Chronicles of a Dachshund

Walkies: Episode 2

2012-01-25T13:07:00.003-05:00

Texas on the Porch

Having two dogs in the house, has made me extremely lazy, I will admit that. Well, I should say, having two lazy dogs in the house, as made me lazy. However, when my neighbor needed to use my computer while I was gone, I decided yesterday was as good as day as any, to take the dachshunds out on the town. So I loaded up their crate, and off we went. Let me tell you, they were NOT happy about being crated in the car, but it had to be done, if I wanted Texas to be any semblance of calm, once we arrived at our final destinations.

For Mr. Reactivity, sitting in the car, increases the likelihoods of him becoming extremely reactive, people walking around, dogs, birds, etc, will elicit an extreme reaction from him, to the point that if someone were to stick their hand in my car, they would get bitten. (If he were in there of course)

Hence the crate. I quickly discovered, that if I played music, they would quiet down, but listening to a book-on-tape, brought to mind, how much they could be missing, by not being in my lap, and the chorus of whining would resume. Needless to say, we were jamming on our way to the park. After a quick stop at a local pet store for more harnesses, (as our old ones have "mysteriously disappeared" .. Texas left the house with one on, came back a few minutes later without it. Haven't seen it since!) and another bag of dog food... and we were on our way.

Getting out of the car, took the most time, first I had to wait until they stopped whining and jumping around, then I had we practiced not lunging out of the crate as soon as the door was opened. Bubbles won, so she got out first, then we did another, longer round with Texas, until he too "got it" and sat quietly until I opened the door all the way.

Once that was accomplished, we harnessed up, watered up and prepared to start on our way. However, the dachshunds, always on the look out for trouble, spotted some, in the form of a furry white dog, jogging with his owner.

ATTACK! DOG ALERT! INTRUDER! HE WAS LOOKING AT ME!

"Texas. Bubbles"

Huh? Wha? Treats? Cool.

I was surprised, and impressed at how quickly they redirected. All that work is worth something after all!

The park where we were, had several walking trails, most paved, but there was one that went through the woods.. perfect for my reactive dog, but to get to it, we'd have to walk around the dog park. I was mentally preparing for a fencing fighting scenario, but none came. Some of the dogs ran along side, but Texas & Bubbles ignored them.

WHY CAN'T THEY DO THIS AT HOME!?!?

We did practice sitting, as a jogger dashed by and continued on our walk. It wasn't until we were on our way back, that the ultimate trigger descended upon us, in the form of a loose dog.

Now I live in the country, so an off leash dog, isn't an huge cause for alarm in my book, I was more concerned about what Texas would do, to said dog rushing him, than I was about the dog attacking us. Turned out I was wrong to be concerned, not only did Bubbles & Texas come back to my side without even hackling, the dog in question, checked out the scene and decided that there were other things to do besides pester these little guys.

Never have I been more proud of my guys.

Seriously? A large dog rushed us, and my dogs turn to me for treats?

WHO ARE YOU GUYS AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH MY DOG?

Once the owners got control of their way-ward animal, we were able to walk past them, and another dog without any problem.

By this time, Bubbles was definitely winded and ready to stop. I wanted to put her up and continue with Texas, but decided to end the afternoon on a high note.

Why Yes, I think we'll do this more often!

Erin

Check out My other Blogs: Big News on Chronicles of a Puppy Walker | Life is ... going.. at Life of a College Student.

An Understanding

2012-01-19T14:41:00.000-05:00

You Have dog treats, I'm a dog...what's the hold up?

Can an old dog learn new tricks? To be sure, but not without much patient understanding on the part of the owner. Right now we're teaching Bubbles to "Stay" something she will do, only at the door. Its a slow process to be sure, unlike teaching Texas who picks up things quickly, Bubbles requires multiple sessions going over the same thing.

One of these day's she'll get it.

Mr. Chewy Rules!

2012-01-18T11:59:00.001-05:00

Sometime last week, I was contacted by a representative from Mr.Chewy.com asking me if I would be willing to review their website. Not being one to turn down free stuff (and in dire need of dog treats) quickly replied that I would, and was promptly sent my "coupon".

Being a web design major, my first impression of a website, is what will set the tone for the remainder of my visit. Mr. Chewy is easy lets you know what they offer up front and make it easy to find what you need quickly. I was pleased to see they offered a LARGE variety of pet food brands,treats and even Flea & Tick Medicine! I quickly found treats that I normally pick up at PetsMart or Pets Supplies Plus, on the site at nearly the same price.

