Splash's Training Diary

Dear spammers

2011-02-22T13:42:00.000-08:00

I am just going to delete your comment, immediately, BEFORE Google can index that link you are going to leave. So, don't bother. Seriously. Don't bother.

My portrait

2010-11-23T12:57:00.000-08:00

All distinguished fellows have portraits. Now I do too!

Thanks Kevin!

Mom's post: Wk 1 of 5K plan

2010-03-07T11:17:00.000-08:00

Today was my first day running outside in a while. It's allergy season here and those insidious and evil white blooming trees are everywhere. I think they should all be cut down and replaced with nice Douglas firs, but whatever.

So, I was very nervous about my outside (non-treadmill) run. I planned out a nice loop through the neighborhood that is 3.43 miles door-to-door. I didn't take Splash since it's Sunday, it's nice out, and there will lots of stupid people doing yard work with their "he-always-comes-when-I-call-he's-never-done-that-before" dogs and I didn't want Splashy to have a bad day.

I wore my new running shirt that is one of those special wicky-ones, it's actually better than a t-shirt, I have to admit it. I listened to Podrunner. I overdressed and didn't need my sweatshirt. I found a nickel.

I wasn't able to run the whole thing, the wind and the fresh air did bother me a bit so I ended up walking maybe 1/4 of it, spread throughout. It was my lungs though that stopped me, my legs could have kept going. And maybe some self-doubt also slowed me down.

Time for 3.43 miles: about 40 minutes, which is a 5.2 mph pace.

I plan to spend through the summer getting faster, but I have not set a pace goal yet.

Goal for next few months: run this loop at least once a week. Try to bring Splash or Ki or both with, conditions permitting.

Do a shorter run once a night with both Splash and Ki so that Ki will have a reason to "join up" with Splash, as their relationship can be tense at times. All Ki's fault, really, he is a lotta dog.

Dear Apple:

2010-02-01T15:00:00.000-08:00

In six months, my book pile will run out.

I'm not buying any more physical books. When that pile runs out, I'm buying a book reader. I'd really like an iPad. I'd like an iPad/iPhone combo. I promise to buy both from you, but only if you get your act together and make the deal with Verizon. I actually leave the city on occasion, and when I do, I want cell phone coverage in case my car breaks down. So, ATT is not an option I will consider.

It's your choice Apple. I'm perfectly fine buying a Kindle. Really. I can go either way. So don't rush yourself on my account.

Unless you want a sale.

PS: I'm not the only one who feels this way. So more than one sale is at stake.

The problem with blogs

2010-01-26T12:55:00.003-08:00

is that it entitles everyone to publish their opinion, even when they are not grown up enough to handle dissent.

Tuesday January 5, training Ki-Ki

2010-01-05T20:13:00.000-08:00

Tonight it was really cold outside. Splash and I went for a run. He wore his cool new light up coat. A bunch of folks stopped their cars to take a look. Funny! And visible! This was day 1 of Week 3 of the Couch to 5K program. We both did well. I am actually a bit amazed.

Therefore, since I was cold and sweaty, I was unwilling to take Ki outside for practice. And, there's plenty to do inside. We worked on going around the cone. He's got it, at least here where there are no distractions. It got boring pretty fast, so I worked back to about 6 feet away, sending him around the cone. And AGAIN, in the "away to me" direction, one time he went way out around the coffee table! Totally surprised me and also Ki -- he stopped dead and looked around, like "dude, how did I end up over here?"

We worked on stays a bit, lining up on the right (he is much better about it here at home), and that's it for tonight. We are too tired to do more. Well, I am.

Ki's training for 1/4

2010-01-04T19:41:00.000-08:00

Okay. I need to start logging what I've been doing with not-so-little-anymore Ki-Ki. So here goes.

Tonight we went to the agility practice facility. Before we went though, we had a bit of a drama. It turns out (this is my theory mind you but I'm pretty confident in it) that Ki has been growling at Splash when Splash gets in the car. Ki is always very eager to go and jumps in the car first. Their crates are side by side in the back of the van. So Ki's been warning Splash not to join in the fun,and since Splash is the opposite of confrontational, Splash decided he would NOT get in the car. At all. Forever.

The plan: take out one of the seats from the middle row and put the spare Kennel-Aire there. Cover it with a blanket so Splash and Ki won't see each other. Splash stays in his crate, Jewel gets her back-of-the-bus crate back, and Ki gets the smaller crate in the middle of the car where I can keep an eye on him. Feed Splash all dinners in the crate for one week, then add Jewel in her crate for dinnertime. Third week, we add Ki.

The training time itself was pretty uneventful. We worked on 180s with two jumps. When working the "come-by" direction, all is well, and he takes the return jump. In the away-to-me direction though, which is very strongly Ki's preference, he is waaaaay out on an outrun around the jump. I tried almost no shoulder turn but still got that. I need some shoulder turn right now or he looks for a jump going forward. Basically, I've gone from a manual transmission (Splash) to power steering, and it's going to take me some adjustments.

The pinwheel work is fine, he's doing two of the jumps without any problem.

We did phase 1 of Nancy Gyes' alphabet "t" drill also and he's looking at me like "is that IT?". I want to read up more on that one before I go further.

We also worked on line up drills. Need to work so much more on the right. He gets so freakin' excited, he won't line up.

Also worked on the dog walk, it was at the middle level. He fell off one time, which was good, he wasn't paying much attention up until then. He's a big dog, he won't be as fast over it as his sister, but he'll make up for it in the air and over the ground.

After Splash's dinner adventure in the garage, I'll play cone drills with him. Yay, I got two cones last weekend finally!

Win!

2009-12-15T12:24:00.000-08:00

Petland closes!

My favs

2009-11-24T15:57:00.000-08:00

KLOS has a thing they've been doing: name your top 10 rock songs of all time. I decided to take my lunch hour to try to come up with my list. So, here it is, and I freely admit some are guilty pleasures. What are YOURS?

Jethro Tull - "Locomotive Breath"
Elton John - "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding"
Boston - "Peace of Mind"
Aerosmith- "Dream On"
Santana - "Oye Como Va"
Joan Jett & the Blackhearts - "I Hate Myself for Loving You"
Nirvana - "Lithium"
Credence Clearwater Revival - "Suzy Q"
Blondie - "Rapture"
Blue Oyster Cult - "(Don't Fear) The Reaper"

PS Splash always sides with me so he likes this list just fine, thanks.

