It's back to dog training school for me!

Yippee for this lucky dog!!! I get to go back to school in January... Mom's rockin' dog training class is full!!! Wow! And that means I get to go and help her! She always brings me for orientation. As a matter of fact, I'm the only dog allowed to be there! She uses me as her "demo dog"... That's right folks, I get to be the star! But it's not about being "the star"... I just dig helping mom out...okay, I really like the attention - it's fun, it's safe, and it predicts good things for me! Cuz that's how us animals learn, right? 

Anyway, if you didn't make it into this round of classes I'm sorry I won't get to see you... There are a couple of other workshops she's having though, so you might want to get into one or both of those... Check out the calendar for all the details. 

Oh, and we have a list going - you can get your dogs name on it - if mom gets enough requests she'll add another class... or, you can come hang at the Ventura College Community Education Canine College course...

I wonder if mom will ever let me teach the class on my own? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

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... 

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... 

We have lift-off!!!

WOW! My mom the rockin' dog coach has just launched her brand-spankin' new awesome fabulous website! It's SO great! Talks about all her classes, workshops, and private training she offers... plus there's a brand new section where she answers many of the common questions you folks ask her... There's also a new way to register so you get your place in class early! First come first serve ya know... And then there's directions and her phone number... Oh, and there's a special place where she tells you all about her schooling, and how hard she worked to become the great rockin' dog coach she is... and The best part ;-) is I get to be on top of each page, looking at her with my big happy grin.  

I know she didn't do this all on her own... she had lots and lots of great help from her "dream team" - Miss. Lorrie, Miss. Emilia (Nellie's mom), Miss. Amber, Miss. Jill, Miss. Eileen...hmm, I think there may have been a few more... 

Anyway, I'm really proud of my mom... I wonder if dad is going to register me for another class, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

Mom was tough today!

Oh brother was class a bit "ruff" today - no pun intended folks, sorry... Anyway, it was week four of my Manner's Class which means my mom the dog trainer finally talks about "punishment"! I know! It's scary... not because mom would do anything to hurt me, or any dog for that matter, but being "timed out!" is really stinky! and not in a good way...

As you all know, mom is all about "positive reinforcement" - but she's also about using gentle, humane, non-force techniques to teach us dogs (humans too...), she learns the same way! For the first month mom wants everyone to focus in on the behaviors they want us dogs to do...not what they don't want. Then, she brings in the icky stuff - reward removal! That's where all the nasty punishment comes in... 

Not getting to say "hi", not getting to walk forward, not getting to "hang out", not getting the treat... She says they use this type of "punishment" in sports - hockey players get sent to the penalty box, or basketball players have to sit on the bench, baseball players get thrown out of the game etc... it's all about not getting to play along...and it works! 

Last week I was "speaking up" in class a bit too much so dad took me out of the room - this week, not so much - I learned my lesson! Dad kept rewarding me for being quiet - I did slip up once and mom caught me - can't get anything past her...most of the time anyway ;-) 

So mom has given us choices - if I "do this" I get something I want,  if I "do that" I don't get what I want... hmm, I know what the better choice is, thanks for teaching me mom (and dad)... 

I wonder if mom was every "timed out"? 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... 

Dad CAN multi-task!

I've been having so much fun with dad - we've been practicing all the new skills we've learned in moms rockin' Canine Good Manners classes at her Inquisitive Canine studio...the best thing is that dad has learned he can take "our show on the road". Now we practice wherever we go, not just in class - I guess that's one of moms goals for her students - to take it out of the class into the "real world". 

So today dad took me to one of our usual spots - the field where I romp, sniff, and play...this time, dad decided to "multi-task" and get in some training - along with the fun time. Mom calls this "obedience breaks" - she also says it's the perfect place to practice things like coming when my name is called, or leaving things alone when asked...you know, like yummy food I might find on the ground (I love that you humans are such litterbugs!) For safety, dad kept me on leash during our exercises...I was dragging it along with me - but in case I decided something out in the field was more interesting, and I didn't feel like paying attention, then he had a "safety line". Fortunately, dad knows how to keep me motivated so I was playing the game the entire time... 