While I was not in the market for dog food at the moment, I did look through there selection to see if their prices were any better than buying locally.Unfortunately for me, I can get a bigger bag for the same price offered online, so I didn't have much luck in that way.

I quickly selected what I needed/wanted and placed my order. This on Wednesday, Friday afternoon, I pulled up to my house to see my box sitting on my front porch, just waiting to be dove it.

In conclusions, Mr. Chewy is a easy to navigate website, easy to use, and has fast shipping! Definitely will be a recommended site in our book!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-04T11:23:00.002-05:00

Four days late, into the new year, and we've already had our first furry visitor, and a new one at that!

This is Snowy, whose breed and age we have no clue about. The original plan was to feed & care for her at their house, as
I'd just arrived home from a trip, two days ago, and wanted to give Bubbles and Tex a chance to settle back in at home. (They stayed with a friend's house while I was gone.)

I was feeling confident in my decision to let her hang out on her own turf, after it took me thirty minutes to convince her, I wasn't a dog-eating-human. However the weather had other plans. During the night, it snowed, maybe a half an inch, no big deal right?

Wrong.

While the road's by my house were clear, the roads leading to Snowy's abode, where coated with snow, and ice. Now you have to understand, in order to get to the N********'s Family Home, you must drive up and over two hills, across a bridge, and around a steep turn, that has a huuuuge drop off, and once you make it past that, you must drive down another hill, filled with curves, drop off's and what not. By the time I made it around the first steep turn (with the drop off) I knew I wasn't about to attempt, going downhill in my little car. So I turned around and CREPT back to "safety" only to find, I was in between two hills. Two hills that did not want my car to climb it.

After several attempts I pulled into a subdivision, parked my car, and did what any child would do. Called my dad.

However as we were talking, I watched car after car attempt the hills. Some made it on the first try, while others had to back up, gather their courage and gun it again. After about twenty minutes, with no check in's from my father, I decided to try it again. The fifth time is the charm apparently, though my wills spun, I kept my foot steady on the accelerator and we made it over the hill. Never have I been so happy to get out of a place.

So I went home, took a nap, and then with the sun shining I went back, and decided that Snowy was going to come home with me. Now for the fun part. Introducing the dogs.

There are a lot of awesome tips when it comes to introducing strange dogs into your home, some include: "Make sure both dogs are on a leash" or " Take the dogs on a walk “together” – single file" - great suggestion if you have another person readily available.

I don't.

So I have to come up with alternative ways of introducing the dogs, ideally If I know there is a point in time, where I MAY watch someone else's dog, I'll ask to meet at a park or something.

To date, this has never happened, but it's a good idea! :)

Lately I've divided my single wide into half, double gating my dogs away from the new dog, they can see and hear each other, but the distance is too great to encourage things like fence fighting. Which SOMEONE is apt to do.

I walked Snowy in the front door of my house, hopped the gates, and let my dogs out the back door; giving her about thirty minutes to adjust to the house sans dogs. Then I brought my dogs back in, and immediately began watching for behavior out of Texas I could reward. Aka him quietly looking through the gate.

Though he did do quite a bit of barking, I was able to reward him several times, for simply looking through the gate and looking back at me.

Yesss!

After about an hour of separation, I occupied Texas in his crate with a Kong, and let Bubbles into the second gated area to meet the new dog. Bubbles is normally the best "meet & greeter" and SOMETIMES can help set the tone for Texas. I'd forgotten that Snowy's owner's have watched her in the past, so they basically could have cared-less about the other. This having gone well, I decided to release Snowy into area #2. After filling my pockets with treats, I went and released Texas into area #1, leaving the gate between him and Snowy.

He saw Snowy.

Treats rained down from heaven.

He sniffed at Snowy.

More treats rained.

He looked at Snowy.

More treats.

No growls, barks, or snarls.

I removed the gate.

Snowy sniffed Him.

He stood quietly.

More treats.

After this, I put on Snowy's leash and we all walked around the cul-de-sac a bit before, returning to the house. This is only the second time, I've done this sort of thing, to introduce Texas to a new (bigger) dog, and I must say, I don't know why I hadn't thought of it before! Its obvious if I want him to change his behavior, I need to REWARD what I like. It has gone so much better than, constantly pulling him off the other dog.

