Thursday, August 25, 2011

Still Obedience-Challenged

Hi All,
Things have been hectic here at Poodle Place.  Baron's human siblings have left the doghouse, so to speak.  Hence, it is just myself, Master, and Baron left at home.   We are all sad, but Baron is handling it well.  During a search for his siblings, he made a valiant effort to squeeze under Young Master's door.  It didn't work.  He tried putting his rather large proboscis under the door - no luck.  When I showed him the empty room, he whimpered.  How sweet is that?
As for the Young Mistress, Baron was invited to ride in the car when I took her to the airport.  Hint: The invitation was not from me, although he behaved admirably   Baron propped himself up in "navigating" position, regardless of how many times I told him we have an actual navigator.  Although I got lost, we made it to the airport on time.  Baron was very proud of himself!

All for now.  Baron wants his bedtime story.
Botswain

Saturday, August 13, 2011

A Party for Baron

Hi All,
There will be a party in Baron's honor at the Optical Shop in our neighhborhood.  Why is the Optical Shop giving Baron a party, you might ask?  BECAUSE, ONCE AGAIN, HE MUNCHED ON THE LENS IN MASTER'S EYE GLASSES!!!  Business had been slow, and the Optical Shop is grateful that Baron is doing his part to bolster the economy.
Botswain
PS
Master is not grateful!

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Winnie the Poodle

Hi All,
While walking with Baron today, we ran into (not literally) an 11 week old standard poodle puppy, named Winnie the Poodle.  How cute is that?  She is black like Baron and jumps on me like Baron does (of course he is a little older - and bigger).  Her owner's only complaint is that she has a little trouble walking on the leash, as she prefers to be a follower.  She is probably less challenging than Alpha Boy.  She is absolutely adorable and is great in her crate, unlike a certain Baron.  Of course Baron's crate difficulties are the result of "Master's" not wanting to leave the little tyke in a cage, heaven forbid.
Even Master agreed that Winnie the Poodle is darling and a relative of hers might be a nice addition to the family.  Maybe I'll have to "borrow" Winnie to wile Master with her poodle ways.  I'm sure Baron would love to be a big brother. ha ha
All for now,
Botswain

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Hi All,
Unfortunately Baron has received little attention this week as his sort of sibling, Kiki, the 12 year old German Shepherd required a lot of attention from yours truly.  Kiki needed to be boarded, as her owner lost electricity.  Yes, I volunteered to take her to the boarding facility, not that there were any other offers.  Kiki's behavior put Baron to shame.  She was perfectly behaved in the car (although it took some doing to get her in the car), and ignored the growling, snarling pug, as well as the over-anxious Irish Setter.  She did not enthusiastically jump on any humans - myself included. 
Maybe Kiki should give Baron some pointers (and I don't mean retrievers)!
All for now,
Botswain

Friday, July 22, 2011

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

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

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

Monday, July 11, 2011

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