My good friend Sage

2009-11-13T10:40:00.001-08:00

About lifelong learning

2009-10-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

So, I have been asking around.

The annual conference for American Pet Dog Trainers is this weekend. (http://www.apdt.com). It's as close to home as it will get, about 45 miles one way.

From my local breed club, there's about 20 rabidly anxious folks going. We are so excited we have talked about little else since July.

From my local agility club, there's one person signed up as far as I know. Me.

Next time some agility person says something mean about "dog breeders" and how they only care for profit, points, and champions, I will remind them that I didn't see THEM at the conference. I will remind them that they would rather trial their dog every weekend than go and improve their clicker skilz training a chicken with Terri Ryan. That they were uninterested in hearing Sue Sternberg talk about rehabilitating shelter dogs using agility as a confidence builder. That they don't care to hear Turid Rugaas speak on becoming fluent in "dog". That unlike me, they are not beyond excited to get Bob Bailey to autograph that book, and Jean Donaldson of course, and Rugaas.....geez how many books can I carry?

I feel embarrassed and let down by the agility world right now. But, I am filled with pride for the show dog world.

Ki is 9 months old now

2009-08-11T21:07:00.001-07:00

IMG_2333
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Ki's training for 8/11

2009-08-11T18:50:00.000-07:00

Tonight we went to the dog park/softball field for some heeling and focus work. We made it all the way up to the gate!! We haven't gone there in a while, opting instead to work around the perimeter of an agility class or match or trial. Nothing going tonight, so we went back to our old haunts.

I have been transitioning from the Gentle Leader to a pinch, working up to a martingale eventually for agility/obedience. He was able to focus really well, despite a few dogs racing around, and a Border Collie who wanted to meet him and waited by the fence. (There is a chain link fence around the park, and we were working outside it.) Several folks complimented us on our work.

Ki was NOT able to hold a stay for very long near the dog park. I know I have been pretty remiss in working the stay -- focus and play games just seemed so much more critical. He also was unwilling to down anywhere near the dog park -- not sure what was going on there, as when he wanted to meet a dog inside the park, he would make eye contact and then lie down and look down to get the dog to come over. He is remarkably good with other dogs and kids of all sizes and shapes. I am very very proud of my little Ki-Ki.

Class notes for 7/29

2009-08-04T16:07:00.001-07:00

(I have not been very good about writing this stuff down!)

What we did:

1) Restrained recalls. Just do a lead-out with these, i.e. don't run and yell like in flyball. The goal is to have a lead-out in the agility ring and the dog either comes to left or right side, or gets a "go-on". So, do two styles: one where the dog grabs the toy, and the other one you give the go-on command and throw the toy. Do on left and right sides.

2) Start working on pivots, 90 degrees. Use one hand to cue the turn, hold the tug in the other, when Ki moves with the cue hand, whip out that toy. Work up to a 270.

3) Continue working on focus heelwork, working up to a left and right, inside and outside circles at a run. Handler conditioning is a bonus here, I guess.

4) Continue working on finding position on left and right. I'm a little confused about this, actually, I tend to do the obedience style positioning and I'm not sure that is desired.

That was about it, the plank was set out at the beginning of class but we didn't get to it.

Notes to self:
Bring your notebook, a pen, and a freaking clicker. Every time.
Blog the class notes the NEXT DAY not the next week.
Clean out the training bag, it must weight 30 pounds with all the crap that has built up in it.
Don't worry so much. Ki is doing fine, he is only a baby, and no one really cares about us anyhow, so stop stressing out about this. Step back, go back to your obedience/trick training roots for a few weeks, and enjoy his puppyhood.

Princess

2009-07-05T20:59:00.001-07:00

Princess
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Got toy?

2009-07-05T20:55:00.001-07:00

Got toy?
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

My name is Ki it rhymes with sky

2009-07-05T20:54:00.003-07:00

My name is Ki it rhymes with sky
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Splash is a good boy

2009-07-05T20:54:00.001-07:00

Splash is a good boy
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Debate vs Flames

2009-06-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

It's come to my attention lately that those who disagree with and comment on a blogs post are subjected to rather nasty comments by other fans of whatever blog this is.

This phenomenon is particularly bad on blog such as Unclutterer, TheSimpleDollar, and GetRichSlowly, which have very loyal fans. There are others, but I can't think of more examples right now. I don't mean to single these sites out in any way, they happen to be three sites I used to read, that I have had to stop reading due to the prevalent ugliness in the comments.

What's happened to our society, when you can't idly speculate about something, or just plain disagree, without having everybody jump down your throat?

When I was a child, my parents had debates every night at dinner. Frequently, one of us would take a side we didn't agree with, just for fun. Everyone, no matter how little, was expected to contribute to the conversation. No opinion or position was ever ridiculed. I thought this was normal until one of my friends just recently mentioned this. She said she was raising her children using my parents as an example.

I'm not sure what I am saying here. I do think that young adults in particular have a problem with dissent. I know I did! The good news is, you will grow out of it. In the meantime, enjoy the difference in opinion, lifestyle, and looks. It is what makes the world magical.

Messages of hate and violence

2009-06-03T12:07:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, at church, a man was gunned down. The messages of Fox News anchors and the extreme Christian right finally bore fruit. A young man who was a little more unbalanced than the rest took those messages to heart. He brought a gun to a church, a sanctuary, and killed a man.

As someone else pointed out, the only difference between those in my country using hate speech and advocating violence, and the Taliban, is eight thousand miles.

Last week, in my city, the city that gave you Rush Limbough, a local rock station's morning DJs advocated violence against anyone who is "trans gender". One of the DJs stated that if his son wore high heels, he would beat the child with the shoe. You can read more on the Huffington Post if you like.

I realize they are just trying to build ratings among the "dumb young white male" segment, and that I'm not exactly in that group. I am, however, in the more lucrative "have a good paying job with money to burn" segment that their advertisers presumably would be more interested in.

So, I am boycotting this station for all time. I wrote an email to the station saying that. Here is what it said:

Rob, Arnie, and Dawn just lost you a listener

Need I say more? Not only are they boring, talk too much, and say generally ignorant things, but as of last week, they are promoting messages of hate and violence. I realize it was intended to be shock/funny, but it just ended up being sickening.

