Well, he did it! Jake graduated from Doggie Kindergarten. I'm so proud. I keep saying Jake isn't the brightest dog out there and he's alot of trouble sometimes and his looks have saved him more than once and.....where was I going with this? Oh yeah. I'm proud of him.
When he first started the class, I thought we would end up dropping it out of shear embarrassment. Either that or the DT would throw us out out of shear frustration. But between the genius of DT and the perseverance of the handler (me) we made it. Jake now knows who the alpha is in this house. Ok, it's still him. But now he throws us a bone (pun intended) and follows a command every so often. My favorite one is "front". I can say that word, and Jake comes to me from where ever he is in the house. That command alone was worth the money for the class. The funny thing is that he's supposed to come right to me and sit. Sometimes I think he's doing his own "I'll show you who's boss" and he'll head toward me and then sit...about 10 feet from me. Then we have a stare off. The worst thing I can do is walk to him and give him his treat. So I just stand there and stare. He sits and stares. Eventually, he'll sigh, get up slowly and walk the rest of the way. The turkey jerky treat is just too tempting for him to pass up just to make his point.
He's pretty good at the other commands too. He's great at fetching, sitting, and down. He needs some more work on heeling but that's because I need some work on it. He can do a sit/stay as long as his attention span will let him. I don't think they make Ritalin for dogs but I think it would help him with his stays.
Another valuable thing we learned in class was getting him to drop whatever it is he's chewing on at the moment. He used to get something and run around the living room while one of us chased him. Then we would have to call for backup and two of us would trap him and pry the item out of his mouth. He still gets things he's not supposed to but now he'll take a couple of steps, we say "leave it" and he drops it. I know we've taken a huge chunk of pleasure from his puppyhood by doing this but I'm pretty sure it's lowered my blood pressure by at least 10 points.
So at the end of the last class, DT handed us our diplomas. It had both of our names on it. I was very excited and was considering having it framed. Maybe even place it over the mantle. I left the diploma in the van (I leave everything in the van) and Abigail and I went to Walmart the next day. As we opened our doors, a gust of wind came along and blew the diploma off the dashboard and out the door. It flew across the Walmart parking lot. I walked around in the Texas heat for 20 minutes trying to find it. I went back into the store to see if some kind dog lover who understood the blood, sweat and tears that goes into training a dog may have turned it in. No such luck. I just hope it's not an omen.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Jake's summer haircut
Jake got his summer haircut. He went from shaggy to smooth. The groomer left his tail alone though and now it looks like he has a feather duster for a tail. But he still looks cute. I think I like the shaggy look better but I know he's much cooler now.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Dogs and GPAs
Ok, I'll admit, I'm not the smartest person in the world. I'm no rocket scientist, which is tough since I live in the Johnson Space Center vicinity and many neighbors and friends ARE rocket scientists. I mean, I did as well as I wanted to in high school. I hated high school and dreamed of nothing more than the day I would graduate. I did what was expected to maintain a solid B average, nothing more, nothing less, except in classes I really loved and then I put all my effort in it and would easily pull out an A. (Don't tell Abigail any of this, I expect more from her) In college, I graduated with a good GPA. I don't remember what it was but it must have been pretty decent because I was awarded a silver tray sponsored by some unpronounceable company for having the highest GPA (the coveted silver nacho tray....which is now wrapped in newspaper, tarnishing, in my closet) Granted, it was in Radiography, I wasn't getting a Masters in Business or anything but to get that tray I had to pass classes in physics and radiobiology and such. So I'm not a complete numbskull. (I know my physics professor is out there somewhere, so I won't say anymore)
But there are certain situations and certain people that make me feel like a complete moron. It's not their fault, they're just very intimidating to me. I won't name names, and I love them to death, but I'll say something and get a look (usually accompanied by a smirk) that makes me feel like a very stupid person. Which leads me to last week's doggie school class with Jake.
