Friday June 3rd, 2016

Cats:

When I went in to visit Allie this afternoon she was full of snuggles and love! She hopped down from her bed right away and rubbed up against my leg, looking for pets. I sat down with her and she , rubbed her face against my hand and then the leg of the chair. She went back and forth like this for a few minutes until I grabbed a feather toy from the basket. I tickled her nose with it and then threw it a few feet in front of Allie. She ran after it but once she reached it, she decided that she'd rather go climb the cat tree. Once there, Allie grabbed ahold of the long brown toy and shook it around like the fierce cat that she is. Allie and I played with the long toy until it was Ziggy's turn to come out. 

As soon as I opened Ziggy's cubby he hopped up from his bed and did a big stretch. Ziggy rolled over onto his back and looked at me as if he were asking me to pet his belly. I gave him a god belly rub and then picked up a toy to see if he'd like to play. He looked at the toy as if he were considering whether or not to partake, but opted to rub his head up against my leg to ask for more attention. I spent the rest of my time in the cattery petting Ziggy and scratching his chin. He's so affectionate and loves to snuggle! 

Training:

I took Boris out to the driveway to start his training session. We practiced his heeling, at which he did very well! After going down the driveway and back, I attached Boris to the long line out in the front field so that we could practice his recall. There seemed to be lots of interesting things to smell in the grass, which provided a good distraction. As Boris was sniffing around, I called him over to me. He proved to be quite distracted and needed a gentle tug on the line to remind him to pay attention to me. We did this a few more times and Boris responded more quickly the more we practiced. When he started responding really well, I had him sit and lay down once he made his way over to me. I gave him treats sporadically throughout the session to keep him on his toes.

Tasha was up next, and today I introduced her to ecollar training. We started by incorporating it in with the basic commands that she already knows, with lots of treats. Tasha responded very well and completed almost all of her commands. Next we set the ecollar aside and worked on recall on the long line, just like I did with Boris. Tasha focused very well and came running over each time I called her. I also added some random sits and downs to mix things up a little bit. 

Rio was very happy to get out into the field to start doing some work. I clipped her to the long line and waited a minute to let her sniff around. I called her over once she was fully immersed in a good smell in the grass. She needed a little tug on the leash before she came running over, but each time we did this exercise, she listened quicker and quicker. Once she’d had enough recall work, we moved onto some easy basic commands. I had Rio perform some “puppy push-ups” where she sat, laid down, and sat back up again. She needed a little bit of convincing at first, but she caught on very quickly. She’s a smart puppy! 

Khal was a superstar during his training today! We started out by doing a structured walk down the driveway which included a few sits and downs. He was a little reluctant to lay down but eventually completed the command. Next, Katie came out to the driveway with another dog on a leash. We passed each other and I made sure that Khal was focused on me and not the other dog. He did an awesome job so we circled around each other a few more times. Since he's been doing well with this exercise, I took Khal into the reception area to practice greeting Katie and her dog when they came inside. Khal paid them no mind at first and said a quick hello when I allowed him. I'm so proud of him! 

Groups:

Teddie and Kizmet are the ultimate snuggle bugs in the yard! Kizmet was full of kisses today! As soon as I entered the yard, Kizmet was the first one I saw sitting in the grass, so naturally, I went over to see what he was up to. As soon as he saw me, he took a step towards me and didn’t hesitate to lick my face all over, giving me so many kisses to the point where I fell over and then Kizmet laid down and then rolled over for a tummy rub. This guys knows how to get what he wants! He is so cute it made it impossible to resist giving him anything he wants, and Teddie is the same way Teddie was full of love today as well, snuggling right up to me in the yard, pushing his head against my legs when he wants to be pet. After Teddie had been satisfied with his attention, he made his way to the pool, trying to hide how excited he was that the pools were finally open. The first time he went in, he stood there, wagging his fluffy tail back and forth. Eventually Will climbed in too and these two were both chilling out in the pool. The next time Teddie got in there, he full on laid down and even rested his face on the surface of the water, getting his white beard all wet! It was so cute when he stood up, but then he shook off all the water right onto me, Silly Theodore! He laid back down in the pool and I splashed some water on his back and on top of his head to cool him off, but he must have though this was an invitation to play because he stood up and started to stomp his paws in the water, splashing the water everywhere! These two guys are quite the pair.

