Hi All,
Master and I returned home this evening to discover that our home had been invaded! A bandit actually raided our kitchen. He (call this a clever assumption) opened a "lazy Susan cabinet" and helped himself to: flour, uncooked pasta, cans of vegetables (which thankfully he was unable to open - he has yet to master the use of a can opener). I am sure you are wondering who the crook could possibly be - or perhaps you aren't wondering at all. Yep, Baron strikes again!
At this point I need Betty Crocker as our dog trainer aka cooking instructor.
All for now, I'm still cleaning.
Botswain
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Rally On
Hi All,
Due to matters beyond Baron's control, he missed a couple of Rally classes, thus retaining his "worst in class" rating. This is the rare moment when Baron can't be blamed for his difficulty. Unfortunately, it is the result of handler error. The good news, is that the instructor has given up on us (mostly me) and lets us try our best to follow the course. Baron loves it. He doesn't know that his handler (OK - that would be me) has difficulty determining right from left. He thinks he is doing a great job; a thought process I reinforce.
I have to admit it was a little nauseating when the woman with the papillion demonstrated her dog's "free dance." I have never heard of free dance, but judging by the dog's ability to twirl on command and do several figure eights between her handler's legs (also on command), it seems to be something that is not in Baron's (or his handler's) future.
Our last class is Tuesday, an evening I am eagerly anticipating.
All for now,
Botswain
Due to matters beyond Baron's control, he missed a couple of Rally classes, thus retaining his "worst in class" rating. This is the rare moment when Baron can't be blamed for his difficulty. Unfortunately, it is the result of handler error. The good news, is that the instructor has given up on us (mostly me) and lets us try our best to follow the course. Baron loves it. He doesn't know that his handler (OK - that would be me) has difficulty determining right from left. He thinks he is doing a great job; a thought process I reinforce.
I have to admit it was a little nauseating when the woman with the papillion demonstrated her dog's "free dance." I have never heard of free dance, but judging by the dog's ability to twirl on command and do several figure eights between her handler's legs (also on command), it seems to be something that is not in Baron's (or his handler's) future.
Our last class is Tuesday, an evening I am eagerly anticipating.
All for now,
Botswain
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Rally Around Me
Hi All,
Dear readers, as you may recall, our brave but coordination-challenged heroine (that would be me) is taking a Rally class with her handsome, enthusiastic, graceful pooch (that would be Baron).
This class is quite a challenge - for me, not Baron. Baron loves it. I am having difficulty navigating the course. Baron knocked over 2 cones, went in the wrong direction and stepped on a broad jump; none of which was his fault. The instructor is trying very hard to be patient (with me, not Baron). I have instructed Baron to observe attentively when the other dogs take their turns, so he will know what to do. Unfortunately, there are written instructions at each obstacle, and Baron, smart as he is, is still unable to read. He therefore depends on me to both read and implement the instructions. Herein lies the problem.
Try as I might, I turn left instead of right, heel Baron into a cone instead of around it, do a 360 turn instead of a 240, etc. etc. etc. It is very amusing for the class to observe; think of it as comic relief. When Baron and I execute a somewhat reasonable approximation of the course, the class actually applauds. The instructor, who is an equestrian, has expressed her gratitude that I am working with a poodle, not a Clydesdale.
All for now, Baron wants me to practice for our next class.
Botswain
Dear readers, as you may recall, our brave but coordination-challenged heroine (that would be me) is taking a Rally class with her handsome, enthusiastic, graceful pooch (that would be Baron).
This class is quite a challenge - for me, not Baron. Baron loves it. I am having difficulty navigating the course. Baron knocked over 2 cones, went in the wrong direction and stepped on a broad jump; none of which was his fault. The instructor is trying very hard to be patient (with me, not Baron). I have instructed Baron to observe attentively when the other dogs take their turns, so he will know what to do. Unfortunately, there are written instructions at each obstacle, and Baron, smart as he is, is still unable to read. He therefore depends on me to both read and implement the instructions. Herein lies the problem.
Try as I might, I turn left instead of right, heel Baron into a cone instead of around it, do a 360 turn instead of a 240, etc. etc. etc. It is very amusing for the class to observe; think of it as comic relief. When Baron and I execute a somewhat reasonable approximation of the course, the class actually applauds. The instructor, who is an equestrian, has expressed her gratitude that I am working with a poodle, not a Clydesdale.
All for now, Baron wants me to practice for our next class.
Botswain
Saturday, September 24, 2011
The Bank
Hi All,
In case, dear readers, you think the only place where Baron is popular is the Optical Shop (remember, he has boosted their sales) you are wrong! He is also well-liked at our neighborhood bank, probably because he has not been implicated in the recent increase of bank robberies in our community (I kid you not - on both counts). The bank tellers greet him by name, and the bank officers leave their desks to say "hello" (to Baron, not me). The tellers all know about Baron's allergies, and therefore don't offer him treats. They are even considering investing in special dog treats that are Baron-friendly (duck and potato). The mailman also greets Baron warmly; he is probably happy to receive a nonviolent welcome from a large dog - or any dog, for that matter.