I will be sure to tell stores I frequent that I do not listen to your station. If I find you will be attending a charity event to provide music, I will be sure to make my views known to the organizers. I may be only one listener, but I am a determined one.

Sincerely,

A newly loyal Eagle 96 listener

Class notes for Wednesday May 13

2009-05-14T13:21:00.000-07:00

Notes from Ki's beginning puppy class with Kathie Leggett:

Continue to work on folding down, signal only.

Continue to work on fast sit, signal only.

Continue to work on position while walking, increasing distance and distraction level.

Start hand touch training. Be sure to keep hand flat with fingers closed (or open just be consistent). No word association yet. This will also provide practice with clicker accuracy. (and I need that, Ki's timing is so different from the retrievers. He is slower to act but faster to finish.) Ki is trying to paw the hand so be sure not to reward that.

Kathie passed out a grid with Susan Garrett's crate games progression, so work on that.

Notes to self:

My sole pen didn't work so be sure to get a box of pens for the bag

Put a bunch of clickers in the bag too, it's ridiculous to have so many clickers but have to search the car to find ONE

Get that training book into the bag too next time

I think one thing was covered that I don't have here but since my freakin pen didn't work I didn't take notes, my bad

If you have pets, don't die.

2009-05-08T13:41:00.000-07:00

Wow, the comments on this article are pretty cold. It seems an elderly woman who had 15 cats died and left the cats and some cash to a local rescue organization. Commenters seem to believe that (1) elderly people, or anyone who has the gall to die, should not have pets, (2) that $7500, which is probably all this woman had, isn't nearly enough money, even though this rescue organization takes in cats for no money all the time, and (3) you shouldn't have more than, say, 1 or 2 cats.

I want all the commenters who are griping about this to disclose the number of pets they have, along with the details of the trust they surely have set up for their animals' care.

Okay enough from me! Two grouchy blog posts in ONE DAY. Glad it is Friday!

Sofa >>> Dog.

2009-05-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

Check out this LAME Craigslist ad. The sofa and the mirror both seem to be of greater value than their ten-year old dog. Oh, but she's a great dog. Want her?

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/fuo/1160756323.html

Grrrrrrr.

I win!

2009-04-28T21:07:00.000-07:00

Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

I won a contest! I think this is my first win at anything, well except for a few first place finishes in obedience. (I am very smart)

Anyway, mom entered me the "Green Pet" contest that Petco.com was having. I got selected as a finalist! Weee! The prize was a $100 certificate for Petco.com, and since I already have, like, three of everything except maybe bully sticks (I could use some more of THOSE), we decided to give it to Central California Labrador Retriever Rescue instead. Then mom decided she would match it!

All my friends and their moms who do rescue thought this was a GREAT idea, and they all voted for me! AND I WON!

So homeless Labbies will be getting a little something very soon.

Thanks to all who voted for me!

And thank YOU PETCO! (It IS where us dudes go!)

Circling the Hose

2009-04-27T10:27:00.001-07:00

Circling the Hose
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Ki is trying to round up that darn hose. He figures if he circles it enough times, it will get intimidated.

I am sitting the in shade, watching.

Seriously, he circled it, like 30 times. Made me dizzy.

The Intense Stare

2009-04-27T10:25:00.001-07:00

The Intense Stare
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Ki is trying to use the Force to will my mom to THROW THE FRISBEE THROW IT THROW IT THROW IT.

Ki-Ki

2009-04-20T16:48:00.001-07:00

Ki-Ki
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Ki has a body just like a coyote now. He is so wolfish compared to the solidly built Labs. (Ed.: We are built to FLOAT!)

Me and my posse

2009-04-19T08:02:00.001-07:00

Me and my posse
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Guess which one I am? (hint: I am not the Golden Retriever on the left)

From left, the Labs are: Vito-lucci, ME!, Flash, and Arson. Flash and Arson are also therapy dogs and are wearing their vests. Lucy Lab had gone off to the bathroom but she was coming right back.

Ki-Ki

2009-04-16T15:12:00.001-07:00

IMG_2095
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Thursday Funnies

2009-04-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

Okay, I haven't posted in a while. That was pointed out to me by @bcrescuemom. My excuse? Um, training little Ki and Splash, petting Jewel, grooming dogs, going to the gym to be tortured by MY trainer, taking care of the house and yard, and then, you know sleeping and working pretty much fills up my day.

Anyhow, this study by the CDC just cracked me up. They forgot to count the perfect "take-down" Ki and Splash did on me the other day though.

Read more!

Nonfatal Fall-Related Injuries Associated with Dogs and Cats

I am not broken

2009-03-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

Please don't call me "fixed". I hate that. I was never broken, and therefore I do not need, nor have I ever needed, to be "fixed".

Likewise, if you are a rescue person trying to find a home for a nice guy like me, just remember that dog is not broken either, and therefore cannot possibly be "fixed". We get spayed, we get neutered. If we break a leg, well yes, then we get fixed, but only then.

Just saying.

First walkies TONIGHT

2009-02-23T15:00:00.000-08:00

Mom told me this morning before she left that tonight we are going for a walk. Just around the block. That is not even close to far enough. However, I get to bring my trainee/Padawan learner. That's Ki, in case you didn't already know that. He just finished all his puppy shots. He also lost his two front teeth! He looks pretty silly now: no front teeth, fur sticking up all over, and one ear up/one ear down.

I, otoh, am now and always have been, very handsome.

At the herding trial

2009-02-15T15:51:00.001-08:00

IMG_1984
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Stormy skies at the sheepdog trial

IMG_2007
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

This team completed all the tasks

IMG_2003
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

IMG_2014
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

IMG_2003
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

IMG_2014
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

IMG_2001
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Ki had some admirers and made new friends

Countdown!

2009-02-11T14:21:00.001-08:00

Ki is 14 weeks old today. Happy Birthday little man!

That means it is currently W minus 14, where W = First Walkies Day and 14 is the number of days.

We can't wait!

Also it is A minus 22, where A = First Agility Class and 22 is still the number of days.

Tired from yard work

2009-02-09T13:46:00.001-08:00

Tired from yard work
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Ki at almost 14 weeks!

2009-02-09T13:37:00.001-08:00

Ki at almost 14 weeks!
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Ki still loves the holey roller ball the best. He stalks it whenever we go out in the yard, which is a lot.

Ki at 13 weeks

2009-02-04T16:53:00.001-08:00

Ki at 13 weeks
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Little ki is hard to photograph, but here he is last weekend. I am getting a pedicure from my Auntie Melinda, so I was not quite ready for my close-up.

