Happy Birthday to MOM!

Wow, what another fun day it was today! Not only is it dia de los muertos, but it's Mom's birthday today too! She decided to take time off from her studio and teaching today, so she could spend it with me and dad just celebrating all day. Fine with me! We get her all to ourselves - which means "road trips for Poncho!" 

First mom decided to go run and exercise with her friend Hilary. (It was way too early for me to go...I'd rather sleep in)... Then, after she got all cleaned up, mom, dad, and I loaded into

the car and heading north! The first stop was at one of our favorite coffee joints for beverages and snacks... You can see me here trying to figure out how to drink out of that long green thingy...that's going to be a challenge for me... 

Anyway, after we rewarded ourselves with yummy treats (just like dog training classes isn't it?) we hit the road again...this time we walked around some lovely areas - I was the only one who was sniffing around, but mom and dad were enjoying themselves too - I could tell by their body language - relaxed, smiles on their faces, laughing...

Then mom and dad stopped at one fabulous place just for me: the beach!!! Wahoo! I thought it was moms birthday, but this was a great present for little ol' me! As you can see, I was thoroughly enjoying myself. Once again mom used "real life" rewards to reinforce the behaviors she likes... I walked nicely on leash, and to reward me she let me go and roll in everything I wanted to roll in! Mom was even giving me the "thumbs up" for rolling as well as I was... She giggles a lot when I'm gettin' the stink on. Interesting how me getting my stink on is rewarding, or shall I say positively reinforcing for mom!

Dad played the same sort of game. We'd practice me running to him when he called, and in turn he'd throw the ball for me! How much fun is that?! 

After we wrapped up our time at the beach, we headed back home... Unfortunately, post-beach time means only one thing: yep, bath-time! But hey, it's always worth it... not only do I get to roll in stinky stuff, but mom and dad make bathing fun - lots of treats during the bath, followed by throwing the ball around while I have the zoomies! I'd say that's lots of positive reinforcement! 

Now I'm all clean, and according to mom, smelling fresh, I wonder what else we're doing to celebrate? I wonder, is she is going to wear a birthday hat just like she makes me? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

I "LOVE" tennis! Just like my dad!

Today was another great day! Why? because dad was playing tennis in Santa Barbara...one of my favorite places to go...My mom the dog coach had to work first - she was teaching one of her great doggy workshops at Ventura College... I believe on teaching us dogs how to walk on leash, greet you humans politely, and come to you when you call us... Well, as soon as she got home, we all headed to SB... Mom thought it would be a good idea to visit some of her friends while dad played tennis... They live near where dad was playing, and she wanted them to meet me, and vice versa... Wow! What nice people they are... plus, they're really good dog trainers too - although they probably don't realize that :-) 

You see, mom taught me this really cool behavior. She also teaches her students and their dogs this too - it's called "go to your place"... Which is the cue for me to go and sit or lie down on a little mat or rug. It gives me something to do, plus I stay out of the way...mom thinks it's annoying, getting under her feet and all. 

So we went to Linda, Jim, and Stevie's house....wow, really cool place. Huge yard for me to run amok in!!! Plus they allowed me to run around inside too - Well, as soon as Miss. Linda started cooking dinner, oh boy did I know what to do...mom taught me well, right??? You betcha, I went right over "to my place" just like at home... and Miss. Linda caught on really quickly - although she rewarded me much better than mom! She gave me all sorts of cheese samplers (she was making something called "macaroni and cheese") Man-oh-man-alive was I one lucky dog or what??? She also kept saying how good I was, and how cute I was.... all that positive reinforcement - let me tell you, mom had to drag me outta there to go home... Oh, and before you start to worry, please don't - Miss. Linda was very careful with me being so close to the stove and whatnot - she was watching out for me, making sure I was safe the whole time... 

Dad had fun too - he and his friend won their match... plus I got some ball chasing in after they were finished... Mom had a successful day with her workshop - plus she and I had fun and the Brinkman's... all in all a great day... I wonder when we're going back to visit? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

Too bad for Mom but yippee for me!

Mom had a change in schedule today - but it was good for me... Means I lucked out by getting to go on a rockin' road trip with mom and dad... The wind wasn't so bad for me today, so we went out and about....had a really nice long walk and romp on the beach - I got my sniff-time and ball chasing in...plus met some nice doggies who were also out with their families... but the best part of course were the snacks.... not my snacks mind you, but mom and dad snacks...

They weren't allowed to bring me into the place, but they always bring me something... First I had spoonful, then I got to lick the containers! I got one from each mom AND dad! Plus, the containers were bigger than my head! Mom always said to never eat anything bigger than your head...but she never said anything about the size of the container. Phew, good thing for me. I wonder if mom or dad ever lick the container? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

I lOVE being an "errand boy"!!!

Dad and I just got back from running errands together - mom feels kinda bad that she sends us out, but I think dad enjoys our time together... Why? Well first we get to go play on the field, (we also practice our training skills that we learned in moms classes). Then dad will hit the hardware store, or Costco, or Trader Joe's for mom...but the best best best part is dad will usually find a "treat" for us to share :-) I LOVE THAT! See? dad likes his 'rewards' just as much as me! Positive reinforcement works for all animals ya know - that's one thing I learned from mom...  

Check it out - dad decided to send mom a picture of what we were up to... tee hee...not sure if that was the smartest thing he could have done...I think she called dad "naughty", but that's okay, mom has been known to stop for "treats" herself... I wonder what mom and dads favorite treats are? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

Happy Birthday to ME!

