Diary of a Dog! Day 45

Today we continue to work on "my lap", where I lay my head in My Lady's lap. We also continued to work on Kiss, I tried to let My Lady know that I need no training for this. My Lady told me we will come back to the "Paws up" command. I am still a little shy about that one. I am sure it is a trap. We shall see! I will keep you posted on that. 

Diary of a Dog! Day 44

Today we started training "My Lap" I LOVE this command. It is where My Lady calls me and I get to lay my head in her lap. This one is nice. We also worked on "Kiss", I did not need to work on that one because I have always kissed My Lady. She is so sweet. We started working Paws up as well. This is where is put my paws on the wall. I am not to sure about this one. I think I am being tricked because I am not suppose to put my paws on things. (I am so big) After training we got in some Tube time all snuggled up on the big bed. Not sure what we were watching but My Lady liked it. She says next time I get to pick the movie! 

Diary of a Dog! Day 43

Well it was that time again where My Lady thought my nails needed to be buzzed down. We do this each week, it is not so bad I like the close time with My Lady. 

Today we continued to work on "Forward" command and the "Hold" command.  This training is getting fun. What will tomorrow bring?  

Diary of a Dog! Day 42

Today we are working on Tug, Forward and Hold. Forward is so funny. My Lady sits on the sofa and then trows a cookie and says get it Forward. I go after the Cookie but My Lady hold onto me and I pull her up off the sofa. I know I am not pulling her, she is standing with the help of her cane but I get what she wants me to do. Tug, well we may have to come back to that one. I was not sure what My Lady was trying to get me to do. She said she will have to rethink that one. Not sure what that means. I like the Hold command. It is where My Lady gives me something to hold in my mouth. She gives me a small cloth bag and I hold it for a tiny bit then spit it out. My Lady said she wants me to be able to hold different things so we will see what things she comes up with tomorrow. 

On a sad note, My Human Grams is really sick and she lives all the way in Ohio. I sure did want to go to make her feel better but me and My Lady stayed here at the Gulf. My Lady said there could be a hurricane coming our way. I am not sure what that is but I do not think I would like it.  The neighbors dog continues to taunt me through the fence and I want to bark at it but My Lady asked me to be Quite and that means I am not suppose to bark. I like to bark sometimes. I have to let that other dog know I am here, he may want to come over and play. Oh that would be fun. My Lady says she might try to set up a play date for the weekend. Don't know what that is but it could be fun. We will see. 

Diary of a Dog! Day 41

Today we continue to work on the Up, Off and Push command. I think I like the Push command. My Lady gets so excited when I close the door. She is so silly. I love her so much. I had to just lick her face to let her know how much I care for her. I really like working with My Lady she is so funny. What will tomorrow hold. I heard that "Vet" word today. Oh no not the Vet. 

Diary of a Dog! Day 40

Today My Lady and I start with Up, I like Up it is when My Lady ask me to get on the big bed. Then we went over Off, I do not like Off as well. It is where I have to get off the big bed. Then we worked on something called push. My Lady was so funny trying to do the Push command with me. She rubbed cookies all over the small doors and drawers in the shower room.  I was sure she has lost her mind, first she is trying to feed the cookie to my rear and now she is rubbing them on stuff. I just do not know about My Lady she may be looking it. I think the heat may have gotten to her. Well, I finally understood what My Lady was asking me to do with those doors, she wanted me to use my nose to close them. My Lady called it the Push command. I caught on pretty quick cause when I do things just right My Lady gives me lots of cookies. I got those special cookies that My Lady made a few days ago and if My lady had asked me to dance on the counter I would have for one of those cookies. 

Diary of a Dog! Day 39

Today we continue to work on Sit, Paw and Roll. My Lady still is confused which end that cookie goes in. She keeps going from my nose to my rear and then over my back. I am sure she is confused. I tried letting her know the cookie goes in my mouth. I think I need to work on this with My Lady, and she says I need training. Ha! 