Ki and White Coud

2009-02-04T16:51:00.001-08:00

Ki and White Coud
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Here is Ki last weekend meeting little White Cloud, an 8 week old BC rescue puppy. White Cloud has lots of white and two very very blue eyes...... and yes, White Cloud is deaf. Doesn't stop him from being bossy though!

Splash's raincoat

2009-02-03T21:19:00.001-08:00

Splash's raincoat
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

This is how silly I look wearing clothes. Mom got me this raincoat because I sort of get offended by rain when it hits me (it IS rude!), but I think the raincoat is more offensive.

Dogs don't wear coats.

2009-02-03T13:09:00.000-08:00

Mom wants to either buy me or make me a reflective vest like this one:

Fetchdog Rufflective Vest. I think I would look darn silly. What do you think?

Splash

2009-01-27T21:41:00.001-08:00

Splash
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Mom says I need I diet. I say, NO WAY, look at me I am a perfect example of my breed.

Ki's getting pretty big now!

2009-01-27T21:40:00.001-08:00

Ki's getting pretty big now!
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

But I am still far bigger, much tougher, and will always be more handsome. Just sayin'.

Jewel says "Hmmm verry intewesting!"

2009-01-27T21:38:00.001-08:00

Jewel says "Hmmm verry intewesting!"
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Ki does not like family photo sessions

2009-01-27T21:24:00.001-08:00

Ki does not like family photo sessions
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Notice that I am sitting nicely for mom's photo, Jewel is watching Ki, and Ki, well he is outta here.

Ki and Splash in the office

2009-01-16T17:43:00.001-08:00

Ki and Splash in the office
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Mom is trying to teach Ki to not go under the bed. Good luck with that.

Splash and Ki playing

2009-01-16T17:42:00.001-08:00

Splash and Ki playing
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Ki is considerably bigger at 10 weeks than when he came home, but the game still goes on. And on.

Ki learns to go through the standard

2009-01-14T00:18:00.001-08:00

Ki's Lessons

2009-01-13T09:37:00.000-08:00

Monday nights we get to go to a place with a big fenced field and we all get to play ball until we are worn out. I played with my fav mini soccer ball. I just love it when mom kicks it. The thing is, Ki kept getting in the way of the kick, so mom ended up throwing it mostly. That's okay with me, as long as I get to run and get it.

Ki spent a little time running halfway after me, then flattening out on the grass. He looked pretty weird. I would never do that when there is something to be fetched! Then, when I was almost past him, he would run up to me and almost but not quite bite me. A little freaky, but since Ki is about as big as a bug I do not care. Anyway, I am the boss of Ki.

Jewel mostly just wanted to play on the grass.

Mom spent a bit of time trying to get Ki interested in my floppy frisbee. He already is a bit frisbee obsessed, and mom is trying to send him over the edge, I guess. He did some short runs after the frisbee, but mom quit the game pretty fast. She told me that will make him more obsessed for next time. Whatever. She told me she needs a second identical frisbee because Ki is not as polite about giving the frisbee back as I am. He doesn't really give any toy back, actually. He likes to collect them all into a pile and lay on top of them.

All this activity was apparently not enough for Ki, because he yipped and fussed in his crate until 4 am.

This morning Ki worked on touching the plate with both front paws. Right now, it is mostly just one paw. Mom noticed it is usually his left paw. He also worked on touching the Alley-Oop target with his nose only on the ball part. He is very good at that. Then mom got out the treat dispenser and tried to get Ki to touch the lever with his paw. This is going to be a little harder for Ki, but since he is already pretty much doing everything else nicely she thought well why not.

Tonight mom is going to get out one hurdle and try to get Ki to go between the poles. Why not. Ki is already 10 weeks old, nearly over the hill.

She also got her video on agility foundation training, which she plans to start watching tonight. Maybe she will get some more ideas to keep little Ki busy. And tired!

What Ki learned today

2009-01-11T16:29:00.000-08:00

Today Ki worked on not just touching the plate but going about 1 human step to it. He is kinda small so that is a bunch of steps for him. He also almost but not quite learned that if you let go of the Hole-y Roller ball mom will immediately throw it again, which is nice because you get it back and you get to run too. I could tell he was working on this one from the way he was looking at mom.

Also, he worked on sit, down from a stand and from a site, and going to his crate.

Ki's taking a nap now, and I'm beat from puppy-watching so I am sacked out on mom's bed.

Ki's ears are almost standing up!

2009-01-11T14:19:00.001-08:00

Ki's ears are almost standing up!
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Not a very good picture of Ki

2009-01-11T14:03:00.001-08:00

Not a very good picture of Ki
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Ki was moving too fast here for mom to get a really good photo.

Splash is a good boy

2009-01-11T14:02:00.001-08:00

Splash is a good boy
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

I am working very hard taking care of my puppy.

Ki's very first class!

2009-01-10T13:03:00.000-08:00

Mom forgot to take photos of this big event, but I will report what happened anyway. Today Ki went to puppy kindergarten class at the Right Steps. There were three other puppies there! Two were Labradoodles, Pombo and Charlie, which are sort of like me on a very bad hair day. Ki spent most of his time trying to cut one of them out of the herd and keep it separated. For some reason, mom was pretty pleased with that. I would have gathered up all the toys that were laying around and brought them to mom. I will have to speak to Ki about proper Retriever behavior. There was also a little Shih Tzu, which although four weeks older than Ki was considerably smaller. This little guy was named "Rambo", but he wasn't exactly an outgoing guy. Maybe he was having flashbacks like in the movie. Anyway, Ki had an awesome time. He wasn't afraid of anything or anybody, and the big noise in the parking lot didn't bother him either.

He's out cold now in his crate. He was sooo tired that he only ate part of his lunch. Can I have the leftovers, mom?

We have all passed out for the night

2009-01-08T20:23:00.001-08:00

Ki has passed out on the big bed
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Splash is sleeping next to his gorilla
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Ki brought out all the other toys.

Jewel is the Sofa Princess
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Ki's daytime hangout

2009-01-08T08:15:00.001-08:00

Ki's daytime hangout
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Here's a photo of Ki's daytime hangout. It's actually the laundry room, but we don't run the washer when he's in there. It makes odd noises. Ki would rather be anywhere than here.

