When your platform-happy dog gets bored while tile shopping and decides to try to turn it into a training session. ❤️
Interestingly, it was handy to have Skipper along as he was able to do some traction testing. These glossy tiles were surprisingly not slippery. I asked Skipper to sit pretty (not pictured) and his hind feet held steady.
We are unlikely to choose these tiles, but it was fun for everyone to test them out!
Uncle Astro's maiden dock dive of the season! After a bit of hesitation and a failed intercept by Skipper, Astro performs a fine dive. Yay! He still has it at 11 years old!
It's a short swim to shore at low tide but a challenging walk through the seaweedy terrain to get back to the dock.
Good boy, Astro! Maybe Skipper will follow in your footsteps someday!
We were followed by this waist-high balloon at Lowe’s last week so we decided to engage it in some play! I wouldn’t do this with a regular, rubber balloon, but this was safe. It was funny to see how Astro had to adjust his “drop-it” technique.
Does your dog kick after relieving himself? Put it on cue!!
Whenever I could, I’d say “coo coo!” just after Astro relieved himself, knowing he was about to kick. Pretty soon, he understood the connection. The bad news is that I still can’t get a good, clean kick outside of the relief context! It’s still fun for both of us anyway.
Don’t squander your opportunities!
Do you have a FETCH CRAZY pooch? If so, embrace it as a powerful motivator and use it as a reward for desired behaviors.
How many cued behaviors does Astro execute in order to be released to fetch the ball (“dak!” Is his release cue)?
Do you notice any mistakes?
While we were on vacation on Bailey Island, Astro and I made daily visits to Mackerel Cove where he got to enjoy his favorite game in the history of existence: fetch in the water!
Anticipation... anticipation is powerful!!
Love... I love this dog to the moon and back!
‘‘Tis the season for DOCK DIVING! Yay!! You go, AstroBoy - FLY!
Senioritis. Dory is subtly telling us that she's starving and dinner is late. She's so desperate that she's gonna eat this box! For a dog pushing 16, we encourage all sorts of physical activity. We are grateful she still has a healthy appetite.
Senior dog exercise: "Stepping Stones."
Got a senior dog? Keep training! Dory, who is pushing 16 (cannot believe it!) demonstrates one of her regular exercises. "Stepping Stones" is good for body awareness, balance and heeling, to name a few. I will often videotape these sessions so I can document her condition.
Even old dogs love to learn and practice their skills!
A Sweet Moment. I captured a surprisingly sweet Astro moment the other day when he decided to help his dear friend Gracie by removing the little burrs that got stuck in her lovely tail. She was very tolerant of his advances but not terribly appreciative of his efforts! This was a side of my boy that I had not seen before. Sweet.
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