Hi All,
I hate to brag, but a it is now a week since Baron observed poodles hunting, and he has grown from the experience. He saw poodles retrieving ducks, taking walks on a heel command, urinating, barking, and playing. He has obviously learned a lot. First of all, he has perfected his hunting skills. He caught 2 frogs and a grasshopper (I had no jar available for the latter), and has proven to be an expert at hunting kleenex. He not only retrieves (and keeps) used kleenex from the wastebasket, but is actually able to hunt down kleenex still in the box. Is he terrific or what?
Secondly, Baron has learned that duck is indeed a delicacy, and obviously one that is sought after, otherwise why would so many poodles be working so hard to retrieve a dead duck? He has decided that although his particular brand of duck and potato diet is on the pricey side, why switch? After all, poodles go to the trouble of retrieving ducks without actually eating them. Baron does not have to actually retrieve a dead duck, which might mess his fur or even worse, get his paws muddy. He gets to eat ducks that have already been hunted and prepared (thankfully not by me). How easy is that?
I think this proves that Baron has a high IQ and his difficulty with dog obedience must be the result of boredom. Spoken like a true mother, right?
Botswain
Friday, August 28, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
The Hunt
Hi All,
Today's entry comes with a warning. It is not for the faint of heart. It will appeal to true poodle lovers, those who like hunting (particularly with poodles) and those who have a taste for life's unusual experiences.
I just returned home from the Working Certificate and Working Excellent Certificate Tests in Waukesha Wisconsin. No, this is not a certificate to enable me to continue working (either excellently or not), but a hunting test for standard poodles. Of course I brought my sidekick, Baron (aka Jaws) with me. I must say, he was the largest and handsomest of the dogs there (but I am biased). Note: I did not say he was the best behaved - if in doubt, read previous blog entries.
First of all, for those not aware of this: I have a terrible sense of direction. Waukesha is a very long drive, and, I'm proud to say, I didn't get lost at all. This was a first for me, since the drive to the hunting club involved turning down a small, poorly marked street. Thank heavens for mapquest.
Secondly, I didn't know if it would be worth the time and effort, particularly given the forecast for "passing showers." It was! Baron and I had a blast (no pun intended), even though the "passing shower" never passed. I'll tell you all about it. Here goes:
All of the handlers (that's the human - a professional - who handles the dogs) were dressed in hunting clothes, which are basically water-proof camouflage jackets and pants, knee high rubber boots (very smart considering the above-mentioned showers), and whistles. The poodles were all well groomed (clipped short), but none had that "fancy" poodle cut, and none were as cute as you-know-who.
First, I must also say a few words about the ducks. They were all dead - homicide. Their necks were broken late yesterday in preparation for today's event. Apparently, there is a man who has a job doing this. The hunters were all very excited about the ducks because they were in good condition. They allow 2 ducks for each dog, and the owners got to keep their dog's dead ducks - how exciting is that? No one offered me any for Baron's dinner. I visualized a lot of foie gras.
I arrived during the Working Certificate Excellent Test, this is for the more advanced dogs, because it involves a memory test. Each dog is kept behind a camouflage screen before his or her turn. The dog then comes forward with it's handler, often off leash on a "heel" command - is that well trained or what? The marshal catapults a duck (still dead) in the air while using a duck whistle that mimics a duck's call. He then shoots a gun as a real hunter would do. The dogs sits at attention and watches. This is then repeated in another direction, with the dog watching the 2nd duck (also dead). The dog is then commanded to retrieve the 1st duck and after doing so successfully he has to remember where the 1st duck is and retrieve him (or her). The handler is only allowed to give one direction (i.e. "over" - directing dog to the left or right. The handler's whistle is used to give commands to the dog (i.e. a short sound for sit). It was amazing, the dog would sit in a field and look at it's handler for direction, with the handler standing several yards away.
The test for the less advanced dogs is similar, but with no memory component. You could really see the difference between the dogs in training and the more advanced dogs. The dogs in training needed help, and in a couple of instances, the marshal retrieved the duck and catapulted it for the dog to try again.