Seeing success in this area, just encourages me as we work towards our other goals with him! :)

But back to Snowy, by that evening, Miss Snowy had settled in, and was making herself at home. There were a couple snarky moments, as Snowy has an interesting play style, that consists of smacking her paws into her playmates face. Something Texas did NOT appreciate. But over all, she's doing fine.

I think we may see more of Snowy in the future. :)

2012 Goals

2011-12-23T10:36:00.001-05:00

Another year is almost behind us, and what a year it was! We faced circumstances that we'd never faced before, but we made it through! If you couldn't tell by the major lack of posts, this year was all about the Guide Dog Puppies; Rob was such a handful, that the majority of my focus was on him and his news verses being split between the three dogs.

Having been puppy-less over the last couple of months has made me realize, just how important it is that "MY" dogs have good foundational skills, and the importance of taking the time to interact with them everyday.

One of my goals during 2012 is to work on some of the "problem" areas I have identified in my dachshund's. I have decided to limit myself to at least twelve goals, one goal a month, to give me the best possible chance of actually succeeding. Procrastination is my middle name. Yes. Most of the goals are for Texas, at 12 (or 10 I still can't figure out which) Bubbles is pretty much set in her ways, or... more so "I'm" set in her ways. We've worked recently on her "wait" command, but that's about it, she knows "Sit", Her Name, and Comes. She's not destructive, is potty trained, and sleeps all day. What more could I ask for?

Goals for 2012

Work on Texas's Dog-to-Dog re-activity (the above picture shouldn't happen again). Put a barrier between Texas and other dog and "its on".
Work on the Relaxation Protocol all the way to the end.
Texas: Be able to be crated quietly around distractions.
Be able to have people to my home more often. (This doesn't happen well now, as Texas though comfortable being kenneled, screams bloody murder if he can hear other people in the house besides me.
Work on basic agility with Texas.
Read Control Unleashed & When Pigs Fly
Find toys Texas will play with consistently
Handle Texas from Head to Toe daily (You'd be surprised, but apparently handling your dog OCCASIONALLY over three years, leads to them becoming adverse to it. O_o)
Be able to put a sweater on him without him shutting down. (We actually started working on that this week)
Door Manners
Only use dog bowls for water.

Seriously Mom? What a lotta work!

So I didn't make it to 12, which is probably a good thing, as some of those things are going to be a doozy to work through. However, I"m hoping by putting it on my public blog, I'll feel some pressure to work on them more. :)

What about you guys, do you have any goals for you and your dogs this year?

Struttin My Stuffs

2011-12-16T10:36:00.000-05:00

Soo mom thought she would save herself sometime, and just link to the video from Facebook, but FAIL if you aren't on Facebook apparently you can't watch it, so her had to upload it too YouTube like she should have done in the firsts place! Get ready to be be-dazzled!

Crazy Cats

2011-12-12T15:23:00.001-05:00

You see this craziness? You would NEVER catch a dachshund doing sumptin stupid like this!

High Five Tex?

2011-12-02T14:36:00.001-05:00

Texas places his paws in my open palm, thus completing a "High Five"

Moms + Puppies = Disaster

2011-11-20T16:01:00.001-05:00

I has to say, a big I AGREE to Frankie's posts about Mom's. Puppies need lots of watching regardless of how bigs they are. Like today for instance, I go off to patrol the yard, and leave Trump in Mom's care. OR.SO.I.THOUGHT. Next thing I know, she's whistling, and calling and NO TRUMP!

Well finally, after I ran around the yard a bunch.. we heard his tags jingling, and found that he'd trapped himself inside the shed...and was EATING ALL THE GARBAGES!! Do you KNOW how long it took me to get all.dat.GUNK out of his furs? FOREVER I TELL YOU!

And then he puked it all.over.the.floor. Mom said she didn't know one dog's stomach could hold so much junk!

In other news. Mom put Trump on an airplane on Monday and he went bye-bye. YEA for having mom all too me and Bubble's selves again!

*WOOFS!*

Random.

2011-11-18T13:45:00.001-05:00

The thing is, I don't exactly know what to do with myself, when I don't have the responsibility of a puppy. Trump leaves me for the wild blue yonder, on Monday. While I'll be sad that he's leaving, I've been looking forward to having a break for a while; now that its actually upon me, it's not looking as fun as I was thinking it was going to be. I think, I'm scared that having more time will increase my laziness rather than make me more productive. If any thing, the puppies definitely made me get up and move on a frequent basis. Bubbles and Texas? Not.So.Much.

