New Discovery

Trekker here---I'm excited. I'm so excited. I found a rabbit and I chased that rabbit through the whole yard over and over again. I had to go faster than I've ever gone, I even passed Shiloh and Mom said she didn't know I was that fast. When Shiloh got tired and rested I kept going after the rabbit. I had him cornered when Mom called me for breakfast. What was I to do? I came running for a quick breakfast and then went right back out. That rabbit didn't wait for me! I checked the whole yard and couldn't find him. I finally know why Shiloh likes rabbit so much. No more am I going to only check the yard for Shiloh, I'm going rabbit hunting for me. Mom says next time she'll have the camera little more handy. Got to go there are rabbit to find!

Seeing Eye Dog

Trekker has found a new job at our house, seeing eye dog. The vet tells us that Shiloh’s sight is getting bad and Trekker seems to feel that it is his job to assist his best buddy.

Shiloh has always believed it is his job to keep our yard clear of squirrels and rabbits. Actually he’s done a good job, but over the past months he’s begun to miss some of the invaders. Trekker, on the other hand, has never cared whether they’re in the yard or not but was aware of Shiloh’s interest. As it became apparent to all of us that Shiloh couldn’t see the distant intruder, Trekker began to sound the alarm. Trekker spots the invader and runs for Shiloh. Shiloh becomes alert and Trekker leads him to squirrel or rabbit. Then other senses seem to kick in and Shiloh is on duty. With a job well done, Trekker heads off for more interesting adventures.

The dogs were kenneled while we were in Phoenix. I was told that while gone Trekker became very protective of his older charge and did not want Shiloh out of his sight. The only way to quiet him was to place Shiloh directly across from him so that he could stand guard.

Shiloh’s aging process is sad to watch and yet it’s gratifying to watch Trekker come into his own. He doesn’t herd livestock, but instead herds his buddy so that they both fulfill their destiny.

Assistance Given

Last summer we went through phase 1 of downsizing things out of our house. I waited for remorse over loosing long loved items and none came. I have enjoyed the freedom of more space. We are now into phase 2 and more things are going. Each weekend more rooms and closets are tackled also why the blogs are fewer and farther apart. This weekend it was the basement storage rooms. Shiloh, an old hand at jobs, finds a corner to lie in and settles in for a long nap. Occasionally he'll lift his head to make sure are progressing at a steady pace and once reassured goes back to sleep.

Trekker, on the other hand, feels that cleaning is a collaborative job. As a member of our family it was his job to help. His nose is into every nook and corner. We did not need a broom. Trekker found everything that had fallen under shelves over the years. He quickly discovered that if he ran with the item we would be right behind negotiating with food for the stolen item. Our trash pile grew and grew as we cleaned, but Trekker (the little helper that he is) took it upon himself to relocate much of that too. He felt the rec room sofa was a much more comfortable spot to check out his new treasures. When night fell I have never seen him so tired. He could barely lift his head. Or maybe it was such a full stomach for a smart negotiator.

Teacher in the Making

Mom told me to use education gargon to describe my teaching Shiloh to tunnel.

It's the called the gradual release of responsibility.

I started out doing all the work.
Here I'm demonstrating how to go into the tunnel.

See Shiloh watching.

Then I show him how to come out. Nothing to it.

I then encourage Shiloh to try it.

I use all sorts of positive reinforcements.

It looks like he might go in.

Look he's heading in.

Must be my strong use of modeling.

Oops.

He chickened out.

I'll continue to learn how to be a better teacher and try again.

I'll keep you informed on our progress. Trekker out.

Young and in Love

Trekker loves weekly Saturdaydog class. He likes the work and comradery with me , but more than that he likes the after class play. He is funny to watch. Trekker's favorite playmate is the pem corgi, they just race through the room . But his favorite dog is a Tallie, a Dalmation, he has a crush on. He follows her around like a lovestruck schoolboy. Check out his tail actoin when she's around.

Odd

What does a son get his father for a gift? A book of .... The creators of this book are dog owners who felt that something good should come out of their dog's po. So they created vignettes, took photographs and made them into a book (example above). I'm not sure who would be considered odder the creators, the son who bought the book or me who is telling you about the oddity.

Where's a Lawyer?

Shiloh here--I want a lawyer and I want to present the evidence.

Picture 1--Me minding my business
Picture 2--Being attacked by a snapping corgi. Look at those teeth coming at innocent me.
Picture 3--I'm a good dog and don't react. So what does the little rug rat do, but attack my head, nip, nip and pull, pull.
Picture 4--Then, THEN that little...goes around and starts nipping my heels to get me moving.

Does he not know I DON'T LIKE IT!!!This is old dog abuse and I want to sue!

Busy Boy

I was just finsished posting when I heard an unusual noise. When I went to investigate I found Trekker's boredom release (pictured). This is the second time this week he's been creative with the toliet paper. Monday night I came home and found the bathroom door closed. Rich had taped a note to the door stating, "YOUR DOG has been busy." I opened the door and found a full roll of toliet paper ripped to shreds all over the floor. I then went to investigate where everyone was. Rich was using the exercise machine, Trekker was grounded to his kennel, and Shiloh was lounging on the sofa with a smirk on his face. I know dogs don't have human feelings but it sure looked like he was pleased that Trekker was in trouble!

Go Away and Don't Come Another Day

The backyard has melted enough to be back to ice patches again. Trekker has the advantage being low to the ground, poor Shiloh just gingerly moves across the ice field. Starting tomorrow our temps are to be in the mid to high 40s through at least the weekend. We're all hoping by Sunday to see all the ice and snow gone. Longer days would be good too. It's hard to get pictures at this time of year too. I think it all means that I need to stay home and be a dog mom full time.

Step Backward

Trekker and I needed to take a little step backward so that we can move forward. In December I signed us up for handling class on Saturday and beginning agility on Sunday. At the time I thought "no problem". Wrong, it's more than we can take on. We had homework from both classes and weren't doing either well (more me than Trekker). So we've dropped agility so we can get a better handle on the basics. The new plan is to start back with agility in the late spring. Retiring to full time dog mom was the plan I liked the best but was vetoed.