Training

So I have began a training class with Brook and I am so glad that I did. It was very apparent how much she needs the continued training. I was very embarrassed by her behavior when we got to class. Her leash manners are terrible. After talking with the trainer, I understood it to be as a result of taking her to the dog park so frequently. She only knows dogs as playmates.

It's important to me that my dog has good obedience. We take her with us everywhere and I look forward to having her with me when we go places. I would like her to get the Canine Good Citizen or therapy dog certifications. Possibly both.

I am not self disciplined enough to train her on my own using resources like YouTube or books. I have to be in a class with an instructor that I can ask questions.

We first had a six week session of training in the spring (April-May). She did not attend the graduation ceremony because she was scheduled for her spay that same day (May 24th). Our training was knowledgeable and a great person for reference. But the style was too much lecture. And the topics would be too many for one session. Some of it might have been the people in class who would ask questions and because she knew a lot, she would share her knowledge. But, for our young pup, who was kenneled all day and then brought immediately to class, it was too much sit time.

Then, we did not continue training in a consistent manner. So here we are- 3 weeks in, and scheduled for 15 more weeks of training (18 total). So far, I like the trainer. Even more importantly, the schedule is perfect.

I have spent a lot of money on this. I have purchased a new leash (although ours was an approved length, it is just too long for our little girl), a new harness (to stop pulling), a gentle leader (to prevent jumping), MANY treats, and a treat pouch. I know the investment will be worth it. I hope my husband will continue to support me and that it won't be a struggle to train her because he approaches it in a different manner. I really hope he will go to more of the sessions with us.

They grow so Fast

April 8th, 2018 

February 20th, 2018

We picked a name!

We took the rest of the week and the weekend to think about a name. Tom got out of the shower and asked, "What about Brook?"

It is perfect. I had immediately thought of a river, but was really thinking of a small river aka a brook. So that is the name we will go with!

Puppy!

I brought home a puppy! After we lost Hazel, I got into the habit of checking the humane society for puppies. This morning when I checked, there was a litter of retriever mix puppies. This little gal caught my eye. I called to see if they were still there and they were. I left from work to visit. I visited with her and another female from the litter. As soon as I took this one out, she placed her paw over my wrist as I was petting her. I was smitten. I brought her to meet Tom at work and he's still not sure about the whole puppy thing. 

We haven't named her yet. I immediately think of a river when I see her coloring, but Tom is hesitant about the name. 

Winter Window Weatherization

So much easier than I anticipated. And the results are better too. I grew up not being able to see through the plastic but this stuff is like looking through glass.

I did find it to have a static cling so be careful where you are laying it out when making your cuts.

I found it helpful to attach the top, bottom, and then sides. In that order, while tugging at the edges, I got a much less wrinkled finish.

The kit cost $11. I hope I get that much savings in heat.

I have yet to do my living room window because I need a piece of trim at the bottom of the window. Not only will this give me a place to adhere the plastic, but I will also cut out the draft that comes from the gap in the plaster and the frame of the window. I think this window will make the most significant difference in the efficiency of heating our home.