Check out the picture he took of me working hard - running towards him when he called me...mom will be SO proud! Of both of us! I wonder if I called their name they'd come running to me...hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

Teachers "pet"

I'm still having so much fun being in mom's class. And dad is great! He's the one taking me ya know... Plus, he's got the advantage because he lives with the teacher! You'd think mom would be biased and let him get away with more than the other students...HA! NO WAY! Sure she's here to answer questions for him - that is an advantage - BUT she's also making it harder for him - PLUS, she's here to remind him to do more homework! Which is great for me because I love to learn!

Dad seems to love it too because now I'm doing all the things he's always wanted me to do. Like come back to him when he calls me when we're out on walks... or to sit and mind my manners while I wait before he lets me lick the inside of the yogurt cup. He's proud of me, mom is proud of both of us! Just like dad is rewarding me, my behavior is rewarding dad, and both dad and I are rewarding mom by practicing together!!! A real win-win for everyone...

I wonder what mom is going to reward dad with? 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... 

It's back to school for me too!

OMG guess what??? I get to go back to school again! I love school! I love classes! I love learning! It's SO MUCH FUN FOR ME! I get to think, use my brain, get rewards and attention from all the other people and doggies! And the best part is --- my daddy is taking me, AND I'm in love with my teacher! She is the best ever...but I'm kinda biased...cause she's my rockin' dog trainer mom! 

I'm not sure what happened... but dad decided he wanted to learn more about me as a "canine" (not just his fur child), and learn how to get me to do things that he wants me to do... Like leave leftover food stuck to the ground alone, or call me away from the mailman, or enjoy him picking me up when I'm grumpy and tired (like mom is sometimes...) You know, all those normal doggy behaviors that you humans find annoying. 

Anyway, he wanted to learn all about it - and since mom was starting one of her rockin' Canine Good Manners classes today, she thought it would be good for him to attend...just like all of her other great students. So he agreed, and wholeheartedly I may add...I loved being there, and having both mom and dad with me. 

I know dad's already doing his homework...filling out his goals sheet, and reading through his workbook... Seems like he's really into it... I wonder what we're going to practice first...something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

One smart cookie!

My mom the dog trainer says that some of her non-dog-owning friends are some of the smartest "dog trainers" she knows! Take Miss. Dorel for instance. She was kind enough to take care of her friends dog while they were out of town. This friend of hers dropped of their dog, along with a whole bunch of stuff that's supposed to stop the dog from barking! Things like a water bottle, and some noise maker, and something that actually causes pain! Are you kidding me? Do those silly humans actually think that those thing will stop us from barking??? HA!

Fortunately Miss. Dorel is one smart human - She already knew that those methods wouldn't make any sense... Not only would they not stop the dog from barking (hello? have they worked yet?), but they'd also inflict pain, discomfort, and fear! Miss. Dorel said she would never use something like that to teach her own kids...why would a dog learn any differently? 

She and my mom talk about these things when they go out running together. In my moms dog training classes here in Ventura, she teaches others to reward behaviors you want, instead of concentrating on the behaviors you don't want. Barking is a normal behavior for us dogs, just like talking is for you humans. So, instead of yelling at your dog when she's barking, reward them when she's quiet. This is exactly what Miss. Dorel did when her friends dog was staying with her... totally makes sense, right? Yep - and that's why her doggy guest rarely barked at all...

Well to you Miss. Dorel, on behalf of all of us dogs out here - thank you! For being so smart, and for understanding us a little bit better... I know it's not the right time for you to adopt a dog of your own...so in the meantime, you can get all the pet therapy you need from me when you visit. 

Hmm, pretzels can only mean one thing...

Okay, maybe two things... or more... But in this case it means "bath time"! Yep - this inquisitive canine has figured out moms tip-offs for when she's about to give me a bath. First she'll mention that I don't smell very nice...calls me "Mr. Stinky Pants" - Geez, she's one to talk - she doesn't smell that great herself after a run...although I do like it - dad doesn't mind either - but I'm sure the public would protest. 

Anyway, mom first talked about how I wasn't smelling very fresh, and that  my fur felt "icky" (dad let me roll in something really fun at the park today - thanks dad!) Then she grabbed a few of her favorite pretzels, and said "come on, it's bath time"...we then went into the bathroom and proceeded to take care of business. 

Mom is really pretty smart though. She's a rockin' dog trainer - and she knows her stuff. She has figured out that I don't fuss if she feeds me little tidbits of goodies while she bathes me. She really lays it on when she gets that blower thingy out. She laughs and I get snacks - it's a pretty cool bonding time we share. This is something she teaches her students in her fun and informative dog training classes here in Ventura at our cool indoor training studio. Sometimes I help out - you might see me there. 