Will and I had a very good outing in the late morning together! He was out with some of his familiar friends Bandit and Kai. Every time I went over to pet Kai, Will came over to say hello to her, sniffing her face and wagging his tail, letting us know he was happy to see her. He spent most of the time wandering the yard, looking for something interesting to occupy his attention. Halfway through group time, Will saw Teddy climb into the pool and zoomed right over to get in on that action. Will jumped right into the pool without hesitation, splashing his paws and trying to lick the water that came up. It was so cute! Teddy and Will both spent quite a bit of time in the pool. When Will took a break from swimming and splashing, he found a bone in the yard and decided to take his treasure back to the pool with him. A while later, Will and I spent some time together out front on the long leash. Will had a such a good time out there. He wandered around and sniffed the long grass that hasn’t yet been cut. He sat very nicely for me when I offered him a treat and then posed for some very handsome photos. He then found his favorite ball with the bell inside in the grass and never put it down again! He brought it over the shade near the nursery and laid there, relaxing with it by his side. I grabbed it a couple times and threw it across the yard and he went bounding after it. Each time he came back to the nice shade spot in the grass. He spent quite a bit of time there before returning inside, with his ball still in his mouth! I think it’s safe to say that it is officially his ball!

Bandit had a good morning! He started his morning with a nice outing with his friends, followed by his daily walk. Today he was accompanied by Teddie and Kizmet and these three boys get along great! They also spent some time together outside during groups. Bandit spent most of his time in the yard wandering about, stopping to say hello to his friends. He became quite curious about the pool after he saw Barley dive right in and Bandit decided to see if it was something he would like. He went and sniffed the water and took a couple sips to cool off and then after putting one paw in, he backed right away from the pool and took off to see what Will was doing at the other side of the yard.

Kai was super relaxed outside today! There was a nice cool breeze in the agility yard that went perfectly with the warm weather. Kai got to walk with Tiffani on the trail this morning, just the two of them and she loved it! She stopped to roll in every patch of grass that she felt like, and even walked right beside Tiffani’s hand, nudging her for some petting while they walked along. She’s such a sweetheart. Kai took her time in the yard, making sure to get to every corner and see all of the other dogs. She explored the tall grass in the far side of the yard and rolled around in it like she loves to do. Then it was time for some snuggles! Kai walked right by me in the yard and once she was by me, I called to her and coaxed her to come over and I knelt down to pet her and she pressed her body right up against me, wagging her fluffy tail back and forth. I gave her some good pets behind her ears and a real good back scratch before we headed back inside.

Max E. had a blast outside! This guy is so full of energy and a joy to have in the yard with me. He is down to play with who ever and whatever toy is there, as long as he’s having fun. Today we started with a blue rubber bone. He and Molly both wanted to play fetch with the bone so badly. Eventually Molly went and got her own bone because Max wanted the blue one all to himself! Later, he moved on to the Frisbee. I think this was his favorite toy of the day. Lyla wanted the Frisbee but she didn’t want to run for it, so each time I threw it, Max was right in there, snatching it up from the ground and immediately bringing it back to me to do it all over again. Later on, we took a break from toys and Max went to see what was happening pool-side. Teddy and Will were in the pool so there wasn’t a whole lot of room for Max to jump in, but he still snuck in a sip or two of water before returning to his activities. I found a rope in the yard and he was instantly interested in it. I threw it across the yard, and he went after it, but this time he didn’t want to bring it back. He wanted it all to himself! He trotted around with it in this mouth for a while before retuning inside to cool off after a fun time outside.

It was good to spend some time with Maverick and Shyla today! The three of us went for our morning trail walk and today I decided it was cool enough to go for a nice jog on the trail so we ran the entire way! Shyla was right there beside me the whole way, wagging her tail whenever she looked up at me, with a big smile on her face. Maverick was ahead of us girls, eager to go! After a good cool down inside, it was time to go outside for groups. Shyla was quieter today; she spent her time wandering the yard, going in and out of the agility yard, hanging out by the door that leads inside. This is Maverick’s favorite hangout spot. There is a shaded corner near the gate to the agility yard that Maverick always goes to after he has said his hellos in the yard. I found him lounging there today, staying out of the heat. I gave him some cuddles and he gave me a few kisses on the cheek. He and Shyla then followed me back to the yard, where they said hello to Riley and Kelly. Maverick stayed near Riley in the yard after that, giving him the occasional sniff. These two cuties had an overall very relaxing day!

Kelly and Riley are so cute! There two were both little angels on their walk today. Riley spent the entire walk right beside me on my left, while Kelly was a little bit ahead of us. They both love the trail, getting some fresh air in the morning and sniffing the new smells from the other dogs walking ahead of them. Later on in the morning, we went out for group play with their friends! Riley was so eager to get outside. Kelly was a little hesitant but once she was out there, she was zooming around the yard! She chased me while I ran from the far grassy yard to the agility yard and then jumped right into my lap and gave me a million kisses. She then took up some exploring. She made her way around the whole yard, inspecting the grass, the rocks and even took an adventure into the tunnel! Riley saw her go in the tunnel and ran right over. He was so curious as to what she was doing. He peeked inside but decided to let Kelly be the brave one and stayed away from the tunnel. He then came over to me, where I was happy to pet him behind the ears and pet his back. He stood beside me with his tail wagging, waiting for one of his friends to come over and see us. Molly made her way over and said hello to us both. She then dropped her toy at Riley’s feet to offer it to him. Riley politely declined her offer to play. He was in a very loving mood and wanted to get all of the attention he could from me while we were outside. These two were happy to come inside after a hot day like today, and lap up some fresh water and take a nap.