Jake's dog trainer (DT) is a great guy. Very smart and extremely patient. He has this really great voice, like a radio psychologist. Jake and I have learned alot from DT but whenever he asks me a question, or I ask a question, I feel like a dope. Example.....we were doing our automatic sits last week. We're walking around the yard, we slow down and stop and the dog is supposed to sit automatically when we stop. DT is watching us as we go around the yard. One time Jake actually sat when I stopped. I was so proud! DT asked, "Did he sit on his own or did you say 'Sit'?" I looked up and honestly couldn't remember if I told him to sit so I just said, "I don't know. Did I say 'sit'?" Ok, the man is halfway across the yard from me and I'm asking him if I told my dog to sit. He said something like, "well, he's doing great." I'm sure he was really thinking "Idiot can't remember if she just spoke to her dog." Then I had a question about practicing the automatic sits in the afternoon. Jake really hates walking in the afternoon since it's so hot and he will not sit on hot sidewalks. Can't say that I blame him. I asked DT if it's ok to have him sit whenever we come to a shaded area or will that train him to sit everytime he sees shade. Ok, I know, quit laughing. That really was a stupid question. But DT stared at me and said, "I don't think he'll do that. I don't think he's that...." and he paused. I said, "smart?" He said, "No, I don't think he would be that observant." Oh. After that I thought I would just not talk anymore in class.
This is our last week for doggie school and Jake will graduate so I'll keep my mouth shut. I don't want to embarrass my dog. But I'll be really proud if he gets a silver nacho tray.
But there are certain situations and certain people that make me feel like a complete moron. It's not their fault, they're just very intimidating to me. I won't name names, and I love them to death, but I'll say something and get a look (usually accompanied by a smirk) that makes me feel like a very stupid person. Which leads me to last week's doggie school class with Jake.
Jake's dog trainer (DT) is a great guy. Very smart and extremely patient. He has this really great voice, like a radio psychologist. Jake and I have learned alot from DT but whenever he asks me a question, or I ask a question, I feel like a dope. Example.....we were doing our automatic sits last week. We're walking around the yard, we slow down and stop and the dog is supposed to sit automatically when we stop. DT is watching us as we go around the yard. One time Jake actually sat when I stopped. I was so proud! DT asked, "Did he sit on his own or did you say 'Sit'?" I looked up and honestly couldn't remember if I told him to sit so I just said, "I don't know. Did I say 'sit'?" Ok, the man is halfway across the yard from me and I'm asking him if I told my dog to sit. He said something like, "well, he's doing great." I'm sure he was really thinking "Idiot can't remember if she just spoke to her dog." Then I had a question about practicing the automatic sits in the afternoon. Jake really hates walking in the afternoon since it's so hot and he will not sit on hot sidewalks. Can't say that I blame him. I asked DT if it's ok to have him sit whenever we come to a shaded area or will that train him to sit everytime he sees shade. Ok, I know, quit laughing. That really was a stupid question. But DT stared at me and said, "I don't think he'll do that. I don't think he's that...." and he paused. I said, "smart?" He said, "No, I don't think he would be that observant." Oh. After that I thought I would just not talk anymore in class.
This is our last week for doggie school and Jake will graduate so I'll keep my mouth shut. I don't want to embarrass my dog. But I'll be really proud if he gets a silver nacho tray.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Too smart?
Jake had his 5th week of doggie school and he did brilliantly. Well, mostly. DT used him as an example of an automatic sit and Jake learned it very quickly. Of course, I've been working with him at home and somehow, he's forgotten how to do it. I'm not sure why he does this, but then I saw this quote and thought maybe it summed it up.
"You may have a dog that won't sit up, roll over or even cook breakfast, not because she's too stupid to learn how but because she's too smart to bother." - Rick Horowitz, Chicago Tribune
"You may have a dog that won't sit up, roll over or even cook breakfast, not because she's too stupid to learn how but because she's too smart to bother." - Rick Horowitz, Chicago Tribune
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Week 4 of Doggie School
Well, we've now had 4 weeks of doggie school. I guess it's time for an update. I would love to say Jake is brilliant and the dog trainer (DT) has never seen such a talented dog. Yup, I would love to say that.