Unfortunately, I had to leave before the water trials. For this part, a dog has to qualify in order to compete. They catapult the still dead duck into a large pond and the poodle has to jump in the water and retrieve the duck. I would have loved to have seen that. I had to return home, which was just as well, because it was really pouring by this time. I was thankful for my own rain jacket and am seriously considering one for Baron.
As you can tell, for me, this was an alternate universe; you not only had humans in "battle fatigue" but dogs who were actually well-behaved! Speaking of which, Baron had to remain in the car so as not to be a distraction. I did walk him frequently, and he was quite excited to be around so many poodles. At one point, we saw a woman walking her 5 poodles - all off leash. One dog started to approach Baron, but was called back. It was amazing, the dog actually listened to her owner!
There is no end to what I am learning with my faithful sidekick (that would be Baron).
All for now. Baron's dinner is getting more complicated, now that duck doesn't look so appetizing.
Botswain
+
Today's entry comes with a warning. It is not for the faint of heart. It will appeal to true poodle lovers, those who like hunting (particularly with poodles) and those who have a taste for life's unusual experiences.
I just returned home from the Working Certificate and Working Excellent Certificate Tests in Waukesha Wisconsin. No, this is not a certificate to enable me to continue working (either excellently or not), but a hunting test for standard poodles. Of course I brought my sidekick, Baron (aka Jaws) with me. I must say, he was the largest and handsomest of the dogs there (but I am biased). Note: I did not say he was the best behaved - if in doubt, read previous blog entries.
First of all, for those not aware of this: I have a terrible sense of direction. Waukesha is a very long drive, and, I'm proud to say, I didn't get lost at all. This was a first for me, since the drive to the hunting club involved turning down a small, poorly marked street. Thank heavens for mapquest.
Secondly, I didn't know if it would be worth the time and effort, particularly given the forecast for "passing showers." It was! Baron and I had a blast (no pun intended), even though the "passing shower" never passed. I'll tell you all about it. Here goes:
All of the handlers (that's the human - a professional - who handles the dogs) were dressed in hunting clothes, which are basically water-proof camouflage jackets and pants, knee high rubber boots (very smart considering the above-mentioned showers), and whistles. The poodles were all well groomed (clipped short), but none had that "fancy" poodle cut, and none were as cute as you-know-who.
First, I must also say a few words about the ducks. They were all dead - homicide. Their necks were broken late yesterday in preparation for today's event. Apparently, there is a man who has a job doing this. The hunters were all very excited about the ducks because they were in good condition. They allow 2 ducks for each dog, and the owners got to keep their dog's dead ducks - how exciting is that? No one offered me any for Baron's dinner. I visualized a lot of foie gras.
I arrived during the Working Certificate Excellent Test, this is for the more advanced dogs, because it involves a memory test. Each dog is kept behind a camouflage screen before his or her turn. The dog then comes forward with it's handler, often off leash on a "heel" command - is that well trained or what? The marshal catapults a duck (still dead) in the air while using a duck whistle that mimics a duck's call. He then shoots a gun as a real hunter would do. The dogs sits at attention and watches. This is then repeated in another direction, with the dog watching the 2nd duck (also dead). The dog is then commanded to retrieve the 1st duck and after doing so successfully he has to remember where the 1st duck is and retrieve him (or her). The handler is only allowed to give one direction (i.e. "over" - directing dog to the left or right. The handler's whistle is used to give commands to the dog (i.e. a short sound for sit). It was amazing, the dog would sit in a field and look at it's handler for direction, with the handler standing several yards away.
The test for the less advanced dogs is similar, but with no memory component. You could really see the difference between the dogs in training and the more advanced dogs. The dogs in training needed help, and in a couple of instances, the marshal retrieved the duck and catapulted it for the dog to try again.
Unfortunately, I had to leave before the water trials. For this part, a dog has to qualify in order to compete. They catapult the still dead duck into a large pond and the poodle has to jump in the water and retrieve the duck. I would have loved to have seen that. I had to return home, which was just as well, because it was really pouring by this time. I was thankful for my own rain jacket and am seriously considering one for Baron.