The New Plan

2009-01-07T16:43:00.003-08:00

As a rule, I am a Very Nice Dog. Consequently, I do not believe I have ever mentioned how diabolically clever my mom is. When I was a puppy, she was always one step ahead of me. Of course, I was her fifth Yellow Lab, so she pretty much had Lab antics scoped out.

Ki is another matter. Usually Mom lines the laundry room with x-pens for us puppies to stay in when we are little. This is so we do not get squished up by Big Dogs. (like ME) Anyway, Ki figured out almost immediately that he could scale the x-pens like a ladder and achieve freedom. Fortunately, I did not squish him, although it was tempting.

So today, mom developed a New Plan. Oh, yeah, this is good. Here is the plan: do not try to contain the puppy. Yeah, that's a great plan. All she did was use the x-pen to prevent little Ki from going behind the washer and getting stuck, and she has a nice unscalable gate over the door to prevent Ki from getting out and getting squished like a bitty bug by me.

The puppy-proof gate?
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Here's a photo of the gate she borrowed from my agility instructor for the doorway.

Ki's view
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

This is the Ki-angle view of the x-pen and supposedly unscale-able gate. ;)

Now that you are all done reading the funnies, here are some photos of me teaching Ki to play my most FAV game in the whole world. It's called "Everybody Get Splash". This game is where pretty much everyone in the house, including mom, get me. Mom usually rubs my tummy, Jewel usually grabs my neck and pulls and growls, and Ki is a Splash-getter Padawan learner.

"Everybody get Splash" game, action shot
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

"Everybody get Splash" game
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Ki and his favorite toy

2009-01-06T12:47:00.001-08:00

Ki and his favorite toy
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Ki just loves this toy. He likes tugging on it and also chasing it. He loves it when mom says "READY STEADY GO!" and then rolls it across the grass really fast. He is not very good about bringing it back.

I have always felt this toy is beneath me so Ki can have it.

My name is Ki

2008-12-29T21:18:00.000-08:00

My name is Ki
It rhymes with sky
Mom baked a pie
For Splash and I

THE END

OMD!

2008-12-29T20:42:00.001-08:00

OMD!
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

OMD! That is totally awesome! DUDE!

Splash's play bow

2008-12-29T20:37:00.001-08:00

IMG_1786
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

....combined with "I can put your whole head in my mouth".

My mouth is bigger than your mouth.

2008-12-29T20:34:00.001-08:00

IMG_1792
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

DUDE! Totally.

2008-12-29T20:32:00.001-08:00

IMG_1787
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Splash and little Ki at play.

What Ki learned, day 2

2008-12-27T19:48:00.000-08:00

Ki went for a little trip to Placerville today. He learned to get his toenails trimmed without fussing (too much).

He also showed everyone in Placerville how smart he is by promptly sitting when cued and also laying down but not quite as promptly.

He met people of varying ages up in the foothills and liked them all.

He has successfully learned not to chew on people but not so much the furniture part.

He learned that if you are put into the wire crate and you do not fuss, you can get let out again and play.

He learned that he really likes the doggie hammock in the kitchen, and he is gradually finding all toys in the house and bringing them there, perhaps to build a doggie fort.

He learned that if you run around like a puppy idiot in front of big dogs, they don't like it and will tell you so. Corollary: he learned that the big dogs can't really get you if you dive under the coffee table.

He learned that the vacuum cleaner, the broom, and the hair dryer are no big deal, 'cause Splash is not afraid of them, therefore they are okay.

He did not really learn yet that is it not okay to try to hump other dogs and people. He has not really learned yet that you should not try to take Jewel's favorite toy away from her to add to your doggie fort. He has not really learned yet to offer a behavior for a click.

Most importantly, he has not really learned yet that if you try to run with the big dogs, you might be out of your league.

But, tomorrow is another day.....

Hopefully tomorrow I will finally get some decent video, kept missing the good bits today. More photos too!

Ki, sacked out

2008-12-27T13:51:00.001-08:00

IMG_1746
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

I learned sit today, and it's worn me out. I like old Mikey's place though. I brought all the toys up here and I'm assembling my Place of Power.

What Ki learned today (not enough)

2008-12-26T21:01:00.000-08:00

Here's what Ki learned and did today:

He learned his way around the house, though he got loast in the living room at one point.

He learned that Jewel does not appreciate being herded and he had better knock that off if he knows what is good for him.

He learned to sit for a visual cue (forefinger only)

He learned that jumping up on the chair mom is sitting on will not get him attention, but that sitting politely always works well.

He learned that if you stand by the Big Glass Door, you will be let out to do your biz.

He learned that biting never gets you what you were hoping for. In fact, it ends whatever fun thing was happening, almost immediately.

He learned that you do not even think about humping mom's leg. (OR MINE)

He learned that he does not really like being locked in the laundry room while mom is away.

I learned that I can pretty much control Ki with one of my big strong paws. Which is nice.

I learned that if Ki does something good that gets him a treat, I get one do and so does Jewel. So maybe he is not entirely useless.

Over and out for now.....

Splash

Ki is....small

2008-12-26T07:42:00.000-08:00

My new bro, Ki, came home last night. The day started out pretty good, we slept late, I helped Mom finish breakfast, then I barked at the window for a while. Then we got ready and got in the car. I always like that. We went to a cool house with a big yard and I played frisbee and so did my buddy Sage. Jewel found a mud puddle and wallowed in it, so I am pretty sure she had a good time too.

Then mom put a teensy crate in the car, and there was a puppy in it.

I have to say, he's almost as smart as I am. He already knows his name, and unlike me at his age, he comes when called. He did not jump in the water bowl, though, like I did!

He likes the tennis ball, and the dumb toy with the string that I cannot be bothered with. So no worries there.

Ki even ran to the door a few minutes ago because he needed to go out. Well, duh, but mom was pretty proud of him.

That's about all I have to say so far. Jewel thinks he is okay as long as he stays away. When Jewel got growly, I did too, so mom is making us puppy-sit one at a time until we get used to each other.

I'm having trouble posting photos to flickr right now, but I'll get some up later today.

Over and out.....Splash

Mini-rant for a sunny afternoon

2008-12-22T15:13:00.000-08:00

This is a guest post from my mom:

Positive training methods work.

