Horror Story 2

Hi All,
If the poodle jogging next to his owner off leash (the dog, not the owner) wasn't enough of a horror, we also encountered a beautiful, black standard poodle at a restaurant.  This will be hard to believe for those who consider Baron a typical standard poodle.  We had dinner in a very classy ($$$) restaurant, and sitting behind us was a large black standard poodle!  To be fair to Baron, the poodle was accompanied by his owners, a couple from the south; he was not dining alone. The couple was lovely - genteel - almost as well mannered as Sam, their poodle.  Sam sat at their side (on the floor - not a chair), and was perfectly behaved.  When I came to the table Sam greeted me warmly, wagging his tail.  He did not try to hug me, but perhaps he didn't know me well enough for that.  He shared dinner with his owners (theirs, not his), but upon their initiation, not his own.  He was quiet and dignified - a perfect gentleman.

As you can imagine, if Baron was in that situation, it would have been a different scenario.  He would have helped himself to our food and if it was not to his liking, would have sampled meals on the plates of other diners, some of whom might not have welcomed Baron's culinary interest.  He would have enthusiastically greeted guests arriving at the restaurant, hurtling all 72 pounds on those he was most happy to see.  He'd probably have unintentionally overturned a table or two.  Sadly, he might have been invited to leave the restaurant, accompanied by yours truly.  Sigh
The well behaved poodle at the restaurant was a reminder as to why we are now working with Trainer Number ...... I think it's number 6.
Yours in Ettiquette,
Botswain

Horror Story

Hi All
I was recently on a dog-free vacation; this means I was free of Baron, but free to observe and interact with other dogs.  I was absolutely horrified to notice a man and his dog jogging on the beach.  The dog was right next to his owner.  The worst part is that this dog was a black standard poodle!!!  I kid you not!  This dog ran happily next to his master, and kept a watchful eye on him.  The dog was not zig zagging all over the beach.  And, to make matters worse, the dog was off leash!!!  Could there be hope for Baron?
Wistfully yours,
Botswain

WARNING!!!

Hi All,
Baron and I learned a difficult lesson this week.  We would like to help our readers avoid the difficulty we encountered. Burs are not dormant in the winter.  This is the sad truth dear reader, burs are not dormant. Baron was happily investigating the park and, for once, responded quickly when called (hard to believe, isn't it?).  He was covered in burs.  For those of you have never had the experience of removing burs from a dog, let alone a poodle with thick curly hair, rest assured, it is not fun!  They were embedded in the fur on his ears, on his paws, his back, his chest.  Any move he made only served to make things worse.  I thought of calling his groomer, but, we all know how popular he is with her under the best of circumstances - which this was not.  Finally, after much painful (for both of us) work, I was able to remove those nasty little sticklers.
Hence, the important lesson of this week - STAY AWAY FROM BURS. 
Pricklily yours,
Botswain
PS
I did emerge from this experience without a scratch.  For once, I have to compliment Baron's patience with me.

Math Tutor needed

Hi All,
Baron has had so many trainers, I am having difficulty keeping track.  I just can't count that high.  Is it 6 or 7?  Dear reader, if you have an abacus, please advise.
Faithfully yours,
Botswain

Guinness Book of World Records

Hi All,
Lynn, potentially the newest member of Baron's staff, just left after a two hour audition. The good news: Baron liked her, and so did we. The bad news: she thinks he needs training (where would she ever get that idea?).
It is really hard for me to count that high, but I do believe, if chosen, Lynn would be trainer #7!
OK dear readers, here is my question: Does this qualify us for the Guinness Book of World Records? I think 7 trainers might be a new record.
Baron is tired after his training, I have to go fluff his pillow.
All for now,
Botswain

Trainer number 6?

Hi All,
I spoke with Lynn, who will be auditioning for the role of dog trainer. If selected, she will be Trainer #6 (I don't count the trainer I consulted when Baron was a young puppy). Lynn prefers positive reinforcement which she pairs with not giving any directions to the dog. For example, if Baron happens to sit, he gets a treat. I assume if he happens to jump on her, she stands there, eye to eye with Baron, until he decides to get off her, at which time he gets a treat. Little does she know how tenacious he can be. When it comes to misbehavior, Baron has stamina!
Lynn offered to do a "meet and greet" in our home at no charge. Hence I have nothing to lose.
I'll keep you posted.
Botswain

Sigh

Hi All,
I know it has been awhile since the last update - this is because I am still trying to collect myself (not to mention Baron and Lucy). Apparently Baron has made such an impression on the groomer, that she enlisted the aid of her friend, Lynn, the dog trainer. The good news is no one was charged (not even me for a change). The bad news is the groomer wants me to speak with Lynn prior to Baron's next visit to the "Poodle Parlour".

Apparently the groomer has never worked with a dog like Baron (he is one of a kind). He's not mean or aggressive, just annoying. She asked Lynn to help her (unbeknown to me). I was unable to bring Baron to his last grooming session, and Stephanie, who did bring him, told me a trainer was there to solicit new clients. To make a long story short, the new client she had in mind was none other than Baron! Frankly, Baron has had so much training he could teach a few classes. In fact, he is writing a book - "How I flunked Dog Obedience: Baron's Guide to Learning Differences." I can relate. I hope the book is successful and pays for future dog obedience classes.
All for now,
Botswain