It's my BIRTHDAY, it's my birthday, we're gonna party like it's my birthday!!!! And what a great day it was... Poor mom, she had to work today - she was teaching some of her awesome classes... I think she was working with puppies and grown up dogs like me... Dad and I stopped by to help her in between classes... but we mostly played. 

Dad took me to the field not once but two times... lots of running around. Good exercise always makes me nice and happy (mom says it's good for me cause I'm much more quiet in the house and car - this is something she teaches her students too)... 

Anyway, dad and I also went to nana Mae's house for lunch. I got to visit with her dog Tiger. But I mostly ran around the house...dad didn't give me any roast beef - said I had to wait until dinner. 

Mom finally came home - we went out for a car ride around town - then home for my special dinner. I got fresh grilled steak for my birthday - today I am 7 years old. Mom said that it was five years ago today that she and dad heard about me, and met with me, and took me home... it's been a really great life here with mom and dad...they really love and care about me. 

I love them so much, I even like to humor them and wear the stupid clothes they put on me... I feel like such a dork. Mom laughs a lot, so I guess it's a good thing? I wonder why humans are so obsessed with putting clothes on us dogs - something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.... 

My mom the dog trainer barks too!!!

Wow...and I thought I was a barker. My mom the dog trainer has trained me pretty well to keep it quiet in the car. She has a whole routine. She also teaches humans how to keep their own dogs quiet when riding around in their cars in her dog training classes at The Inquisitive Canine studio here in Ventura. 

Once in a while she has to remind me with a short time-out...but for the most part I sit tucked in my car-seat all safe and sound...not a peep. But HER! Well, that seems to be a different story. Yikes! And she says I can "peel paint"...

Usually happens when we're sitting on the road - instead of moving along... She calls it "traffic" - I don't know what this means...but I have noticed when mom gets what dad calls "grumpy" her body language is all tense - shoulders are up around her ears, her brow is all wrinkly (she hates that), mouth is closed up - unless she's "barking" at the people around her. And if I bark with her, she gets even angrier. What a hypocrite...! I'm just trying to help... Well, forget it. She can bark all she wants - but this inquisitive canine has learned that it's more fun and more rewarding to just stay quiet - same as my dad does. 

This dog is ready to race!

Wow, another great road trip! Mom and dad took me on a great road trip today... Headed south to visit their friends in Camarillo Nancy and Gordon...and their puppy Kona - mom knows them from her one of the puppy classes she teaches. I guess mom and dad wanted to check out their beautiful yard and the landscaping...but I got to check it out too! And boy oh boy was it great! Lots of pretty places to run around - great smells and everything. 

The cool thing mom found out was that Nancy and Gordon's human son Charlie is a race car driver!! Check out the great photo - he's standing in the center podium - #1 !!!  

I love driving too, as you can see from the picture dad took.

Charlie lives and races in Europe right now...but maybe some day he'll take me on a road trip...that would be really cool. Something tells me mom wouldn't allow me to ride in any car going that fast...even if I was wearing my seatbelt or in my car seat... Hmm, how to get into a race car...something for this inquisitive canine to ponder. 

Now this was a fun road trip!

Wow, mom and dad really came through! They made up for yesterday by taking me out for lots of playtime... First thing out of bed dad whisked me off to the field for a nice long romp and ball chase. Then we went on a few errands together. After getting home mom made me breakfast (in my Tricky Treat Ball - which is always a fun time) - then we all went out together. This time we headed south - I was such a good boy in the car. Mom was great at paying attention too, because she let me know...I love hearing her say I'm a "good boy" (sometimes she throws in a treat too). While mom was inside some store, dad took me for a little walk in a nice grassy area - lots of nice smells for me to stick my nose in. Then we headed back home...But the real fun was when when mom asked if dad wanted to stop for a hotdog! OH BOY! That means I get some too - cuz dad always shares with me!!! And I was right, the picture proves it!. I think I heard them say again how they wanted to make up for the dull road trip they took me on yesterday...it was more about them yesterday, but it seems to be all about me today. Which in my book, is great for this inquisitive canine. (*Note: I am wearing my comfy harness/seatbelt, it's just difficult to see in the photo's)

Road trip bad...Making up for it good!

That road trip stunk! And not in a good way...So yesterday, we were all packed and ready for a trip - mom had all of my things she usually takes when we go somewhere for longer than a day... Extra food, my Tricky Treat Ball, Bully stick, toys, those silly plastic bags she like to carry my poopy in (humans are weird that way). And of course the usual suspects: my crate, leash, harness, license, and lots of water. Plus she and dad had some pretty clothes so I guess they were going somewhere fancy. If you know me by now, you know I like road trips...so I was pretty excited - especially since we were heading north! My favorite! 

Well, without ranting too much - we ended up coming home last night...yep, just one long day where I barely got out of the car to play...sure my car seat was comfy, and I got to potty, and they fed me, and gave me water...all of the necessities - just like Muttlow's Hierarchy - but this road traveling pooch ended up playing lookout all day and night! Ggrrrrrr... and booorrrrrrring! 

I hope they had a good time...because for me it wasn't all that great...I guess it was better than being stuck at home. Plus, I heard them saying they were going to make it up to me by taking me out a lot today...And so far I think they're following through. Mom and I spooned this morning in bed - and now I see dad getting the car keys along with my leash and treat bag! Alright! We're going out!!! Woo-hoo...This inquisitive canine is outta here. Hope you all have a great Sunday too... 

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