As for the whole bathing and grooming of dogs...Something you humans feel the need to do...and something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

I love a PARADE!

Mom and dad took me to the Pooch Parade today... it was SO MUCH FUN! It's the annual fundraising event that The Canine Adoption and Rescue League puts on here in Ventura down at the beach park. It's really great that they do this - all the money goes to helping dogs in need of homes...I used to be one of those too - until I met mom and dad... 

Mom, dad and I started of with a brisk walk...a whole 5K! My mom the dog training coach is really great...she let me sniff and explore much of the time...of course I had to ask for permission first - that's what she taught me, and something she teaches her students in both her classes and private sessions. Something called "setting boundaries"? or "Mother May I?" Whatever...all I figured out is, if I don't pull towards something, but look up at her, then she'll walk  me over to where I want to sniff... I guess it works for both of us...

Anyway, after the walk dad had to leave - he's motivated by playing tennis...and he's really good! He won the tournament he signed up for...mom was pretty cool with it but we did miss him being with us... So mom and I walked around, checked out the vendors, talked with lots of people and other dogs... Mom said I did great! All I know is I greeted both the dogs and the people in the way mom taught me too...with my good manners - something else she teaches in the classes at her inquisitive canine studio here in Ventura... 

We had a nice time - the weather was great too...This year mom didn't enter me in any contests, but that's okay - it was fun watching all the other dogs have fun...nice to be on the sidelines relaxing...maybe next year...Hmm, I wonder which contests she would enter me in? Maybe the kissing contest? I like doing that...mom is fun to kiss...Something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Bring on the explosives!

I don't know what all the explosives are about - I usually find them a bit annoying...loud, plus they make a mess of the environment - but I guess you humans find them appealing. Well, turns out they're not so bad...as long as mom is around. Seems every time I heard an explosion, my mom the dog training coach gave me a delicious little morsel of yummy meatloaf! Hmm... explosion = meatloaf. 

Now I associate the sounds of fireworks with meatloaf! I love that! I think this is some of what mom teaches in her classes... learning by association. Now that I associate obnoxious sounds of fireworks exploding with the delivery of meat, I don't think they're so bad... So, all this inquisitive canine wants to know is: when does the county fair start? they have fireworks every night!

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.... 

First in my age (and species) category!!!

Mom and I had such a great day yesterday! She headed up to Santa Barbara for another race (dad got a hat, instead of mom getting a t-shirt). Dad and I met up with her a little later because he was going somewhere else, and mom wanted to run with me! Turns out she entered me in a race too!!! 

First I got to play around Palm Park - checking out other dogs and people, sniffing lots of interested things that dogs like me enjoy - even had a nice belly rub from some of the other runners... Then, dad and I walked around while mom ran her race...when she got back dad took off to do what he finds really reinforcing - some game they call tennis - I like tennis too - but I play it differently. I just go after the ball and bring it back...

Anyway, then mom and I did our little race together. It wasn't that long - but it was fun! It was just for kids! Some of my moms friends did it with their kids too...Since I was the only *fur child* (that's what mom calls me sometimes), I was first in my age and species! Mom gave me lots of kisses - she was really proud of me. I don't know why, after all isn't running (and chasing things) a normal behavior of us dogs?

After the fun run mom and I went to meet Miss. Amber and Miss. Jill... they're the ones helping mom with her new web site! I really like spending time with them - they give me belly rubs too, and get all giggly cute with me... We got to hang out at the Starbucks (I call it Starbarks!) in Montecito - they're so nice to let us dogs hang out there.... I rested while mom and Miss. Amber and Miss. Jill worked on their project. 

Anyway, I hope I get to do something like this again soon...because I was nice and relaxed for the rest of the day. I think mom appreciated that. She say's in her dog training classes to her students: "A tired dog is a happy dog...and a happy owner." Hmm, I wonder what she means by that? Something for this inquisitive canine to ponder. 

Mom and Dad got smart!

So dad and I spend a lot of time walking around a certain special field here in Ventura - near to where my mom teaches her great dog training classes. Well, it seems that mom and dad aren't too keen when I run off to check other people while they're playing some game called "baseball"... dad gets really nervous because I want to run into the middle of the game to say *hi* and maybe chase the ball... Well I guess I'm not supposed to do that. Hmm, I don't know why, but whatever. 

