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?
Monday, August 17, 2009
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
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Poodle Place Percolating Pension Fund
Hello Poodle People,
I received a note from a friend who feels the only likeable aspect of Leona Helmsly's character was her love for her dogs. My friend wondered if I planned to leave Baron 18 million dollars, as Leona did her dogs. Oh that I had 18 million extra dollars to leave him. I think I will be lucky if I don't spend that amount on him while he is alive! In fact, I am requesting donations to the Poodle Place Percolating Pension Fund. I will personally oversee all donations prior to my demise and insure that it is used solely for the benefit of animal-related activities and products (fur coats not included). By the way, although they lack curly hair, horses are also included in the Poodle Pension Fund. Your money will go toward the following activities:
1) Appropriate (as deemed by me) domiciles for dogs, horses, and their caregivers - also me. This includes routine maintenance of the domicile, including housekeeping, landscaping and sprinkler system, swimming pool (poodles are water dogs) etc. Most important a heating unit for the kitchen floor will be installed along with a murphy bed in case the caregiver has to sleep in the kitchen with the aforementioned dog.
2) Food for the previously mentioned animals and their caregivers (including the entire staff - grooms, dog walkers, etc.)
3) Clothing for the animals (and the main caregiver - me).
4) Shoes (only for the horse and, well, me). Horse and caregiver need new shoes every 6-8 weeks.
5) Clothing. This can be quite pricey, as horses, dogs and caregivers (yep - me) need coats etc. (horse and caregiver fall into the etc. category) for all types of weather.
6) Leisure activities, including vacations. Transport will include horse trailer and professional dr iver (not me), as well as private jets etc. to ensure that Baron and his caregivers (me etc.) travel in the style to which they would like to become accustomed. Leisure activities include lessons for the equestrian (me) which will keep the horse in shape and happy, as well as swimming lessons, because the aforementioned dog isn't sure he likes the water.
7) All medical and dental costs for the dog (who has an autoimmune disease and pricey vet bills), horse (not inexpensive) and caregiver (don't even go there).
8) Grooming. Remember Baron is a poodle and his grooming can be quite pricey - almost as pricey as his caregiver's (me).
9) Psychological Services (to be provided at a reasonable cost by the caregiver - me) for the animals and extended staff of caregivers.
9) Accounting services to be provided by the caregiver's husband.
That about covers it - except for incidentals I may have forgotten about. The canine and equine members of my household thank you for your generosity in these troubled times.
Gratefully yours,
Botswain, Baron and Lucy
I received a note from a friend who feels the only likeable aspect of Leona Helmsly's character was her love for her dogs. My friend wondered if I planned to leave Baron 18 million dollars, as Leona did her dogs. Oh that I had 18 million extra dollars to leave him. I think I will be lucky if I don't spend that amount on him while he is alive! In fact, I am requesting donations to the Poodle Place Percolating Pension Fund. I will personally oversee all donations prior to my demise and insure that it is used solely for the benefit of animal-related activities and products (fur coats not included). By the way, although they lack curly hair, horses are also included in the Poodle Pension Fund. Your money will go toward the following activities:
1) Appropriate (as deemed by me) domiciles for dogs, horses, and their caregivers - also me. This includes routine maintenance of the domicile, including housekeeping, landscaping and sprinkler system, swimming pool (poodles are water dogs) etc. Most important a heating unit for the kitchen floor will be installed along with a murphy bed in case the caregiver has to sleep in the kitchen with the aforementioned dog.
2) Food for the previously mentioned animals and their caregivers (including the entire staff - grooms, dog walkers, etc.)
3) Clothing for the animals (and the main caregiver - me).
4) Shoes (only for the horse and, well, me). Horse and caregiver need new shoes every 6-8 weeks.
5) Clothing. This can be quite pricey, as horses, dogs and caregivers (yep - me) need coats etc. (horse and caregiver fall into the etc. category) for all types of weather.
6) Leisure activities, including vacations. Transport will include horse trailer and professional dr iver (not me), as well as private jets etc. to ensure that Baron and his caregivers (me etc.) travel in the style to which they would like to become accustomed. Leisure activities include lessons for the equestrian (me) which will keep the horse in shape and happy, as well as swimming lessons, because the aforementioned dog isn't sure he likes the water.
7) All medical and dental costs for the dog (who has an autoimmune disease and pricey vet bills), horse (not inexpensive) and caregiver (don't even go there).
8) Grooming. Remember Baron is a poodle and his grooming can be quite pricey - almost as pricey as his caregiver's (me).
9) Psychological Services (to be provided at a reasonable cost by the caregiver - me) for the animals and extended staff of caregivers.
9) Accounting services to be provided by the caregiver's husband.
That about covers it - except for incidentals I may have forgotten about. The canine and equine members of my household thank you for your generosity in these troubled times.
Gratefully yours,
Botswain, Baron and Lucy
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Dog Training with ?????
Hi All,
I know the title of this entry is misleading. I did not mention the name of the trainer because he would like to remain anonymous. In fact, he might wear a bag over his head (or a mask) from now on. Let's face it, Baron is not exactly a poster boy for dog training - well, maybe the "before" as in "before and after."