How long my break will be is anyone's guess... but until then I can torture myself with puppy pictures...would be cool to raise an "off" breed this time around.

Puppies are Cudly

Puppies are Cutee...

Their never nasty or meeeeeeeeeeeeean

I'd Give a home..too all the lost puppies...

.If EVER ONE DAY I WEREEE

QUEEEEEEEEEEN!

- Veggie Tales

~Erin~

*All photos via pinterest

Life Update

2011-11-16T13:58:00.001-05:00

So the long awaited update. Posted by yours truly.. Erin. I couldn't trust Texas to accurately describe our adventures over the last couple of months, as his version would have gone something like this:

MOM IS NEVER HOME ANYMORE AND ALL I DO IS SLEEP IN MY CRATE OR ON THE COUCH AND AM BORED!BORED!BORED!

So. Yes. Updates. Where to start.

July
Pompei gradates as a Guide Dog!!!

Pompei up at GDF's Kennels

August
School started and Rob and I headed off for another semester of college. I knew going in this semester would be difficult, I was going for four hour work days + weekends off; to Work 3 days a week + weekends, and 6+ hours of school 2 days a week.

Prior to this Rob and I had been having some problems. As a puppy walker, I get to find out first hand, that sometimes every puppy does.not fit with every lifestyle/household. Pretty early on I knew this was the case with Rob, but was determined to find a way to fit.him.into.our lives. He was a Midnight baby after all, and I didn't want to loose him.

Rob in the Cone of Shame after his nueter

Two weeks into class, I knew it wasn't going to work. I had NO time, exercise him (which needed to be at least two hours a day), I needed to be able to focus on school, and having a dog that was acting up wasn't helping. So I requested that the Guide Dog Foundation transfer him to another family.
It was THE hardest thing I have EVER done.
Harder even, than giving them up at the end of our year.

Rob + Xander (on left)

But it needed to be done. I was determined, after he went to take a break. No more puppies, just me and the dachshunds until the end of the semester.

Rob waits for the cue to get his water

September
The DAY I was planning to drive Rob to his last puppy meeting in North Carolina, and hand him off to my Area Coordinator... said person gave me a call. I was a little stunned to find out they were asking me to take ANOTHER puppy. I'll admit I was a little panicky as well.. another puppy?Now? But I don't want another dog! No!

10 hours later, Trump entered our lives.

Trump, was also a Midnight baby, but the complete opposite of Rob. Rob was a GO GO GO! Dog.

Go Dog Go - Book Cover - by Dr. Suess

If there wasn't action he created some. Definitely the life of the party.

Trump and Rob @ Pool Part Puppy Meeting

Trump, on the other hand is the dog in the corner with a book. Happy to entertain himself until its time to go. In the coming days, we found out quickly that Trump really, really, REALLY did not like to work.

Trump let us know this, by refusing to walk. Oh he'd walk into a place just fine, but getting him back out again? ...Let's just say you needed to have time on your side. I can't tell you how many classes we arrived to late, simply because Trump would not walk with me.

We tried all sorts of things, in fact as soon as we entered buildings, I'd have him "heel" beside me, with the leash looped around his neck. He would walk continuously like that, but would still refuse to move when he saw us heading towards a class room.

Trump refusing to walk through the hallways at school.

Once inside the class room, he didn't want to just lay down and chill out.. no on several occasions he would offer his opinion of the class, to the teacher. Thankfully all my teachers are "cool" with the dogs, and just talked back to him. He would eventually sleep though...

Trump sleep on the floor, legs in the air.

October
GDF made the decision to career change Trump, and offered him too me as a pet. I and his previous raisers declined, so he's now hanging out with me, waiting for a flight back to New York. I got the email yesterday, that they have sent out a request for volunteers to fly him back. While he needs to go (Lifestyle wise.. I can't have a big dog as a pet), I get a pang every-time I think of actually giving him up. For real, for real.

So now we're waiting, I don't know when we'll get another puppy, maybe the end of this year, maybe next year, maybe next summer (yeah right). But We'll be sure to update that.

