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Wilacre Park, Activate Drinks and a Dog Show

Today Jack and I hiked at Wilacre Park in Fryman Canyon. To start - this really highlighted how out of shape I am, YIKES! I'm sure doing this a few more times will get me on the road to recovery. On with the details!

The parking lot for this hike is located just off of Laurel Canyon Blvd. Parking is $1 for the entire day. The machine only takes exact change, so be prepared. I believe Jack and I only hiked half way today and turned around and came back the way we came. It was hot and I was hot and Jack was hot so I didn't want to push it as I didn't know how long the rest of the way was. The path was mostly paved and very wide. We passed (or were passed by) joggers, bikers, walkers and dogs. There was some shade along the path and a bench at the top with a lookout. We will definitely go back and try this again and do the WHOLE loop. Dogs are allowed on leash.

Today at the base of the hike Activate Drinks was handing out free samples of their vitamin water. I tried the Fruit Punch on the way up, and heading out they gave me a Lemon Lime for the road. The fruit punch was really sweet but refreshing, however I preferred the Lemon Lime to quench my thirst. I will for sure be seeking some more of this out in the future.

Finally as we were heading back down the mountain, a pair with a dog were like "can we bother you for a minute" so we stopped and chatted. Turns out they are casting a new dog show. It is by the same producers as SuperNanny and Real Housewives of New York. They are looking for misbehaving dogs so they can bring in trainers to save the day. Ironically, Jack was a perfect gentlemen all day with not a hint of his naughty side. I don't think our issues are severe enough to land us on the show - but maybe some of you are interested. The casting is for people within a 60mile radius of LA or Atlanta.

Sorry the pictures suck - I was busy getting my butt kicked up the hill.

Sleeping Puppies

They used to fit in their bed quite well...

Now it's a bit of a tight fit!

Loose Leash Walking

I am happy to report that Jack and I have got loose leash walking down pretty darn good. This picture is us walking along a very busy street. That road used be a sure fire way to give Jack a melt down. Today I have a happy, attentive puppy.

I tried to make Jared take the camera while he walked Patrick "in case he [did] something cute". I was informed everything he does is cute and the camera would not be going! I will try to post more pictures of Patty Cakes!

Free Samples - Greenies

Do you like free stuff? We sure do. Today we got our free Greenies samples in the mail. These were not the normal greenies, they were more like little cookies. They smelled minty and are supposed to help with stinky dog breath. The dogs like them, but I haven't checked their breath yet. I might have to get back to you on that!

I have a Hiking Dog

Today Jack and I went to the Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook. It is located on the north side of Mulholland Drive. It provides views of the San Fernando Valley, has a 40-car parking lot, and access into the canyon trails below. Jack and hiked on one of the trails and it was really nice. The path was a bit narrow, and full surrounded by plants, flowers and trees. The view was awesome! Dogs are allowed on leash. I thought I had forgot my camera so I have no actual hiking pictures - but I found it when getting the keys to go home. So I snapped a few pictures at the actual lookout. We will likely go back every Saturday and try the different trails. He was great - he wasn't nervous of anyone or anything. I was so proud!

Pictures - Jack posing at the lookout and a view of the Valley.

When we got home Jack crashed out - and he is snoring. It is pretty funny because A) he NEVER snores and B) he snores really loud for a little dog!

Patrick gets the All-Clear

I totally forgot - at Patrick's recheck his eye was 100% better. I can stop putting ointment on (thank doG!), but the vet said to keep it in case we need it again. I hope we don't!

A New Park

Today we tried something a little different. Since Jack does better with new dogs on leash we went to an on leash park. We stopped in at the North Hollywood Park, which is really nice. There is lots of shade and grass, plus dirt paths for walking. There were lots of people and dogs (on and off leash) but everything was very low key and mellow. There was plenty of space so you can be as close to or as far from the action as you want. Jack and Patrick had lots of fun walking and running, doing their tricks and (naughtily) eating the grass.

Since I'm sick of walking the various loops around our neighbourhood, I will likely hit this park up more. It's a good place to socialize without overwhelming Jack!

It is not fenced though, so if you sneakily let your dog off leash, be sure you have good control of them.

Pictures - a view of the park and Jared and Jack working on their skills.