Actually, as I wrote before, the first week was fun. Jake did better than even I expected and I had high hopes. I still have high hopes. The second week, we worked on some more basic commands and I realized this was going to take some work. On the first day of class DT said we would get out of this what we put into it and it was during this week that I realized what he meant by that. But the third week, unfortunately was a wash. Totally my own fault. We had Jeff's parents in town for part of the time and didn't work with Jake much at all. It really showed when we took him to class that week. We had to do things that we supposedly learned the previous week and supposedly had been working on all week. When Jake didn't respond much to any of my commands, I was busted. DT even asked if I had practiced the lessons the week before. I fudged just a bit and said yes. I really had worked with him...a couple of times. Anyway, doing the sit/stays was nerve wracking. Jake does not like doing that. At all. I was telling him "sit" and he just looked at the cute little sheep dog and decided it would be much more fun to go over to her. I'm supposed to correct him immediately and make him sit but by the time I got back to him, his 2 second memory span had probably forgotten why I was pushing down on his butt to make him sit. Of course, by this time all the other dogs have done their sit and stay and their masters are already praising them and giving treats. Ok, we always do these things 3 times so I have 2 more tries. Here we go again, I say "sit" and silently pray that Jake is paying attention to me. I took one step away and he's up again. I sigh, go back to him and start pushing down on his butt again. Jake looks totally befuddled. I imagine him thinking "what's the deal?" This time, while I'm pushing down on his butt, he is pushing back against me. He is not wanting to sit at all but I finally get him sitting again. By this time, again, all the others are back to their dogs, giving treats. Show offs. DT comes over to me and tells me to take a deep breath. Is it that obvious? I was starting to wonder if there are remedial classes available. Ok, here's our last chance. C'mon Jake, we can do it. I say "SIT" and he sat down. Ok, so far so good. I say "STAY" and he stayed and looked at me. I walked away, just waiting for him to go to the sheepdog (or the german shepherd, or the great dane...) but he just sat there. Wow! I walked back to him, gave the release command and gave him a treat. DT came over and said, "You know why he stayed that time?" I said, "Because he was tired?" Why else would he not run after the other dog? "No, because the tone of your voice let him know you meant it." Great. I was so aggravated and tired of wearing the figurative dunce cap that I wasn't paying attention to how my voice sounded. Was I loud, stern, mean sounding? Did I use my Mom voice or my preschool teacher We-don't-hit-our-friends voice? Argh. Note to self: pay attention to your voice.
After sit/stays I was exhausted but it was on to "retrieving", or "fetching" if you were born before 1980. I was thinking "Ok, we have this one locked up." We didn't need to practice this one because we play this everyday in the backyard. I even brought Jake's favorite ball. Now my dog was going to shine. Jake and I waited patiently while the amateurs took their turns and then we were up. I showed Jake the ball and did a light toss about 8 feet away from him. I didn't want to show off too much. Why make the others feel bad? Jake took off after the ball. That's my boy! He ran to his ball and picked it up. Awww, good dog! I'm patting my legs "Bring it here Jake". He turned around, dropped the ball and ran to a rope that was on the ground. A rope. This rope had been on the ground the entire time we had been there. He decides now is the time to check it out?! I wanted another chance to show that my Jake could do this but DT was very diplomatic and said something about Jake being distracted. We could practice it more at home and do it again next week.
We've been working on other commands too, like "front". For "front" they're supposed to come to you and sit in front of you. Jake can do "front" if I happen to call him at a time when he feels like coming over to me for a treat. Yeah, we have to work on that one still. He just doesn't see any point in coming over to me if he doesn't have a reason. I guess I can see his point. We'll work on it some more tonight. I'll let you know how it goes.
Actually, as I wrote before, the first week was fun. Jake did better than even I expected and I had high hopes. I still have high hopes. The second week, we worked on some more basic commands and I realized this was going to take some work. On the first day of class DT said we would get out of this what we put into it and it was during this week that I realized what he meant by that. But the third week, unfortunately was a wash. Totally my own fault. We had Jeff's parents in town for part of the time and didn't work with Jake much at all. It really showed when we took him to class that week. We had to do things that we supposedly learned the previous week and supposedly had been working on all week. When Jake didn't respond much to any of my commands, I was busted. DT even asked if I had practiced the lessons the week before. I fudged just a bit and said yes. I really had worked with him...a couple of times. Anyway, doing the sit/stays was nerve wracking. Jake does not like doing that. At all. I was telling him "sit" and he just looked at the cute little sheep dog and decided it would be much more fun to go over to her. I'm supposed to correct him immediately and make him sit but by the time I got back to him, his 2 second memory span had probably forgotten why I was pushing down on his butt to make him sit. Of course, by this time all the other dogs have done their sit and stay and their masters are already praising them and giving treats. Ok, we always do these things 3 times so I have 2 more tries. Here we go again, I say "sit" and silently pray that Jake is paying attention to me. I took one step away and he's up again. I sigh, go back to him and start pushing down on his butt again. Jake looks totally befuddled. I imagine him thinking "what's the deal?" This time, while I'm pushing down on his butt, he is pushing back against me. He is not wanting to sit at all but I finally get him sitting again. By this time, again, all the others are back to their dogs, giving treats. Show offs. DT comes over to me and tells me to take a deep breath. Is it that obvious? I was starting to wonder if there are remedial classes available. Ok, here's our last chance. C'mon Jake, we can do it. I say "SIT" and he sat down. Ok, so far so good. I say "STAY" and he stayed and looked at me. I walked away, just waiting for him to go to the sheepdog (or the german shepherd, or the great dane...) but he just sat there. Wow! I walked back to him, gave the release command and gave him a treat. DT came over and said, "You know why he stayed that time?" I said, "Because he was tired?" Why else would he not run after the other dog? "No, because the tone of your voice let him know you meant it." Great. I was so aggravated and tired of wearing the figurative dunce cap that I wasn't paying attention to how my voice sounded. Was I loud, stern, mean sounding? Did I use my Mom voice or my preschool teacher We-don't-hit-our-friends voice? Argh. Note to self: pay attention to your voice.