At our last dog training class, Baron, while very enthusiastic, was the worst dog in the class. The only dog that even came close to being as poorly trained, was a white standard poodle who happens to be 8 years old (and still acts like a puppy - not a compliment). Baron tries really hard but is unable to curb his natural enthusiasm for everything, everyone, every animal - and particularly for dog training. Enjoying and learning are not the same thing. He loves playing with the other dogs, particularly when they are in a "stay" command, disrupting the class by vocalizing his thoughts on the subject of training (i.e. excited barking), and loves jumping enthusiastically on the dog owners (including us). To his credit, the dog trainer is able to smile sweetly (more like a grimace) and grab Baron at the same time. He then yanks Baron's leash while honking a shriek alarm (I kid you not). Baron looks chastised (for 2 minutes).
It's not that I'm counting but Baron is now working with his 4th trainer, and almost has him in shape. In fact, we were at the Farmer's Market yesterday, and someone innocently suggested I try to get a refund as Baron is, well, not obedient.
Botswain
PS
Should I take it personally that the manager of our vet's practice recommended a new dog trainer? It was during a brief visit in which Baron stood on his hind legs to look over the counter and say "hello" (she taught him that), scattered papers and treats, jumped on an unsuspecting client, and tried to play boisterously with an English cocker spaniel. Keep in mind Baron is almost 70 pounds!
I know the title of this entry is misleading. I did not mention the name of the trainer because he would like to remain anonymous. In fact, he might wear a bag over his head (or a mask) from now on. Let's face it, Baron is not exactly a poster boy for dog training - well, maybe the "before" as in "before and after."
At our last dog training class, Baron, while very enthusiastic, was the worst dog in the class. The only dog that even came close to being as poorly trained, was a white standard poodle who happens to be 8 years old (and still acts like a puppy - not a compliment). Baron tries really hard but is unable to curb his natural enthusiasm for everything, everyone, every animal - and particularly for dog training. Enjoying and learning are not the same thing. He loves playing with the other dogs, particularly when they are in a "stay" command, disrupting the class by vocalizing his thoughts on the subject of training (i.e. excited barking), and loves jumping enthusiastically on the dog owners (including us). To his credit, the dog trainer is able to smile sweetly (more like a grimace) and grab Baron at the same time. He then yanks Baron's leash while honking a shriek alarm (I kid you not). Baron looks chastised (for 2 minutes).
It's not that I'm counting but Baron is now working with his 4th trainer, and almost has him in shape. In fact, we were at the Farmer's Market yesterday, and someone innocently suggested I try to get a refund as Baron is, well, not obedient.
Botswain
PS
Should I take it personally that the manager of our vet's practice recommended a new dog trainer? It was during a brief visit in which Baron stood on his hind legs to look over the counter and say "hello" (she taught him that), scattered papers and treats, jumped on an unsuspecting client, and tried to play boisterously with an English cocker spaniel. Keep in mind Baron is almost 70 pounds!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The vacation is over
Hi All,
Poodle lovers, have you missed me? In case you are curious, we were on vacation, hence no posts for awhile. "We" does not refer to Baron, but his human family. Baron remained at home, and while he is a "party animal", as far as I know, no Poodle Parties were held on the premises. I am happy to report that the house is still standing. One friend asked if Baron had an opportunity to cook while I was away, and the answer is an emphatic "no"! Baron didn't have time to cook - he ordered out (duck and white potato only).
Isn't it amazing how quickly vacations become a memory? I wish our struggles with Baron would also become a distant memory. Between his training (or lack thereof) and health issues, we are all quite busy - especially our valiant heroine (that would be me). In fact, three days after returning from vacation I already had a visit with the "doggie dermatologist" and as a result I am definitely ready for another vacation. The dermatologist feels the weekly baths (with oatmeal shampoo and conditioner - in case you forgot) aren't effective so we can discontinue his weekly spa visits (whew). Heaven knows what she'll cook up (in a dehydrator) to replace them!
All for now, but stay tuned for further updates as they occur.
Botswain
Poodle lovers, have you missed me? In case you are curious, we were on vacation, hence no posts for awhile. "We" does not refer to Baron, but his human family. Baron remained at home, and while he is a "party animal", as far as I know, no Poodle Parties were held on the premises. I am happy to report that the house is still standing. One friend asked if Baron had an opportunity to cook while I was away, and the answer is an emphatic "no"! Baron didn't have time to cook - he ordered out (duck and white potato only).
Isn't it amazing how quickly vacations become a memory? I wish our struggles with Baron would also become a distant memory. Between his training (or lack thereof) and health issues, we are all quite busy - especially our valiant heroine (that would be me). In fact, three days after returning from vacation I already had a visit with the "doggie dermatologist" and as a result I am definitely ready for another vacation. The dermatologist feels the weekly baths (with oatmeal shampoo and conditioner - in case you forgot) aren't effective so we can discontinue his weekly spa visits (whew). Heaven knows what she'll cook up (in a dehydrator) to replace them!
All for now, but stay tuned for further updates as they occur.
Botswain
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