Hi All,
It's been awhile since I last wrote. I have been busy with damage control here at Poodle Place. Someone is stealing from us. My husband's glasses (prescription) are missing, my make-up case was missing, toothpaste was missing - the list goes on.
A thorough search of the premises led to the discovery of the missing tooth paste (on the floor). The eye glasses have yet to be discovered. We only have one suspect in custody - Baron!!! He is at it again. He is proclaiming his innocence but we don't believe the wily critter.
All for now. I'll keep you posted
Botswain
PS
The observant reader may note that I have not mentioned the fate of my make-up case. That is because I found it in a cupboard which Baron can't reach. The culprit seems to be my own absentmindedness.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Temporarily Trainerless
Hi All,
This has been a hectic time here at Poodle Place. For reasons beyond my control I have been unable to schedule Denise (Baron's 5th Trainer). In her absence Baron has spent time snacking on my glasses case, helping himself to unattended sweet potatoes (cooked of course), and dreaming about his girlfriend, Lexi. He is still not allowed to get married (see previous entry). Oh, according to Baron, on the plus side, he has consistently helped empty the garbage - yep, one kleenex at a time. At least things aren't boring.
Botswain
PS
Baron insisted I inform my readers that he has successfully entered several stores (with me) and received numerous compliments - not on his behavior but on his personality and attractiveness. I, by the way, received no compliments. I did learn that when a store manager approaches you and asks if your dog is a seeing eye dog, it is not a good sign for his future in the store.
This has been a hectic time here at Poodle Place. For reasons beyond my control I have been unable to schedule Denise (Baron's 5th Trainer). In her absence Baron has spent time snacking on my glasses case, helping himself to unattended sweet potatoes (cooked of course), and dreaming about his girlfriend, Lexi. He is still not allowed to get married (see previous entry). Oh, according to Baron, on the plus side, he has consistently helped empty the garbage - yep, one kleenex at a time. At least things aren't boring.
Botswain
PS
Baron insisted I inform my readers that he has successfully entered several stores (with me) and received numerous compliments - not on his behavior but on his personality and attractiveness. I, by the way, received no compliments. I did learn that when a store manager approaches you and asks if your dog is a seeing eye dog, it is not a good sign for his future in the store.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Baron's girlfriend - Is it Serious?
Hi All,
It is true, Baron has a girlfriend. Her name is Lexi, and she is a chocolate lab he met at the dog park. She is age appropriate, has a good personality (definition: she can handle Baron) and is quite attractive (definition: not overweight, which many labs are). I think this might be a serious relationship because, when Baron thought I wasn't looking, I saw him lick her ears. For the uninformed, ears are erogenous zones for dogs.
Rumors are flying about the happy couple. I took Baron to the vet's office yesterday and informed Sheila, the vet tech (and a Baron fan) about his budding relationship; she requested an invite to the wedding! Baron is not ready to get married and move into the dog house. First of all, he sleeps on our bed (he prefers the pillow). Secondly, he is a traditional male who no self-respecting dog (I dislike the word "bitch") would want to marry. Baron's idea of taking out the garbage is one kleenex at a time! Thirdly, he does not retrieve the paper. I have been too embarrassed to write about this, but Baron's idea of bringing in the paper is ridiculous. To get Baron to accompany me to the front door to retrieve the paper I have to sing the newspaper song (We're going to get the paper, the paper, the paper etc). He trots cheerfully (chuckling behind my back) to the foyer where he plops down on the rug and watches while I retrieve the paper! Our last poodle, Byron, at least accompanied me outside. Baron dislikes inclement weather.
As you can see, the rumors Sheila started at the vet's office are greatly exaggerated. When we paid (a requirement to exit the office), the entire staff was talking about Baron's new relationship. It must have been a slow news day!
That's all for now. Stay tuned for more details of Baron's new relationship.
Botswain
It is true, Baron has a girlfriend. Her name is Lexi, and she is a chocolate lab he met at the dog park. She is age appropriate, has a good personality (definition: she can handle Baron) and is quite attractive (definition: not overweight, which many labs are). I think this might be a serious relationship because, when Baron thought I wasn't looking, I saw him lick her ears. For the uninformed, ears are erogenous zones for dogs.