Dog Tricks!

Apparently I am not very creative. I was stumped on what to teach Jack next ( he loves learning tricks!). I found the site Love Your Dog. It has a whole bunch of fun tricks listed with easy to follow directions. I chose to start with crawl since both the boys have pretty good downs. Jackson was funny - he was crossing crawling with frog hopping. Patrick is a lazy crawler. He'll go like 2 or 3 steps and then he wants the cookie. I think our next one will be "go back" since it has practical uses as well.

Picture - the boys enjoying well deserved rewards after their training.

Photo Session?

There is a professional photographer coming to the grooming salon where I took Jack. The service is being offered for roughly 1/5 the normal cost. I'm thinking about taking the boys in to do it. Who doesn't want a professional 8x10 of their pooch(es)? I'll be working on their poses in the mean time.

Jack's Good Day

Today was another really good day for Jack. Today on our walk a stranger approached us. She stopped and talked, gave Jack a cookie and said "Wow, he is so well trained!" Seriously! It was so great to hear. I get so caught up in all Jack's quirks that sometimes I miss out on the big picture. It was a good reality check. He really is doing well and has come a long way.

I am trying to socialize him with more people. I took him to a groomer today so he could be handled by someone who is knowledgeable with dogs. The groomer I chose has great reviews, especially dealing with nervous and timid dogs. I took Jack in and the man bonded with him, feeding him chicken while I filled out the paperwork. By the time I left Jack was up in his lap waiting for more treats. I left him there feeling he was in good hands, but still nervous about how things would go. The groomers took their time with him and two hours later they called to tell me he was done (Seriously, it does not take 2 hours to groom 4lbs of dog!) I went to pick him up and was greeted by a happy, clean pup! They said he did great - I'm sure they say that to everyone, but it still made me feel good. Plus, he got the cutest Bandanna ever! His dad isn't too pleased, but I'm tickled - it's dressing him up in a more acceptable way.

Pictures - Jack home from the groomer and Jack defiantly resting in his OLD BED.

Puzzle Toys for the Win

Recently it was suggested to me that I pick up some "puzzle toys" for the boys. Puzzle toys are anything they need to figure out. Kong toys, treat balls, etc. Earlier in my puppy owning days I was a little skeptical of the wonders of these toys. I WAS WRONG. These things are amazing! Stick a treat or two inside and the dogs are entertained and challenged for as long as I let them go. Last night we had guests over - no troubles, the boys were entertaining themselves with puzzle toys. Today I had to take Jack out while leaving Patrick (normally results in whining) no problem - left him a puzzle toy. He didn't even notice us walk out the door. I picked up a puppy sized kong with kong cookies as well as a treat ball that I've been stuffing chicken into. Seriously folks - if you don't have these types of toys they are a valuable part of your dog toy arsenal. 8 paws up for puzzle toys!

New Dog Bed

Yesterday the Nuts for Mutts show had many vendors and amazing stuff for sale. We have been in the market for a new dog bed for a while. So when the owners of Friends and Cashmere offered me a screaming deal on one of their beds I jumped at the chance.

They got a new chocolate brown cashmere/wool blend, memory foam, ergonomic dog bed. I brought it home for them all excited. In typical fussy dog fashion, they prefer their old one. I'm hoping it is because they have treats and such stashed in their old bed. It smells like them and is also all broken in. I know if I had a cashmere bed you'd be hard pressed to get me out!

So, while the bed is beautiful and wonderfully constructed, the dogs have yet to give it their full approval.

Nuts for Mutts

Today was SO much fun. Patrick and I went to cheer on Monte at the Nuts for Mutts dog show. Monte was a star - he made it to the finals in both his classes (Cutest Puppy and Friendliest Dog). In the final round he placed second all around in cutest puppy. For friendliest dog he did not place, but the MC, Comedian Debra Wilson, said Monte was her favourite and gave him her personal Honorable Mention. All in all Monte had a great and successful day.

Patrick was a star outside of the ring. He exceeded my expectations for him! He was calm, patient, cute and attentive. I would not hesitate to take him out to something like that again. Everyone loved him - he is so cute!