In the mean time, Bubbles & Texas have been trucking right along, hanging out, keeping the house free of rodents, enjoying the occasional car ride or walk in the park. I am looking forward to spending a little more 2-1 time with them, over the Holidays. :))

Whew! So that's where we are now! Hopefully we're back for a while. No Promises..cause sometimes "Life Comes at You Fast. :-)

Happy Birthday Bubbles!

2011-11-13T22:17:00.001-05:00

Bubbles, on my bed looking out of the window

Happy 12th (?) Birth and Gotcha Day!

Ok so we really don't know that its her birthday, but we do know that 9 years ago, today Missy-Moo became our families' first pet. Never did she/we imagine how many dogs she would mentor in the coming years. At 11, Bubbles in content to sleep the day away in her crate, or the couch. Her tolerance of the dogs is becoming smaller and smaller, which I figure may be due to fact that they will run over her if she's in the way. So I'm working hard on make sure she doesn't have to deal with them if possible. :)

She still gets around pretty well, and enjoys chasing the occasional squirrel.

Here's to hoping to many more years!

Didya Miss Me?

2011-11-12T23:46:00.001-05:00

Please excuse the dust as mom tries to get this blog thingy set back up here Mmk!?

Texas - Sitting on a black and white bed

Helllooooo???

2011-08-02T16:53:00.002-04:00

*tap-tap*

Is this thing on?
Hello everyone!
Its been a long while, and I wish I had this big long update full of things that we have done over the summer...*pants* Butta I don't. Cause we hadn't done nuthin.
And when I say nuthin I mean nuttin.
Just laze around the house and dig in the trash when mom's not looking...
So I thought I'd share witcha's these funny videos I saw, while mom was at work without her computer. Mom says maybe one day she'll stop being lazy and teach me some of these tricks.

Um..prolly not.

Ok everyone clap for Bailey.
*Yay Bailey*
Alright next video...um.. sorry mom but this one def ain't happen. Trust me on this..

Man! Looks like I'm outta time fur today, cause mom is wanting to get on the 'puter.. (probably trying to see what else she can do to make my life miseralbes!)

TTFN!
\

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-27T15:04:00.005-04:00

Bubbles hanging out in the driveway, Muffin and Bubbles on the couch..

Muffin curled up on my lap and Huck one of the dogs I walk on a regular basis.

Texas Security Log

2011-07-22T10:00:00.002-04:00

July 21, 2011

Mom brought home ANOTHER dog today! But just for the weekend. SHe's real quiet and don't even do nothin! #
Chased a bird up onto a telephone wire today!
Did you know my other brother Pompei is going to be a guide dog? Yep! He is all matched up with his new partner and they will graduate on July 24th according to mom.
Mom can't even go see him cause, she already committed to watching Muffin. :(( Plus it was like $345 whole dollars for a plane ticket! #poormom
Oh look! Someone left the garbage out! I wonder what yummies are in here?!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-22T22:05:00.000-04:00

Man. Is it hot in here or is that just me?

Texas - Four months old - Perched in the back seat of my car

BOL!
So Rob is away on a "Puppy Camp" which means that he's with another puppy raiser while mom takes a break. Hehe. So now me and Bubbles have mom all to ourselves, and we really don't know what to do about that. But he did get a new "coat" afore he left, cause the other one mom had to squish his sides in to get it on him.

Mom is still real busy with her new job. She already has four dogs she cares for on a weekly basis and is getting more as the summer gets busier! Whew! Right now she is getting me an Bubbles up at SIX IN THE MORNING!?!? Really? I mean I was having a great dream this morning and then all the sudden mom jumps outta bed, starts throwing clothes and stuff around the room, then starts poking me! Seriously. A dog can't sleep in peace around here no more!

Oh yeah and she got a bunch of pics of Pompei on Facebook and she posted them on Rob's blog so you can go see them....-->Here<---

Well that's all I gots for now Paw Pals...gotta go give Mom a work out since Rob isn't here.

BAYL!

P.S. (Did you know my birthday is in like a week or two!?! OMD!OMD!OMD!OMD!)

We're still here

2011-06-17T14:20:00.001-04:00

I'm thinkin mom needs to fired from runnin this blog.

As soon as I learn how to type better anyways.

Um...we said good bye to Lacy last Saturday.

She was fun.

Mom has been real busy STILL!

There is NO excuse for NOT takin PHOTOS of ME i say!

The War Between the States

2011-06-07T16:04:00.001-04:00

Meet Georgia.

This photo is a representation of Georgia.