After sit/stays I was exhausted but it was on to "retrieving", or "fetching" if you were born before 1980. I was thinking "Ok, we have this one locked up." We didn't need to practice this one because we play this everyday in the backyard. I even brought Jake's favorite ball. Now my dog was going to shine. Jake and I waited patiently while the amateurs took their turns and then we were up. I showed Jake the ball and did a light toss about 8 feet away from him. I didn't want to show off too much. Why make the others feel bad? Jake took off after the ball. That's my boy! He ran to his ball and picked it up. Awww, good dog! I'm patting my legs "Bring it here Jake". He turned around, dropped the ball and ran to a rope that was on the ground. A rope. This rope had been on the ground the entire time we had been there. He decides now is the time to check it out?! I wanted another chance to show that my Jake could do this but DT was very diplomatic and said something about Jake being distracted. We could practice it more at home and do it again next week.
We've been working on other commands too, like "front". For "front" they're supposed to come to you and sit in front of you. Jake can do "front" if I happen to call him at a time when he feels like coming over to me for a treat. Yeah, we have to work on that one still. He just doesn't see any point in coming over to me if he doesn't have a reason. I guess I can see his point. We'll work on it some more tonight. I'll let you know how it goes.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Jake's First Day of School
This past Thursday was Jake's first day of school. I don't think he had first day of school jitters or anything, at least not as bad as I did. I actually considered getting a picture of him in the front yard in the traditional spot where we take Abigail's picture on the first day of school every year. Then I realized that would be, well, stupid.
When we got in the car, all Jake knew was that we were going for a car ride. He didn't care where we went, he was happy. I was getting more nervous the closer we got. I'm not sure why. Lots of things were going through my mind like, "I hope he gets along with the other dogs" and "I hope his teacher is nice". We got to the parking lot and there were 2 really cute dogs already there. You know how you look at your dog and you think he's the cutest one ever? And then you get around some other really cute dogs and they make your dog look not so cute? Yeah, that's what happened. These dogs should be in commercials with their cute faces and smooth coats. Here's our Jake, all scruffy and tongue hanging out. I had given him a bath in the afternoon (I wanted him to look his best) but he jumped in and out of the pool several times after that and didn't get brushed so his coat was having a bad hair night. The Dog Trainer (DT) came over and looked at Jake, held his hand out and patted him on the head. Ok, sigh of relief, Jake didn't bite, bark or pee on him. He passed the first test. Way to go, Jake! Other dogs got there and we went around back to the fenced in area where we would be working for the next several weeks. After we were told a few basic rules, we let the dogs off their leashes and let them "socialize". Yup, Jake was going to like this. I do have to say, Jake is a friendly dog. He wants to be friends with everyone. Even when dogs don't want to be his friend and they let him know in a rather forceful way, he just doesn't get it. I mean, why would anyone not want to be his friend? He ran around with the other cute little dogs and at one point ran to us and looked up like "hey, thanks guys, this is great" and then ran off to play with his new friends. Our dog made his first friends on the first day of school. I was so proud.