Molly K. was up to her usual mischief in the yard today. She scoped out the first toy in the yard the second she got out there and had it in her mouth before I even made my way outside. For the first half of groups, Molly kept her toy to herself, making sure never to let go when we played a round of tug-of-war. Later on, Molly wanted to play fetch with me. At first, I was throwing the rubber bone up in the air and each time, Molly tried to leap up and catch it in her mouth. Unfortunately, she never caught it, but she was having a great time trying! After that we actually played fetch and I was throwing the bone all the way across the agility yard and each time, Molly would drop and it and then take off right after. I waited until she was turned around and looked at me, and then threw it the opposite way that she ran. Her face lit up each time she bolted across the yard. She is so cute and is always so nice to have stay with us!

Roxy is super cute! It was her first full day of her stay today and she had a blast! She started off with a walk on the trail outside. It was such a beautiful day today and she loved the trial, getting to walk and feel the fresh air and sniff all the long grass along the way. Outside at groups, Roxy was in a group with all the boys. She had lots of fun with all these playful guys around her. She met Summit, Dougie and Justice today, all of whom she really liked! Dougie and Justice were both excited to meet Roxy, but eventually they both moved on to play together in the yard. Roxy then met Barley. These two curly haired dogs got along great! Barley followed Roxy around for the longest time, before he jumped in the pool and stayed there the rest of the time. Roxy then met Bentley G., and these two both share a love for toys! Roxy first found a bone in the yard that she fell in love with. We played fetch together for a couple of minutes. Roxy is so cute when she runs; she always has a little pep in her step, wherever she goes. After she spent quiet a bit of time playing with her new friends and with toys, she came over to me and wanted to sneak in some extra attention before we went inside. I knelt down on both knees and she buried herself into my legs, curling up and then lying on her back, demanding a belly rub! I rubber her belly and she proceeded to then wiggle her entire body back and forth in the grass. Roxy is such a sweet girl and it is a pleasure to have her staying with us.

It was so exciting to see Max C. again! He was absolutely ecstatic to see all his friends again in the yard, and make some new ones. He started his morning with a fresh haircut that left him looking so handsome and feeling so soft! Later on in the day, we went outside for group time and Max could not have been more excited. He was full of energy and ready to spend it doing anything fun! He met a whole bunch of other dogs that shared his enthusiasm for playing. Justice, Dougie and Summit were all happy to meet Max. These four boys took turns wrestling around the yard. At first, Justice and Dougie were going at it, and tumbling over each other in the yard, so Summit and Max did a couple laps around the yard before returning to where they were to start wrestling around. Max had so much fun with Summit! They became fast friends and were looking forward to their next outing before this one had even ended. Near the end of our time outside, Max began to slow down and came up to me, seeking some love. I pet him all over, and rubbed behind his ears, which he loved so much that his foot was twitching and his tail was wagging, whacking the side of my leg as it went back and forth! Max had such a good day in doggie daycare today!

Max and Sadie couldn’t wait to get outside. The two of them were full of energy and ready to burn it off. As soon as they got out the door, Max and Sadie were off racing around. Tasha and Boris quickly joined them. The racing brought them out to the far yard. As soon as they got out there the running around stopped. Everyone headed out to do some exploring in the grass. That only lasted so long and soon Max was tearing around the yard once more. Sadie was still all about the exploring so Max was pretty happy when Boris started to race around with him. After a couple more minutes, Sadie couldn’t resist anymore and went running to join in. Of course at that point Max and Boris needed a breather so the race didn’t last long. The breather didn’t last long either and soon the three of them were ripping around the yard once more. Boris left Max and Sadie to their fun and went to play with his mom.

Boris and Tasha were the first of the group to get outside and so headed out to do a little exploring. As soon as Max and Sadie entered the yard Boris was right there ready to play. They took off running. When they entered the far yard the running stopped and they all split up to do a little exploring. When Max started to race around some more Boris was more than happy to stop exploring to go running with him. Tasha was happy to continue checking out the yard while occasionally pausing to watch Boris’s antics. Eventually Boris and Max needed a breather and so stopped racing and returned to exploring in the grass. As soon as they had their breath back they were off ripping around the yard once more. Tasha was finally hit with the need to play and went bounding after Boris. She stole him away from Max and Sadie. Soon the two of them were having a great time playing on and around the tunnel.