A rough and tough Yorkie-poo, who came to live with our neighbors several months ago. At almost eight months old, she has quickly made her presence around the neighborhood well known. Like most little dogs, Georgia is one rough and tough little girl, and is not about to let Texas upsurp her claim on being the loudest, meanest dog around.

Well except that she hasn't bitten anyone.. yet...

Prior to Georgia's arrival, Rusty the big dopey golden retriever, was the one who got picked up by Texas.

A representation of the dog known as Rusty.

Texas + Big Dogs = PUBLIC ENEMY #1

***Please no one tell him he's been living with a big dog for.....his entire life, it might just crush his already shattered ego..

Rusty would slip under his fence into our yard, and happily lope around, with Texas and Bubbles hot on his heels, ready to vanquish the foe. Once Texas got a mouthful of Fur and Rusty didn't do anything, Texas would wander off and do whatever, while Rusty pounced on poor unsuspecting Pompei. (at the time.)

However, since Georgia has entered the picture, for one, they both stay in the yard more, and two, Texas is not so eager to go and tell them what's up. Why?

Because Georgia has no qualms about chasing him right back and nipping him if need be.

Texas has tried only a couple of times, to venture in their yard, before deciding the punishment risk was too great, and that he can bark just as easily from the other side of the fence. Its kind of amusing to see him get a taste of his own medicine..

The squalling that emits from this dog is nothing short of girly.

The big wimp.

Rusty and Georgia escaped their confines and were terrorizing my dogs with their presences
:)

Remember Lacy?

2011-06-06T16:22:00.000-04:00

She's back for the week while her peoples are gone on a vacation. Her has a boy named Fisher who loves, loves, loves, loves, her so he was really, really, really, really, sad to leave her wit us. So mom has to send him pictures of her on her cell phone,so he is not too sad about her stayin behind. He told his mom that he wanted to stay at mom's house with Lacy too. But mom had to say no cause he couldn't stay in a crate while she was gone. BOL!
Lacy is only two years older then me, but she doesn't like to play much. I tried to get her too, but we just bounced around each other than laid down and went to sleeps.

Even Rob is bein a good boy around her, mom was afraid he's harrass her to death like he does me an Bubbles, but he hasn't so yay for that.

Ummm yep I think that its. OH! Yeah mom did FINALLY let me ride wit her and Rob when they went to give something to a lady so that was cool. How was your weekend?

Lacy's first night here. Making herself at home

Lacy really likes moms bed. But she isn't allowed there any longer

Rob and Lacy checking out the yard

Me given her the "grand tour"

Me and Rob

Her and Bubbles on the couch

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-01T14:31:00.000-04:00

Hi Guys,
Um...so not much has been going on around here except dat mom got a NEW CAR!! (which I haven't even got to ride one place in!) And not only dat but a NEW JOB!! Where she walks other peoples dogs around the place, and stuff likes dat. Sooo dat means I'm stuck at home a lots wit nothin to doo... so maybe I can find some stuff to posts here, butt it might be kinda quiet here. Well no quieter than usual I guess.I sure wish I had a more funner life dats fur sure!

See Ya!

No Room in the Inn

2011-05-19T09:01:00.000-04:00

Just a guess on my part....but I'm concluding that there was no where else to lay...??

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-18T11:54:00.000-04:00

A Review - By Texas

2011-05-09T08:42:00.000-04:00

Helllooo bloggy pawpuls!

Today, I, Texas The Doxie, will present to yous all a review of a ~~piece of junk, not even worth your money~~ probably a good purchase, maybe, kinda, dog toy.

This toy has a strange name, so its not even worth mentioning no this here bloggy. So um...lets get to the action shall wee? So mom went to the Petstore WITHOUT ME wiht Rob yesterday and the little bugger got to PICK OUT HIS OWN TOYS!?

Am I bitter 'bout that you ask?

No. I am not.

I just STEAL ALL THE TOYS AWAY AND THEN SNAP AT HIM WHEN HE COMES CLOSE!
Then mom puts them up and of course its all Rob's fault that we was board and stuff.

Um... where was I?

Oh yeas.

So this thing is a KONG Wobbler, KNOCK OFF. I know, that is prolly a big deteerant but that didn't even stop mom. (she's a cheap scape) so you can get this little "beutee" at your local PetsMart for only $7.97!!

Yeah.

Cheep.

