Follow-Up Friday Blog Hop

For those new to the blog, my follow-up Friday provides me with an opportunity to update or revise a post from the previous week.

You know sometimes you post about something and you need an update but it doesn’t warrant a whole blog. Or sometimes someone made a comment that really resonated with you. Yup, Follow-Up Friday baby!

Since the dogs took over the blog last Friday for Human Shaming, I promised a double update.

Dogcula – Update

You guys had such great suggestions. As I learned on working the recall, the key to teaching any new behavior is consistency. I must remember to remind her gentle and I must remember to present the treat to her differently than I do Sampson.

Here’s a picture of the way I’ve been working this command.

I’m holding the treat between my thumb and all four fingers.

I turn my hand so the treat is facing down and as I move towards her mouth I tell her, Gentle.

If she snaps at me, I tell her no and try again. When she licks at my hand, I release the treat.

It’s a dirty job, but somebody has to do it.

WTF/Whoo Hoo Wednesday

Many of you commented about the sadness of the posts and really that is the hardest part for me. Like Jan, I used to avoid reading all the sad stories, until I started WTF Wednesday.

The point of WTF is to make fun of stupid people but let’s face it, sometimes it’s very hard to find humor in these stories and the best I can do is to call them a name.

The reason I added the Whoo Hoo portion to that feature is to try to show that not all newsworthy posts are bad and to keep me from crying over my keyboard.

My All-Star is on the D.L. – Update

As I noted in a recent post, the medication is really helping Sampson feel better, almost like he’s feeling too good.

When he was neutered the vet didn’t want to give him pain medication. She said she wanted him to feel some discomfort because she didn’t want him to be over-doing. I looked at her like she had three heads and let her know that I would be monitoring the situation and I wanted him on pain meds.

I see where she was coming from now.

Gone to the Dogs – Author’s Note

The Human Shaming was a fun post. I hope you weren’t too offended by the content. I was surprised at how easily it came together for me because in the past, I’ve had trouble finding the dog’s voices.

I enjoyed it so much I’m actually considering starting Sampson’s blog up again. Of course it will not be daily (nor will this one) but I am seriously thinking about it.

My All-Star is on the D.L. Part Two – Author’s Note

Last week a woman was assaulted on a rail trail not too far from our house. When the story first broke, I said well I’m not worried 1) we aren’t walking on the rail trail and 2) I have my dogs with me.

Then they reported she was walking her dogs.

Well, I’m down one dog, but I pulled on my big girl panties, loaded my pepper spray in my back pocket and hit the trail, with Delilah. I kept to the upper trails and did my best impression of Linda Blair in The Exorcist, head spinning this way and that.

Monday Hubby said, Sampson and I will join you on your walks. This made me feel much better. Even though I have no doubt that Delilah would protect me with her life, I’d much prefer she didn’t have to.

I was working a new command for her and I’ve continued it, but we haven’t had enough experience for me to write about it here, so you’ll have to stay tuned. 🙂

You’re Going the Wrong Way – Author’s Note

You all are very kind, but I know that Delilah and I don’t look good out on that course. I’m really fine with that, as I look at it as just another way exercise her mind and body.

Batter Up – Update

Yes, Delilah has certainly stepped up to the plate. Her mischief continues on almost a daily basis. 2 BrownDawgs pointed out that she got destructive this time last year. I’m trying to figure out the common denominator.

Do you think dogs can suffer from SAD? (Seasonal Affective Disorder)