As you can tell, for me, this was an alternate universe; you not only had humans in "battle fatigue" but dogs who were actually well-behaved! Speaking of which, Baron had to remain in the car so as not to be a distraction. I did walk him frequently, and he was quite excited to be around so many poodles. At one point, we saw a woman walking her 5 poodles - all off leash. One dog started to approach Baron, but was called back. It was amazing, the dog actually listened to her owner!
There is no end to what I am learning with my faithful sidekick (that would be Baron).
All for now. Baron's dinner is getting more complicated, now that duck doesn't look so appetizing.
Botswain
+
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Dead duck
Hi Fellow Poodle Lovers!
I have a lot to talk about today. We had our training session with Ms. X; Baron settled down and did well. I am now walking him with a "gentle leader" and while he balked at 1st, it makes things much easier.
Tomorrow is a special exhibition of standard poodles hunting, hosted by the Milwaukee Poodle Club. It is in Waukesha, Wisconsin. I know you are wondering "where is Waukesha Wisconsin"? So am I. I'll let you know if I find it. I did call to determine if it's worth attending, and was told the morning trials (all I can attend - it is a 2 hour drive) are in the water; this involves the dogs only - not trainers in floaties. They have a bunch of dead ducks (I kid you not) that they throw in the water for the dogs to retrieve. Poodles are hunters and are water dogs. The ducks are already dead (or pre-killed) to avoid injury and pain for the ducks (figure that one out). It should be interesting. Poodles are coming from all over the USA and Canada.
More on this tomorrow.
It's ducky.
Botswain
PS
Baron is especially excited because he is on a duck and potato diet. I am hoping the poodles will give me the retrieved ducks and I can have Baron's allergist cook them!
I have a lot to talk about today. We had our training session with Ms. X; Baron settled down and did well. I am now walking him with a "gentle leader" and while he balked at 1st, it makes things much easier.
Tomorrow is a special exhibition of standard poodles hunting, hosted by the Milwaukee Poodle Club. It is in Waukesha, Wisconsin. I know you are wondering "where is Waukesha Wisconsin"? So am I. I'll let you know if I find it. I did call to determine if it's worth attending, and was told the morning trials (all I can attend - it is a 2 hour drive) are in the water; this involves the dogs only - not trainers in floaties. They have a bunch of dead ducks (I kid you not) that they throw in the water for the dogs to retrieve. Poodles are hunters and are water dogs. The ducks are already dead (or pre-killed) to avoid injury and pain for the ducks (figure that one out). It should be interesting. Poodles are coming from all over the USA and Canada.
More on this tomorrow.
It's ducky.
Botswain
PS
Baron is especially excited because he is on a duck and potato diet. I am hoping the poodles will give me the retrieved ducks and I can have Baron's allergist cook them!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Flying Pigs
Hi All,
I am so looking forward to seeing our newest dog trainer tomorrow. Baron is, well, still Baron. Our beloved trainer, Ms. X (not her real name for obvious reasons), made some wonderful recommendations regarding Baron's behavior. She suggested that when he "playfully" growls (picture this - his butt is in the air) we give him a toy - which is preferable to his "playing" with other things, like Vance's watch, for example. I did that very thing tonight. I gave him his favorite squeaky toy; it's a small, soft, rubber pig. He was thrilled. I threw it, he retrieved it. This went on until he refused to let me have the pig. I said (and I am so proud of myself) "drop it." Baron actually dropped it!!! How great is that? Is he smart or what? Of course, I had to pick the pig up and throw it again. This was not as bad as it sounds, because it weighs considerably less than an actual pig. Unfortunately, this "game" went on for some time until one of us - or perhaps both of us - tired of it. I think we are making headway!
OOPS - I have to go, Baron is calling (well, barking). I guess we aren't trained as well as we'd like to be.