Tinkerbell seemed happy to be back today. When it was time to head out for group she was quick to head out and see what was going on in the yard. Tinkerbell spent quite some time going all around the main yard seeing what had changed. Once she finished with that she made her way out to the far yard. The longer grass caught Tinkerbell’s attention and she went to go search through it. I made my way over to see how she was doing and to have a bit of a visit. Tinkerbell got closer and demanded some love. When she was satisfied, Tinkerbell went trotting out to check out more of the yard. She noticed the rest of the group making their way to the main yard and the pool. Tinkerbell tagged along and stood a little ways back to watch them in the pool while avoiding getting splashed. Something caught her attention on the other side of the fence. Tinkerbell spent some time trying to figure out what it was. When she turned away she found herself being checked over by Rio. They spent some time sniffing one another. Tinkerbell then went trotting off to do some more exploring.

Rio and Finnigan met up pretty much as soon as they got out the door. I’m not even sure they said hi to one another just got right into the wrestling. They then decided to take their fun out to the far yard. Finnigan and Rio went tearing off out to the yard. Once out there, Finnigan was quite excited to discover a Frisbee. He went bouncing around showing it off to Rio. Finnegan then laid down to have a chew on the Frisbee. Rio left him to it and went to see what was going on in the yard. As soon as Finnigan saw she wasn’t going to stick around he sprang up and went racing after her and they went running around once more. Finnigan then swapped his Frisbee for a rope toy. The rope toy didn’t last long when he noticed Rio with Flora. Finnigan ditched the toy and went bouncing back over to steal Rio away. After playing for a little while he found the Frisbee once more. Rio left him to and went to go trotting off to see what all was going on in the yard. She only made it so far when Finnigan was there, minus his toy, and wanting to wrestle some more. I grabbed the Frisbee so we could have a game of fetch. Finnigan went charging after it while Rio hung back. Rio was happy to let him have the toy. She turned to me and demanded lots of love and cuddles. When Rio had had enough love she went to and have a visit with Lola. Finnigan left the Frisbee and decided to go and visit a pug as well. He spotted Pearl in the pool, which was now in the process of filling. Finnigan went racing over and hopped in with her. Rio curious made her way over as well, though she decided against hopping in. With that done, Rio then went to see how Tinkerbell was doing.

Ruby was a little nervous when she first came in this morning. We headed out for our walk with Merida. Ruby perked right up and went bouncing around as we walked. For the first group Ruby was off getting herself all beautified. When the next group rolled around she was looking pretty and ready to head outside with the others. Ruby trotted around checking out the yard and seeing what was going on. She was met by Finnigan and Rio who both very much wanted to be her friend. Ruby wasn’t quite up to playing and so decided to make her way over to me. She hopped up on to my lap and was happy to sit getting pets while watching the others.

Khal was pretty happy to get out on this lovely day. He went trotting out to see who all was in his group today. Khal made his way out to the far yard and started to do some exploring in the grass and Kyah went over to join him. Their exploring was interrupted when Magic and Isis went tearing past them and almost ran them over. Khal decided it might be safer to go and explore a bit closer to the fence. After going around the yard a couple times he made his way over to me for some pets and attention. Khal then became aware of the pool nearby. He made his way over and helped himself to a drink but decided against going in. Feeling refreshed, Khal went trotting off once more. He met up with Brenyn, who took quite a liking to him. They went trotting around together while Brenyn tried to clean his ears. Eventually they ended up back by the pool.

Leah and Poppy went running out to the agility yard with the rest of the group. As soon as they passed through the gate Leah stopped to check out something in the rocks. Poppy continued further into the yard to go and check out the grass section by the building. Leah finished up with the entrance and went explore in the rest of the yard. Leah left the grassy section to go and join her sister. They went around checking out the yard. Leah went trotting off to see what was so exciting about the pool. Poppy followed her sister until she spotted me. She then made her way over for some pets. Poppy was still keeping an eye on Leah, so when Leah left the pool Poppy was quick to tag along. They headed off to do some more exploring. After a little while, Leah figured it was time for her to get some pets and attention. Poppy not minding getting more pets of her own, tagged along. When they had had enough Leah and Poppy went back to exploring.

Jake couldn’t wait to get outside for group. He went bounding out to the agility yard with the rest of the group. Jake’s attention was immediately grabbed by Drew in the pool. He made his way over to see what he was up to. Jake circled the pool a couple times, contemplating it. Eventually he decided he was not going to hop in and went racing off. Jake ran around seeing what the other dogs were up to and pausing to sniff anything that caught his attention. Along the way he ended up back by the pool. Still not quite ready to get in Jake helped himself to a drink and went to check something out by the fence. When he was done with that, he went trotting off around the yard once more. A little while later we ended up in the main yard where I found a toy. Jake was very excited about this fact. Soon we had a nice little game of fetch going on.