My parents came to visit this weekend, which means the pups were on high alert at ALL TIMES in case of free food. Maxwell was especially excited about visitors, and barged into their bedroom on Saturday morning to jump on them and ask for snuggles. The pups even got presents from them: a squeaky tennis-ball-like bone for Maxwell, and a dried meat-bone for Sadie. Sadie was so in love with her gift that she ate the whole cow bone in a few hours, and proceeded to make herself sick. Somehow she ate the thing Friday night, went running with Maxwell and me on Saturday morning, went to class, and only then started puking on the carpet. She's fine now!
Both dogs had good classes. Maxwell was a little rocket through the jump-and-tunnel sequence, though for some reason he was being finicky about entering the tunnel on my left side. I was extremely proud to be announced as a perfect example of giving a body cue to my dog to slow down during the run. Truthfully, though, I didn't do anything consciously. I think my puppy and I have just worked so much together that I intuit the signals he needs.
Sadie was less enthusiastic in her running, but I'm making her stick her contacts. I've started running with treats again, but only to reinforce 2-on-2-off. She's learning, I think, but she isn't as quick to pick things up as Maxwell. She did take some nice weaves, and actually charged the dog walk for a change.
I also got to run a black Lab in Sadie's class, as her owner has an injured foot. This dog has the drive of Maxwell, and the experience to strategize on-course by herself. This makes her quite a challenge, as I don't think as quickly as she moves! I love running her for that very reason, though I'm not as clean a handler as her owner, since I'm not as familiar with her needs and quirks. For example, we had a reasonably nice run going, then I ran around a jump at the end instead of rear crossing her into the tunnel. Why? Because I was too busy worrying about keeping up with the dog, and not planning ahead. I think it's a really good learning opportunity for me to run other dogs, though I hate to do so under such circumstances. I much prefer when my fellow students and I 'trade' dogs for a run or two.
I was very excited to rearrange the dog cupboard last week. I know that sounds pathetic, but I really like taking care of the pups. They get frozen Kongs pretty much every workday with part of their breakfast kibble, some canned pumpkin, some wet food (recent addition), and occasionally a treat in the middle. Plus they have their own jar of peanut butter, their meds (such as the heartworm preventative), grooming tools, etc. So feast your eyes on the most organized dog cupboard in the Northeast!
So much FOOD!
I also finally got sick of hanging the leashes, collars, harnesses, whatever on the door knob to the coat closet. We always have to move something out of the way to actually close the closet, things fall off when you open it, and it was just generally a pain. So now we have nice metal hooks on the wall, right as you enter the apartment! The pups each have their own hook, and they are right where we unleash them anyway. It's perfect!
Organized dogs. Who knew?
Next, I'm very excited to say that I finally subscribed to Clean Run Magazine. It's all about agility, and I've heard it's really, really good. Definitely not biased by the fact that Mrs. Trainer occasionally writes for them, or that the woman who introduced me to Aussies is their layout editor... Certainly not. But I am very excited, and should get the first issue in early July. I'm not sure why I never subscribed before, so I suppose I just came to my senses. By the way, that link actually take you to their store. I've gotten some awesome stuff from them, like antler chews that even Sadie hasn't destroyed yet!
My final news is that we finally found a nice dog park nearby! I know Mr. Trainer isn't a big fan of dog parks, since you never know how the other dogs are going to behave, but these guys like to be allowed to run free once in a while. Maxwell especially craves some good games of fetch. It was too hot today to do much, but I can imagine it's a fun spot in cooler weather. It cleared out at one point, so I set up my new jump and put the pups over it a few times. Nothing like practicing in a new place! (And yes, I packed a jump to go to a dog park. Don't judge me!) At less than 5 miles to drive, we'll certainly be going there again.
Stay cool!
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