299914849074232012-02-18T17:53:00.000-08:002012-02-18T17:53:56.290-08:00Don't Forget Pretzel!Looking through my last couple posts, I noticed that we are lacking in Pretzel material! I have to admit, this is partially due to a lack of Pretzel pictures. Poor guy has been subject to the fate of all second children, and isn't getting his equal share of photos.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You're kidding right? How could you resist photographing this adorable mug?</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously! Look at these puppy eyes!</td></tr>
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So, I figured the little guy deserved his own training update post. Earlier this year he finished his first big-pup class: <a href="http://www.gentlepets.com/Classes/ElementaryInfo.htm">Elementary Clicker Training</a> down at <a href="http://www.gentlepets.com/">Gentle Touch</a>. There were definitely a few bumps along the way, but we both got a lot out of the class.<br />
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The first class was a great intro to clicker training, complete with a demonstration of doggy skateboarding. Seeing Blaze the <a href="http://www.akc.org/breeds/swedish_vallhund/">Swedish Vallhund</a> skateboard definitely made my day. Pretty much any dog skateboarding is crazy cute, and seeing it in person was even cuter! (I don't have a video of Blaze doing it, so enjoy this adorable Boston scooting around Paris.)<br />
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The second class, however was where our challenges started. Pretzel decided to show his hand, and remind me that he has some reactive dog tendencies.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">*hangs head in shame* I'm sorry Mom, I'm just a pup, and I'm still learning.</td></tr>
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All the dogs were much bigger than him, and after feeling a bit threatened, he cried havoc upon a <a href="http://www.akc.org/breeds/belgian_sheepdog/">Belgian Sheepdog</a> puppy. Pretzel definitely struggled through his obvious dislike for the big black dog throughout the remaining 5 weeks of class. On the up side, having floundered through this kind of thing with Hoagie, helping Pretzel through his fearfulness was comparably easy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, um, you're welcome, I guess.</td></tr>
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Besides his issues with his classmates, Pretzel and I learned lots. He now has most of the basics under his belt, and is a pro at <a href="http://www.clickertraining.com/node/289">targeting</a> and spins. We even had the time on our last meeting to learn how to ring a bell. With some extra work at home, Pretzel now happily rings a service bell for treats!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can haz hotdog?</td></tr>
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Pretzel, however, wasn't the only one to get a lot out of the class. <a href="http://www.gentlepets.com/Trainers/Ivy.html">Ivy</a> and <a href="http://www.gentlepets.com/Trainers/Lisa.html">Lisa</a> are great teachers, and I really saw how much I still have to learn. I definitely need to improve my <a href="http://www.clickertraining.com/node/2016">clicker coordination</a> and make sure I always have a <a href="http://www.clickertraining.com/node/3363">flexible plan</a> when training. Pretzel reminded me that every dog is different, and has his or her own way of learning. While Hoagie is a quick study, Pretzel requires a bit more practice to understand each behavior. On the flip side, Pretzel is far quicker to offer new behaviors, making <a href="http://www.clickertraining.com/node/1135">free shaping</a> a bit easier.<br />
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So, all in all, Pretzel and I have come a long way through his first class, but we still have a long road to travel. I'm looking forward to the trip with this wiry little pup!<br />
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PS. I haven't forgotten about my promise of embarrassing Freestyle video. Currently waiting to get the video files from the videographer. Soon...</div>short pawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182988934215627438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340927829975796415.post-33003721245899796562012-02-11T20:42:00.000-08:002012-02-11T20:48:09.700-08:00Freestylin'A couple of weeks ago I began a substantial new chapter in my decent towards total, crazy-dog-lady madness. I started taking <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musical_canine_freestyle" target="_blank">Musical Canine Freestyle</a> at <a href="http://www.gentlepets.com/" target="_blank">Gentle Touch Pet Training</a> with Hoagie. Yes, I've taken up dancing with my dog, and ya know what? We are having an absolutely wonderful time! I've been pondering this dog activity for a while, and am finally taking the plunge. Don't get me wrong; this dog sport is ridiculous. It truly takes a certain level of crazy to want to do this ↓ with your dog, much less in <i>public</i>.<br />
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I, however, have never been one to shy away from making a spectacle of myself, and I am only more pleased to have my best furry friends by my side to support me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I worked 2 summers at a Civil War living history site and did 8 years of marching band. Looking strange in public does not faze me in the least.</td></tr>
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The final incident that pushed me towards trying Canine Freestyle, was the Rally-O practice I described a couple weeks ago in this <a href="http://short-paws.blogspot.com/2012/01/senei-hoagie.html" target="_blank">blog post</a>. Hoagie and I have a lot of fun goofing around, doing tricks, and just letting him utterly ham it up! That lead to the conclusion that Musical Canine Freestyle would be perfect for the Hoagmeister!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"My public awaits."</td></tr>
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So, I look forward to keeping you updated on our progress. We've chosen our first song: : <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hwE0slNd3Y" target="_blank">"Just What I Needed"</a> by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cars" target="_blank">The Cars</a>. I believe we'll have a video of us doing our routine at the end of the class. Though video evidence of me acting weird does make me a bit nervous, I'll try and get that posted for all of you to "enjoy." Until then, we'll be practicing our <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mua6TSnEz8Q&feature=channel_page" target="_blank">leg weaves</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/pamelamarxsen#p/search/0/9bxvAWpZbqg" target="_blank">backwards heeling</a>, and spins.<br />
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In the mean time have an example of some amazing Canine Freestyle done by <a href="http://cdf-freestyle.com/">Michele Pouliot</a> and her dog <a href="http://cdf-freestyle.com/listo.htm" target="_blank">Listo</a> (who, by the way, is doing a seminar at Gentle Touch this fall!)<br />
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<br />short pawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182988934215627438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340927829975796415.post-68304757388526595412012-01-29T11:40:00.000-08:002012-01-29T11:43:03.101-08:00Resolutions and RequestsLet me start by stating that I'm not particularly one for resolutions. I tend to consider myself a bit of an "<a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Obsessionist">obsessionist</a>" and therefore easily distracted by the next exciting project, interest, or shiny object. This isn't something about myself I'm necessarily fond of, but I've come to accept it as one of my many personality flaws. Now that I think of it, perhaps my obsessionist tendencies are partially why I relate to dogs...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Need I say more?</td></tr>
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Anyway, I digress. My dislike for resolutions is occasionally overwhelmed by my desire for self-betterment. <br />
This year I have given in and made a couple resolutions. The two that concern ya'll are that I have resolved to: A.) Work with and train the dogs on a more regular basis, and B.) Blog more often.<br />
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So far I'm doing fairly well on both accounts, but it is only January, and being both a realist and an obsessionist, I see the impending need for some form of external motivation. That's where YOU come in! I am interested in what you, my faithful readers would be interested in seeing more of in this blog.<br />
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I can tell you now that, although I liked doing them, I'm not prepared to do too many more of my stick figure drawing. They are simply too time consuming. (I know, I know, they are stick figure drawings, but have you ever tried to draw with a mouse in MS Paint and make it look like something recognizable?)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good grief.</td></tr>
