Entries in pets (713)
Day 142 in 2019
Time for a puppy/training update? Gimli is now 34 pounds of pure, opinionated energy. Thankfully, he's also smart, eager to please, and generally a good boy. We still train about three times a day, usually after each meal, and do our best to take turns so he'll listen to everyone. He graduated at the top of his intermediate obedience class at Pet Smart and he's got all the basics down pat. We are comfortable enough with his recall that we can now play fetch on the 30 foot check leash in our (unfenced) backyard without incident, even if the neighbors are out (even if their DOGS are out!), and that's been a game changer on the energy release front. In addition to the basics, he now knows how to roll over, "chill" (lay on his side, specifically for nail trims), shake with both paws, spin in both directions, weave through the handlers legs, give a high five, sit pretty, go to his "place", and "touch" (nose to palm, which will be invaluable if/when we start agility and high level trick training). He can heal on the left and "come by" on the right and does so very reliably, which was my best answer to our overly social dog on walks and has become a very good first line of defense in that area. Actually, he now walks with very good manners a majority of the time (no pulling, no rushing, even when rabbits suddenly and surprisingly dart out from under bushes right in front of him). And in the picture above you can see him working on "exile", the command we've used with all of dogs to keep them out of the kitchen/dining area when we wanted. He definitely looks like he feels exiled.
So we're coming along, if we could just get the jumping under control! But I've been reassured but numerous trainers and dog people that jumping is the hardest habit to break, and usually just takes time and maturity. We'll get there.
365_2019, Gimli, dog training, pets Day 129 in 2019... two weeks
When tomorrow starts without me
And I’m not here to see
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me
I wish you wouldn’t cry
The Way you did today
While thinking of the many things
We did not get to say
I know how much you love me
As much as I love you
Each time that you think of me
I know you will miss me too
When tomorrow starts with out me
Please try to understand
That an angel came and called my name
And took me by the hand
The angel said my place was ready
In heaven far above
And That I would have to leave behind
All those I Dearly Love
But When I walked through Heaven’s Gates
I felt so much at home
When GOD looked down and smiled at me
From his golden throne
He said This Is Eternity
And All I promised you
Today for life on earth is done
But Here it starts a new
I promise no tomorrow
For today will always last
And Since each day’s the exact same way
There is no longing for the past
So When Tomorrow starts without me
Do not think we’re apart
For every time you think of me
Remember I’m right here in your heart.
David M. Romano
Day 125 in 2019
Intermediate class...
365_2019, Gimli, a boy and his dog, dog training, pets