How do you celebrate your dog's birthday? I once went to a very lavish party akin to a wedding for a client's dog's birthday. Complete with an Irish band, catered food, party favors and probably 75 people outside their large home on the lawn! It was super fun. But WOW! We are headed to agility - cancelled this morning due to snow but we can get there now and we'll practice with some of the students. Then Mick will get some special treats today too. Maybe I'll take him to the pet store and let him pick something out.

One of my kids can’t keep her dog and this only became apparent yesterday. She could return to the breeder but the dog knows me and I think my child’s heart may break and she might be able to take her dog back. I’m actually not sure what I think. It all happened so fast. Anyway, today, the dog came to us and I’m going to share how I manage her and Mickey so they may get along. I’m starting by reminding myself to take this one step at a time. Even though our dogs have been together before, I can’t take it for granted that they still get along. So first thing, we took them out for a walk and kept them separated. Once we got home, I let them off leash, making sure the collars were off and they played. I don’t really want them rough housing, but I allowed it since wanted them to engage on their own terms to begin. I had three balls which I used to play with them to distract as needed. When it seems they need a break, the new dog, Violet went to rest in her cage, which I’m keeping in the same room where we spend most of our time. Again, I’m just going to take this one day at a time. If it works, she’ll stay here. If not, have to make arrangements to return her to the breeder. And by the way, the breeder is phenomenal and would probably keep her for themselves. The dog has been to the breeder a couple times and she does fine there. So here we go. I’m not sure how I’m going to have time to train both dogs well. I have a lot of other things going on at the moment! 🤷🏻‍♀️

Do you want to be called a "Fur Mom" or "Fur Dad"? An owner? Guardian? Who are you to your dog(s)? Is your dog your "Furbaby"?

OK, I admit it… not all training is fun.I’m about to leave for a workshop with one of my trainers, Angie, who I love, but still… I’m not looking forward to this workshop. Why? Because It’s about a foundation skills - teaching your dog positions that tell them where to go next. I’ve worked on these skills regularly, but I’m never sure if I’m doing them exactly right because they’re pretty specific and the teaching is slow. I mean, almost every part of your body has to be exactly positioned. But, it can make a big difference in my agility performance so it’s worth it. So yeah, sometimes we have to suck it up. Not all training is fun but in the end you’ll be glad you did it if it makes a big difference. What skill are you working on?

So Mickey did himself proud again today! Tied for First place in Rally today, we took second because he lollygagged some and the other dog's time was faster. It wasn't perfect, mind you. We got 84 out of 100 but better than 79 the day before and it's his first time in this ring with all these signs on the floor! It was fun, the other competitors, workers and the judge were all wonderful and very generous with their time and expertise. It's all a bit tricker in a ring. Anyway, I'm very proud of him and we'll sign up for another. We need one more ribbon to get a Novice Title. It will get harder as we move up but I think we can get another ribbon. 😊🥰🐕