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I'm still going to post training updates, and report on any activities, classes, or trials I attend with the pups. That's what I started this blog to record.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoagie always wants more posts about how awesome he is!</td></tr>
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Would ya'll like to see more training information? Videos and articles? Would you be interested in book reviews? Cute pictures? A bit of everything? Anything you would like to see less of? I've put a poll on the side bar for easy voting, and also on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Short-Paws-blog/317693321586421?ref=tn_tnmn">Short Paws Blog Facebook page</a>. Feel free to comment below. We'd love to hear from you!<br />
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<br />short pawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182988934215627438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340927829975796415.post-13340113987027194622012-01-07T22:54:00.000-08:002012-01-07T23:06:35.829-08:00Sensei HoagieThe boys and I enjoyed a nice <a href="http://www.slodog.com/slodog.com/about_SLODOG.html">SLODOG</a> <a href="http://www.slodog.com/slodog.com/Run-throughs/Run-throughs.html">run through</a> today. It was another beautiful, sunny, winter day in San Luis Obispo. (Though I miss ya'll out east, I love being back in CA. It's hard to beat 70 degrees in January.) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO28mXKUenDnVdluJ-cUlTDvr2k29EkcfbXoaKS9_vGi56P0xamVBHTeBzGNU1PVaUztmEL-xNrv1M5dlvY-1PUU_wNjQZSm9eWx1cB7fvcU-TVw0mwRr9Sd0-4PHGT2ZtEi9G7zVAdlwV/s1600/poppies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO28mXKUenDnVdluJ-cUlTDvr2k29EkcfbXoaKS9_vGi56P0xamVBHTeBzGNU1PVaUztmEL-xNrv1M5dlvY-1PUU_wNjQZSm9eWx1cB7fvcU-TVw0mwRr9Sd0-4PHGT2ZtEi9G7zVAdlwV/s400/poppies.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As the new Rally Obedience organizer for run throughs, I had more on my plate than simply managing my two hooligans, but I think I fared alright. Everyone seemed to enjoy my first attempt at designing a course, and importantly, I don't think too many people got lost mid-run.<br />
<br />
Hoagie had a nice couple runs, but not before he taught me an important lesson. Hoagie apparently shares a motto with <a href="http://www.benjerry.com/">Ben and Jerry's</a> of ice cream fame: "If it's not fun, why do it?" He reminded me that training, competing, and working with dogs is supposed to be, above all, FUN!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNz76ruU_su01isxwm6GPTW6_CnBwJltzu2GXbZebazDE0ekFurwdGoXPP3LhDUrgw7raxv-WNOVIh3LFpH7rZJVHoXlq1M94Pu2ROhksioGztYOyJ_GNCIsaQG0Yw1v2xhwPiqXGbwhbi/s1600/2year+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNz76ruU_su01isxwm6GPTW6_CnBwJltzu2GXbZebazDE0ekFurwdGoXPP3LhDUrgw7raxv-WNOVIh3LFpH7rZJVHoXlq1M94Pu2ROhksioGztYOyJ_GNCIsaQG0Yw1v2xhwPiqXGbwhbi/s400/2year+006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoagie <i>does</i> love ice cream.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I started practice today by marching directly over to the Rally course with Hoagie in tow, set my shoulders, took a breath, and walked towards the first sign. I noticed fairly quickly that the pup wasn't terrible "into it." His nose hit the grass and stayed there through the first two signs. I gave him a couple gentle tugs to keep him moving. His gaze instead switched to the bushes on the other side of the park and he firmly planted his butt on the ground. He wasn't having any of it; Hoagie checked out and left no forwarding address.<br />
<br />
Sensing I wasn't going to get any more out of him for the moment, we broke course and headed over to the adjacent empty field. There we watered a couple trees, and took a mental break. We checked out the bushes he was concerned about, he earned a couple treats when he looked back to me. Together we did a few of his favorite tricks. I realized that when we started doing tricks, both of us relaxed. His face softened up, he gave me his full attention, and instead of wanting to drag me around, he happily heeled by my side. The light bulb went off above my head.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLi29m00j7gidFR-Khoj035UpMVjdJNeld1CIgtS1k6tv2ZLpx-_2rPP69PF5fcou86XjbaPB-Rz2VVnkFboQHnQsoFQZfjyMzw9jfUt4BenRQe65szcylHrs5J_DtxargrDemQ1J3nlzY/s1600/goodgrief.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLi29m00j7gidFR-Khoj035UpMVjdJNeld1CIgtS1k6tv2ZLpx-_2rPP69PF5fcou86XjbaPB-Rz2VVnkFboQHnQsoFQZfjyMzw9jfUt4BenRQe65szcylHrs5J_DtxargrDemQ1J3nlzY/s400/goodgrief.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good grief, my mom is dense sometimes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I was being <i>entirely</i> too serious about running through the Rally course. The reason we started Rally Obedience instead of formal Obedience competition was because of it's relaxed attitude, the ability to talk to and encourage your dog on course, and the emphasis on having FUN together! Heck, part of your score in a trial is whether the dog looks like he's enjoying himself!<br />
<br />
Once we were both more relaxed, Hoagie happily trotted back to the course with me. I used an upbeat tone (and a couple nibbles of cheese) to encourage him through the signs, and he gleefully obliged. We finished with a big hooray, a puppy high five, and a big bite of liver treat.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-akjDMIBZPmhnAkZwYh1CXYNpjhZQCTEo3qD6zajBr6gRVIs6ngP4wDrkRdL2bXwMqj6xSlIXQIBpURg-qH6vtMJQA8w4c8Wvj-WmVtTHEjPpSeNEwBsFmfIIguzW7O_pk7gpkfsJjKu/s1600/high5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-akjDMIBZPmhnAkZwYh1CXYNpjhZQCTEo3qD6zajBr6gRVIs6ngP4wDrkRdL2bXwMqj6xSlIXQIBpURg-qH6vtMJQA8w4c8Wvj-WmVtTHEjPpSeNEwBsFmfIIguzW7O_pk7gpkfsJjKu/s400/high5.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh yeah! Gimme some paw!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Hoagie has been, and continues to be my master teacher in all things doggy. Don't get me wrong; the folks at <a href="http://www.gentlepets.com/">Gentle Touch Pet Training</a>, and <a href="http://www.canineacademy.org/">Canine Academy</a> are amazing instructors! I've also learned tons from incredible dog authors such as <a href="http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/">Patricia McConnell</a>, <a href="http://certifiedanimalbehaviorist.com/bios/klondo.html">Karen London</a>, and <a href="http://www.clickertraining.com/">Karen Pryor</a>. Hoagie however is the Mr. Miyagi to my Daniel-san. He's taught me an unbelievable amount about how his little puppy brain works, the relationship humans have with animals, and the importance of learning to relax and have fun!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxAryobJj3ui7IQA0UIgeOhWLhoDx3PAmIuyZJjbmdRduKOEPyoGdEpm_adPaMlaYwRv3hGoarguvCUUNNdewkv-r0NYZT3JufxaMx0_d6ugpVgxRVm69rveeqX5_zH_Ll0zeZMacTm_O/s1600/teacherHoagie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxAryobJj3ui7IQA0UIgeOhWLhoDx3PAmIuyZJjbmdRduKOEPyoGdEpm_adPaMlaYwRv3hGoarguvCUUNNdewkv-r0NYZT3JufxaMx0_d6ugpVgxRVm69rveeqX5_zH_Ll0zeZMacTm_O/s640/teacherHoagie.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teacher Hoagie wants you to hit the books.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Today Hoagie reminded me that we ought to do dog sports because our <i>dogs</i> enjoy them. I could have forced him to finish that first attempt. I could have yanked him around the course, scolding him for sniffing and pleading for his attention. Would that have been fun for either of us?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEs0i9CpnFeBARbfj6VchpbVwjyMVhSMrKAmQca6Ek-xzVgeWDoU1sPagXTdIs9cE32QaAlQ5ekKJCVPxnKlx8OfkRy36wb9UXAFJ5jgpftXHf0MisfYObWw-ggLMYQxKWtGlQZ14VAlAX/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEs0i9CpnFeBARbfj6VchpbVwjyMVhSMrKAmQca6Ek-xzVgeWDoU1sPagXTdIs9cE32QaAlQ5ekKJCVPxnKlx8OfkRy36wb9UXAFJ5jgpftXHf0MisfYObWw-ggLMYQxKWtGlQZ14VAlAX/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Skeptical Hoagie is skeptical.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
So, instead, here's to many more fun practices with my pooches! Here's to happy pups and a relaxed dog Mom. Here's to doing it for the dog, not for the ribbons and titles!<br />
<br />
I look forward to many more lessons with my puppy professor. As long as I'm ready to listen, Hoagie has plenty to teach.<br />
<br />
<i>And</i> now, with Pretzel in the house, I have a second professional perspective to learn from! (And you can bet the Terrier School of Doggy Education definitely has a challenging new curriculum for me to study.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiyYgMBg9xgPYZbuKJJtJACaOIFAZz6NBt2_8055uu5fUWfHc9BpnAPIqmG0dBnv05B3G9VsnqT1qUZR91EC308eIFemK7xybjy9wQR8kBalXf72Ld5AT186MOHLi_F-nygyCEIJHnkoU/s1600/DSC_0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiyYgMBg9xgPYZbuKJJtJACaOIFAZz6NBt2_8055uu5fUWfHc9BpnAPIqmG0dBnv05B3G9VsnqT1qUZR91EC308eIFemK7xybjy9wQR8kBalXf72Ld5AT186MOHLi_F-nygyCEIJHnkoU/s400/DSC_0454.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Professor Pretzel says: "This <i>will</i> be on the test."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Have fun listening to your dogs! They definitely have lots to teach, as long as you are willing to listen!<br />
