He also earned himself some repeated correction since he already tried to intimidate another dog in the class. THAT is why he is in the novice class. I want to be able to have him pass by any dog on the path without having him over-guard me. He has, of course, got the women who run the class all eating out of his fuzzy paw (Within reason. They still are the bosses.). I wish there was a male teacher in the course to desensitize the pooch, but no luck. I will just have to start taking him to PetCo and such. Muzzle included. But not yet.
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Back to School
He also earned himself some repeated correction since he already tried to intimidate another dog in the class. THAT is why he is in the novice class. I want to be able to have him pass by any dog on the path without having him over-guard me. He has, of course, got the women who run the class all eating out of his fuzzy paw (Within reason. They still are the bosses.). I wish there was a male teacher in the course to desensitize the pooch, but no luck. I will just have to start taking him to PetCo and such. Muzzle included. But not yet.
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Heart Attacks and Goals
The Smug Ruler of His World
Bedtime rolled around and I told Link that it was time to go outside. He didn't move. I petted his belly. Nothing, but it felt cold. My heart stopped. I shoved his body back and forth and talked to him in a panic. The pest then opened one eye at me. He had been asleep. Still in a state of fear I checked him over as he got up, yawned, stretched, and sat by the door ready to go for his nightly duties. I was dumbfounded. He seemed unharmed. Just sleepy. Okay. Fine. Pardon me while I try to get my heart rate and emotions back to a steady state.So I take him out on his leash, as usual. I check one side of the house for Mr. Le Pew and let Link off the leash to go do his duties. And get a whiff of eau de skunk. Dangit. I should have checked BOTH sides of the house before letting him loose. Luckily it was only a minor spray, but still skunked. I mixed up the peroxide (which may have been old so I might need another round tonight), Dawn, and baking soda and off we went to the shower. Not how I had planned on spending part of the night, but I'll take a skunk any day in comparison to how I thought the night was going to end. And I'm back in tears just thinking about how it very well could have ended.
It was a long night. He's been waking me up several times at night lately to get up and do his business. At first I thought he was faking it (and sometimes he is--he's crafty like that) but after seeing his needs I stopped getting frustrated and just grumble as I get up to keep him from having accidents in the house. I'd rather get up needlessly than clean up excrement. He's becoming an old man. I love him. He'll turn 11 in January. I do indeed love that old man and I'll be happy to have him here as long as he wants to be here.
And now I'm in tears again. Dang dog. Giving me a heart attack. The Nerve!