Friday, August 30, 2013

Ups and Downs

Enjoying a warm summer evening we took the opportunity to work in some training exercises.  Practicing up and down on command with Maggie does take time and patience.   As you can see, Maggie isn't a big fan of going into a sit while in a down position.  And some days she's more compliant than others, but and am happy to say we had a much better session last night.



Getting Off on the "Right" Foot

Due to the very hot weather, we continue some of our practicing indoors.  This is a sample of our 'let's go' leading off the left leg; then the 'stay' when I lead off my right.   Maggie seems to be getting right in step though she seems to lag behind a little anticipating my movement.  We were even able to mark a 'come' on the end!






Monday, August 19, 2013

Sunday Maggie participated in her first doggie play session.  She loved it!!!!  As you can see, she was definitely dog tired!



Sunday, August 11, 2013

Having Some Fun with "OK"

During the past week we've been practicing "OK".  We're using a large squeaky toy which Maggie is just crazy over.   This raises the stakes of our game.   Tossing the toy and waiting for Maggie's engagement triggers our effort to get the toy together.  I just wish I could run as fast as she does!  


Walking Together

Enjoying all this beautiful summer weather, Maggie and I have been using this time to practice walking together.  I have found interjecting random turns has helped keep Maggie more engaged in our walk.  Here's a snapshot of some of our work.


Saturday, July 20, 2013

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Salty Dog

Maggie recently took to the waterways to enjoy her first boat ride!  In preparation and uncertainty of her swimming capabilities, we outfitted her with her very own personal floatation apparel. Of course getting her rigged up in that was like trying to dress a toddler on a sugar buzz.  But once on, she quickly acclimated and boarded the vessel with absolutely no fear or trepidation.  Shortly after getting  got underway I glanced down to check on her.  Apparently I was more excited about this new adventure for her than she was.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Well last night it became clear that Maggie does not have an aversion to noise.  This is supported by all the yelling, gasping and cheering that was going on during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Playoff's.   We were both delighted for the series to have come to an end, but I think Maggie was more pleased that there won't be any more hockey for the next few months. 

Monday, June 24, 2013

Maggie and I began 'puppy school' over the weekend.  Actually the term "puppy school" is a misnomer as it became clear from the onset that our first lesson was really schooling of the owner than the dog and it was I that needed the molding.  This was much to Maggie's delight as she got to sleep through just about the entire session while I tried to absorb countless factoids on shaping this 50lb. creature into my vision of a respectful member of society.  Little was I aware on how I, over the next several weeks, will need to reach deep into my imagination, adding to my training arsenal booby traps and other inventive and guileful ways for dealing with Maggie's indiscretions. Being "proactive" will be key.  As I look into her hazel brown eyes I can see she senses something is afoot.  Yes, this may take the strategy of overthrowing a small government. 
Hi Everyone....
I'd like you to meet Maggie.   She's a lab mix about 8 months old. Don't you find it amazing how quickly you can forget how much energy a puppy can have!  The "puppy bursts" are truly intriguing.  These are the moments that begin like the calm before the storm.  Then without warning this burst of energy proportionate to a nuclear bomb explodes.  I'm never quite sure what provokes the episode much less what she is so wound up about, but it overtakes her like an out of body experience.   If we could only capture that energy and bottle it......