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<b><i>P.S. Yes, I do love staging elaborate and silly dog photos. Don't judge me! You know it's cute!</i></b><br />
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<br />short pawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182988934215627438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340927829975796415.post-70481577237930949462011-12-31T22:34:00.000-08:002012-01-29T11:42:19.004-08:00Happy New Year 2012!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vR5VEQjUz98f-HimTVABO86knLuqk4Sm-wQGX-5fEONySGqkfJdWmm8G-8a6hQxz2Z5k36cmZGKChgyQ3l_tgNM7-Cd4z4RqfqHWiiWHnTRCqXqGtrUQ-pluZ3OMq8TJg36UmAlFIRp_/s1600/happy+new+year+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vR5VEQjUz98f-HimTVABO86knLuqk4Sm-wQGX-5fEONySGqkfJdWmm8G-8a6hQxz2Z5k36cmZGKChgyQ3l_tgNM7-Cd4z4RqfqHWiiWHnTRCqXqGtrUQ-pluZ3OMq8TJg36UmAlFIRp_/s640/happy+new+year+2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year from all of us! Wishing you a happy and healthy 2012!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As you can see, we are a house full of party animals...</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MxTWFwdkyj_5AGtVYnvH5aoGDtsmVItJvbK9TqBTpPYAD4rGLGHDNr1ofcxbBNsca7U-iBGfC6mK5xWepv5XeZuETRD2rFQB46Nmwtp3Th4xHUdg0zhyMGOQAzUsxhJRBgxDoHfZ-sl2/s1600/newyears2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MxTWFwdkyj_5AGtVYnvH5aoGDtsmVItJvbK9TqBTpPYAD4rGLGHDNr1ofcxbBNsca7U-iBGfC6mK5xWepv5XeZuETRD2rFQB46Nmwtp3Th4xHUdg0zhyMGOQAzUsxhJRBgxDoHfZ-sl2/s640/newyears2012.JPG" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pups both fell asleep watching Kathy Griffin make Anderson Cooper feel awkward. I guess they just don't appreciate comedy gold.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a fun and safe New Years Eve, however you spend it!</span><br />
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<br />short pawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182988934215627438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340927829975796415.post-42165030989248895092011-12-30T01:20:00.000-08:002011-12-30T20:57:55.476-08:00Introducing Pretzel!Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, Saturnalia, <a href="http://www.venganza.org/2010/12/fsmas-roundup/">FSMas</a>, etc. Despite a rough start to December, with unexpected surgeries amidst the usual holiday shenanigans, we actually had a rather nice Christmas.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0avD7jQKp-6dfYGnMkFHyVKuOS7b48DBN8i0Be4pP2Y2ZktN3_S5IOnnwfQ13sT6i5lwKZWYls6sWb1JAbxnsgVnvbflXWMFj7riuXP4TDfetiUf4NeX12QNTR93pMUhenJkZmWzuzeg/s1600/DSC_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0avD7jQKp-6dfYGnMkFHyVKuOS7b48DBN8i0Be4pP2Y2ZktN3_S5IOnnwfQ13sT6i5lwKZWYls6sWb1JAbxnsgVnvbflXWMFj7riuXP4TDfetiUf4NeX12QNTR93pMUhenJkZmWzuzeg/s400/DSC_0175.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emo-Hoagie doesn't care about the pretty Christmas tree... or he could just be staring at Daddy holding a cookie behind the camera...the world may never know.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Much good food and quality family time was had by all! The pups were quite happy in their jaunty jingle bell collars, chewing on new squeaky toys. Hoagie's cousin Cocoa, was very pleased with her new light bulb shaped squeaky.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcOs8L0V0XLuQm7ta1_9WNwi7Pc4YQz3DphfWnzY1jdygBv8Da_truCsfs5N3rMvEUfcFajvpW9MCuMKTRi4mdutE4R_lvqh8uuHaoXp0-vi1uV2s7TDC0VgnP07tm-3bgQ7PX9t6yLdV/s1600/30325_606042828450_29906388_34840623_746082_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcOs8L0V0XLuQm7ta1_9WNwi7Pc4YQz3DphfWnzY1jdygBv8Da_truCsfs5N3rMvEUfcFajvpW9MCuMKTRi4mdutE4R_lvqh8uuHaoXp0-vi1uV2s7TDC0VgnP07tm-3bgQ7PX9t6yLdV/s400/30325_606042828450_29906388_34840623_746082_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cocoa thinks she heard another squeaky on the beach.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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All this talk of happy holiday pups may lead you to the question, "But Carol, in your last post you had a picture of two adorable dogs in front of your Christmas tree. Who was that dapper little scamp in the green sweater?" Well, my astutely observant friend, let's have another look at that idyllic scene of holiday cheer.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntcKsaadDI1Vn25zPi9FS1sDbgmR79hspnJsBRgMl2p43IrPJKjpg8HvOAoP6a8NMfXRVih138Q4h6lJB7It-mnCt3AFRUbojh78IUtiXn0MQj4jN6d-Bj5Ih9DfcNi6zBuiOJqlHUcDy/s1600/Xmas2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntcKsaadDI1Vn25zPi9FS1sDbgmR79hspnJsBRgMl2p43IrPJKjpg8HvOAoP6a8NMfXRVih138Q4h6lJB7It-mnCt3AFRUbojh78IUtiXn0MQj4jN6d-Bj5Ih9DfcNi6zBuiOJqlHUcDy/s400/Xmas2011.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why there is a new little face in that picture. Awww... the cuteness is almost painful.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'd like to formally introduce the newest edition to our family: <i><b>Pretzel!</b></i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0T8SCTESnuqszVJz7M4qZb88lSQ9LLK3vf-gXamDmcr7uBHFroCaAb9t4LG_7LNjSyjmNkVDAbkvO_B5zOb4RbtZ8EoZLIGtpc3Qm1M59UymmDZFWjxRrmSG8E08iS6NfXu5floRL204y/s1600/phonepics+207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0T8SCTESnuqszVJz7M4qZb88lSQ9LLK3vf-gXamDmcr7uBHFroCaAb9t4LG_7LNjSyjmNkVDAbkvO_B5zOb4RbtZ8EoZLIGtpc3Qm1M59UymmDZFWjxRrmSG8E08iS6NfXu5floRL204y/s400/phonepics+207.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sad puppy-dog-eyes" is his super power.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">Pretzel is a 9 month old super-mutt (mutt + mutt = super cute mutt). As far as I understand he's a Chi-Peka-Shihtz-Terrier-mix. He came from a co-worker who, due to some unfortunate circumstances, was unable to care for him anymore. We've had him now for about 5 months (I know, I know, I'm a bit slow on the updates. The pups keep me pretty busy.). He's a bright little dude with a lot of personality, and we are happy to have him as the newest member of our furry family.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Pretzel is currently enrolled in his first "big pup" class, <a href="http://www.gentlepets.com/Classes/ElementaryInfo.htm">Elementary Clicker</a> at <a href="http://www.gentlepets.com/">Gentle Touch</a>. He's doing well, but it's very clear that he will provide plenty of fodder to interesting training posts. His terrier nature makes him a very different type of dog to train. He's already taught me a lot! In addition, he's my very first puppy, and this is my first time having two dogs. I've certainly got my hands full now! I just received my copy of</span><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span id="btAsinTitle"><a href="http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/product/feeling-outnumbered">Feeling Outnumbered? How to Manage and Enjoy Your Multi-Dog Household</a> by the always awesome <a href="http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/about-us.html">Patricia McConnell, Ph.D.</a> and <a href="http://www.apdt.com/conf/archive/2008/speakers/bio_london.aspx">Karen London, Ph.D</a>. I think I may also have to re-read my copies of <a href="http://controlunleashed.net/book.html">Control Unleashed</a> and <a href="http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/product/the-feisty-fido">Feisty Fido</a>. They don't call 'em "Terrier Terrorists" for nothin'! All in all though, Pretzel is a fantastic little guy, who I look forward to enjoying for many happy years. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="btAsinTitle"><br /></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SDgH8FT8AV5FTtKBjXPnFwlmErQZbJ4oG4eO3lExQ5GCCV3LtSl31p5XLQOEHEK8kn2QrOxhvY9sDw3qGi571-xLeA5ORXJdebIdRT4DoFLU3pXTZFl8JCQsvfuDQLKkW3GPHkcYYQvr/s1600/phonepics+205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SDgH8FT8AV5FTtKBjXPnFwlmErQZbJ4oG4eO3lExQ5GCCV3LtSl31p5XLQOEHEK8kn2QrOxhvY9sDw3qGi571-xLeA5ORXJdebIdRT4DoFLU3pXTZFl8JCQsvfuDQLKkW3GPHkcYYQvr/s400/phonepics+205.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new little couch warmer.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="btAsinTitle">On a different note, I have a few housekeeping things: </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="btAsinTitle">First, I'd like to welcome anyone from BlogPaws to my blog! </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="btAsinTitle">Secondly, a while back I added an RSS feed button up top<span style="font-size: small;"><b>,</b></span> so if you are interested, be sure to add me to your feed or reader list. I've also made a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Short-paws-blog/317693321586421">facebook page for the blog</a>, so be sure to like short paws or share a post or two on facebook!</span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span id="btAsinTitle">Thanks for reading and have a Happy New Year! </span></b></span></i><br />