Tonight was dogie class again. Aunt Deneen is so nice she loves to share her cookies. In class we worked on Heel, Come when Called, Sit, Down and Come to our names. I did so good, My Lady had already taught me these things. Aunt Deneen said I was a natural. We did this one thing where Aunt Deneen held my leash and then My Lady went down and around one of the tall things. She was playing hide and seek with me. I love that game. My Lady and I have played a few times and it is so fun. It is where My Lady goes and hides and then calls me one time and I have to find her. I did so good. All the other dogies humans had to call them lots of times but not My Lady. She called M-o-n-k-e-y and I found her right away. Aunt Deneen said I did so good. I just wanted Aunt Deneen to know that My Lady does not have to call over and over for me because when she calls me it means something good so I come running.  

Diary of a Dog! Day 38

Today we are working on Sit, Paw, and Roll. Well I got the sit and paw but that roll thing I am not to sure about that. When My Lady tries to get me to roll she is so funny. She will ask me to sit then down then she will take a cookie and go from my head to my rear with it. I am not sure if she understands that the cookie goes in the other end. I shall talk to her about this. 

Diary of a Dog! Day 37

Today My Lady and I continue to work on Follow, Down and Head down. I will do anything as long as those cookies keep coming. 

My Lady made me these special cookies today. They smelled so good even before they went in this thing called an oven. I am not sure what an oven is but do not stick your nose to it, it is very warm. My two sisters sat there and looked through the oven window. As soon as those cookies were done My Lady let me have a taste and let me tell you those cookies are the best thing I have ever put in my mouth and I have put a lot of things in my mouth.  My Lady said they are like catnip is for cats to dogs. I do not know what that means but boy they were good. My Lady said I can share how she made them with everyone. All dogs need these cookies. So make sure your human is reading the part at the bottom.

Liver Dog Treats with Carrots

Ingredients:

1 pound raw beef liver (you can also use chicken liver)

1/3 cup grated carrot or green beans other dog friendly veggie 

1 egg

1 1/2 cups wheat flour

1 cup Oatmeal 

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp garlic 

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350° F

Rinse liver.

Grate the carrot or chop the veggie 

Place liver, veggie and egg in a food processor and puree until liquid.

 There may still be some very small pieces, it will not affect the overall consistency.

Whisk together the flour, oatmeal, garlic and oregano.

Pour the liver mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined.

Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 12 x 13 baking pan. 

The mixture will be very thick.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Let it cool for 5 minutes on a wire rack.

Use a knife to loosen and then invert pan onto the wire rack.

 Let it cool completely before cutting.

Cut into 1/2" squares.

Yield: Approximately 136 1/2" squares.

Storing: 

These liver and carrot treats will last for about 1 week in the refrigerator. 

They will be good for up to 6 months in the freezer.

Diary of a Dog! Day 36

Well I just have to say, my idea of fun and My Lady's idea of fun are not the same. Today was nail clipping day. WHAT? If you do not know what nail clipping day means it is where I am held against my will and My Lady takes my paws in her hand and puts the strange thing that makes my entire paw shake. I do not hate it but I can say it is not my favorite thing either. My Lady and I started training on Follow me, Down, and Head Down. The Follow me is kind of funny. My Lady says I look so sweet when I do the head down command. I just know the more I do the command, the more cookies I get.

We also went to the Dog park again. It was not as bad this time as it was last time. There was only one other dog there and it got all ruffled with me but My Lady was to the rescue and let the other pet owner know that if her dog is a bitter it should not be at an open dog park. I ran and I played with my two sisters Kaiser and Ruby, they are Min Pins. This could have been the fun the My Lady was telling me about.  

Diary of a Dog! Day 35

Today My Lady and I continue to train with the Front command and the Turn command and the Go through command.  My Lady says I am learning fast and she is so proud of me. She sure must be because she is always hugging on me and telling me what a good boy I am. My Lady said tomorrow we are going to do something fun. Can't wait to see what that might be. 

