Greener Grass

 We had a bit of a problem with our backyard. The grass died along our back fence. The new lawn service (we get a guy to mow) thought it was a feature rather than a bug. So widened it and weeded it and maintained a lovely patch of dirt. We thought it was kind of interesting when the birds in the neighborhood enjoyed taking dirt baths. It was much less fascinating when Booker discovered dirt baths. Which were followed by water baths and wiping mud off the bathroom walls.

 In an effort to do something about it (three Booker baths in two days prompted some action), we went to the home improvement store and bought the required ingredients for lawn: topsoil, fertilizer, seed, and a seed blanket.
My thumb is notoriously black - if it's green and it grows it runs screaming in the opposite direction when I approach. Imagine our surprise when, after only a week, there are signs of an impending lawn! I keep expecting failure in all things outdoors. Booker may be sad about the changes, but he probably won't miss the bathtub.

Momma said there'd be days like this...

I love my dogs. A lot. I like spending time with them, doing "stuff" with them, and just hanging out.
Yesterday I didn't like either one of them at all.
Understand that most Sunday mornings without plans are devoted to "dog ablutions" - nails, teeth, ears, etc. Each dog doesn't take long, but when you take care of four (my sister's two and my two), it adds up to a couple/three hour chunk of time.
Afterwards, I just wanted to relax.
Roc was too hot, so I got the cool pack for him to lie on. He settled.
Teddy jumped off the couch and started whining. Booker jumped on Teddy and a vigorous round of "bitey-face" ensued.
Roc got paranoid about the two others jumping on and off the couch and started whining. And shaking, which usually means he has to go outside to potty.
Take Roc out - everybody goes. Booker insists on eating grass.
Come back inside - Booker throws up, Roc poops in the house (his disability means he's not always aware when he has to go).
Get everybody/everything cleaned up, attempt to relax again.
Teddy won't come in the tv room to relax - whines by the back door. Lift Roc off the couch (heaven forbid I leave the room without him), go see what Teddy wants. Mr. "I can't poop when anyone's watching" wants to go out.
Take Teddy and Roc outside.
Come in, attempt to watch tv. Roc's too cold on his ice pack, take it away. Teddy chooses a bone to gnaw on. Booker wants it. More bitey-face, more paranoia, rinse and repeat.
Not the restful Sunday afternoon I'd planned. And, something I never thought I'd say - Tango earned the "Best Dog" award of the day.

Booker

Roc and Teddy

Tango

Dealing with Booker's "hairy eyeball"

This morning we're on tenterhooks. Booker, Fran's five-month-old Boston Terrier puppy is having surgery today to remove a growth (dermoid cyst) from his right eye.
Aside from being good fodder for jokes (Booker's quite literal "hairy eyeball"), there's nothing good or fun about it. From the stress of diagnosis, to finding a good specialty vet, to figuring out how to pay, to worrying about the procedure, the follow-up, and the long-term ramifications - it's all a source of stress. And it's one that every pet owner faces at some point.
So how do you find a good veterinarian? It takes some research, which is easier now than ever before. The internet makes it both simpler and more perplexing - after you've read umpteen dozen reviews of a particular veterinary hospital, what impression are you left with? Good, bad, more confused than when you started?
We've been going to the same veterinarian since before there was an internet. But I still remember how we found her - a friend whose opinion we trusted referred us - with glowing accolades. So we tried her and we liked her. And she listens to us. Which is increasingly rare and much appreciated. When we take one of our dogs in because "he's just not right" - she takes us seriously and works to find the source of the issue.
So the first resource for finding a good vet is to ask people you trust - people who take care of their pets the way you want to. People whose pets are healthy and happy.
If you have several to choose among, secondary considerations may be costs, hours, and distance. When you've made your decision, it may be a good idea to make an appointment and take your pet for a "wellness check." It's an opportunity to assess the facility, personnel, and the vet - before you and your pet are in urgent need.