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<br />short pawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182988934215627438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340927829975796415.post-8094921225654644452011-12-24T17:41:00.000-08:002012-01-29T11:41:31.459-08:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Merry Christmas!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinE27kgyaCXYgU8zW_UEJ-_fsobQtN7lgy4XEItFJuQGglOzxZgjOnKNr84dYWe63uJbV7SDxcLwXONLsrT7vl1fDaLlE1NIXg8Ui2pmlSql0TBc1yyrZBY4NocVrX04z5g1o_hZB-pUwY/s1600/Xmas2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinE27kgyaCXYgU8zW_UEJ-_fsobQtN7lgy4XEItFJuQGglOzxZgjOnKNr84dYWe63uJbV7SDxcLwXONLsrT7vl1fDaLlE1NIXg8Ui2pmlSql0TBc1yyrZBY4NocVrX04z5g1o_hZB-pUwY/s640/Xmas2011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just a quick note to say Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our home to you. Wishing you and yours much health and happiness in the coming New Year!</span></div>
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<div style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Much love,</span></i></div>
<i style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Carol, Stew, Draco, Pesto, Hoagie and Pretzel</span></span></i><br />
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<br />short pawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182988934215627438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340927829975796415.post-83684700071111469412011-11-05T21:19:00.000-07:002011-11-05T21:29:23.583-07:00"What a summer!" Part 2:<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>In which Hoagie makes his Mommy very proud...</i></span></div>
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And now for the long awaited good news! (Sorry it took so long to post this!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WfaEhCrLXYGSQ_3bd-ctBGVPD_9pRLqEjzUVt_N2LZXrHCCBtwx2Q2k-tO-hBDkcYxYY31DgJRCsbO2zzjy5CFc2Nxc0pzwwqT0Hag9gURUvmPvJgawZlqWGEMhJLbqhlqF_qJKl3RqG/s1600/0424+download+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WfaEhCrLXYGSQ_3bd-ctBGVPD_9pRLqEjzUVt_N2LZXrHCCBtwx2Q2k-tO-hBDkcYxYY31DgJRCsbO2zzjy5CFc2Nxc0pzwwqT0Hag9gURUvmPvJgawZlqWGEMhJLbqhlqF_qJKl3RqG/s320/0424+download+038.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applause for good news!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On July 17th Hoagie and I competed in our first Scent Work trial. It was held at </span><a href="http://www.calguard.ca.gov/cslo/Pages/default.aspx" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Camp San Luis Obispo</a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> at the </span><a href="http://www.calguard.ca.gov/cslo/Pages/officer_club.aspx#" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Officer's Club</a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> and was hosted by </span><a href="http://www.gentlepets.com/" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Gentle Touch Pet Training </a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(the folks we take scent work classes from).</span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We woke up early, packed up the car for a long day, and headed down the hill.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The day started out with the vehicle search. Hoagie just about dragged me across the parking lot, directly to the truck where the hide was located. He didn't even take a second look at the other two vehicles! He made it obvious early on, that he was on his game!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRv1QlkKzzUCe2RJgK75Vmo7TC6psBVCUPEmMF9llt4SMS_lW_apF62oIiK5mtwA-XirmEeBF58L8gc5WKoc-eXS4HlrB0EMxIWsDg6cX-0yPrnN9JA5xcy7RAUel_wGyp4kVlHwaB9wam/s1600/VehicleJuly2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRv1QlkKzzUCe2RJgK75Vmo7TC6psBVCUPEmMF9llt4SMS_lW_apF62oIiK5mtwA-XirmEeBF58L8gc5WKoc-eXS4HlrB0EMxIWsDg6cX-0yPrnN9JA5xcy7RAUel_wGyp4kVlHwaB9wam/s640/VehicleJuly2011.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Duh Mom! It's right here in the trailer plug! Give me something harder!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> We then went on to the interior search. Hoagie did a fantastic job of "working to source." He narrowed down the search area to pinpoint exactly where the scent was. Score two successful hides for Hoagie! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I later found out that we earned a P for Pronounced on the two morning elements. That means that the judges thought we did especially well working as a team on the vehicle and interior searches. Go team Hoagie!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After lunch came the hardest part of an NW1 trial (at least for Capt. Distractible): <i>the dreaded exterior search!</i> *Duh dun DUUUN!* </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hoagie, however, did spectacularly. It was a really big search area, and he worked through the whole space, all the way to source. He did take his time getting all the way around, and made me little a nervous. When I got our score sheets back I found out that we only had about 31 seconds left of the three minute time limit! Hoagie certainly cut it close!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So we were 3 for 3 going into the last element; the container search. The pressure was really on! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On the way into the container room, the trial photographers snapped my favorite picture of Hoagie doing nose work. The picture shows just how excited Hoagie was about getting to work. He's blown pas the start line, and even got his tongue out, licking up the scent!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonaoH06Epy61dbcTvHTyUTl7vRciRmxRVK0xBiI0MUHx08sQrhSmxmL5nh17JkMfYPX5zRiQdYGUZMC3JpMs6KFv3mGgVXDZuA6IuAitgao_xXoL7lWGb06zd6E1UmZ4yfPDabQ9b-ZR1/s1600/ContainerJuly2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonaoH06Epy61dbcTvHTyUTl7vRciRmxRVK0xBiI0MUHx08sQrhSmxmL5nh17JkMfYPX5zRiQdYGUZMC3JpMs6KFv3mGgVXDZuA6IuAitgao_xXoL7lWGb06zd6E1UmZ4yfPDabQ9b-ZR1/s640/ContainerJuly2011.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Lemme at 'em! Lemme at 'em!"</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">About 42 seconds after the above picture was taken, Hoagie earned his very first title!!! Yay Hoagie!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWO3oQbzIHHcLz3IZaN4g9zcfX2WnqB-2IrwNR0lW0Sdzw3tjTOexza2yrdoKNrk31K51vpt_GuFb6dSR4CB-Nd5GgkdGenlE6-udCSyLEdlmc0HKwnlQeZQiidMKPkcL0CWo2PjlJ24Ro/s1600/phonepics+211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWO3oQbzIHHcLz3IZaN4g9zcfX2WnqB-2IrwNR0lW0Sdzw3tjTOexza2yrdoKNrk31K51vpt_GuFb6dSR4CB-Nd5GgkdGenlE6-udCSyLEdlmc0HKwnlQeZQiidMKPkcL0CWo2PjlJ24Ro/s320/phonepics+211.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud Hoagie is proud!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So Hoagie ended his summer on a high note, with an NW1 title, and a very spiffy ribbon! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIv7cgnnVw1p-VG8MG6yFfhTxoDscrdWDCGx8GsO9tj6I-dha-NhsyuX5aeV6SEojPp0xqbCdxAZPZ2NtvPKKSef1cmCAJCsJsLtGHOemE5-towYmwqPlsIcAOZ_9ICd4ytHdIet6F210/s1600/hoagwithribbon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIv7cgnnVw1p-VG8MG6yFfhTxoDscrdWDCGx8GsO9tj6I-dha-NhsyuX5aeV6SEojPp0xqbCdxAZPZ2NtvPKKSef1cmCAJCsJsLtGHOemE5-towYmwqPlsIcAOZ_9ICd4ytHdIet6F210/s320/hoagwithribbon.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Check out the spiffy ribbon I earned!"</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We worked hard, had lots of fun, and will continue to work towards NW2 along with his other obedience work. Stay tuned for lots more nose work fun to come!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Feel free to check out more pictures of the trial on the <a href="http://greglugophoto.exposuremanager.com/g/july17nw1">NACSW website here.</a> Greg Lugo Photography also took the great trial photos above (the vehicle and container search photos).</span><br />
<br />short pawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182988934215627438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340927829975796415.post-33946631930034371672011-10-23T20:25:00.000-07:002011-10-23T20:25:59.128-07:00Happy 2nd Adoption Anniversary Hoagie!<br />
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Today is the 2nd anniversary of the day we adopted Hoagie! What a 2 years it has been! In honor of his special day I am just going to post some of my favorite pictures of my wonderful pooch Hoagie. Enjoy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbheljK42dSeQWi9Ar9yT_szAKHgqhEOr7ohb9xVcj8royP_r_DUNzTFI2n-pNybWOHnAeESGcL5hAqyvwdmClZfmwQ5f_F2jWzQvmR3G86PevPritRbutG0_XDP-1J9y4mnivL-KlYh9r/s1600/phonepics+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbheljK42dSeQWi9Ar9yT_szAKHgqhEOr7ohb9xVcj8royP_r_DUNzTFI2n-pNybWOHnAeESGcL5hAqyvwdmClZfmwQ5f_F2jWzQvmR3G86PevPritRbutG0_XDP-1J9y4mnivL-KlYh9r/s320/phonepics+028.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of the very first pictures we have of Hoagie. This was
taken on the day we adopted him, right outside the SLO County animal