Diary of a Dog! Day 34

To start off today's training My Lady had me "turn" and face her. Oh, I like this command. It lets me watch My Lady. We also worked on "Front" this is were I stand in front of My Lady and face her. This one is kind of like turn but I can be anywhere when she tells me to turn I look at her. When she tells me Front I have to get right in front of her and sit and face her. My Lady started the command "Go Through" this is where I go through a door before her. You may ask why I might need this command. Well, If I need to check the house or if the door is too small for both of us to go through at the same time. This is handy when we are out on some of those tight shopping isles. Why do they not make them larger? One day I am going to come out of the under-ware section wearing who knows what on my head.  

Diary of a Dog! Day 33

Today My Lady was suppose to go to her Disability Hearing. But the Judge got sick or something so it is going to be another day. Aunt Kathy came and took My Lady and the boy out. We worked on Side, Sit, Stay, Wait, Lets Go, Down, Under, Follow Me and Stay. These were long training times out with people and little people. My Lady was very happy at how I behaved. She kept calling me a good boy and everyone wanted to pet me. My Lady kindly told them that I was working and could not be distracted. Then we had a play time where My Lady let some people pet me. I am still not to sure about the strange people. My Lady said I need to have more people pet and touch me so that I can do my job better later on. That way I will not fear people. 

Diary of a Dog! Day 32

Today we are training again. Today the command is "Leave it". I just have to say this is not my favorite command. I really wanted that juicy meat. Why does My Lady have to tempt me so? After I left the meat she put on the small table she gave me lots of hugs and then gave me an even BIGGER chunk of meat. Oh yes I will leave the small meat for the Big meat anytime.  Deep down, I really wanted both the small and the big meat. Shhhh don't tell My Lady. We also worked on the command "Stand" My Lady says this gets my tush off the floor. I get right up. This stand is not so hard. All I have to see is that cookie and I am up. We also worked on the command "Move" I am still trying to get this one. When My Lady says Move she waves her hand and she wants me to get out of her way. I am not sure what the hand waving is for. She goes left then right with her hand. I am sure this means something I just do not know yet.  

We went to go train with Aunt Deneen again today. We passes our homework assignment from the last time. My Lady was to call my name and I come to her. We got this. Aunt Deneen was so happy. Aunt Deneen went over Hell with us and I made My Lady look good. I walked around like I owned the place. Then we went around the training area three more times with the side command. Yep, we were perfect. But these other class mates were not getting it. So I tried to tell the other dogs to pick it up. But I got the dirty look from Aunt Deneen and a correction command for growling and trying to tell the other dogs to step up their game. All they were doing were playing. Not being serious at all. I hope next time we go to class the other dogs have practiced what they were suppose to. I love Aunt Deneen she talked My Lady into getting me some yummy meat sticks. Oh boy are they good. Thank you Aunt Deneen. 

Diary of a Dog! Day 31

Today was another one of those days where they decided to put me through the water torture yet again.  They called it a spa day but when I got the foaming liquid on me once again I knew this was not going to be fun. Then comes the buzzing thing that takes off my hair. His name is Joey and I shall remember that for the next time. Joey, is not on my good list. I thought My Lady was never coming back to get me. This was my second time with Joey but I think this time was worse than the last. I shall protest to My Lady how much I do not like this so called spa day. My Lady must have felt bad because she took me to the store just for me. I got a new toy and some cookies. We continue to work on Heel, I like to walk with My Lady. 

