Not There Yet

Hi All,
I guess you won't be surprised by this, but Baron is not exactly fully trained yet. He has almost completed 3 weeks at Barklee's School for Barking Boys and Girls. He is greatly improved, but there are a few kinks in his etiquette.

Last night we entertained the parents of our daughters boyfriend, D. We welcomed everyone to "Monty Appreciation Day." Monty is Grant's small imperfectly behaved dog. We knew that after an evening with Baron, Grant's family would have a new appreciation for Monty. Unfortunately, we were correct.

Baron (in all fairness) behaved better than usual - until one crucial event in the evening. Baron decided he really likes D's father, and demonstrated this by trying to get in his lap. I know it is hard to believe, but not everyone enjoys a 71 pound lap dog.
Baron goes back to school tomorrow.
Botswain

Baron Better Behaved

Hi All,
You haven't heard from me in awhile because Baron is still at Barklee's School for Barking Boys and Girls on a daily basis. The good news is that Baron's behavior has improved!!! I am no longer being dragged down the street, or chasing him to get his leash on (his favorite game). He does jump on me from time to time, but no one is perfect (except for me, of course).

The big test will come tomorrow when Baron goes to the Beauty Parlor for his monthly hair cut and spa treatment. He draws the line at nail polish, but does enjoy his pedicure. The groomer usually lies awake the night before Baron's appointment. She is afraid that if she were to fall asleep she would have a terrifying nightmare about a huge (71 pounds - don't tell him) black poodle pouncing on her. Unfortunately, Baron usually lets himself out of his crate, so she doesn't always see him coming. Her biggest fear is that he will open the crates that contain the other hooligans and there will be mayhem.
All For Now,
Botswain
PS
In case you were wondering, Baron's spa day is an excused absence from Barklee's School.

1st Report from School

Hi All,
On Friday I had a training session with Baron at his school. It took me almost 2 hours to get there - I think Andover would be more convenient. When I arrived, Master was already with Baron's teacher, John. I have to admit, Baron responded very well to John's commands. Unfortunately, when I called him, Baron gave me one of his "oh it's you" looks which translates into "I'm not in the mood right now." John showed me what to do when Baron doesn't obey, and it worked quite well - at school. Once Baron was home for the weekend, he became a slightly better behaved Baron. Translation: he is still the Baron.
I'll keep you posted.
Botswain

Prep School - Day Three

Hi All,

Baron has now completed 3 days of prep school at Barklee's School for Barking Boys and Girls. I hate to admit it but he was rejected by both Andover and Exeter. We have had to launder his navy blue blazer twice due to, well, never mind. The good news is that we have already seen an improvement in both my husband (Master) and Baron!!! Master responds much quicker when asked to do something (take note female friends) and Baron is trying really hard to sit when asked to do so. Of course he is much better at sitting when not asked to do so.
Details to follow.
Botswain

Prep School: Day One

Hi All,
It is official! Baron is now enrolled in Prep School and has lived through his 1st day. He will car pool with my husband each day. My husband grabs his brief case and meets Baron at the door to the garage. At the end of the work day, Master and Best Friend return home together. It is true that many of the dogs spend a night (or two or three) at "school." My husband won't allow this as Baron would be forced to sleep in a crate - unless the headmaster allows him to sleep in his bed, preferably between him and his wife!

This is all very exciting! I will keep you posted on developments as they occur.
Botswain

Goodish Behavior

Hi All,
Today Baron accompanied me to the physical therapist's office (mine not Baron's). The physical therapist was impressed by Baron's improved behavior. This was rather surprising as Baron has not yet attended prep school. Perhaps registering Baron for prep school has accomplished enough? I am serious - Baron acted like any well-behaved dog with a bone (admittedly an antler). He attended to his bone without tickling the physical therapist (she is very ticklish) or jumping on her patient (that would be me).
Maybe Baron does not have to attend prep school - he only has to register to receive the desired effect.
This is quite promising.
Botswain

Prep School

Hi All,
Baron had an interview yesterday with Norman, the headmaster of a prep school we are considering. Norman asked (and I quote) "What is this dog's problem?" Of course, I thought he meant the dog had no problems and I was simply overly anxious. Unfortunately, he meant that the dog (that would be Baron) has problems - where to start?

Norman said Baron is (and, again I quote) "out of control." He was not impressed by Baron's warm greeting of my husband when he arrived at the prep school office (warm greeting = jumping on the love object i.e. my husband). Norman did have John, a large man who is his assistant, conduct a test for aggression. John knocked on the door and then entered the room, while making scary noises and threatening gestures. Baron observed him and obviously thought "what is this man's problem?" I guess it is a good thing that Baron didn't attack him. I do remember John saying about our last dog, Byron, "When I meet a new dog and he tries to bite me, I don't take it personally because I don't have a history with that dog." Look out John, you will soon have a history with Baron.

The good news is that Baron was accepted at Prep School; which is also the bad news. Baron will attend prep school until he graduates (should we all live so long). Stay tuned for updates.
All for now,
Botswain