shelter. He looks very happy to have a new home!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjor6Vxuq7rBr6R4yZPRfAlPCl90RhzAmmYS7TbFVbrqiJE7GJI89VMcEonaOZiouRwEebblCHtoBxg06UZ_s3Cyc-cN5PzM7jk_YvWk0vS0JjkYaZ12Zr0P2mI96qLW3-zqu6mHGGVj6OF/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjor6Vxuq7rBr6R4yZPRfAlPCl90RhzAmmYS7TbFVbrqiJE7GJI89VMcEonaOZiouRwEebblCHtoBxg06UZ_s3Cyc-cN5PzM7jk_YvWk0vS0JjkYaZ12Zr0P2mI96qLW3-zqu6mHGGVj6OF/s320/DSC_0014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoagie lookin' awful cute at A Dog's Day 2011</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zuvqNFTM_Ow-Wu78kagARpybYhKYBY6GFOh224xPjQi2hfIB86mH06ByUnTxDT0zIj3t51Li_cny7ypARu3flkyeqVE49_Draub5WvT0BtGWI2_q1hoFDM28e3_8Nl7WdWzAahFWYc5a/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zuvqNFTM_Ow-Wu78kagARpybYhKYBY6GFOh224xPjQi2hfIB86mH06ByUnTxDT0zIj3t51Li_cny7ypARu3flkyeqVE49_Draub5WvT0BtGWI2_q1hoFDM28e3_8Nl7WdWzAahFWYc5a/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of Hoagie's favorite spots in the house: surveying the backyard for the invading squirrel and lizard hordes. Draco often supervises.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUg8elbC0yF60whY7Icoiz2RvoZ-KdFYziU85PD2JWaA-5QNWuVYwji3NS_5HLmRAVASfZulFm_MbYChDMOlaMEkTdFDcoYCdD0llXtjP7YamlQ8aqOI9IHNESPucGvZQ1JDUTVbG8hAh0/s1600/phonepics+060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUg8elbC0yF60whY7Icoiz2RvoZ-KdFYziU85PD2JWaA-5QNWuVYwji3NS_5HLmRAVASfZulFm_MbYChDMOlaMEkTdFDcoYCdD0llXtjP7YamlQ8aqOI9IHNESPucGvZQ1JDUTVbG8hAh0/s320/phonepics+060.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another of Hoagie's favorite spots: lounging on the couch, preferably belly up for better belly-rub access.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfoJpWRv9XTRTifrqnALbiPArPt-BRy90DJfNY9a36_1hNcaXwL4U1nT4qHv9kGNGo8iRmiyoJ0Q0bZnq-LgCLDfwSvBtIY9CwNrP1EgxM7ekUUhy4AFRImMYPFBy1mg5vxJWg1-rAART/s1600/100_1616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfoJpWRv9XTRTifrqnALbiPArPt-BRy90DJfNY9a36_1hNcaXwL4U1nT4qHv9kGNGo8iRmiyoJ0Q0bZnq-LgCLDfwSvBtIY9CwNrP1EgxM7ekUUhy4AFRImMYPFBy1mg5vxJWg1-rAART/s320/100_1616.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoagie lookin' super sharp at an obedience run-through with his Doggles. You wish you were this cool.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfOQOOmvnUTz7wJMfkRASD4cDge_y7lr9OOj-k47le2T6YE2FgpIoxRK0ttEdaW8tmLSPh9LH9aqN9mlnVl8hvgwT23nX8ZJcMwj3sxaUlKkwFDV5DFk1d7cStrdM4VLDUODMjX7rLMsI/s1600/WiggleWaggle2011+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfOQOOmvnUTz7wJMfkRASD4cDge_y7lr9OOj-k47le2T6YE2FgpIoxRK0ttEdaW8tmLSPh9LH9aqN9mlnVl8hvgwT23nX8ZJcMwj3sxaUlKkwFDV5DFk1d7cStrdM4VLDUODMjX7rLMsI/s320/WiggleWaggle2011+056.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoagie doin' his sniffing magic at the nose work demo at this year's Wiggle Waggle Walk for Woods (yesterday).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIArY46SzkcGgPlD8Tl_pkl3paR_DcUaB54oUrUY2e9flKOE7m0-n_JjS9MUJePzBzUbxgSl2b007W9WkM98bfI9sIxNUDp-5lNBRDI5dd94Rppt5iIiP0LaQ7P8VQGcsmm933Dtt3E9g/s1600/WiggleWaggle2011+083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIArY46SzkcGgPlD8Tl_pkl3paR_DcUaB54oUrUY2e9flKOE7m0-n_JjS9MUJePzBzUbxgSl2b007W9WkM98bfI9sIxNUDp-5lNBRDI5dd94Rppt5iIiP0LaQ7P8VQGcsmm933Dtt3E9g/s320/WiggleWaggle2011+083.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption">Hoagie sportin' his new Italian Hoagie Sandwich costume at Wiggle Waggle. Everyone had to take his picture in his cute new getup.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.woodshumane.org/wiggle4.asp">Wiggle Waggle</a> was a blast this year. Hoagie did great with all the other dogs and was a perfect gentleman. He once again proved how far we have come together in only 2 years!</div>
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Now on with the anniversary celebration! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTcQ_cmEaDkaRLIoICDNp9d9poglvDbFkD9aGYZu1Z7_P-UlrinHj9SMkN_GGXWuCqjiZA8nZ-pc71KQNNe4xjyG1A0BI_buE_ZLo3W0olJ67CKCLoimwxF5Ie3G_qbQg0kTidinbjZ0O/s1600/2year+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTcQ_cmEaDkaRLIoICDNp9d9poglvDbFkD9aGYZu1Z7_P-UlrinHj9SMkN_GGXWuCqjiZA8nZ-pc71KQNNe4xjyG1A0BI_buE_ZLo3W0olJ67CKCLoimwxF5Ie3G_qbQg0kTidinbjZ0O/s320/2year+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoagie looks slightly less than happy about his anniversary hat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrEAZCU9-oOgjPoBRa2Ywa1bvmfVvB0bd255e3CVvFPTbhhn9TR5cxk30b4oJH57jp2oJwB9La_AGF_pSJw1r-JtAays60Ug0D25jJ46q9HZQEJqtfHZyDtAgIuxownHINEP-2EMZ6vyY/s1600/2year+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrEAZCU9-oOgjPoBRa2Ywa1bvmfVvB0bd255e3CVvFPTbhhn9TR5cxk30b4oJH57jp2oJwB9La_AGF_pSJw1r-JtAays60Ug0D25jJ46q9HZQEJqtfHZyDtAgIuxownHINEP-2EMZ6vyY/s320/2year+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's much better. Lookin' proud in his hat, and hungry for his special cake. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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His cake is a <a href="http://www.docburnsteins.com/dogburnsteins/index.php">frozen dog treat from Doc Burnstein's</a> with two duck jerky candles. They did a great job with the recipe for their frozen dog treats, Hoagie loves them, and because they are soy and tofu, they don't upset his delicate constitution! (<a href="http://www.docburnsteins.com/">Doc Burnstein's</a> people ice cream is a-m-a-z-i-n-g too!)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-ZjSJhU9c9jNOdR_MieDGsZqzkUXTxbtEENQUgZZK9AMq0G9tptt1PdjLRPrblsfZHH2u017G9bMZ4d7NTzfESPr6SgiVu2Q_-27BUmaXvXquB0hIIuFCaGjCvfzPYog4Uen9vVuhNiy/s1600/2year+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-ZjSJhU9c9jNOdR_MieDGsZqzkUXTxbtEENQUgZZK9AMq0G9tptt1PdjLRPrblsfZHH2u017G9bMZ4d7NTzfESPr6SgiVu2Q_-27BUmaXvXquB0hIIuFCaGjCvfzPYog4Uen9vVuhNiy/s320/2year+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoagie nomming on his anniversary treat!<br />
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So all-in-all, it's been a heck of a couple years, and we look forward to many more years of fun together!</div>
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<br />short pawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182988934215627438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340927829975796415.post-78419839005271922692011-08-20T20:22:00.000-07:002011-08-20T20:25:01.611-07:00"What a summer!" Part 1:<i><span style="font-size: large;">In which Hoagie visits his happy place and doesn't invite Mommy...</span></i><br />
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Holy patootie! What a summer. Full of dog related ups and downs! I think because I have so much to tell (and because I have a slightly sub-par attention span) I will split this up into a couple posts. I'll start with the not-so-great news.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJid76wZXKPjU7LYV0BJ1c6XdPcEddDGfjyMT4GBinmFw3GtxpC_rnACZxfv3SuDtVezJyEk12t12zHXUG692IQFQYIX75XpZWJK2cALc9TpUBupHzmCtSBJE5a9zicOK4MBjv_nNKYGKO/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJid76wZXKPjU7LYV0BJ1c6XdPcEddDGfjyMT4GBinmFw3GtxpC_rnACZxfv3SuDtVezJyEk12t12zHXUG692IQFQYIX75XpZWJK2cALc9TpUBupHzmCtSBJE5a9zicOK4MBjv_nNKYGKO/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sad Hoagie doesn't like bad news.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>In my last post mentioned the <a href="http://coastasc.org/index.htm">COAST ASC</a> trial in Cayucus. This was our very first Rally-O trial, and well...Hoagie and I bombed. Hoagie essentially shut down. After lots of thought, I believe there were two main reasons behind our double NQ (two non-qualifying scores).<br />
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First, I think the trial environment was way over Hoagie's current distraction threshold. We were out on a working ranch, with a herding trial going on in the next field over. In addition, Hoagie had the spectacular "luck" of having two cows walk right by the trial ring just as we started our first run. *<i>awesome</i>* In addition, the coastal wind through the little valley we were in was incredible; like sent-a-soft-crate-with-cattle-dog-inside-tumbling-across-the-field, incredible. That poor dog may never trust his soft-crate again. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoua6JEeILRdxF35NWR1lQubGaqYpK-edzxFKigPfgqvgInDQlR1PJySELwXUQ3YbXplPWhosW6f4EgsVPE_M-fUKzmtvXT5AhXFqg7FKzzJ87FOavaHWrNaF9Gwsp52IJy16ZIxd1eE_E/s1600/evilcrate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoua6JEeILRdxF35NWR1lQubGaqYpK-edzxFKigPfgqvgInDQlR1PJySELwXUQ3YbXplPWhosW6f4EgsVPE_M-fUKzmtvXT5AhXFqg7FKzzJ87FOavaHWrNaF9Gwsp52IJy16ZIxd1eE_E/s320/evilcrate.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evil crate is evil.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The wind was so bad that the judges started taking down their shade tent during my second run to prevent it from blowing away. The environment was definitely not ideal for a first trial; however I really don't think that was the main issue.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsfwI9ZkJbK57hsJNxVr7H_6buxybrm0YYUtltbkjZi8izT8d4OxdYW38PDMZEBZNpPMBW7CcIkR0QhC3_iONScwJOQDUHI4Pl3N7NsbmI2AnMg_qEY2bR9RcrCLXqWG8j9IhjlmgFNaH/s1600/marypoppinstent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsfwI9ZkJbK57hsJNxVr7H_6buxybrm0YYUtltbkjZi8izT8d4OxdYW38PDMZEBZNpPMBW7CcIkR0QhC3_iONScwJOQDUHI4Pl3N7NsbmI2AnMg_qEY2bR9RcrCLXqWG8j9IhjlmgFNaH/s640/marypoppinstent.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Unfortunately, I think the main problem was that I was way too stressed out, and Hoagie picked up on that. I couldn't get him to pay attention, on- or off-course. Poor guy wouldn't even look me in the eye, and I could tell he was feelin' my nerves. It really would seem that Hoagie said to himself: "Wow, Mom is super stressed about something. I guess there is something to be nervous about, so I am going to send lots of calming signals to everyone and everything." He averted his eyes, sniffed the ground, and simply sat down mid-course and wouldn't move.<br />