More puppy training tips

Tango and Booker

• Train one dog at a time! Put the other dog away for a few minutes (in his crate or in another room) - he'll be fine.
• Let him watch, if possible. Jealousy is a powerful training motivator.
• But, keep the training times about equivalent, and as short as 5 minutes per session.
• Review yesterday's lesson. And review it again tomorrow.
• Bring the best treats to class, to try to maintain your puppy's attention. Use the next best for daily training sessions. - Fran

10 Things to Remember when Training a Puppy

Booker at 10 weeks old.

1. Keep your session short.
2. Have several sessions each day.
3. Review your last session briefly.
4. Smile!!!
5. He's a puppy! Limited attention span!
6. Work on one or two things per session.
7. Put on your happy voice!
8. No corrections - he's a puppy and doesn't know anything!
9. Be consistent!
10. Use super-yummy treats to keep his focus on you. - Fran

Baby gate shuffle!

The logistics are difficult when we want to train one dog without the others "showing off." Booker needs a few sessions to himself during the day, but I don't want the other dogs sitting in front of me when I'm telling Booker to sit! They'd get the treats. Now, there are times when jealousy is a great trainer - like dumbbell work, but that's for much later! So, we do the baby gate shuffle. Treats for everyone as I move them into one room and move the baby gates so they can't get out. Luckily Booker is small enough so that I can pick him up and carry him into the room where I want to work! He likes to stand on his hind legs for everything, so we're working hard on having "4 on the floor!" - Fran

Booker's first class!

Booker is about 18 weeks old now, perfect for starting puppy class with North Shore Dog Training Club! The main focus of the first class was focus and attention. Very difficult for a puppy who just wants to play with everyone! Fortunately, I had yummy treats, and after Booker tried to go over to the Viszla puppy, then the Boxer puppy, then the Chihuahua puppy, he came back to me and we had a party! The idea is for me to be more fun and more rewarding than the other puppies and people who don't have anything for Booker. (Interaction between puppies is discouraged in this class - people can find places for their dogs to play with other dogs on their own. Class time is for instruction.) The goal is for the people to build a strong bond with their dogs - both for work and play. So, we had a good first class - yesterday we took a walk in the neighborhood, even though winter is hanging on and it was below freezing! Booker is starting to walk quite nicely on  lead. - Fran

Booker's getting ready for school!

Booker is 16 weeks old! He's growing by leaps and bounds, and he's eager to learn everything. (Otherwise he'll be getting into trouble!) So I'll be taking him to the next puppy class session which starts in a couple of weeks. We took this shot yesterday to highlight some school supplies. But I just think it's a cute picture of Booker! Hope is great at shooting this constant-motion machine! She just shoots away and knows that at least one picture will be good. And she was right!
(Booker is wearing a Yellow Dog Design Collar, the 3/8 inch Leather Leash that's 6 feet long. Those are Toy Temptation treats, the Outward Hound Treat 'n Training Bag, biodegradable Poop Bags (he's a puppy, after all!), an iClick Clicker and Wrist Coil. So many supplies for a little puppy!) We're going to have a great time! - Fran

Booker is a play machine!

Booker loves toys! Especially ones with squeakers, it turns out! He loves to run with toys, tug with toys, fetch toys and just basically have fun with toys! Tango looks a little put out, don't you think? Booker is playing with his latest favorite, a Mini Skinneeez Raccon. Booker even likes to play with me! - Fran

Booker's here!

Day 2 of life with Booker! He's pictured in his crate at the shop. So far, Booker has been doing a lot of sleeping and playing. But, that's a puppy's job! Booker is a 9-week old Boston Terrier. His little ears are taped so that they'll stand up like they're supposed to when he's older. He doesn't bother them, so we'll leave the tape on. Yesterday he modeled a new jacket here at Golly Gear (http://www.gollygear.com/snwdrft_cuddler.htm) and was completely worn out by the experience. Well, the modelling, plus a visit to the vet to say hello, and a visit to Tango's agility class - again, to say hello. The little guy has to say hello a lot! We think Booker is pretty cute, so get ready for lots more pictures! - Fran