I looked up just in time to see Journey's back end; with feet in the air, disappearing around the end of the couch. When he next came into view I could see that he was being pulled by his collar around the living room. I guess Pirate finds it easier to move him this way. Journey had no objections, he just relaxed, limp, as he was pulled around the dining room table. It did look funny! He looked so comfortable on his back with his little tummy up and such a peaceful expression.
On their third pass by Spirit looked at me with what has become a common expression, ("are you going to let them do that?") Since there was no squeaking and no damage being done, it seemed OK to me, so the game continued. It occurred to me that this is probably why Journey looks like he does after he and Pirate play in the wet dog yard. He always looks like someone used him to mop the yard .... and that is exactly what Pirate was doing with him.
It is scenes like this that make me wonder how Pirate, and Quest too, for that matter, were managing to entertain themselves before Journey. The excitement level has increased a lot around here. Before Journey we had rules like "Outside Play" and "Inside Play". We even had toys classified as "Indoor Toys" and "Outdoor Toys". If someone headed toward the door with a soft, fuzzy indoor toy, all I had to say was "that is an indoor toy". Who ever was carrying it dropped it immediately and changed to some sort of rubber toy that was approved for outside play. Now that phrase is like a command of "RUN" to Journey. It is a good thing it is past lawn-cutting season. I would need a huge rake on the lawn tractor to find all the "inside toys". I have an old screen in the garage I use to dry soggy, stuffed indoor toys that somehow made it past me.
On the subject of rules - well, I suppose a lot of this is my fault. For some reason I seem to have turned into a grand parent with Journey. It could possibly have something to do with my age, but some things just do not seem as important as they were when I was training the last puppy, Pirate. It was only three years ago - so I am not sure it is only age.
Just as an example, I do not feed my boys junk food. I try not to allow myself to eat junk food either. Occasionally I just find that I am out somewhere and starving. The best change I have made is to steer myself away from hamburgers and fries and head for a Subway instead. So, on the rare occasions when I weaken and actually buy some fries, you can imagine how much I really, really want them! Sharing them had never entered my mind until I felt Journey's soft little chin rest on my arm and saw that little face looking up at me. A cautioning voice inside said "no, no, no....." but oh well, we got in the habit of sharing a few fries. I get the main part and Journey gets about a half inch off the end. Since this has only happened a couple times, I did not think it was really doing much harm. Then the other day I had just unwrapped the top of a hamburger and guess who instantly reached his head over my shoulder and took the first bite. I did draw the line there, but I know whose fault it is. Are puppies getting cuter or is my resolve just getting weaker?
Our home has doggy doors leading out to the dog yard. The boys can go in and out whenever they want. We call that "outside", to differentiate from the main part of the property which we call the "BIG" outside. When I ask if they want to go out in the "big outside" this causes everyone to move quickly to the main entrance. Spirit and Quest sit nicely waiting for me to open the door. (They were trained before I turned into a grandparent). Pirate runs in circles, like a mad fool, from the entrance, through the living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry room and back through the hallway to the entrance where he sometimes spins Journey like a top. He would knock Spirit down too except for the things I told him I would do to him if he ever hurts our #1 boy. Anyway at this point I say "sit" and those not already sitting do so. Even little Journey, who actually learned this without any training, just by copying the big guys. When I open the door it turns into a mad scramble, so I close it and wait for the "sit" again. Eventually they stay (except for Journey) and I am able to call out who can go out first. I am working on this with Journey. My goal is to be able to allow Spirit to exit first, but right now that is a little risky for him and even he is not sure he wants this honor with the attending risks of being trampled.
Last night I looked at my glasses, which were laying on the coffee table. I only use them for watching TV. The thought crossed my mind that I should probably get in a habit of putting them in a less convenient place for Journey. I didn't do it then, when I thought about it. This morning I found them on the floor partially munched. My fault, again, but I did want some new ones. I just did not plan to get them before Christmas.
Kindergarten is so much fun! Journey gets to stay in the class for at least two more classes before we will start obedience. We will be doing Companion Obedience. It is a little more relaxed than the Competition Obedience class. It works well for our needs.
Journey's kindergarten class now has another Shepherd, two Labradors, a Leonburger, an Australian Shepherd, and a King Charles spaniel. Journey likes everyone and he seems to be pretty popular too. He loves the equipment and is not afraid of anything. His big brothers wait in the car for him. When we go outside for a potty break they watch with such concern as he passes the car.
Journey knows "sit", "stand" and "down". He knows "touch" where he touches my hand. He knows "eyes" where he meets my eyes and gives me his full attention. We are working on the recall. We will be working on "stay" in the next week. He learns very fast, as Pirate did also. I am such a fan of positive training. I wonder how much better that would have worked with Quest if they had used it when he was a puppy. I would never use any other method for my guys. Neither of my other guys really liked obedience class. Spirit was good at it and took numerous 1st place awards in his classes, but he was bored. Quest just did not like it and considered it a social event with too many restrictions. Pirate could not get enough of it, and he still enjoys an occasional refresher course. Journey seems to feel the same way about it.
Well we need to do some grocery shopping. So I will be loading everyone in the car for the trip. They don't care where they go, just so they get to go for a ride when I go.anywhere. I could not want better company, so it works out for all of us. Spirit has decided that he has earned the right to request a car ride whenever he is inclined. There have been times when he has gone into the garage late in the evening and sat by the car door, demanding a car ride. I have been known to change my plans and take him for a little ride. I guess that is the grand-parent coming out.
So goes a day in life at Highland Myst with this happy pack.