Playfully yours,
Botswain
I am so looking forward to seeing our newest dog trainer tomorrow. Baron is, well, still Baron. Our beloved trainer, Ms. X (not her real name for obvious reasons), made some wonderful recommendations regarding Baron's behavior. She suggested that when he "playfully" growls (picture this - his butt is in the air) we give him a toy - which is preferable to his "playing" with other things, like Vance's watch, for example. I did that very thing tonight. I gave him his favorite squeaky toy; it's a small, soft, rubber pig. He was thrilled. I threw it, he retrieved it. This went on until he refused to let me have the pig. I said (and I am so proud of myself) "drop it." Baron actually dropped it!!! How great is that? Is he smart or what? Of course, I had to pick the pig up and throw it again. This was not as bad as it sounds, because it weighs considerably less than an actual pig. Unfortunately, this "game" went on for some time until one of us - or perhaps both of us - tired of it. I think we are making headway!
OOPS - I have to go, Baron is calling (well, barking). I guess we aren't trained as well as we'd like to be.
Playfully yours,
Botswain
Monday, August 17, 2009
A Training Glitch
Hi All,
Today I had my first visitor since Baron's training session last week. Ms. X (the trainer who wishes to remain anonymous for obvious reasons) and I (and, coincidentally, Baron) worked on Baron's behavior greeting people at our front door. I am to say "ick" if he rushes to the door. I did so, and it worked with Ms. X. Nonetheless, Baron happily (and enthusiastically) pounced on my guest, who, thankfully, is a poodle lover. He later tried to get in her lap. I am certain our newest dog trainer would not approve of this! Sigh, I guess I'll have to add it to the list of things to work on. How many volumes am I allowed?
With chuckles,
Botswain
PS
When Ms. X and I practiced Baron's greeting of visitors at our door (i.e. she left, I closed the door, she rang the door bell), Baron was remarkably calm, and his behavior was much improved. I wonder if this little glitch has anything to do with me? Does this mean I am not the "alpha" member of the pack?
Today I had my first visitor since Baron's training session last week. Ms. X (the trainer who wishes to remain anonymous for obvious reasons) and I (and, coincidentally, Baron) worked on Baron's behavior greeting people at our front door. I am to say "ick" if he rushes to the door. I did so, and it worked with Ms. X. Nonetheless, Baron happily (and enthusiastically) pounced on my guest, who, thankfully, is a poodle lover. He later tried to get in her lap. I am certain our newest dog trainer would not approve of this! Sigh, I guess I'll have to add it to the list of things to work on. How many volumes am I allowed?
With chuckles,
Botswain
PS
When Ms. X and I practiced Baron's greeting of visitors at our door (i.e. she left, I closed the door, she rang the door bell), Baron was remarkably calm, and his behavior was much improved. I wonder if this little glitch has anything to do with me? Does this mean I am not the "alpha" member of the pack?
Thursday, August 13, 2009
And the trainer is.....
Hi All,
Today was a big day here at Poodle Place. 1st. Baron and I had an exciting morning walking with my friend, Debbie, and her Jack Russel Terrier. It took Baron awhile to realize that no dog can befriend a Jack Russel, not even one as convincing as Baron, but, in true Baron style, he never gave up.
Later, Baron and I had a session with his newest (and hopefully last) trainer, Ms. X. I call her Ms. X because she doesn't want to be associated with the aforementioned poodle. Let's hope she will soon be proud to list Baron among her successes.
Unfortunately, Baron greeted his new trainer warmly, with his fiercest growl - it was ineffective. He couldn't believe it and kept growling just to make sure - nope - no response. Ms. X has a different way of dealing with dogs, and uses the word "ick" to discourage unwanted behavior (hey, maybe that's why she doesn't want her name mentioned). It's hard to believe, but you would have thought she said "dog catcher", although "dog trainer" seems to work just as well. So, poodle friends, if you hear me calmly (right!) saying "ick" to Baron, think nothing of it. It does not mean he is "icky" but that I am correcting him. I can hardly wait to hear what word I'll get to use next week!