Then it was down to work. We sat down and listened to DT talk. He gave us some exercises we need to work on and, while it all made perfect sense, I kept thinking "this just isn't going to work with our dog". At one point, he asked to use Jake for a demonstration. It's a leadership exercise (I thought only people in big corporations had to do those) where you have to hold your dog on his back in your arms and keep him there. I cringed when he took Jake because I thought, there's no way Jake will do this. He's going to claw DT's face, we'll probably be sued and there goes my hopes of Jake's future in dog food commercials. DT sat down, took Jake, flipped him over and stared at him in the eyes. Who would blink first? Jake squirmed a bit but got a firm uh-uh from DT and then just stayed there. He looked away and then just....relaxed. What?? He held him a little while explaining the procedure and then let Jake go. Wow, can I really do that? Abigail and I couldn't wait to get home and try it. Jeff just took it all in I think, waiting for the class and, most likely, the whole seven weeks to be over. He just wants a dog that will behave.
We learned a few more things and then the question and answer session. We all got to ask questions and our question was about Jake chewing things. DT asked how old Jake was and I told him 11 months. DT said, "And he still chews things?" Wait, what does that mean? Is my dog exhibiting behavior that is not age appropriate? Will he have to be held back? Will he not be in the GT group of dogs someday? Ok, Cindy, reign it in a bit. DT then asked if we have enough toys for him. Jeff was sitting next to me and I could actually feel him smirk on that one. We have more dog toys than most kids have. Of course, some of his toys didn't start out that way. Like Abigail's purple slippers and the tupperware lid but after he got them, what else was I going to do with them? Now, they are dog toys. Anyway, he told us what to do when he chews on things he shouldn't. Again, I thought, ok, makes sense but it will never work with this one.
Never say never.
The very next day, Jake was chewing on something and I did what DT told me to do. About 15 minutes later, Jake had something else he wasn't supposed to have. I went through the same procedure and this time, Jake dropped it right away. Are you kidding me?! Ok, that was a fluke, I'm sure. About an hour later he got something else and again, he dropped it right away! Wow! DT is brilliant! Someone call the papers, call Animal Planet, call Oprah. This guy knows his dogs!
So, our homework this week is to do the leadership exercises we were taught. We've all been doing them with him and if nothing else, he seems to tolerate it well. Actually, now that I think about it, I haven't seen Jeff do the exercises yet. I'm not sure if he's not doing them or if he just doesn't want us to see him cradle Jake in his arms and stare into his eyes.
We'll see how it goes next week.
When we got in the car, all Jake knew was that we were going for a car ride. He didn't care where we went, he was happy. I was getting more nervous the closer we got. I'm not sure why. Lots of things were going through my mind like, "I hope he gets along with the other dogs" and "I hope his teacher is nice". We got to the parking lot and there were 2 really cute dogs already there. You know how you look at your dog and you think he's the cutest one ever? And then you get around some other really cute dogs and they make your dog look not so cute? Yeah, that's what happened. These dogs should be in commercials with their cute faces and smooth coats. Here's our Jake, all scruffy and tongue hanging out. I had given him a bath in the afternoon (I wanted him to look his best) but he jumped in and out of the pool several times after that and didn't get brushed so his coat was having a bad hair night. The Dog Trainer (DT) came over and looked at Jake, held his hand out and patted him on the head. Ok, sigh of relief, Jake didn't bite, bark or pee on him. He passed the first test. Way to go, Jake! Other dogs got there and we went around back to the fenced in area where we would be working for the next several weeks. After we were told a few basic rules, we let the dogs off their leashes and let them "socialize". Yup, Jake was going to like this. I do have to say, Jake is a friendly dog. He wants to be friends with everyone. Even when dogs don't want to be his friend and they let him know in a rather forceful way, he just doesn't get it. I mean, why would anyone not want to be his friend? He ran around with the other cute little dogs and at one point ran to us and looked up like "hey, thanks guys, this is great" and then ran off to play with his new friends. Our dog made his first friends on the first day of school. I was so proud.
Then it was down to work. We sat down and listened to DT talk. He gave us some exercises we need to work on and, while it all made perfect sense, I kept thinking "this just isn't going to work with our dog". At one point, he asked to use Jake for a demonstration. It's a leadership exercise (I thought only people in big corporations had to do those) where you have to hold your dog on his back in your arms and keep him there. I cringed when he took Jake because I thought, there's no way Jake will do this. He's going to claw DT's face, we'll probably be sued and there goes my hopes of Jake's future in dog food commercials. DT sat down, took Jake, flipped him over and stared at him in the eyes. Who would blink first? Jake squirmed a bit but got a firm uh-uh from DT and then just stayed there. He looked away and then just....relaxed. What?? He held him a little while explaining the procedure and then let Jake go. Wow, can I really do that? Abigail and I couldn't wait to get home and try it. Jeff just took it all in I think, waiting for the class and, most likely, the whole seven weeks to be over. He just wants a dog that will behave.