Oh, you knew that already did you? Then why is it, every time I post a comment on your blog, you respond with a snippy comment of your own? Perhaps you do not actually understand P+ training. I recommend you go back and reread (or perhaps it is read for the first time?) "Don't Shoot the Dog" by Karen Pryor.

It works on people too.

Oh, and so sorry, but I've removed your mean-toned dog training blog from my reading list. I don't need that much R- in my life.

I met my new bro!

2008-12-22T10:01:00.001-08:00

He has potential
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

His name is "Ki", and he's so small, but I still think he has some potential. I tried play-bows and my patented wave. Ki backed up a little but he didn't run away. Mom said he might, 'cause he is not a Lab and therefore nowhere near as smart, strong, and brave as me. And probably not as handsome. But there is definitely some potential there.

Ki comes home on January 4. We can't wait!

My apologies!

2008-12-01T17:20:00.000-08:00

To anyone who left a comment anytime in the last 6 months or so, I have to say I'm really sorry. The comment notification was going to an old email address, and I wasn't getting them. Also, I was busier than usual and have been ignoring the blog! So, I didn't notice there were any comments at all! It's not like this blog is very interesting to read, after all, so no visits or comments is pretty much to be expected.

If you did leave a comment and I did not respond, I am so sorry. I will try to do better in the future!

Here's the leash I made!

2008-11-30T13:33:00.005-08:00

The whole leash
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

This is a Christmas present for a friend that does therapy work with her Golden Retriever, Joy. I have been taking leather working classes, and use a series of bleed knots, with a skipped bleed every third, to make the leash. The handle is a also three bleed knots, so there are no true knots or stitching anywhere.

Bleed knots on leash
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Here's a closeup of the bleed knots. It's just one strap, doubled over, and threaded through itself.

Leash handle
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Here's a closeup of the handle and the beaded dangly I made. I wanted Joy to have a custom leash! I don't think the dangly is too long or heavy, so even if it smacks Vicky in the hand, it won't hurt!

Sunday photo session!

2008-11-30T12:59:00.000-08:00

Jewel and I are on the day bed in the office supervising mom while she works. This is where I sleep at night. I get hot otherwise. Can you tell that mom loaths neutral color schemes? Why, then, does she have a beige dog? 'Cause Labs don't come in lime. hahahahahah!

How to find a great dog breeder

2008-11-30T08:19:00.000-08:00

I've had several people recently ask me how to identify who is a great dog breeder, who isn't maybe so great, and what exactly is a "puppy mill", so I thought I would sum up my thoughts in a blog post.

First, my qualifications, so you know I'm not just writing about something I know nothing about!

Showed my second Yellow Labrador, Holly, to 5 AKC Championship points.

Learned the art of ring showmanship by traveling and working with an old time handler.

Studied pedigrees and watched ringside to pick dog to breed my Holly to.

Bred Holly twice, Guide Dogs for the Blind bought two puppies from litter two.

Have been competing in obedience, Rally, and agility with various dogs for about 20 years.

I'm a Veterinarian, and studied anatomy, genetics, animal husbandry, blah, blah

I've read and have a library of about 200 dog books, many of them on the art of breeding dogs.

Okay, so how do I tell if the person I'm thinking of buying a puppy from is a great breeder, or not so great?

A great and caring dog breeder:

Does not accept "reservations", "holds", or any kind of contract to sell you a a puppy without meeting you. (+8 pts)

Does not accept payment over the Internet (+8 pts)

May or may not have a website. Many wonderful dog breeders do not. They are too busy caring for their dogs. ( -0- pts)

Is actually LOSING money at breeding dogs. Show entry is usually $28 these days. There is a show in most areas every weekend day. Say 100 weekend days a year * 28 = $2,800 in entry fees alone per dog. Most of us show multiple dogs. Then there is gas. A big huge car to get there. A house with a big yard. Toys. Food. Training expenses. Get the picture? It is a labor of love! ( + 10 pts)

Does not bother to advertise "Champion lines". Think about this: do you exactly resemble your paternal grandfather? If your grandpa was a champion, but you look nothing like him, does that make you a champion? I don't think so. If BOTH dam and sire are Champions, that means something. Otherwise, it's just marketing smoke. (+3 pts)

Will ask you in your first conversation, "Why do you want a [insert breed] puppy?". They will ask you about your experience with dogs. They will ask for references. They will require you to visit them. At least once. (+5 pts)

They have a waiting list for puppies. Which means you may have to wait. You may be waiting for a few years if you want a "tri color male with white face". Be reasonable in your expectations, puppies are not re-stocked at night like at WalMart. (+3 pts)

They will ask you what you know about the breed. So, read up and do your homework. Yes, bulldogs are cute, but what were they originally bred for, and how does that influence behavior? Terriers were bred to "go to ground", so expect holes in the yard. Retrievers fetch, and they will fetch your Manolos. Collies herd, and they will run rings around your kids, all day. Got it? (+1 pt)

If you haven't done your homework, the breeder will proceed to give you a long lecture about the breed, including a summary of great examples of the past. (+2 pts)

They are currently participing in AKC breed competition. This shows they care about their breed, and are participating in the AKC dog community. You may not want a "show quality" puppy, but if you are going to get a bred dog instead of a rescued one, get one from someone who cares about the breed. Who cares about NOT passing on genetic problems. Who cares about the structure of the dog. Who cares about where their puppies go and what kind of life they will have. (+5 pts)

Is a member of their local or national breed club. (+3 pts)

Has fewer than 2 breeds. Having more than, say 5 breeds on the premises is a hallmark of a puppy mill. Rescued dogs don't count here. (+ 2pts)

Don't have more than 3 or 4 litters of puppies a year. (+2 pts)

When you arrive for your required visit, the house smells clean. Naturally, the puppies are indoors at night. (mine were in my bedroom). The puppies have toys to carry, stuff to climb on, cold/warm things to experience, radios for noise. The more a puppy experiences as a nursing baby, the steadier the dog he will become. (+5 pts)

The breeder wants you to visit multiple times, and asks you to bring children and your friends. (see above, puppy experiences) (+1 pt)

The breeder participates in "performance" events. For instance, if they have a Border Collie, they may do agility, obedience. Terrier breeders might do earthdog competition. Whippet breeders might do lure coursing. And of course, all Labrador breeders do obedience, agility, hunting tests, lure coursing, flyball.... :) (+1 pt for every type of dog activity they do that is not a beauty contest)

People know them. If you go to a dog show (find one in your area here http://www.infodog.com/showinfo/state.htm ), and mention your prospective breeder's name to someone else with that breed, if they are in the same area the name should be recognized. In other words, puppy mill and backyard breeders don't participate in the community. They don't care about the breed, they are not learning about structure, behavior, and genetics, and they are most certainly passing on their mistakes. To YOU. (+3 pts)

You get the puppy on a contract that requires you to spay/neuter. If in the US, the AKC registration is "limited", meaning if you do breed your puppy, you can't register the resulting litter.