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Between the environment and my stress, Hoagie demonstrated the doggie equivalent of: "screw this b.s., too much drama."<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQTUz1nw0cbDyIn4MsijGXt5BeBkbGD6QySkFt1elBgDbUDrGzJEpEAY5oyCMvrN64KPZmoK5nsSgUDM7YqFany7ujHAGfANhilE8l1F53aNu6V5UOU1X4k-ovHuxmMfXrK6dE9-NdViD/s1600/Carol+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQTUz1nw0cbDyIn4MsijGXt5BeBkbGD6QySkFt1elBgDbUDrGzJEpEAY5oyCMvrN64KPZmoK5nsSgUDM7YqFany7ujHAGfANhilE8l1F53aNu6V5UOU1X4k-ovHuxmMfXrK6dE9-NdViD/s320/Carol+%25284%2529.jpg" width="289" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhibit A (please excuse the hiney picture.)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>I tried everything to get him to pay attention, or even move, but he wasn't having any of it. Thankfully the judge was really nice about it and told me that I got the persistence award. I kept my cool, gently encouraged Hoagie, and never once pulled on his leash. All my friends competing, even my Rally-O instructor, Cindy, said that I did the best I could, given the circumstances. It just wasn't Hoagie's day.<br />
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So, moral of the story: I know what went wrong, I know what we need to work on, and I know that in the end, it was an educational day. I won't pretend that I wasn't really disappointed. That's probably why it took me so long to get up the nerve to write about the trial. I learned a lot form the experience however, and I got to watch some great dogs compete.<br />
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Congrats to Cindy Decker who got High In Trial in the morning trial with Slick, and in the afternoon trial with Twill. A very talented trainer with some spectacular dogs!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKB-KDY7yVr8f4lYnSObaq3nRKtj3Oeu7RSxEf_PWym8XCsiTW3qOzqhf0dEkxkpTMRn9O8RefvV859o2HCzoX2XuQYxGKisO2pwB8iiB-5CamrlFbVuoVz8tmQBXM5m1iUN1oBvnol1dd/s1600/coast+asca+2011+224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKB-KDY7yVr8f4lYnSObaq3nRKtj3Oeu7RSxEf_PWym8XCsiTW3qOzqhf0dEkxkpTMRn9O8RefvV859o2HCzoX2XuQYxGKisO2pwB8iiB-5CamrlFbVuoVz8tmQBXM5m1iUN1oBvnol1dd/s320/coast+asca+2011+224.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yay Slick and Twill!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>So, I shall save the good news for next post, and leave you with a picture Cindy took of one of the rare moments that Hoagie was actually paying attention. At least he looked good in the pictures...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0fl46EswO6eYayTLavXGcpCElF0MeH-KCeJv8jUlyrNSLrtE1JfiGYWsoNlRlHRat_0AiHWObStJalXKrrFT7S1sd2Il1CiVDiW4lHXJnPcgy7CTG7hYkh9s4zEZPoESwXlxfPD_9Ahk/s1600/Carol+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0fl46EswO6eYayTLavXGcpCElF0MeH-KCeJv8jUlyrNSLrtE1JfiGYWsoNlRlHRat_0AiHWObStJalXKrrFT7S1sd2Il1CiVDiW4lHXJnPcgy7CTG7hYkh9s4zEZPoESwXlxfPD_9Ahk/s320/Carol+%25282%2529.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Oh shoot, someone's taking pictures. I better look like I'm paying attention."</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>*Hoagie: Selective Attention Pro*</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>short pawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182988934215627438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340927829975796415.post-22170132667780876592011-05-21T19:57:00.000-07:002011-05-21T19:57:26.549-07:00A Busy Spring!Hey guys! I'm still alive! Really! And man have Hoagie and I been busy! Last time I mentioned that I would keep you updated on Hoagie's progress in Scent Work. (I know, I know, 5 months of no posts isn't exactly keeping you "updated." Cut me some slack on this one!) We completed <a href="http://www.gentlepets.com/Classes/NoseworkClassInfo.htm">Nose Work 1 and 2 classes</a>, as well as 6 weeks of continuing nose work through <a href="http://www.gentlepets.com/index.html">Gentle Touch</a>. Best of all, on the 13th Hoagie passed his birch <a href="http://www.funnosework.com/ortinformation.html">Odor Recognition Test</a>, and can now go on to compete and work towards <a href="http://www.funnosework.com/titlesdescriptions/nw1.html">NW1</a>! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_shcpm0P6FI-UhCZnI4DAkTSs8W29fK413-HyI08tuWFo7F_VjR9cYMlcvdRfQhHvkEIfUc7oU7hZVPAkzWBv3ijxe_1SL1AvMdG1d0CCKYlBmKKGOq5pihPLAjL4zDr20B5k9fLsZDPF/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_shcpm0P6FI-UhCZnI4DAkTSs8W29fK413-HyI08tuWFo7F_VjR9cYMlcvdRfQhHvkEIfUc7oU7hZVPAkzWBv3ijxe_1SL1AvMdG1d0CCKYlBmKKGOq5pihPLAjL4zDr20B5k9fLsZDPF/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Check out that birch sniffing machine! Yay for Hoagie!</div><br />
I have to say that it has been a blast and our instructors <a href="http://www.gentlepets.com/Trainers.htm">Katie and Darcy</a> have been super knowledgeable and a great inspiration. It's a great new dog sport that is absolutely perfect for "reactive" dogs like the Hoagster. I would recommend nose work to anyone with <i>any</i> kind of dog. I've seen everything from Dachshunds to Newfoundlands have a great time using their noses! Even if you don't plan on competing, the activities are great boredom busters. Searching for scent among plastic Easter eggs was Hoagie's favorite activity in class. (Here's a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE2naNdCows">video</a> of Katie's dog Brenna doing a similar egg hunt.) Plus it's fun getting to watch a dog just be a dog, using his nose and working for his treats! Check out the <a href="http://www.funnosework.com/home.html">NACSW website</a> for more info or to see if there is a group or class near you! It's a new sport so there aren't too many folks teaching it yet, but keep an eye out cause it's spreading fast!<br />
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The other thing that has been keeping us busy is preparing for our first Rally-O trial! Hoagie and I will be competing Memorial Day weekend at the <a href="http://www.asca.org/">ASCA</a> trial in Cayucus put on by <a href="http://coastasc.org/index.htm">COAST ASC</a>. We've been practicing really hard, and Hoagie is doing great. His attention is much closer to where I would like it, and I'm working on making sure I know all the ASCA signs (which are of course different than AKC and UKC signs). As long as I can get him to focus, and<i> I</i> don't screw up too badly, we should hopefully do alright. Keep your fingers and paws crossed for us! I'll post how we do after the trial next weekend! Till next time!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">In the mean time enjoy some pics of us practicing hard at a run through at Santa Rosa park: </div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoagie looking at Stew taking pictures instead of focusing. Such a ham!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoagie doing a good job ignoring distractions!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQyHU22KdCDiX2ocyDkJu7-wpojLf8nW-Ksold1dHPRVsASbwjkbhIa7CIwRXVVk4Vk8QfFDz2mm-XxBLhQ5FSbT8pQSe5d8Dz9IofeDeyjJq5vRGY12A1ceEn-zWTm8vhydQiBThY_dp/s1600/0424+download+696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQyHU22KdCDiX2ocyDkJu7-wpojLf8nW-Ksold1dHPRVsASbwjkbhIa7CIwRXVVk4Vk8QfFDz2mm-XxBLhQ5FSbT8pQSe5d8Dz9IofeDeyjJq5vRGY12A1ceEn-zWTm8vhydQiBThY_dp/s400/0424+download+696.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying his best to look cute for treats.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hO8XmZjQTCy5TIfE8M-bB1RQAPHehnZiT0Hlfc0FlSXK0gx5usLyxcvNxYG3w8AVXpF6Qd3Pez2iYCe8fvdGJ2fpXQUSculqwYH31v78gXVXnTL86-iplxNuuyeCVfB00VfbDzx0bGNA/s1600/100_1616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hO8XmZjQTCy5TIfE8M-bB1RQAPHehnZiT0Hlfc0FlSXK0gx5usLyxcvNxYG3w8AVXpF6Qd3Pez2iYCe8fvdGJ2fpXQUSculqwYH31v78gXVXnTL86-iplxNuuyeCVfB00VfbDzx0bGNA/s320/100_1616.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lookin' cool in his shades after a good practice.</td></tr>
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</div>short pawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182988934215627438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340927829975796415.post-68148414394321532902011-01-08T23:17:00.000-08:002011-01-08T23:17:56.546-08:00Fun day and fun videosHey all! Hope you had a great holiday season and New Years. I know many of us said it last year, but hopefully this new year will be better than the last!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWvDNhbnXrv23diogQUaYowyuTztgt9ZQQ72QZp93-waSrj83wpGdxSHTxAikcvIEABiyDBUEeXjVfKvs8ebBi2M8KiawQlu4Xf8Nzx7nY9jIxj2Ohz6Q3xzFwuxssKKvCf3qK_ybTxEL/s1600/happy+new+year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWvDNhbnXrv23diogQUaYowyuTztgt9ZQQ72QZp93-waSrj83wpGdxSHTxAikcvIEABiyDBUEeXjVfKvs8ebBi2M8KiawQlu4Xf8Nzx7nY9jIxj2Ohz6Q3xzFwuxssKKvCf3qK_ybTxEL/s1600/happy+new+year.jpg" /></a></div>Lots of good news on the dog-front. Hoagie and I are looking forward to starting a <a href="http://www.gentlepets.com/Classes/NoseworkClassInfo.htm">nose-work class</a> through <a href="http://www.gentlepets.com/">Gentle Touch Pet Training</a> this week. We'll keep you updated on how that all goes, but it looks like it should be fun!<br />