Rumors are flying about the happy couple. I took Baron to the vet's office yesterday and informed Sheila, the vet tech (and a Baron fan) about his budding relationship; she requested an invite to the wedding! Baron is not ready to get married and move into the dog house. First of all, he sleeps on our bed (he prefers the pillow). Secondly, he is a traditional male who no self-respecting dog (I dislike the word "bitch") would want to marry. Baron's idea of taking out the garbage is one kleenex at a time! Thirdly, he does not retrieve the paper. I have been too embarrassed to write about this, but Baron's idea of bringing in the paper is ridiculous. To get Baron to accompany me to the front door to retrieve the paper I have to sing the newspaper song (We're going to get the paper, the paper, the paper etc). He trots cheerfully (chuckling behind my back) to the foyer where he plops down on the rug and watches while I retrieve the paper! Our last poodle, Byron, at least accompanied me outside. Baron dislikes inclement weather.
As you can see, the rumors Sheila started at the vet's office are greatly exaggerated. When we paid (a requirement to exit the office), the entire staff was talking about Baron's new relationship. It must have been a slow news day!
That's all for now. Stay tuned for more details of Baron's new relationship.
Botswain
Friday, March 5, 2010
Nope, He's Not Trained
Hi All,
It was a false alarm - Baron is not trained, but is ill. He has conjunctivitis due to his allergies. This took a brief but expensive visit to the vet to determine. Baron is somewhat trained, however, because upon entering the examining room he jumped on the table. Obviously he is a dog of experience - unfortunately it is experience visiting the vet.
After 2 doses of eye drops, Baron is already feeling better, and my hopes for a new improved Baron are disintegrating.
All for now.
Botswain
PS
On the other hand, it is nice to have Baron back to being Baron.
It was a false alarm - Baron is not trained, but is ill. He has conjunctivitis due to his allergies. This took a brief but expensive visit to the vet to determine. Baron is somewhat trained, however, because upon entering the examining room he jumped on the table. Obviously he is a dog of experience - unfortunately it is experience visiting the vet.
After 2 doses of eye drops, Baron is already feeling better, and my hopes for a new improved Baron are disintegrating.
All for now.
Botswain
PS
On the other hand, it is nice to have Baron back to being Baron.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
What's wrong with Baron?
Hi All,
Things are pleasantly quiet since Baron's last training session. He is well-behaved on our outings and doesn't even bark at the Burmese Mountain Dog. He walks beside me as though he's participating in an obedience trial. He enters stores and his behavior is exemplary.
His greeting of guests to our home has been appropriate (no jumping or frisking the guest for treats). He is responsive to my commands. Things are heavenly here at Poodle Place.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH BARON?
Denise (trainer #5) said Baron's snarling at his new friend, Barkley, is indicative that,at 2 years old, he is an adult dog correcting a young dog. That sounds good to me!
Maybe Baron is a grown-up - who knew?
Keep your fingers crossed.
Hopefully,
Botswain
PS
It is almost too quiet here at Poodle Place.
Things are pleasantly quiet since Baron's last training session. He is well-behaved on our outings and doesn't even bark at the Burmese Mountain Dog. He walks beside me as though he's participating in an obedience trial. He enters stores and his behavior is exemplary.
His greeting of guests to our home has been appropriate (no jumping or frisking the guest for treats). He is responsive to my commands. Things are heavenly here at Poodle Place.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH BARON?
Denise (trainer #5) said Baron's snarling at his new friend, Barkley, is indicative that,at 2 years old, he is an adult dog correcting a young dog. That sounds good to me!
Maybe Baron is a grown-up - who knew?
Keep your fingers crossed.
