There Will Be Zoomies!!

I've noticed this week that there's more daylight when I leave work around 5 p.m.  I guess we're getting to that time of the year, and it helped that we didn't have the immense cloud-cover to which we've become accustomed this week.  During the summer months, my favorite way to unwind after work is to grab my camera the second I walk in the door, and take the pups to the yard for some fun!  It's a real bummer when the winter months arrive and it's pitch dark when I leave the office.  So, when 5 o'clock finally rolled around today, I had a couple of things on my mind:  1.  The sun is shining, and 2.  Mike, who is normally home with the hounds during the day, was out of town today.  The dogs had been cooped up, and alone most of the day with the exception of about 35 minutes I had with them on my lunch break.  I knew one thing was guaranteed when I arrived home, there would be ZOOMIES!!!!  

(Pardon our scary-looking, winter grass.)

I love those instances in which I consciously notice specific changes around me that indicate a new season will be along soon.  In addition to more daylight, I saw two birds chirping and frolicking as I got out of my car at lunchtime, and I think I saw the first blades of Crocus pushing their way through the ground.  I know we have a way to go, but as the temperatures approach 60 degrees this weekend, I'm sure I will feel a little spring in the air.

This Saturday will be Zoe's third obedience class at Field of Dreams.  As I've mentioned, the primary focus of our class enrollment is to expose her to new situations, people and dogs, in hopes of easing her nervousness in new situations.  I was impressed with Zoe's participation in last Saturday's class; she really did better than I expected.  However, our second class was not impressive at all.  The class was almost at capacity, and there were four or five boisterous dogs in attendance.  Zoe was nervous, had no interest in her treats, and didn't participate in the slightest.  I felt sorry for her.  We walked around and took a couple of trips outside for breaks.  Despite her nervousness and lack of participation, the instructor said they've seen much worse, and some dogs that have to leave all-together.  We're certainly not going to give up after just two classes.  I'm feeling anxious about the next class, but hopeful too.  We'll be armed with an array of tasty treats to tempt her, and if we have a repeat of Tuesday's class, we'll deal with it as best we can.  Wish us luck!

Happy Valentine's weekend!!

We're excited to participate in this week's Saturday Pet Blogger Hop!  Thanks, as always, to the Hop hosts, Life With Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume.  Happy hopping, and happy weekend too!

Wordless Wednesday 2/9/2011

Gearing Up For School

Today is Zoe's big day; her first day of "school" at Field of Dreams!!  I attended orientation Wednesday night, and learned more about their training philosophy, and was given a list of things to bring.  I was impressed by their positive approach to training, and their gentle reminder that our dogs are just that, dogs.  They think, communicate, behave and learn differently than we do as humans.  It can be easy to lose sight of these facts, particularly when dealing with dog-related challenges.  I'm looking forward to obedience training with Zoe, and perhaps more importantly, helping her overcome some of her discomfort in new situations.  You never know, she might surprise me and have a great time!

Among the items I've prepared:  a collapsible water bowl, a couple of toys, our clicker that FOD provided, tasty treats and a houndie tote to carry all our stuff.  As a training aid, Field of Dreams suggested hotdogs cut into very small pieces, no larger than raisins.  We aren't accustomed to sharing "people food" with our dogs, so this should be interesting.  They also said that we will go through a lot of treats, especially during the first classes.  I'm planning to take two hotdogs tomorrow.  I simply cannot imagine little Zoe consuming more than two hotdogs, and definitely don't want to make her sick.

One of my top priorities tomorrow is Zoe's safety.  She's going to be in an unfamiliar situation surrounded by other dogs, and while it's never happened before, the thought of her slipping out of her collar has crossed my mind.  To ease that concern, I decided to buy a harness for Zoe to wear when training.  After having to exchange the first one for a larger size, I think I've got it right now.  Zoe doesn't seem to mind the harness, and has worn it around the house a little to get used to it.

Since she has a harness now, and a collar, I decided to pick up a cute, new tag for her while I was at PetSmart.  

(On the back is our phone number.)

I think we're ready to go.  I'm looking forward to the new experience and lots of fun with Zoe.  Before class, we're going to stop in at the vet for a quick nail trim.  I have a feeling that Zoe won't see the fun in that, but it definitely needs to be done.  I hope you all have a great weekend, and thanks so much for visiting!!

We're excited to participate in this week's Saturday Pet Blogger Hop!  Thanks, as always, to the Hop hosts, Life With Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume.  Happy hopping, and happy weekend too!

TGIF!!

Wordless Wednesday 2/2/2011