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Hoagie has been making lots of progress in his training. We've been working hard on fostering calm behavior at home and out-and-about. Also, I am learning that calming myself down greatly helps in calming Hoagie. If I'm annoyed and frustrated with him, he gets annoyed and frustrated. It sounds silly, but I've had to remind myself that having a dog is supposed to be fun, not frustrating. No matter what I do, he will still be a dog, still be imperfect, and like all our furry kids, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNqeZVL_ZHE&NR=1">a little weird.</a> <br />
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It would however, seem that my new outlook and all the hard work is paying off. Attention level is up, calm is becoming the norm instead of the exception, and everyone involved is feeling a little bit more sane (myself included). Today at the <a href="http://www.slodog.com/slodog.com/about_SLODOG.html">SLODOG</a> <a href="http://www.slodog.com/slodog.com/Run-throughs/Run-throughs.html">run-through</a> I could have sworn someone switched my old dog with some new, well behaved doppelganger.<br />
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He wasn't snarky to any of the other dogs, even the three puppies taunting him with excited wiggles and puppy whines. He was focused on me for a great <a href="http://www.akc.org/events/rally/index.cfm">Rally-O</a> run through, and was so relaxed during the 3 minute group sit-stay that he decided to lie down (even though he was supposed to stay sitting) with a puppy not 2 feet from him, doing it's best impression of a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3_kqvD-3Ww">10-year-old hopped up on Mountain Dew</a>. Hoagie was a trouper today and made me really proud. We've worked hard, and it's finally showing. People who have known us for a while compliment us on our improvement, and people just meeting him see an even-tempered dog and a relaxed owner. I couldn't be happier with his progress! Even as I write this Hoagie is curled up on his bed like a little angel, enjoying a well deserved nap.<br />
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In celebration of a successful practice today I thought I would include some fun videos. I have found that some of the best and most useful training help can be found on YouTube. There are a lot of great trainers online doing some amazing stuff with their dogs. Some of my favorites are the videos by Emily of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/kikopup">Kikopup</a>. Her videos are really clear and well put together. I also love that she only uses positive reinforcement techniques. I found the video below to be especially useful in fostering calmness and sanity when I'm not actively working with Hoagie.<br />
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Be sure to check out <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/kikopup">kikopup's</a> other videos if you want great dog training tips or just want to watch some fun dog videos. <br />
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This next video is by Sian on her channel <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/zsianz1">zsian1</a>. She is another one who does great dog training videos. This one features some great training and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musical_canine_freestyle">canine freestyle</a> practice footage. Makes me laugh every time I watch it... <br />
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So enjoy some YouTube silliness, and most of all enjoy your dog. The minute I remembered to do that was the same moment I got back a little bit of my own sanity (and a better behaved dog to boot)!short pawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182988934215627438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340927829975796415.post-20701930209231704152010-12-08T12:12:00.000-08:002010-12-08T12:27:14.479-08:00A "Leave-It" breakthroughSo, the other day we made some real progress on the path toward a reliable "leave-it" command. "Leave-it" is a really <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> useful tool for re-directing a dog like Hoagie. We've been working on it for a while, and am finally getting closer. First, however, let me give you a little background on the situation.<br />
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We believe Hoagie is a "<a href="http://www.designermixes.org/Breed_Info/524/Borgi.aspx">Borgi</a>" or a Border Collie/Welsh Corgi cross. Because we got him at the County Animal Shelter, we can't be sure. We don't know if he was the product of a local ranch dog litter or if someone paid a lot for him as a "<a href="http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/designerdogs.htm">designer mutt</a>." He's a great dog, but sometimes he can be a bit of a handful. We think his original parents may not have known what they were getting themselves into with this cute little guy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvJixay90LGKfcbgWOwcc2m5jmCxR9WxzS-fAEMY5YOb_56DaHB4_4mIevlnlr0I-pLzlL6wg4ZYyIDARZY77X4IFsUCTpvD06Lb1XPnYxO0OVLXF0RNgZ9W_wgHtaod0tCtcuJDOY9CQ/s1600/borgiRESIZE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvJixay90LGKfcbgWOwcc2m5jmCxR9WxzS-fAEMY5YOb_56DaHB4_4mIevlnlr0I-pLzlL6wg4ZYyIDARZY77X4IFsUCTpvD06Lb1XPnYxO0OVLXF0RNgZ9W_wgHtaod0tCtcuJDOY9CQ/s640/borgiRESIZE.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> All of this has given me a really reactive dog with a high prey drive. Hoagie's perfect storm of high vigilance apparently lets him see things a little differently. Now, I know that mice and lizards like our wood pile and a nearby bush outside our house, but I think Hoagie sees something even more thrilling...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-gmA_4CWsNKxA9QXNbnzhbDchRXcsnDPyN9odfXJWA-5cxx-hYsHw6V8Ti9NpaZtPJ_VgAgcVBu10PM5Xc3ZdWbsG2zAIEy6h6iSmT3KYmaNcR3t4Go9X94e_PE5ccCejyPRQd0-Pwew/s1600/mousopolis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-gmA_4CWsNKxA9QXNbnzhbDchRXcsnDPyN9odfXJWA-5cxx-hYsHw6V8Ti9NpaZtPJ_VgAgcVBu10PM5Xc3ZdWbsG2zAIEy6h6iSmT3KYmaNcR3t4Go9X94e_PE5ccCejyPRQd0-Pwew/s640/mousopolis.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Apparently a very exciting drama plays out in Mousopolis and Lizardtopia, in which the evil Lizard Overloards, led by the cruel Lizard King, decide which of the downtrodden Mice People are to be sacrificed to the Green-Eyed Fang-Toothed Demon in the garage.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx4jnr6_P2f-6TqlcdZdQlTLuASv_wsX_Hywc2I8HdCT5i_k8uhUEQrVZYQLRVCWIMZvnp1KDan8TcaRIZe0dAWJbsti8oLJdXvn2ylhib0_akqFjnldc0Ig4TjL4C1JXa98PXqK3L1u75/s1600/lizard+king.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx4jnr6_P2f-6TqlcdZdQlTLuASv_wsX_Hywc2I8HdCT5i_k8uhUEQrVZYQLRVCWIMZvnp1KDan8TcaRIZe0dAWJbsti8oLJdXvn2ylhib0_akqFjnldc0Ig4TjL4C1JXa98PXqK3L1u75/s400/lizard+king.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This is apparently better than even the best squirrel-based dramas. Getting to check in on it elicits squeals of excitement every time we go by the bush and wood pile.<br />
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But I digress. The main point is that, finally after months of trying to work on a leave-it command, Hoagie was able to tear himself away and enjoy the rain of treats that awaited him when he came back to stand quietly next to me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlgYVDzWUrSjN3t22ZygySsj0uHfQ_ijsby-IO-xPTTtiEGTdXE9JiwubDPmAqwGf9TQ3MIK9z5Cmi-Xv6_BcPUlzekN3Kfz4cYoUdZr_XjESFu0Bdm608FFJT6PvOv91MZ5Uo2TsBx02/s1600/yay%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlgYVDzWUrSjN3t22ZygySsj0uHfQ_ijsby-IO-xPTTtiEGTdXE9JiwubDPmAqwGf9TQ3MIK9z5Cmi-Xv6_BcPUlzekN3Kfz4cYoUdZr_XjESFu0Bdm608FFJT6PvOv91MZ5Uo2TsBx02/s400/yay%2521.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I wasn't entirely sure he was going to come when I said "leave-it," but my gamble paid off, and Hoagie has been much more reliable about taking a break from the excitement. He's by no means perfect with this command yet, but I'll take little successes when I can!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTBEBa-p9lU91TZQ95W38MMhRLjPwovWH4ZwJzIX1uJQkdE4FYSzQuj6woa4PWhl8gdAPg-ABNO3lPKuquPeJEA3aFmf6XSHuhLC_LZj6uoJgdI2AxDMulXoiN1ANtd54CRH9GIBE0BD9/s1600/draco+mouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTBEBa-p9lU91TZQ95W38MMhRLjPwovWH4ZwJzIX1uJQkdE4FYSzQuj6woa4PWhl8gdAPg-ABNO3lPKuquPeJEA3aFmf6XSHuhLC_LZj6uoJgdI2AxDMulXoiN1ANtd54CRH9GIBE0BD9/s200/draco+mouse.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>short pawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182988934215627438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340927829975796415.post-68981059405444621672010-11-21T17:10:00.000-08:002010-11-21T17:49:11.838-08:00Short Paws for a CauseSorry I'm a bit slow on the posts right now. It's been a busy week for dog related stuff, and I'm working on a couple posts right now. I'll have some new stuff up soon!