Service dog in training

Here are some of Journey's photos from her latest shoot for CCSDA.

Puppy Prints

It’s been awhile since I have blogged so let me catch you up.

Journey started with her pinch collar last Wednesday at puppy class. Venture and Kipper, who are two other dogs in the program, were born on the same day as Journey and they have had the pinch collar for several weeks now. I hear it does wonders for some dogs. Without using words, just the collar, our trainer tried to get her to sit and lay down. Sitting wasn’t a problem, and then came the “down.” We will have more training with it before it is something we will use regularly.

Which brings us to today….

I was so proud of Journey when I let her out on the deck this afternoon. She laid there enjoying the unseasonably nice weather for quite a while. And then, I spotted it! A squirrel on her side of the fence! I casually walked to the patio door to observe what she would do to that poor squirrel. I did not have much faith in Journey that she would allow it to stroll around her yard without a bark. Boy was I wrong. Journey sat up and stared without a sound. After several minutes of the stare down, the squirrel ran up and tree and Journey laid back down to continue her sun bathing.

After some time outdoors, she came in with muddy paws making puppy prints all over the sunroom carpet and the kitchen floor. I grabbed a bucket of water and she let me soak her feet individually in the bucket until the mud was gone, until next time she goes out. As for the carpet, I am thinking there is no point in cleaning it today. Maybe when spring is over….

So, we won one and lost one today! It’s a learning experience and we are learning a lot everyday!

Watching t.v.

I just had to share this picture with you all. This is Bennett watching t.v. last week. How cute are they?

Our first "dog show"

4H sponsored a kiddie dog show at the Rock County Fair Grounds this past Saturday, called a Fun Match. Brady was very excited to get to do something special with Journey. He got up extra early Saturday to make sure we wouldn't be late. Then he brushed Journey so she was looking her best.

When we arrived, Journey was happy to see her old friends, Carbon and Venture. They were sure to get in a little play time before the events started.

Brady was awesome with Journey. He seemed so mature out there. What happened to my little six year old?
The show ended with Bennett tripping on the uneven surface, smacking his face on the ground, and getting a bloody nose. Not too fun. But, he got a first place ribbon and a helicopter which made it all better. Brady went home with two first place ribbons which he was awfully proud of.

A little lovin' from Journey always makes everything better.

Just look at these well behaved Custom Canine puppies :) How can't you love them? Carbon is looking for a puppy raiser in case anyone is interested.