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?

I'm back!

Hi All,
After a relaxing vacation I am once again home with Baron.  Upon entering the house, Baron welcomed me in the manner any parent of a human toddler would be proud of.  He gave a flying leap, nearly knocking over myself, my husband and the taxi driver standing behind us.  Alex, the driver, expressed regret that Baron paid little attention to him.  His feelings were hurt.  Really?  He must be sturdier than us.  After his impressive jump, Baron tried very hard to contain his enthusiasm.  He jumped over the couches and raced up and down the stairs.  I am seriously considering an agility class - he might have talent.

Baron behaved fairly well in our absence.  He didn't have any poodle parties, was not caught eating sourdough bread (i.e. no need for detox) and didn't pounce on the new puppy next door (of course the 5 foot fence helps). 
Now that I'm home, I do have to revisit dog training.  We have exceeded the 6 lesson package that Trainer #6 usually recommends for her clients, but, Baron is no ordinary client.
All for now,
Botswain

SUCCESS!!!

Hi All,
Great news here at Poodle Place!  Baron's behavior has actually improved!  Isn't that amazing?  I know, dear readers, you had your doubts - so did I.  As many of you know, I have never divulged the true identities of Baron's trainers in order to protect their reputations.  Trainer number 6 has no need to remain anonymous, shocking though that might be.  Her name is Debra Thomas, and she has done one heck of job working with Baron and his beloved handler (that would be me).  Debra even has a web site - she is obviously not technologically challenged as Baron's handler (ahem) is.  Her web site is: www.animalaffinity.biz
Baron is no longer the 2nd worst in his dog obedience class, although the miniature daschund is still the worst - you just can't tell if he's standing or sitting (that is a daschund for you).  Baron and his beloved handler (that would be me) even received a compliment from the handler of the 2 golden receivers; you remember her, the one who insisted that Baron was not facing forward?  I am happy to report that she noticed the improvement in Baron's behavior and was generous enough to comment on it.
I think Baron deserves the "most improved" award.
All for now,
Botswain

Applause

Hi All,
Baron and I went for a walk tonight and the most amazing thing happened.  I was able to heel him past 2 huskies who were barking in their yard (fenced-in thank heavens)! A woman (who I didn't see at first) applauded us!!!  Isn't that terrific?  She was walking her dog and saw us successfully maneuver past the diversion.  I told her it's her turn now, but she said she's not ready to take on the huskies.
Maybe Baron's 6th trainer is actually helpful!
All for now,
Botswain
PS
The trainer for our dog obedience is not applauding us.