We also went to an all red place. People kept telling My Lady how wonderful I was and how well behaved I was. I am giving this gentle leader a try. I get lost of cookies for wearing it. It keeps me out of trouble. I learned how to wait for My Lady and how to just "step" with one foot at a time. This is when she really needs me slow down as I am moving up onto the sidewalk. It takes her a little longer to step up on a sidewalk than it does me. I got to "greet a friend" today. I am leery of this command. I do not know these people why is called greet a friend. More like greet someone you do not know. I shall talk to My Lady about this command.  We continue to work on Sit I know I have this one now no questions. I even know before My Lady tells me to sit. I sit. Ha Yep I am that good.  I like the down command too. I just slide on down to the floor when My Lady tells me to sit.  What will we do tomorrow?  

Diary of a Dog! Day 30

We are training again today. We are still working on "Let's Go". I do not think we need to work on this anymore I have it. Each time My Lady says "Let's Go" it means we are going somewhere. It may not be out of the house but we go somewhere. We are also working on "Cover". I still want to sit beside My Lady and look at her. This one is confusing and My Lady said we may come back to it. I have gotten the "Side" down really well. This stuff is easy. Come on My Lady throw something else my way. Keep those cookies coming. 

Diary of a Dog! Day 29

Today is another training day! We are working with "Let's Go". Oh, I like Let's Go.  This means we are going to start moving or that we are going somewhere. Yep, Let's Go is a favorite.  My Lady also worked on "Cover". This one was a little strange to me. I had to sit beside My Lady and look the opposite way she was looking.  We will work on this one again because when I sit beside My Lady I want to look at her. We also worked on "Side". You may remember Heel, it is like that but on the right side. My Lady likes side better than heel.  I am still having to have the ear drops put in my ears. I have started laying down and refusing to move. Be warned the Vet is not a friendly place to go. My Lady says if the drops do not work this time that we will move on to a cream. I am not sure what cream is but it does not sound good. I still scratch my ears and sometimes the side of my face will bleed from my toenails.  I must drag my feet more to keep my nails down so they will not know I am scratching. My Lady does trim my nails every week with this strange thing that vibrates my foot. I am still not sure if I like it or not. I allow her to do it but I am leery of it. We will see how this goes. 

Diary of a Dog! Day 28

Today we worked some more on "Bring it". This one got interesting today because My Lady gave me all kinds of things to bring her. My favorite were these two plastic round things. I loved those. My Lady also got me to bring her a very heavy thing too. I did it and she got so excited. She called it her Epi Pen. Not sure what that is but it is kind of heavy in its pouch. We continued to work on "Heel" as well. We would walk back and forth and she would tell me to wait or go on at times. I think I got this one now, because My Lady does walk a lot slower than I do so I have to kind of drag my feet so I can walk slow enough for her. Hey, just filing those nails down so I don't have to bite them anymore.  My Lady is a smart one. 

We also continued to work on that "Block" command. I tried to warn My Lady that the boy was leering in the shadows but she did not listen to me. Sure enough the boy jumped out and Boogady Boogady Booed us yet again. I was a little scared but I protected My Lady by getting between her and that boy. I think tonight I shall a talk with that boy and let him know jumping out at us is not cool. I almost wet myself but I held it in so I could protect My Lady. 

Diary of a Dog! Day 27

Today was another day of training. My Lady worked with me on the Bring it command. This is where she will "drop" something, I am sure she did this so would pick it up for her. My Lady continues to sneak in commands. I will not tell her for now that I know she is doing this because it earns me extra cookies. 

We worked on "Heel" again. It is where I have to walk right beside her on her left. I can not move in-front or behind her. She wants me to walk right beside her. I kept stepping on her foot during this training, I will try to improve this.  We also worked on something called a "Block". I kind of like this command, I get to stand and protect My Lady from that boy. I am sure he has a plot to kill me or My Lady. He does strange things that frighten me. My Lady seems oblivious to his antics but I am on to him. 