Dad finally got clever! He now has me on a really long (and obnoxious) leash... I can still run around and sniff, roll in things, say *hi* to others that are walking around...I just can't run into the middle of places that might hurt me. 

Mom and dad say it's for my own safety - whatever that means... At least I still get to go and run around...and be a dog. I wonder if I'll always have to wear this? Something for this inquisitive canine to ponder. 

What a great Dog Training celebration!

Happy Anniversary MOM! Geez, I can't believe it's been a whole year since you opened The Inquisitive Canine studio - just so you can help all of my fellow canines out there... I'm really proud of you mom. Even though I don't get as much of your attention as I used to, I totally understand, and appreciate all you're doing...I don't mind sharing you. 

Thanks for bringing me to the party - it sure was a lot of fun seeing all of the other doggies, and their family members. I remember meeting many of them when I go with you to help at your class orientations. I love watching the humans get all excited about the new and fun training techniques you teach them - the looks on their faces, all smiling and everything...and they start to plan about what they're going to try first when they get home. Just like you taught me to "check in" with you when we're out and about...see the picture? Good job mom. 

Hmm, I wonder what you're going to teach me next...? Something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Ready, and ACTION!

Wow, mom might be in the movies! And a documentary at that...which means it's important. Jennifer and Graham are journalism film students at the Brooks Institute here in Ventura. They feel very passionate about the "culture" of us canines, and want to help promote spaying and neutering to help the over pet-population...(oh brother do I know about that... I come from the Animal Kind Rescue animal shelter in Studio City California...I had lots of friends there... unfortunately, they aren't around any longer)...

Anyway, Jennifer contacted mom for an interview...she and Graham showed up at the studio today with all of their fancy equipment...pretty lights and a big camera. Asked mom lots of questions - about me too. She always gets that giggly mom face when she talks about me... She talked about pet responsibility, dog classes and socials, training methods, and some great tips on how to be the best dog mom or dad ever! 

We had lots of fun... Jennifer and Graham are very nice people - they are working really hard. I hope they get to show their movie to lots and lots of folks and that everyone else believes in what they're doing...just like me. After all pet responsibility is very important. 

It's nice they want to take the time to help inquisitive canines like myself. Check 'em out in this picture - they're really cool... PS: Jennifer and Graham - remember me when you receive your first award!!! 

 

Awesome You Tube dog filled day for my mom!

Mom had a fun party today - for all of the new puppies. I'm not invited because it's for the youngsters only, but that's okay cuz dad and I got to go have our own fun! We stopped by afterwards because moms "dream team" came for a visit too, and they wanted to see me - and I wanted to see them. 

Miss. Lorrie, Miss. Michelle, and Miss. Amber were all there - they're all really nice and pretty and smart - I love hearing their giggly voices - really tells me they like me. I've met them before when they came down for meetings with mom... There were some other folks with them - Mr. Wil (Lorrie's hubby), and Miss. Anne - she's another dream team person thats gonna help mom - and Miss. Jill (Amber's friend who is another computer type wizard)... We all had a fun time visiting. I got to pose with the group for some photo's - check 'em out. From left to right: N8, Michelle, Lorrie, me and mom, and Anne - Miss. Amber had to leave, but I'll bet she can do something with her talents and photoshop. 

Nathan (N8) is Michelle's son - he is really cool. And oh boy is he talented. He is an awesome videographer - and is working towards becoming a big time director! He was cool enough to take video of mom and the puppies for her website - and ya know what? He edited some of it already, and posted it on You Tube! How cool is that??? Check it out - My mom on You Tube - 

I'm so proud of her - maybe someday she'll have me on there with her. 

Later on dad took me for some more fun at the field for some running around... Then mom fixed me a nice salad with my dinner. Yes, I really eat my vegies. 

 See?

During movie time I got to sit in dad's lap while I ate my Bully stick.  

Geez I love those! Keeps me happy, busy, and that endorphin rush I get from the chewing is really pleasant...helps me rest comfortably - can't you tell? 

By being in dad's lap (or moms too) while I chew my high value stuff has really taught me I don't have to guard my things - I really trust that humans don't want what I have... at least mom and dad...Hmm, who would have thought that? I'll still watch out for others, after all, I am a dog right? But I will certainly communicate with them with my body language if I'm not happy - they just have to pay attention and "listen", right? I'm glad this inquisitive canine has learned.