Pass the butter!

OMG, this is so humiliating...but not really. Just to bust a myth here, us dog's don't really "feel" the same way as you humans when it comes to "humiliation" "embarrassment" "shame" etc... there's enough of that for you all to deal with, so us dogs couldn't really care less... plus, our brains aren't developed that way... 

Why do I bring this up? That's easy... my mom the rockin' dog trainer and coach decided she wanted to "celebrate" this silly outlandish holiday you folks call "Halloween". All I know is you dress up weird and go around scaring people, knocking on doors and asking for treats!!! (uh, wait a minute... YOU ask for treats? Why are you all giving us dogs a hard time when we ask for treats...!!! I'll save that for another post...) 

   

Mom thought this would be the perfect time for me to practice my "go to your place" trick! That's one of the big behaviors she teaches in her classes at the studio and Ventura Community Education... 

The doorbell rings, I go to my little mat next to the door, she opens the door, as long as I sit still, I get a treat while the person at the door gets a treat... How easy is that? For both me and the kids at the door! This is what mom decided to dress me up in... ugh... she kept laughing, and I had this look on my face that she thought was soooo cute... But then she kept saying how she could use some melted butter... whatever... As long as I get my treats for wearing the stilly thing, I'll go along with it...I like to humor her. 

Hmm, I wonder what she'll dress me as next year? And I wonder if mom posted pictures of me on her blog too! Oh geez, what are others going to say! Something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

Good friends and good times...!

I've been having lots of fun with my friends Elaine and Genae. They live next door. They're my mom and dad's friends too...but I'm getting to spend lots of time with them - especially since mom and dad are spending more time out and about on the town - working and whatnot.  

My mom the dog coach makes sure that if she and dad aren't available, they make arrangements for other people to take good care of me. Not that I can't be alone - but mom says because I'm a "social animal", if they need to leave me for a longer time it's better to have others come by and take care of me. She says it's not very fair to a dog to leave them locked up in the house all day without any mental or physical stimulation. 

So it's great that Elaine and Genae are our friends. They're SO much FUN! They come over and play with me, rub my belly, talk to me with those cute voices that make me smile inside...and they give me treats! I love when they come over. 

Genae and I get along really well - we both have lots in common. I love my mom and dad. She loves her mom and dad. I like to play, she likes to play. I like sports - ball, chase, tug, Flyball, agility - and she like sports - soccer, running, junior lifeguard, swimming, bike riding - but her favorite is ballet! She's really good at that. She gets to practice all the time - and now she's going to be learning all about something called the "Nutcracker" - not sure what that is, but I think it happens around the holidays - something tells me dogs aren't allowed at the show. Maybe she can show me pictures. 

Anyway, Genae and her mom Elaine have been coming by to play...and I've been having fun. It makes it a little easier when mom and dad aren't able to take me with them. I wonder when Genae is going to come over again? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder. 

I can't get away with anything!

Wow class was kinda tough today - not the training exercises per say... I just couldn't get away with anything! That's my mom the dog coach - she's kind, patient, and loves all her students - but she won't let you get away with some things...especially from me! 

All I was doing was barking and whining at her during class while she was teaching...sure, dad was there working with me, but I wanted my mom... I heard her tell the other students what I was doing is called "attention seeking behavior"...which is something I guess you humans aren't too fond of. She seems to know the difference between me wanting her attention, and me letting her know I don't feel well...two different types of whining. It's good that she knows the difference - something else she teaches the students during her classes.

Anyway, mom instructed dad to give me a "time out" - which means I got sent to the bathroom by myself for a few seconds... Geez! Then of course I tried it again, and of course she and dad were right on it! By the third time dad figured it out himself, and well, so did I! I was quiet for the remainder of the class... Dad paid attention to that too - got treats for just sitting on my blanket and being quiet... now I know what the better choice is. 

I wonder if mom or dad ever had a "time out" when they were young? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

This dog says Happy Dog Mom's Day!

Happy Mothers Day mom! And thank you for all you do for me. I really appreciate it. Walks around the neighborhood, car rides, visits with friends, going to work with you, playing at the park, sitting on your lap while you work at the computer, letting me sit in your lap while I work at the computer, for fixing my meals (I especially love the salads you make for me), for making sure I'm healthy and safe, tossing my toys for me, doing fun training exercises together, for belly rubs, and for holding and cuddling me. 

I love you mom! Your top dog,

Poncho

       

May I borrow the keys?

Alright mom! Thanks for the new license! Guess I'm all legal now here in the county of Ventura. Got my new tags and as you can see I'm asking to borrow the car so I can go cruisin' - Ya know, I hear the ladies like a dude that has his own wheels and can drive... Hmmm, I guess that's an issue...Maybe I can go get my friend Dodger or Rummy - they're pretty cool lads - plus their legs are longer and can touch the pedals. Or, maybe just for safety I'll ride in my car seat and enjoy the sunshine and the smooth ride while mom chauffeurs me around town...It's good to be the king. Too bad people don't take the time to teach us dogs to operate a vehicle - man oh man would we make the best designated drivers or what??? Something for you inquisitive folks to ponder... 

Sunday Drive

ROAD TRIP! I love going to Santa Barbara with mom and dad... Started out kinda rough with mom in a "mood" about sitting in traffic... I only barked a couple of times before we got to the freeway, but she got "that look" - and that tone of voice, plus that word "crate" and I knew if I didn't put a sock in it I'd end up making the ride all cooped up... So, I decided to follow the plan and keep it quiet... got to look out the window (harnessed in of course); then stopped at that lovely park in Summerland... pretty crowded with lots of other fellow canines - and I must say, the other dog moms and dads were quite responsible by keeping all of us on those dreaded long strap things...makes it hard to run off, but I guess they want to keep us safe - and not break the laws... Nordstoms was great as always - we didn't buy anything, but it was still fun to walk around... lots of humans said hello to me... I keep hearing this word "cute" - not sure what it means, but they all have a smile and sound giggly when they say it... I'm pretty sure mom likes when people say it too - mostly because I can read her body language...relaxed, then kisses me on my head... not like when I'm barking in the yard at trucks.... speaking of, oh boy! tomorrow is GTM (Garbage Truck Monday for those who don't know me) better rest up now because tomorrow is a big day! Lot's of trucks to be dealt with! nice way to end 2007...

woofs,

Poncho