Bully Sticks - Disgustingly Delicious

I picked up some Bully Sticks for the boys. They ADORE them. They chew them into gross slimy messes and then bring the remains up onto my lap to show me their good work. While it is totally gross, how can I deny them a treat they clearly love so much. I'll do anything for my boys. If that means allowing chewed up dried bull penises in my house, so be it.

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.