The breeder will take your puppy back anytime, no questions asked. They'll even come get the dog. For LIFE.

That's about all I can think of for now! I'll add more as my dog club friends comment or I think of things. WOOF!

Oh PS: My pet peeve: the breeder never says the pup is "papered". They would say "registered". Papered is something you do to walls, not puppies. If they use that term, RUN AWAY.

Bye for now....
Splash's mom

Funny Craigslist post

2008-09-17T14:24:00.001-07:00

Please help!!!! After two long years of being on a waiting list for an agility dog, we have been notified by the breeder that, at long last, our number has come up and ... WE ARE HAVING A PUPPY!!!

We must get rid of our children IMMEDIATELY because we just know how time consuming our new little puppy is going to be and it just wouldn't be fair to the children. Since our little puppy will be arriving on Monday we MUST place the children into rescue this weekend!

They are described as:

One male - His name is Tommy, Caucasian (English/Irish mix), light blonde hair, blue eyes. Four years old. Excellent disposition. He doesn't bite. Temperament tested. Does have problems with peeing directly in the toilet. Has had chicken Pox and is current on all shots. Tonsils have already been removed. Tommy eats everything, is very clean, house trained & gets along well with others. Does not run with scissors and with a little training he should be able to read soon.

One female - Her name is Lexie, Caucasian (English/Irish mix), strawberry blonde hair, green eyes quite freckled. Two years old. Can be surly at times. Non-biter, thumb sucker. Has been temperament tested but needs a little attitude adjusting occasionally. She is current on all shots, tonsils out, and is very healthy & can be affectionate. Gets along well with other little girls & little boys but does not like to share her toys and therefore would do best in a one child household. She is a very quick learner and is currently working on her house training-shouldn't take long at all.

We really do LOVE our children so much and want to do what's right for them; that is why we contacted a rescue group. But we simply can no longer keep them. Also, we are afraid that they may hurt our new puppy.

I hope you understand that ours is a UNIQUE situation and we have a real emergency here!!! They MUST be placed into your rescue by Sunday night at the latest or we will be forced to drop them off at the orphanage or along some dark, country road. Our priority now has to be our new puppy.

-- Author Unknown

Pet Trusts

2008-08-11T17:09:00.000-07:00

California now allows pet trusts to allow for pet care after their people's death. We are going to investigate this right away!

Read more about the new bill here!

Car wash goes to dogs

2008-07-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

A car wash place in Des Moines has added a dog washing station. I wonder if the water is warm and the towels soft like at our house? Mom washes me in the tub. I love my baths. I love everything about them. The wetting down part is nice, the soapy rub-my-back part is amazing, and the rinsing just adds to the anticipation of the finale: towel rubbing!

There is nothing I do not like about a bath.

Read more about the car/dog wash!

Andy the Lhasa Apso

2008-07-10T13:28:00.000-07:00

Andy the Lhasa has an AMEX but not a Verizon Wireless account. But Verizon's debt collection service sent Andy the Lhasa in California the unpaid bill that should have gone to another Andy somewhere on the East Coast.

I think Andy looks like a pretty cool dog!

Andy Finelli's story

We got licked!

2008-07-10T08:57:00.000-07:00

Hey check out the post today on Licked Toys! That's us! And our most beloved-of-all-toys, the Big Dogs Frisbee.

We heart that frisbee.

We had a horrible incident a few weeks ago when it flew into the neighbor's yard. They weren't home, so we couldn't get it back. I was completely confused and a little depressed. But the next day, the frisbee came home! Mom says the neighbor tossed it back, but I think it missed me and found its own way home.

The Sacramento County Library Rant

2008-06-04T21:41:00.000-07:00

Here is my story. I will leave it to you to decide if I am being overly cranky or unreasonable.

Two years ago, I tried to use my library card. I don't use it much. Just sometimes, to check out a book or maybe an audiobook. Well, it turns out if you do not use it once a year, you get "removed from the system". Okay. The thing is, you cannot be added back to the system in any way without going to the library and speaking to the (cranky) librarians.

I was informed by the "helpful" woman librarian at the Fair Oaks branch that my card was inactive. She said I should apply for a new one, then took mine and threw it away for me. Okay again.

Fast forward two years. Keeping in mind what the helpful librarian told me, I went in to get a new card.

Librarian:Oh no, wait, you are trying to get a NEW card! You can't have a new card. You HAVE a card.

Me: No I don't, you guys told me it was no good and took it away from me.

Librarian: Sorry, but that could not have happened. (You must be lying, you shifty-eyed patron.) You will have to pay a lost card fee of $5 and get a replacement.

Me: That hardly seems fair, you guys took it from me.

Librarian: We don't do that.

Me: Clearly you do, but it is only $5 and I will consider it a charitable donation (although you are not making me feel charitable).

Librarian then gives me new card after taking my $.

End result: I have a new card. However, I cannot use my new card. The PIN for the old card (which is just lost BTW not confiscated which could never happen) does not match the new card.

Tech support's phone number at the library rings for > 100 times without being answered.

So now I have to face the Librarian again.

Robot dogs

2008-06-04T17:01:00.000-07:00

I ask you, why in the world do humans bother with crap like this? We are so much smarter, furrier, and ever so much more snuggelly. Also hungry. Did I mention it is time for dinner? Hungry? Hey?
Read about Wrex the Robot Dog!

Companies I love.....

2008-05-13T22:13:00.000-07:00

bodybuilding.com

Gosh they ship immediately, if not sooner, and they send an order confirmation, an invoice, and a shipping/tracking number confirmation. Why don't ALL companies do this?

Love love love.

Costco employees should not lick ATM cards

2008-05-08T13:38:00.000-07:00

Today, at the Costco in Rancho Cordova, California, a Costco employee licked my ATM card.

I'm not kidding.