We learned a few more things and then the question and answer session. We all got to ask questions and our question was about Jake chewing things. DT asked how old Jake was and I told him 11 months. DT said, "And he still chews things?" Wait, what does that mean? Is my dog exhibiting behavior that is not age appropriate? Will he have to be held back? Will he not be in the GT group of dogs someday? Ok, Cindy, reign it in a bit. DT then asked if we have enough toys for him. Jeff was sitting next to me and I could actually feel him smirk on that one. We have more dog toys than most kids have. Of course, some of his toys didn't start out that way. Like Abigail's purple slippers and the tupperware lid but after he got them, what else was I going to do with them? Now, they are dog toys. Anyway, he told us what to do when he chews on things he shouldn't. Again, I thought, ok, makes sense but it will never work with this one.
Never say never.
The very next day, Jake was chewing on something and I did what DT told me to do. About 15 minutes later, Jake had something else he wasn't supposed to have. I went through the same procedure and this time, Jake dropped it right away. Are you kidding me?! Ok, that was a fluke, I'm sure. About an hour later he got something else and again, he dropped it right away! Wow! DT is brilliant! Someone call the papers, call Animal Planet, call Oprah. This guy knows his dogs!
So, our homework this week is to do the leadership exercises we were taught. We've all been doing them with him and if nothing else, he seems to tolerate it well. Actually, now that I think about it, I haven't seen Jeff do the exercises yet. I'm not sure if he's not doing them or if he just doesn't want us to see him cradle Jake in his arms and stare into his eyes.
We'll see how it goes next week.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Jake's surgery
Well, Jake survived his "procedure". He is now a neutered pup. Neutral pup? He has been rendered harmless to all female dogs.
His wonderful vet did such a great job. He calmed me, reassured me that I was doing the right thing, listened to my questions....oh, and he did a great job with Jake, too. When I picked Jake up that afternoon they brought him out with the funny little cone head thing around his neck. He warned me that when he starts to walk, if he held his head too low, the cone would catch on the floor. Basically like stubbing his toe only he would be stubbing his neck. I put him down on the floor and he looked miserable. I was sure he was accusing me in his eyes and I could swear I heard him sigh like, "ok, let's get out of here before you let them do anything else to me." Then he took 2 steps and stubbed his neck. Poor baby. On the drive home, he did something I've never seen before. He stood on the floorboard and put his head on the front seat and dozed off. Oh well, at least he wasn't looking at me with those eyes anymore. The vet said I could take the cone off as long as we were around to make sure he didn't lick his stitches (ewww) so I took it off and he slept. Yup, just slept and slept. We were going to let him sleep in our room so I could listen for him so he was nice and comfortable in the bathroom, just sleeping away....until midnight. Then he was awake. He wanted in, he wanted out, he wanted to play (sort of) then he wanted in again. He wanted to go out and potty but couldn't lift his leg or squat so he just stood there and let it go. I would have laughed at the sight of it if it hadn't been 2 in the morning. I gave up and decided I would just stay up with him. I had begged Jeff for this dog and everytime The Dog does something or needs something or destroys something, I figure I had better tend to it. Jeff isn't one to say "I told you so" or "why did we get a dog" (he's much too nice) but, like Jake, I can see it in his eyes. So I stayed up until 4:30 am when Jake finally fell back to sleep. I crawled in the bed and slept until 6.
Then it was time to get up for work and get everyone out the door. Before I left, I put the cone on Jake and put him in the bathroom. I forgot something in the closet and went back in just about 2 minutes later and Jake already had the cone off and was dragging it around the bathroom. Abigail and I tried putting it back on again, a little tighter this time and closed the door. I waited and listened at the door and could hear him moving around a bit. I opened the door and he had it off again. Since he was still bandaged pretty good, I just decided to leave it off and see what happened. Hopefully, he wouldn't chew his stitches off. When I got home, he was fine. But the cone quickly became a favorite new chew toy. A very expensive chew toy.
It's been 2 weeks now and I think Jake has finally forgiven me. Did it calm him down? Maybe a bit. He's not any smarter so he still is getting into things. Like...everything. Sooooo, he starts obedience school Thursday night. We'll see how that goes. Stay tuned.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)