As a result of his popularity at the bank, Baron assumes all bank visitors are also delighted to see him. Unfortunately this is not necessarily the case. While Baron's loyal employee (that would be me) was writing a check, Baron quickly abandoned his "sit" command to greet a bank customer. This particular customer was not, let me repeat, not a fan of Baron (or any dog - you know the type). Hence, when Baron, in an effort to establish eye contact, gracefully rose to his hind legs (aka jumped), she was, well, appalled. Fortunately, Baron's brave handler (also me), responding quickly, glared at the startled woman and insisted that she greet Baron warmly and with proper etiquette. I commented on her lack of empathy - I mean, imagine Baron's hurt feelings! OK, I might be exaggerating. I was lucky to grab the buoyant Baron before he have her a big hug.
Life is always interesting here at Poodle Place. I have to take Baron for a walk, more later.
Botswain
In case, dear readers, you think the only place where Baron is popular is the Optical Shop (remember, he has boosted their sales) you are wrong! He is also well-liked at our neighborhood bank, probably because he has not been implicated in the recent increase of bank robberies in our community (I kid you not - on both counts). The bank tellers greet him by name, and the bank officers leave their desks to say "hello" (to Baron, not me). The tellers all know about Baron's allergies, and therefore don't offer him treats. They are even considering investing in special dog treats that are Baron-friendly (duck and potato). The mailman also greets Baron warmly; he is probably happy to receive a nonviolent welcome from a large dog - or any dog, for that matter.
As a result of his popularity at the bank, Baron assumes all bank visitors are also delighted to see him. Unfortunately this is not necessarily the case. While Baron's loyal employee (that would be me) was writing a check, Baron quickly abandoned his "sit" command to greet a bank customer. This particular customer was not, let me repeat, not a fan of Baron (or any dog - you know the type). Hence, when Baron, in an effort to establish eye contact, gracefully rose to his hind legs (aka jumped), she was, well, appalled. Fortunately, Baron's brave handler (also me), responding quickly, glared at the startled woman and insisted that she greet Baron warmly and with proper etiquette. I commented on her lack of empathy - I mean, imagine Baron's hurt feelings! OK, I might be exaggerating. I was lucky to grab the buoyant Baron before he have her a big hug.
Life is always interesting here at Poodle Place. I have to take Baron for a walk, more later.
Botswain
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Baron 75, Master 10
Hi All,
This has been a trying week at Poodle Place. You may recall that Master selected Baron as our "bed pal". After creating a "monster", so to speak, Master decided to move Baron to the "extra" bedroom, also known as the "kitchen". Unfortunately, while Baron appears to be sleeping comfortably on his plush bed in the kitchen, he prefers our bed.
Last night, one of us (hopefully not me) failed to completely close the bedroom door. Baron ended up in our bed, snugly sleeping in the "middle". Master tried to move him over, and gently (or not so gently) kicked him. The end result is that Baron is absolutely fine (thank goodness) but Master has a broken little toe (the kind of break where the toe is hanging at an angle). Master is extremely uncomfortable, but Baron has no complaints. Hence, the current score is: Baron 75, Master 10. Actually, Master thinks Baron's score might actually be higher but can't bear to face defeat.
More Later,
Botswain
This has been a trying week at Poodle Place. You may recall that Master selected Baron as our "bed pal". After creating a "monster", so to speak, Master decided to move Baron to the "extra" bedroom, also known as the "kitchen". Unfortunately, while Baron appears to be sleeping comfortably on his plush bed in the kitchen, he prefers our bed.
Last night, one of us (hopefully not me) failed to completely close the bedroom door. Baron ended up in our bed, snugly sleeping in the "middle". Master tried to move him over, and gently (or not so gently) kicked him. The end result is that Baron is absolutely fine (thank goodness) but Master has a broken little toe (the kind of break where the toe is hanging at an angle). Master is extremely uncomfortable, but Baron has no complaints. Hence, the current score is: Baron 75, Master 10. Actually, Master thinks Baron's score might actually be higher but can't bear to face defeat.
More Later,
Botswain
The Rally
Hi All,
OK - who has heard of Rally? No not the kind where you support your favorite team, but the dog kind of rally. Baron just had his 1st Rally class, which, unfortunately, involved me. You (and your dog) complete a course where there are about 15 sets of instructions. As you get to each number, you follow the instructions. For the directionally challenged (me, not Baron) the 270 degree turn was bit of a setback. The good news is that only one dog goes at a time. Hence Baron does not have many opportunities to interact with his classmates; this is a good thing, as Baron still doesn't play well with others.
Botswain
OK - who has heard of Rally? No not the kind where you support your favorite team, but the dog kind of rally. Baron just had his 1st Rally class, which, unfortunately, involved me. You (and your dog) complete a course where there are about 15 sets of instructions. As you get to each number, you follow the instructions. For the directionally challenged (me, not Baron) the 270 degree turn was bit of a setback. The good news is that only one dog goes at a time. Hence Baron does not have many opportunities to interact with his classmates; this is a good thing, as Baron still doesn't play well with others.
Botswain
Monday, September 5, 2011
Should We?
Hi All,
Baron and I (mostly me) are considering taking a Rally class. This is very brave of us for several reasons:
1) I am not sure what a Rally Class is.
2) We have not taken a class since May.
3) The trainer for his last class referred to Baron as "exuberant". This is a euphemism for obedience-challenged.
I will keep you posted.
Botswain
Baron and I (mostly me) are considering taking a Rally class. This is very brave of us for several reasons:
1) I am not sure what a Rally Class is.
2) We have not taken a class since May.
3) The trainer for his last class referred to Baron as "exuberant". This is a euphemism for obedience-challenged.
I will keep you posted.
Botswain
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