Hopefully,
Botswain
PS
It is almost too quiet here at Poodle Place.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Terror at the Kid's Park
Hi All,
Here's the good news first - Baron and I are safely home from the kids' park. Now the bad news. After a successful training session with his 5Th trainer (but who is counting?), Baron was meeting his friend, Barkley at the park. We arrived 1st. It is freezing outside, and Baron's faithful attendant (that would be me) noticed she was missing a glove. After trying unsuccessfully to place the leash on Baron (forget the "successful" training session), she carefully (not carefully enough apparently) closed the gate and exited the park to retrieve her glove. This would be unnecessary if Baron did the retrieving poodles are known for (hunting dogs, remember?). After crossing the street, she glanced back and noticed Baron joyfully attempting to follow her. He pushed through the gate and was heading toward the street. A car was coming from one direction, and a truck was approaching from the other. Baron's faithful attendant (that would still be me) unceremoniously screamed and waved her arms, thus getting the attention of the drivers. The driver of the car observed me and the dog, and drove by anyway. Baron is fine and I had only a mild heart attack. Oh yes, I did get my glove - which involved putting the agility leash (and collar - all in one) over his head after a brief tug-of-war. This time he accompanied me - like it or not.
Barkley arrived and I suggested that he might like to have a big brother. I even had a potential sibling in mind (forget the part about my wanting a baby sister for Baron - I'm wiped). Barkley's attendant did not seem enthused about enlarging her family. The 2 dogs (yes, they are dogs) had fun chasing each other. After awhile, Baron came and stood quietly next to me. This never happens when he is playing with his buddies. He even growled at Barkley. He was clearly ready to return home. I wonder if he was traumatized by the excursion? The good news is that I had absolutely no problem putting on his leash, and he accompanied me to the car without an argument.
All for now, I'm exhausted, and Baron is taking a nap.
Botswain
Here's the good news first - Baron and I are safely home from the kids' park. Now the bad news. After a successful training session with his 5Th trainer (but who is counting?), Baron was meeting his friend, Barkley at the park. We arrived 1st. It is freezing outside, and Baron's faithful attendant (that would be me) noticed she was missing a glove. After trying unsuccessfully to place the leash on Baron (forget the "successful" training session), she carefully (not carefully enough apparently) closed the gate and exited the park to retrieve her glove. This would be unnecessary if Baron did the retrieving poodles are known for (hunting dogs, remember?). After crossing the street, she glanced back and noticed Baron joyfully attempting to follow her. He pushed through the gate and was heading toward the street. A car was coming from one direction, and a truck was approaching from the other. Baron's faithful attendant (that would still be me) unceremoniously screamed and waved her arms, thus getting the attention of the drivers. The driver of the car observed me and the dog, and drove by anyway. Baron is fine and I had only a mild heart attack. Oh yes, I did get my glove - which involved putting the agility leash (and collar - all in one) over his head after a brief tug-of-war. This time he accompanied me - like it or not.
Barkley arrived and I suggested that he might like to have a big brother. I even had a potential sibling in mind (forget the part about my wanting a baby sister for Baron - I'm wiped). Barkley's attendant did not seem enthused about enlarging her family. The 2 dogs (yes, they are dogs) had fun chasing each other. After awhile, Baron came and stood quietly next to me. This never happens when he is playing with his buddies. He even growled at Barkley. He was clearly ready to return home. I wonder if he was traumatized by the excursion? The good news is that I had absolutely no problem putting on his leash, and he accompanied me to the car without an argument.
All for now, I'm exhausted, and Baron is taking a nap.
Botswain
Baron vs the Plumber
Hi All,
This is just a quick note, because Baron's trainer arrives soon (thank heavens). We have been working on his "greeting" behavior at the door. We have worked really hard on this, but I think there's more to be done.
Here is what happened: The plumber came this morning. I was really happy to see him, but not as happy as Baron. Although the plumber has never been to our house before, Baron greeted him warmly. He jumped on him repeatedly, despite my best efforts. The plumber is smaller than Baron and did not want to play, so Baron gave up and mugged him. This did not get either my day or the plumber's off to a good start.
All for now,
Botswain
This is just a quick note, because Baron's trainer arrives soon (thank heavens). We have been working on his "greeting" behavior at the door. We have worked really hard on this, but I think there's more to be done.
Here is what happened: The plumber came this morning. I was really happy to see him, but not as happy as Baron. Although the plumber has never been to our house before, Baron greeted him warmly. He jumped on him repeatedly, despite my best efforts. The plumber is smaller than Baron and did not want to play, so Baron gave up and mugged him. This did not get either my day or the plumber's off to a good start.
All for now,
Botswain
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