Hi All,
Unfortunately Baron has received little attention this week as his sort of sibling, Kiki, the 12 year old German Shepherd required a lot of attention from yours truly.  Kiki needed to be boarded, as her owner lost electricity.  Yes, I volunteered to take her to the boarding facility, not that there were any other offers.  Kiki's behavior put Baron to shame.  She was perfectly behaved in the car (although it took some doing to get her in the car), and ignored the growling, snarling pug, as well as the over-anxious Irish Setter.  She did not enthusiastically jump on any humans - myself included. 
Maybe Kiki should give Baron some pointers (and I don't mean retrievers)!
All for now,
Botswain

Therapy Dog

Hi All,
I know, you are reading the heading of today's blog entry, and thinking that Baron has finally made it as a therapy dog - WRONG!!!  Actually I had an offer from someone who wanted to loan me a therapy dog. I told her it would not be therapeutic for Baron.  Although, maybe he could use a therapy dog?  Actually, I think he might be a therapy dog, because his greeting of guests to our home has probably sent some of them to therapy.
Let's face it dear readers, I will never pass muster as a behaviorist.
Botswain

Refresher

Hi All,
Baron is back to his exuberant tricks.  He is, as usual, delighted to greet guests to our home.  Our guests can't decide if they would prefer a "worried" greeting (perhaps with a questioning growl?) or a warm greeting.  Baron's warm greeting can include the following:
1) joyful, enthusiastic barking
2) running around the living room and jumping over couches
3) trying to beat the guest to the room she plans to enter
4) a special (and I might add meticulous) shower Baron style.  This involves licking any body part not covered by clothing.  Baron is a stickler for cleanliness.
5) If he is especially fond of the guest, he might climb into her lap, if allowed (the answer is NO)
6) kisses - preferably on the face
Obviously, Baron needs a refresher.  His faithful servant (that would be me) was planning on joining yet another dog class, but life seems to be intruding.
I will keep you all posted.  I will have to make time to work with Baron, and will keep you all posted on how that goes.  Right now he is having a spa day.
All for now,
Botswain

This Little Piggy went to the Market

Hi All,
I am actually embarrassed to admit that Market Day was a complete success!  Why am I embarrassed, you might ask?  I am embarrassed because Trainer #6 did such a great job with Baron that literally all of the farmers who have stalls at the Farmer's Market complimented Baron and Trainer #6.  He behaved beautifully, even when in the presence of other dogs.  There were only one or two glitches, and these occurred when his faithful servant - that would be me - was holding the leash.
I do believe the farmers have high expectations for Baron and his faithful servant on our next Market Day - Wednesday!  We had better practice being friendly to dogs and humans.
Wish us luck.
Botswain

Hi All,
Baron has been quite the trooper at sleeping all by himself in the kitchen (I think he might be brushing up on his cooking).  In fact, when I enter the kitchen in the morning, Baron is usually asleep on his bed.  Unfortunately, his bed takes up half of the kitchen - thank goodness he is comfortable!
Due to Baron's behavior at the Farmer's Market, tomorrow we have a refresher with Trainer #6.  Baron is delightful unless he sees another dog - enough said!
Botswain
PS
Upon discussing this with Trainer #6, she indicated that she has been "too easy" on us.  What does that mean?  Could she be pointing a manicured finger at me?