Diary of a Dog! Day 26

Today in training we worked on the "Watch Me" command. I like this one because I get to look at My Lady till she says "Okay" Then she gives me lots of lovings. We continue to work on the "Drop It" command. We used the "paper" again I really like paper it is fun to eat. My Lady added a bag with handles. That was fun because when I took it My Lady let me hold it then asked me to "Drop It" it was fun because I got cookies . Yum cookies! We also continued to work on the "Brace" again. I learned to stand straight up and not slouch when My Lady says "Brace" She does put her hand on my back and wiggles it. I like that I think she is trying to rub my back. What will we do tomorrow? 

Diary of a Dog! Day 25

More Training today! We worked on "Watch Me" this is where I look at My Lady in the eyes and keep eye contact with her. I like just staring into her eyes. It is kind of relaxing. We also worked on "Drop It" this is a hard command for me sometimes. It is where I have to drop what I have in my mouth. We worked with a crunchy type stuff that My Lady called "Paper" Oh I like paper. It is a lot of fun. It was really hard for me to drop that lovely paper. My Lady said she wanted to work with different things. I think she slipped in the "Take It" command here as well. My Lady is very sneaky.  We also worked on the "Brace" command. My Lady says that I am not really learning "Brace" yet I am just learning how to stand when My Lady says "Brace" She moves my feet and makes me stand square so that my weight is on all four paws. Today we also went to our first day of training class with Aunt Deneen. She is a certified trainer person for the American Kennel Club I get to call her Aunt Deneen cause she is going to be spending lots of time with me and My Lady. Aunt Deneen will train and test me for the Canine Good Citizen Certification. I am not sure what that is really but My Lady said it is a good thing. 

Oh I hope its some kind of big cookie. I do love cookies. 

Today in class we learned how to "Come" to our name only. Ha I passed cause My Lady has already taught me how to come to her with my name. When My Lady calls "Monkey" I know there is something good so I come running. She gives me cookies or gives me lots of love. I like the love better than the cookies. My Lady hugs me all over. 

 

Diary of a Dog! Day 24

Training again today with what we started yesterday. We worked on the "Come" command again and again I got lots of loving. Oh how I love My Lady. She rubs me from head to toe to tail when I preform this command. We also worked on the "Go Place" command and I got excited about that one and still sit every time I go to my place. My Lady thinks I am funny.  We continued to work on the "Back-up" command and I think I got it perfect because My Lady was so happy. Then we got ready and I thought I was going for a day out, but no we went to that "Vet" word again. I really do not think I like this place. The are scary. I got on a flat table on the floor and the vet lady told me that I had gained a pound. I now weigh 74.3 pounds. Hey, I like to eat! The vet lady said I gained that pound in two weeks. I was sure I gained it in one week cause I love my dry cereal now. Oh and those wonderful things My Lady calls "Cookies" The vet lady said my ears are still infected so I still have to get those awful ear-drops put in my ears twice a day. When will it end? 

 I must be stronger than I think because My Lady is now getting me this thing she puts over my nose and it makes me walk nicely beside her. I do not like this thing they call "the gentle leader". I shall try to find where My Lady will keep this device and chew it before she has a chance to put it on me again. 

Diary of a Dog! Day 23

Today was another day of training. We worked on "Go Place" I like that one and even put a spin on it to make My Lady laugh. I would "Sit" as soon as I got on my place.  We also worked on "Come" I love this command because when My Lady says "Come" I walk over to her and oh boy does she give me tons of lovings. Yep this one is my favorite. We also worked on "Back-up" This one was hard at first because well Dogs do not normally back up. I got it in no time and found that the "Back-up" command is very useful with I get behind the sofa when my balls roll behind there. I can get in and get them myself now and get back out. I am one smart pup. What will tomorrow bring? 

