New training for my parents

I think I have successfully trained my humans on when to let me out, when I want food and/or water and when I want a treat. I have successfully employed the sock retrieval method of training. With this training I grab a sock and run to the back door, this is where my food, treats and of course my escape to the backyard to chase squirrels. Now if I stand at the door with my back to it, they know I want food or water. If I turn to the snack holder then they know I want a snack. And of course the door means out. Sometimes I have to touch the handle with my paw, it takes some smarts to help them understand. But today I went to the kitchen sans sock and stood facing the water bowl. EUREKA they got it. I still have to employ the sock sometimes, because they might be in another room and I need them in the kitchen. But I think we are being successful. Who knew that giving them their sock back would be considered a treat to them. YEAH ME.

Guess what?

This is a breakthrough my mom and dad let me stay in the house by myself. Usually they crate me if I am going to stay in the house. When they had the gates up they would let me stay in the kitchen. Most of the time I was left outside, which I did not mind because I got to say hello to everyone who passed the gate. But for the last few days because it has been so hot, I got to stay inside. I was very careful not to mess up the house. Though I did go sleep in their bed, but don't let them know. I tried to straighten out the bed, but it kept getting messier. But I have the run of the household, yeah. Now if I could only talk them into letting me walk with them without the leash.

Good girl

Good girl my favorite words to hear. I usually get a few of those a day, but not always when we are on walks. My mom never says bad girl, unless I do something really bad. I am happy to report that I have been getting more and more GOOD GIRL. Yesterday I was being silly, my mom dropped a pair of  socks when she came out of the garage with some towels and golf stuff. I immediately grabbed the sock. She said GOOD GIRL, take them to the house. I did and ran in with them, but I overdid it and would not give her the socks back. She did not say bad girl, but tempted me with treats to get the socks back. (I taught her that trick.) I use the socks to get treats or outside, it always works. Anyway, we had a great walk and she did not have to pull on my leash very much, or tell me not to chase squirrels, or grumble at dogs. I sometime do this if I am scared. I hope I get more GOOD GIRLS today.

I was right

My boy left today. He took me for a walk, played with me for a little bit and then poof. Well not exactly poof, he got the big pack and his boots ( I really wanted to tear up the boots, but well, I'm a good girl, not.)  Anyway, my dad got all sad and my mom was like "he has to go so he can finish and get back home", though I really think she was sad too. I think she was being a stoat, or some word like that, but she does not want my boy to be up north in the winter winds. To make mom happy when she came home I laid on her feet, just she knows she is loved. When dad comes home I will let him give me hugs and belly rubs. Good times, but I hate being right.

Happy Happy Sad Sad

My boy who is walking the AT has been home for a week, yeah me. But everyday he leaves for several hours, which means my mom leaves for several hours and comes back without him. Then she leaves again and picks him up. One day it took forever, for them to come home. I was soooo worried, did something happen, did they abandon me, all these thoughts were in my head. It was dark when they got back and all seemed well. I ran and ran and ran I was so happy and excited to see them. But I feel a disturbance in the force. My boy is getting the big thing ready with all the boxes and bags and I don't know what else. I think he is getting ready to leave me again. I am thinking I won't see him for a bit. I am not sure I like this coming and going. If he leaves I am going to be sooo sad. WOOWOOWOO.

Summer Lazies

It is summer and I a mostly black dog have no time to deal with 80+ degrees. I go on a walk with my mom early in the morning before it gets too hot and feel all groggy when I come home. We do not even do a long walk. I drink two bowls of water and find the coolest place to sleep. I hate water so though my mom suggests I cool down with a bath or hose, I run away. So while my mom was watering plants, I ran inside, but I really wanted to be outside because my buddy was barking, just couldn't risk an accidental hose squirt (that is what my mom says-accidental my eye teeth.) Anyway, I had a bath yesterday. I am hoping for some cool evenings, so that mom will change her walk time.  Or better yet give me a two walks morning and night. For right now I am just going to sleep under the table. Pleasant dreams.

SUMMER

Schools out forever, well until that thing called Fall. But this means my mommy gets to stay home with me, walk me and not be as tired. I am so happy because I get to sleep in. When she works I have to get up at 5:30, but she let me sleep today. Of course, I have been waiting for her to take me on a walk, she has shoes on and looks like she wants to, but we have not left yet. I keep opening the back door and standing there. When she comes to the door, I run to the fence. You would think she would get the hint. She says I have to wait as she is waiting on someone to fix something. Not sure what but they are late and she is getting mad. I hope she doesn't wait too long because I hate walking in the heat. I'll let you know if I get to go walking, my favorite thing to do, besides tear up socks and gloves.