Ms. X suggested a holistic vet for help with Baron's allergies and immune system. Has anyone had any luck with a holistic vet? If so, I'd love to hear about it.
Laughingly yours,
Botswain
PS
By the way, Ms. X is Baron's 5th trainer, but who's counting?
Today was a big day here at Poodle Place. 1st. Baron and I had an exciting morning walking with my friend, Debbie, and her Jack Russel Terrier. It took Baron awhile to realize that no dog can befriend a Jack Russel, not even one as convincing as Baron, but, in true Baron style, he never gave up.
Later, Baron and I had a session with his newest (and hopefully last) trainer, Ms. X. I call her Ms. X because she doesn't want to be associated with the aforementioned poodle. Let's hope she will soon be proud to list Baron among her successes.
Unfortunately, Baron greeted his new trainer warmly, with his fiercest growl - it was ineffective. He couldn't believe it and kept growling just to make sure - nope - no response. Ms. X has a different way of dealing with dogs, and uses the word "ick" to discourage unwanted behavior (hey, maybe that's why she doesn't want her name mentioned). It's hard to believe, but you would have thought she said "dog catcher", although "dog trainer" seems to work just as well. So, poodle friends, if you hear me calmly (right!) saying "ick" to Baron, think nothing of it. It does not mean he is "icky" but that I am correcting him. I can hardly wait to hear what word I'll get to use next week!
Ms. X suggested a holistic vet for help with Baron's allergies and immune system. Has anyone had any luck with a holistic vet? If so, I'd love to hear about it.
Laughingly yours,
Botswain
PS
By the way, Ms. X is Baron's 5th trainer, but who's counting?
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
More Canine Cuisine
Hi All,
I am almost afraid to ask, but did you find yesterday's recipe for "Divine Duck and Potato" user friendly? I don't know about you but I hate recipes that have a lot of ingredients, take more than 10 minutes to prepare, and involve equipment (such as a pot, pan, or for the previous recipe, a can opener). It is with this in mind that I will share my "secret" easy recipe for Divine Duck and Potato Main Course for Dogs. Here it is:
Recipe 2
Secret Easy Recipe for Divine Duck and Potato Main Course for dogs
Ingredients:
Bag of duck and potato dog food
Open bag of duck and potato dog food (you don't need a can opener, but will need a
scissors)
Pour 1 and1/2 cups (this is for a large dog - if you feed him twice a day) into his bowl.
Put bowl on floor for dog
YOU ARE FINISHED!!! HOW EASY IS THIS?
This recipe did not require Julia Child or her cook book, and it is somewhat original! I know, you are thinking that I had better stick to cooking for dogs, but it does give you an idea as to what my human family has gone through. Look at it this way, now you know why my blog is about dogs, not cooking. Julia Child would be horrified, but laughing (I hope)!
Eat heartily,
Botswain
I am almost afraid to ask, but did you find yesterday's recipe for "Divine Duck and Potato" user friendly? I don't know about you but I hate recipes that have a lot of ingredients, take more than 10 minutes to prepare, and involve equipment (such as a pot, pan, or for the previous recipe, a can opener). It is with this in mind that I will share my "secret" easy recipe for Divine Duck and Potato Main Course for Dogs. Here it is:
Recipe 2
Secret Easy Recipe for Divine Duck and Potato Main Course for dogs
Ingredients:
Bag of duck and potato dog food
Open bag of duck and potato dog food (you don't need a can opener, but will need a
scissors)
Pour 1 and1/2 cups (this is for a large dog - if you feed him twice a day) into his bowl.
Put bowl on floor for dog
YOU ARE FINISHED!!! HOW EASY IS THIS?
This recipe did not require Julia Child or her cook book, and it is somewhat original! I know, you are thinking that I had better stick to cooking for dogs, but it does give you an idea as to what my human family has gone through. Look at it this way, now you know why my blog is about dogs, not cooking. Julia Child would be horrified, but laughing (I hope)!