So antiways... mom gets this monstroscity home and tries to open it. Me, being the smartest, most handsomest doggie alive, realized immediately that this produced food..so was all fur mom letting me play wit it. So i ran and around barkign at her ..but her never even put it down for a long time!

She kept tryin' to un twist the thingymajiggy and it wouldn't even come loose! Not even for a whole night!

So mom just stuck some foods in teh little wholes, and let me and Bubbles play with it.

LEmme tell yous how smart I am.

I got that thing done in like. 5 seconds flat!! BLAM!

Don't believe me??

I gots some video PROOF!!!!!

Anyway mom says its not a great toy cause the plastic is cheeps, and if Rob gotta ahold of it he would tear it up in like two seconds, cause he thinks you has to bite it to get the food out, not hit it with your feets.

He's a dumb bunny.

So if you want a toy like dis, spend the money and get a really KONG WOBBLER!

That's all.

Summer Goals

2011-05-03T09:33:00.001-04:00

Hi Guys,

Just another boring post from me! :)
(And Me! hee hee mom should leave her drafts up on the computer!-Texas)
School and work have been consuming me lately...as well as training/entertaining Rob. Little man is quite the active pup. Which might be due, in part, to the break down of our structure in the last little bit.
(Fur real! I mean that dude is down-right annoying ~~all~~at times!)
However, summer is right around the corner and with only a week or so left in this semester, I'm already making plans!
(Woohoo! I hope they include me! Cause MAN its been dull around here!)
First we have Mr. Rob.
(Its ALWAYS about ROB! GRRRrrrrrr)
Of course we have the normal everyday exposures we are required to do by the Guide Dog Foundation, but we also want to hit up some of the festivals/ meet up with other dog owners/puppy raisers that are lurking around Knoxville. Its always more fun to do things with your dog. :)
(Um..hello? what about me?)
I'd also like to enroll Rob in a Puppy Class of some sort, if I can find someone who will let me attend for free...so far no good.
(Yeah well, I don't think any amounts of class could fix what's wrong with dork-boys brain)
Then we have Mr. Texas.
(FINALLY!)
To our newer readers, if you don't know about Texas's and his "special needs" (WHAT?!!) then you can read about it {here.} (LIES I TELL YOU ALL LIES! DON'T CLICK ON THAT LINK!) In a nut shell, Texas has not quite mastered the proper ways of greeting strange humans or other animals. In an interesting twist to the plot, I've discovered that he's only reactive towards strangers....when I'm around. How's that for making a girl feel all warm and fuzzy? (Ok so what she doesn't know won't hurt her, but in truth I'm a secrete special ops agent trained to keep my girl from getting hurt. Excepts when she puts me in my crate when people come over I can't even help her out and how's that supposed to make ME feel!?!?)

As long he knows I'm in the vacinty he will bark, lunge, growl, snap, and possibly bite, whomever comes near/talks/makes eye contact with him. However if I'm not in the house/outside, anyone can go in and interact with him (at the risk of making him pee on the floor) without an issue.
(OMD I CANNOT BELIEVE SHE JUST WROTE THAT!!!!!)
So now that we've realized he might have some guarding issues going on, as well as reactivity towards other dogs and strange objects..we've still got a lot of work to do. This summer I'm hoping Texas and I can spend some time working on re acclimating him into the world, parks and walking around in public, without wanting to snap peoples...feet off.

I also want him to become more comfortable being handled, as he shys away from even me, when I reach out towards him.

*sigh* We have soo much to do.

To be honest, there are times I've wondered if he would be better off with someone else, since I seem to be the problem, and while I'm in contact with many many different trainers/knowledgeable dog people, its still an overwhelming process to do by ones self. Don't worry I could *never* give him to someone else, unless I knew without a doubt that it was the ABSOLUTE best thing possible for *him*. Even then I'd have my doubts. But there are sometimes I wish we could just have a normal dog existence.
(....well this is interesting...)

So anyway we've got a lot to work on, which is why I've re-upped our training routines. Now that school is almost over I have more time to devote to Tex-Mex.

Another thing I'm hoping to do, is going ahead and starting putting some money away for un-anticipated pet medical expenses, and boarding costs. Since traveling is very stressful for Bubbles & Texas, they seem to enjoy staying at our vet's kennel.
(Yeah its alright, i mean the service is lousy can't even get a good potty walk in a'fore its time to come back inside?!)

Here's to a good Summer 2011!