Monte in the Cutest Puppy Contest

Monte getting second in the Cutest Puppy

Patrick chilling on the sidelines

You can view all my Nuts for Mutts pictures here: Nuts for Mutts

Break Through

Today at the Griffith dog park we had a break through with Jack. It took a while, but he had a normal, polite interaction with another dog. We kept him on leash and focused until he was polite. He had to sit or lay down any time he showed any anxiety or bad behavior. After a while he mellowed out and was able to run and play nicely with the other dog. It was awesome to see him enjoy playing with another dog instead of just freaking out! Baby steps.

In that vein, tomorrow is the Nuts for Mutts show. Monte has entered in a few classes. I was going to take Jack for the socializing and experience, but I feel like it might be too much for him. Overwhelming him will only set us back in the progress. The new plan is to take Patrick! Patrick is pretty easy going and taking him places is easy... often when I can only take one dog I take Jack because he "needs" it. I need to make sure to take Patrick also or he will lose his nice guy attitude.

I'll be sure to take lots of pictures tomorrow. It should be a fun day!

Photo of Jack (still on leash, but being mellow), Patrick and their new friend at the park. The new puppy was a Chihuahua/Terrier Cross and was amazing. So well natured and tonnes of fun. Her and Patrick ran and ran and ran. It was awesome to see

Patrick - CSI Dog

Well, Patrick is a magnet for for trouble. Today he and Jack were playing and next thing I know Patrick is rubbing at his eye and looking at me like a one eyed pirate. I called the vet and off we went. She did a Fluorescein stain which identifies abrasions, scratches, ulcerations and lacerations present in the cornea on the surface of the eye. The put in the stain and then turn on a black light and his eyes glow like crazy. It is similar to on CSI when they use the light to see all the dried substances no one wants to know about. ANYWAYS - sure enough he has two big old scratches down his eye (thanks Jack). He gets ointment in his eye 4x a day and goes back to the vet on Thursday.

The vet also set me at ease, because I tend to over-react when it comes to the dogs. She said there are three things that should never wait to call the vet. If your animal is hit by a car, if they can't pee and if something happens to the eyes. It definitely made me feel a bit better because she even stayed a bit late to see us.

Patrick was very well behaved at the vets. He was quiet and polite and minded his manners. He weighed a whopping 3lbs9oz.

Book Review - It's Me or the Dog

I recently ordered a few books from Amazon. I had to get one for work, so I got some dog ones also - it allowed me to qualify for super saving shipping. Ironically, they are being shipped separately. Today I received "IT'S ME OR THE DOG: HOW TO HAVE THE PERFECT PET" by Victoria Stilwell. I really enjoy her show so I thought I would check out the book. It was quick and easy to read. A lot of the content was stuff we are already doing, but it is good to have reinforcement in our methods. I also found the section on dog body language very interesting and helpful. It is very pretty with nice pictures and easy to read text. Even Jared has started reading it! It is a good book that covers the basics of obedience, dog psychology, diet, potty training and fun! I am glad that I read it for sure.

In other news it was a lovely day for a walk today and the boys agreed. Both of them were exceptionally well behaved while we were out today. It makes life so much more enjoyable to walk a polite dog!

Long Weekend Round Up

How was everyone's long weekend? Ours was uneventful in that we didn't go anywhere - but still busy. Monte was over which makes everything a bit more difficult for various reasons. Either way, we spent some quality time at the Griffith Dog Park blowing off some of his beagle steam. Here he is hiding his face - perhaps he was in trouble?My friend from school was visiting on his way to Australia for the weekend as well. It made the apartment super cramped. Monte has his own cage because he jumps out of Jack and Patrick's, plus luggage and another person, plus Jared and I, plus our two pups in a one bedroom apartment with no balcony or patio = THE PITS. Lesson learned!

That's about how the weekend went. Cleaning up after, entertaining, exercising, feeding three pups and a guest. I'm not going to lie, I'll be glad tomorrow when Monte goes home and life goes back to normal (ish) for a while.

Famous Dogs!

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Long Weekend Low-Down

Monte is staying with us for the long weekend, along with a friend of mine from school. Needless to say, it's a packed house! We took advantage of the brief sunshine today and headed to the Griffith Dog Park and then the boys basked in the (chilly) sun.