Eat heartily,
Botswain
Monday, August 10, 2009
Canine Cuisine
Hi all,
I am suffering an inferiority complex. I just saw the movie, Julie and Julia, and marveled not only at how cute her blog was, but how she (Julie) got so many followers! I have no clue how this all works, and neither did Julie, but she blogged about how she cooked (successfully) all of the recipes in Julia Child's cook book, and people loved reading about it. I did not read about it because anything pertaining to cooking is wasted on me, but I liked the concept.
There was, however, an important part of the movie that did pertain to me (no, it was not about the domestically-challenged). Julie followed Julia's instructions and learned how to split and cook a whole duck; she didn't have to catch the duck, she obviously purchased it after it was deceased. This recipe involved a very large, sharp knife. Why would this pertain to me, you may ask? BECAUSE THE AFOREMENTIONED DOG (that would be Baron)IS ON A DUCK AND POTATO DIET, AND HIS ALLERGIST THINKS IT WOULD BE GREAT IF I COOKED HIM DUCK!!! Perhaps Julie wouldn't mind doing that in her spare time, and she probably even knows how to dehydrate duck in a dehydrator - whatever that is!
Maybe if I added a few dog food recipes to my blog that would work? Let's face it, only Baron would eat a home-made meal made by me, which is why I refer to myself as a "meal facilitator." In fact, in one of my earlier blogs I commented on how Baron wanted to try his hand (oops - paw) at cooking. I thought he was trying to steal my recipe for "Special Mommy Eggs" but maybe he was trying to take over the stove! Anyway, I am still considering giving him cooking lessons, if he ever masters obedience.
So readers, do you think I should add some dog food recipes to my blog? They would be relatively simple. For example:
Recipe 1
Divine Duck and Potato Main Course for dogs
Ingredients:
Can of Duck and Potato dog food
Open can using electric can opener
Pour contents of can into bowl (sometimes it is stuck in the can which requires a knife to get it out of the can because you can't pour it).
Put bowl on floor for dog
Is this interesting? If so, wait until you read tomorrow's recipe!
Botswain
I am suffering an inferiority complex. I just saw the movie, Julie and Julia, and marveled not only at how cute her blog was, but how she (Julie) got so many followers! I have no clue how this all works, and neither did Julie, but she blogged about how she cooked (successfully) all of the recipes in Julia Child's cook book, and people loved reading about it. I did not read about it because anything pertaining to cooking is wasted on me, but I liked the concept.
There was, however, an important part of the movie that did pertain to me (no, it was not about the domestically-challenged). Julie followed Julia's instructions and learned how to split and cook a whole duck; she didn't have to catch the duck, she obviously purchased it after it was deceased. This recipe involved a very large, sharp knife. Why would this pertain to me, you may ask? BECAUSE THE AFOREMENTIONED DOG (that would be Baron)IS ON A DUCK AND POTATO DIET, AND HIS ALLERGIST THINKS IT WOULD BE GREAT IF I COOKED HIM DUCK!!! Perhaps Julie wouldn't mind doing that in her spare time, and she probably even knows how to dehydrate duck in a dehydrator - whatever that is!
Maybe if I added a few dog food recipes to my blog that would work? Let's face it, only Baron would eat a home-made meal made by me, which is why I refer to myself as a "meal facilitator." In fact, in one of my earlier blogs I commented on how Baron wanted to try his hand (oops - paw) at cooking. I thought he was trying to steal my recipe for "Special Mommy Eggs" but maybe he was trying to take over the stove! Anyway, I am still considering giving him cooking lessons, if he ever masters obedience.
So readers, do you think I should add some dog food recipes to my blog? They would be relatively simple. For example:
Recipe 1
Divine Duck and Potato Main Course for dogs
Ingredients:
Can of Duck and Potato dog food
Open can using electric can opener
Pour contents of can into bowl (sometimes it is stuck in the can which requires a knife to get it out of the can because you can't pour it).
Put bowl on floor for dog
Is this interesting? If so, wait until you read tomorrow's recipe!
Botswain
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