Diary of a Dog! Day 22

Today we took another "free day" we went to something called "the beach" I was not too sure about the rolling water but after standing there for a moment I got used to them and I even went out into the rolling water and got all wet and I was jumping and playing. I had so much fun. My Lady says all work and no play makes Monkey grumpy. We were at the rolling water all day. I saw all kinds of other four legged fury's like me. And a lot of the bald ones called humans too. I am not too sure about the little bald ones. They are loud and they try to poke me. My Lady asked them to please move along. I like it when My Lady comes to my rescue. I came to her rescue when a strange fury one came running up to her and it looked scary. I did growl at it but that was all. My Lady asked me to not growl. I was just trying to protect My Lady. I do not like it when the bald ones or the fury ones come running at us. I fear they will push My Lady over and she will fall. I did step on My Lady's foot today. Twice, and she said "ouch" I do not think I like her saying "ouch" I feel she is in pain and I do not want her in pain. I did try to apologize for stepping on her by licking her hand and snuggling close to her. She told me it was okay that I did not mean to I was just trying to get away from the bald two legged ones.  What will tomorrow hold! 

Diary of a Dog! Day 21

Today we are working on Under, Get-it, and Give. I get lots of cookies and even more hugs and tons of love. My Lady is always hugging me and telling me how much she loves me. I think I love My Lady too. She is so nice and when she hugs me it makes me feel good all over. I lay with her on the big bed today. My Lady was not feeling well today. I lay next to her and she hugged me for a long time. 

Diary of a Dog! Day 20

Today was what My Lady calls a "fee day" We played ball and I was taunted with more of those squeaking toys. I think I may like the squeaking toys. They are fun. I jump and run and it makes My Lady laugh and giggle. I do love to see her giggle.  

Diary of a Dog! Day 19

Today was another exciting training day. We are working on Back-up, Take it, Lay down, Sit, Paw, Come, Under, Touch, Nudge, Watch me, Wait, Easy, Step, Bring-it, Give, and Kiss. I really like Kiss. I get to lick My Lady on her chin. She giggles when I do that. I was sleeping today and My Lady was giggling at the way I sleep. I sleep on my back with my head on my pillow. I am sure everyone sleeps this way. My Lady calls me a Human having a dog experience. She is so funny sometimes. 

Diary of a Dog! Day 18

Still another day of those ear drops! They have to end sometime. I have started laying on my side and refusing to move. This of course does not work at all. My weakness is cookies. They have learned this. I shall try extra hard tomorrow not to follow the cookie. My Lady and I continued to train today. I am doing really well. My Lady is always telling me how wonderful I am. I can sit with just a movement of My Lady's hand. How does she do it. I see her hand palm up and she raises it to her chest and I sit down immediately.   

Diary of a Dog! Day 17

They still torture me with those ear drops. Will it ever end? I did find out how to fit out the small dogie door. Yep, My Lady thought I would never fit.  I showed her. Now I can go outside when I want. Only problem is I can not get back in side. Hmmmmm........ We had a delivery today, My Lady was so excited. It was new Mobility Harness. What is a Mobility Harness you ask. Oh, Let me tell you, it is this leather thing that attaches to my back. Later on it will help My Lady walk with me. Right now I am wearing it to just get used to it. I have no problems with it. I even lay down and feel asleep with it on. My Lady said I was a natural. We walked around the living room and My Lady was not to happy with the fit and she is sending the Large Bridgeport Harness back and they are sending a Medium Bridgeport Harness.    

Diary of a Dog! Day 16

My Lady says all work and no play is not the way. We took another day off today. My Lady threw the ball for me so many times I lost count. I even got to go to the store just for dogs and got a super cool toy. My Lady said it is all mine and I do not have to share it with my two sisters. I am the favorite. But as soon as we got home those crazy Min Pins took turns running around with my toy. So I chose to play with a pink dragon, it is mine now. I hid it under the pillow. Lets see those Min Pin's find it now. 

Diary of a Dog! Day 15

I have now been with My Lady for two weeks. I am really settling in. Today me and My Lady stayed in bed all day. I lay on her legs so she would not get up. She was dizzy again and I was afraid she was going to fall. We lay in the bed and watched what My Lady calls "the Telly" I think I like that black box with moving photos. We watched Eight Below.