<br /><br />Before I post this link, I want to assure you that this blog won't normally be a place for this kind of soapbox stuff. I did however want to share this petition with ya'll. <br /><br />I recently met the brother of Rosie the Newf, and this petition is in regards to a really a messed up incident with police shooting a dog in Oregon. What isn't included in the police report is that after shooting a dog cowering in a blackberry bush <span style="font-style:italic;">four times</span>, police laughed about their conquest in front of the Good Samaritan neighbors who were originally trying to help the dog. <br /><br />It really comes down to police and law enforcement needing better education on dog behavior and body language. Far too many dogs are needlessly shot every year, and as with many things in life, I feel education is the key (insert "The More You Know" music). I have a lot of respect for law enforcement, and all that they do for us (my brother is in law enforcement), but this incident is inexcusable. So, if you feel so moved take a sec and sign the petition. Thanks!<br /><br />*steps off soapbox*<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/rosie-the-newfoundland-shot-by-police/">Rosie the Newfoundland</a><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />So, uh, to lighten the mood a bit after that downer, enjoy a picture of my cat Pesto looking smug after stealing Hoagie's crate.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2qzzXO5LAmFezl_eiI4iA7NPOhnL-mrXlMRxwmEDGxSUz0KS4qFXDFQdQzepQqDYdCHJ1f3Scpdra-MmWb-BlEAAKWPToaehADDT9gDxc62I1Tvye9I_23gebr-DQBocpBZhWhZOk7fl/s1600/017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2qzzXO5LAmFezl_eiI4iA7NPOhnL-mrXlMRxwmEDGxSUz0KS4qFXDFQdQzepQqDYdCHJ1f3Scpdra-MmWb-BlEAAKWPToaehADDT9gDxc62I1Tvye9I_23gebr-DQBocpBZhWhZOk7fl/s400/017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542182917100491474" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Evil-Eyes Pesto is in your crates, stealin' your warms.</span>short pawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182988934215627438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340927829975796415.post-57551674407249623382010-11-12T20:59:00.000-08:002010-11-12T23:28:55.260-08:00Walking frustrationsSo I suppose that a large part of me writing this blog is to keep track of my progress. I thought I might start with something that has been endlessly frustrating since the day we got Hoagie, and of which I was vividly reminded today...walking on a leash.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiU3qlGew7CJOUH3y-wPvxTDtz1mluzsQ33z2gH_fuoLRp_-ojOlrQpI0IQs-QydjdHQjEuo1_Xh9n0Jy6H9-HM5q65CzngFasDTuxa45h_eER01NXBPLs9XfLIc84YvJzpDOhfpopdxEw/s1600/leash+of+doom.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiU3qlGew7CJOUH3y-wPvxTDtz1mluzsQ33z2gH_fuoLRp_-ojOlrQpI0IQs-QydjdHQjEuo1_Xh9n0Jy6H9-HM5q65CzngFasDTuxa45h_eER01NXBPLs9XfLIc84YvJzpDOhfpopdxEw/s320/leash+of+doom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538899496208158770" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Granted, we have made some progress. At first I wasn't sure if we had really adopted a borgi or a miniature sled dog.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXr8wJX9u_4bvHCYSotD5w7KVelx-wWi_7WFUtB60174srAULBHnTe8WRfFIGBatJc1mHiXikxtDe1tRIvFHzJS5Y19MKevRgfNcNRwHOi-H5wMB4y5sYqH1AcfIQFtEg_vXbrbiuQEY7m/s1600/walking+frustration.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXr8wJX9u_4bvHCYSotD5w7KVelx-wWi_7WFUtB60174srAULBHnTe8WRfFIGBatJc1mHiXikxtDe1tRIvFHzJS5Y19MKevRgfNcNRwHOi-H5wMB4y5sYqH1AcfIQFtEg_vXbrbiuQEY7m/s400/walking+frustration.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538931705425682450" /></a><br /><br />So we of course tried a couple different options, and ended up using a head halter, with somewhat....limited...success.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCW-r4HuOOT4MH6Er-jzT53B9cui7PNWVUgcZGfNxfGf2vQ3vM7yonU5ZdgcU-2bkimWMz23l1Xm-7dlTA7Erqo3rwY8TLXe87YOwbu3fdbITuuuSA4DZ-I-1MT_qUYQ4Ho1KgoYI5UhGj/s1600/gentle+leader.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCW-r4HuOOT4MH6Er-jzT53B9cui7PNWVUgcZGfNxfGf2vQ3vM7yonU5ZdgcU-2bkimWMz23l1Xm-7dlTA7Erqo3rwY8TLXe87YOwbu3fdbITuuuSA4DZ-I-1MT_qUYQ4Ho1KgoYI5UhGj/s400/gentle+leader.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538931951904834194" /></a><br /><br />Now don't get me wrong. Working with a head halter has helped some, but as we were reminded today, when you become dependent on a tool like a head halter, any progress goes out the window when you have to go without.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCQfcHTtZA9ISSKY6auCaiw2X-QA_O_TrmCFIwEonvs8KLYdciU8LpJXqCpthA4fVxrH3z3MhR2jvFNvchQD_ZV4bkIu8onReQ9TpfmBw-49cHjFqXxjlPhsccCTckbNwm6c9hA5cqV8M/s1600/excited+about+everything..jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCQfcHTtZA9ISSKY6auCaiw2X-QA_O_TrmCFIwEonvs8KLYdciU8LpJXqCpthA4fVxrH3z3MhR2jvFNvchQD_ZV4bkIu8onReQ9TpfmBw-49cHjFqXxjlPhsccCTckbNwm6c9hA5cqV8M/s400/excited+about+everything..jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538932169598477730" /></a><br /><br />I've had to change tactics. I'm now doing my best to stick to only positive reinforcement training techniques. The key to progress toward a calm dog walking by my side has been treats and praise. Hoagie is beginning to think that walking by my side makes it rain treats. This has however created a new problem.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0OC-exC4vOdiypG4gsqoNDxVZ8C6MhhECBsykky0tpQwtlWwKBN8jyPzoWIZU0FpLKh_Ch3US3dsSp7R3eDvtpjyYzo230T17xBwUO3F2ojy8SUl4S_yjpzjIv0TtDWmLK5OeWKLScHc/s1600/furry+yoyo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0OC-exC4vOdiypG4gsqoNDxVZ8C6MhhECBsykky0tpQwtlWwKBN8jyPzoWIZU0FpLKh_Ch3US3dsSp7R3eDvtpjyYzo230T17xBwUO3F2ojy8SUl4S_yjpzjIv0TtDWmLK5OeWKLScHc/s400/furry+yoyo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538932334461920322" /></a><br /><br />He gets his treat and then goes back to whatever exciting distraction he was focused on. I really do think that this will eventually work with continued work and time...but it sure is frustrating right now.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU40bZPf-qjwOQQRAn3LgvC3zmbWA6OIIL2iSav_i53AvAmLb83Ab3JO2fBQzTqSQlcdiBj7X0HvvmOAuJCJmF8vOe_j8Vekv-H2WRtFv7bWMjmkeujONMvZedhS_LvCzI1rsPszd5Ujd4/s1600/ugg.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 322px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU40bZPf-qjwOQQRAn3LgvC3zmbWA6OIIL2iSav_i53AvAmLb83Ab3JO2fBQzTqSQlcdiBj7X0HvvmOAuJCJmF8vOe_j8Vekv-H2WRtFv7bWMjmkeujONMvZedhS_LvCzI1rsPszd5Ujd4/s400/ugg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538924504486631554" border="0" /></a>short pawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182988934215627438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340927829975796415.post-28295715215491849242010-11-04T20:43:00.000-07:002010-11-04T21:45:16.023-07:00A dog's taleSo this is me:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlmYHFw3XNLOISDFRKAxOM0MePS1JI39c0FDe_KgUshIYiYtfU48BZ9RgkKYBHMb_ExKXL6EOcV-r1eb_M5X_9eMJJ8G_Io-zcT8Pk4mz2W2WzjCLGxKo-H7bv3lAl9kFVNmi4TizykeU/s1600/fortpose.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlmYHFw3XNLOISDFRKAxOM0MePS1JI39c0FDe_KgUshIYiYtfU48BZ9RgkKYBHMb_ExKXL6EOcV-r1eb_M5X_9eMJJ8G_Io-zcT8Pk4mz2W2WzjCLGxKo-H7bv3lAl9kFVNmi4TizykeU/s320/fortpose.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535907781441611186" /></a><br /><br />I know, starting a blog about dog training with a ridiculous picture of myself is a little weird, but that's how I'm feeling right now. Moving on..<br /><br />This is my dog Hoagie:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvzUlzC6oNX-QF8Lm_HW7iX-it3QdBkLrQlYHvh408ndSe6DYVZO0R305SplKhnwUioV_BWxMzfRnOrGusuy_v9PMXuoUShVucMGswXc4s7zOu22HLdVAZglrwvkZx4oUTIaPuDC_C3no/s1600/hoagie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvzUlzC6oNX-QF8Lm_HW7iX-it3QdBkLrQlYHvh408ndSe6DYVZO0R305SplKhnwUioV_BWxMzfRnOrGusuy_v9PMXuoUShVucMGswXc4s7zOu22HLdVAZglrwvkZx4oUTIaPuDC_C3no/s320/hoagie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535909099919589362" /></a><br /><br />We think he's a border collie/ corgi cross, but he's a pound puppy, so we can't really be sure.<br /><br />The thought behind this blog was originally to keep a record of my progress working with and training Hoagie. My husband Stew and I got him about a year ago, and as I like to say: Hoagie is a great dog, but we definitely jumped in with both feet with our first dog. He's, let's say...a bit of a handful sometimes.<br /><br />So I really don't know where this blog is going to take me, but hopefully it will keep me (and thereby, Hoagie) motivated. Feel free to take from it what you will; I'm not making any promises. I'm too easily distracted for promises about posting here....ooh, funny doggie video!<br /><br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qwwTRwKPH_o?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qwwTRwKPH_o?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />(I know it's after Halloween, but this video cracks me up every time.)short pawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182988934215627438noreply@blogger.com0