When I tried to scan my card, the usual happened. It wouldn't scan. This happens a lot. I tried several times, to no avail. The cashier, "Victoria A.", then took my card from me. I thought she was going to scan it at her register, but I was wrong! Instead, she licked her index finger, rubbed it on the magnetic strip on my ATM card, then ran it through the scanner.

Yuck.

I guess she did not notice the look of horror on my face. I don't think I was quick enough to hide it!

To be fair, the scanner DID read the card once the card had been licked. I wonder if the guy behind me in line chose to pay with a check rather than scan his card.

I think Costco should have a policy about employee licking. What do you think?

One dog under the hood?

2008-05-06T19:06:00.000-07:00

Apparently a man found a dog under the hood of his car this morning. What was the dog doing there? Chewing on the wires, what else?

Full story on KCRA.com

Places to buy the Furminator

2008-05-01T14:19:00.000-07:00

For those of desperate to look as good as I do, here are a few places you can look to find a Furminator, with links to the item of your dreams:

Costco.com

The local Super Target (yours may not be as well stocked)

Pet Edge (probably best price at least for USA delivery)

Your local Petco or Petco.com

Your local dog groomer or Self-Server Dog Wash -- we have LaunderDog locally and they are willing to order what they don't have that you want. But, they most likely will order from PetEdge, so you may as well too!

eBay and Amazon, they have everything, but you knew that.

You could even combine it with some free fun, just attend your local AKC Dog Show -- they always have vendors with many ways to take your $$. (PS: just for Sophie: the CKC)

The alarming rise in stolen pets

2008-04-16T16:02:00.000-07:00

A very good article, written with the AKC's help, on MSN:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23817557/

Review: Barking, the Sound of a Language by Turid Rugaas

2008-04-14T19:29:00.000-07:00

I read a lot. I rarely write reviews of the books I read, because it has always felt too much like a book report. But I'm going to review at least the dog training books I read. If you want to view my dog book library, just go here! I've been reading and collecting dog books for about 20 years now. I guess I will never win any kudos from Unclutter.com just because of the dog books!

This 100 page soft cover book covers in detail the causes of barking and what can be done by concerned owners to reduce, eliminate, or encourage barking.

Wait, you ask, ENCOURAGE? Yes!

Rugaas has a very sensible approach to animal behavior. You won't find her recommending a bark collar to stop excitement or fear barking. Unlike the better know trainers of today, Rugaas starts with the cause to find a solution, instead of treating the problem, she treats the cause of the problem.

The book is divided into chapters covering six types of barking: excitement barking, warning barking, fear barking, guard barking, frustration barking, and learned barking. There is an additional chapter covering breed-related barking and expression.

I found the chapter on fear barking especially interesting. All dogs have fears. However, dogs are very good at hiding fear, so we don't often notice. My former neighbor had a dog that was always left out in the yard during rain storms. He had a thick coat that when wet had a pronounced odor. The poor guy eventually became terrified of rain, knowing that would banish him from the house. Of course, he barked. Mostly on cloudy days, and before a storm. He wasn't barking to be let in, not specifically. He was barking from fear, of the storm, and from the reprimand that was sure to come his way.

Of fear barking, Rugaas says: "Of course you cannot punish the dog for being afraid! If you do the dog will only become more afraid. Unfortunately it is a fact that fear barking is the kind of barking people punish most often and most severely. Maybe it is because the sound is so penetrating and heartbreaking."

Rugaas emphasizes that barking is communication from the dog to us. For each type of barking, she gives an explanation of how to recognize it, what the cause is, and how to manage it. Note, not how to stop it, just manage it.

This is another in the excellent series by Rugaas. I highly recommend it to anyone who has dogs, barking or not.

Next book up: Aggression in Dogs by Brenda Aloff

Funny twits

2008-03-19T20:57:00.000-07:00

A very funny Twitter-ite: the Very Green Team. Check it out!

Review: Dream of the Salmon Maiden

2008-02-28T13:56:00.000-08:00

"The Dream of the Salmon Maiden" by Ruth MacKenzie.

This music CD uses the Finnish Kalevala as the inspiration for the music. This story is taken the story of Aino, who as a young maiden is promised in marriage to 900 year old Väinämöinen, the hero of the Kalevala. (and the inspiration for Gandalf.) Aino refuses to marry such an old man, and instead goes to the water, drowns herself. She becomes a salmon, and returns to taunt Väinämöinen.

The CD starts out with some very traditional vocals, and quickly gets going with one of my favorite tracks: Kaikk' Miä. It's odd, but I like the tracks in Finnish better than the English ones: I find being able to understand the words distracting.

Did you know there are Swedish bagpipes? I didn't, but I admired "Medley For Swedish Säckpipa". To be honest, a little Celtic music goes a long way for me. I once sat through and entire Irish music concert, and ended up with a headache and nervous tic. This track, though clearly much like Celtic music, was slower in pace, and in a minor key. More like traditional folk music than Celtic music you would hear in a pub. And won't induce nervous tics.

Another track I like is "Soul Bird", which is guitar and vocals, and not at all Celtic sounding. It's a very uplifting and hopeful track.

Another sad Kansas story

2008-02-19T15:50:00.000-08:00

What IS up with Kansas. I used to think I would like it there. I'm not so sure.

Kansas HS refuses female official

The Secrets of Success

2008-02-15T13:26:00.000-08:00

Invincible Labs

2008-02-08T17:15:00.000-08:00

Labs are so indestructible, but this dog more than most! And people wonder why I hold my dogs' leashes tightly when we are not on ground level. And why I refused to consider any home with a loft!

Dog survives six story fall

Trick and treats

2008-02-04T20:24:00.000-08:00

Vicky's video

2008-02-04T18:34:00.000-08:00

This is a test blog of Vicky's video. I think it was filmed by the "Blair Witch" videographers......

Lab POWER

2008-01-30T13:14:00.000-08:00

We thought this story was totally funny. Mom really likes the way the reporter notes that "Buddy accepted delivery." Go LABS!

READ: "My Dog Ate my Super Bowl Tickets"

Cookbooks, Smookbooks

2008-01-23T19:06:00.000-08:00

We killed another cookbook today while mom was at work. I don't know why we do that. But it is kind of fun. we make a huge old mess, and mom has FUN cleaning it up when she gets home.

This time we killed the Campbells soup cookbook. Yesterday we killed the Biggest Loser cookbook, which actually mom had not yet even opened.

Mom is at a meeting tonight, so she came home, fed us (yum) and left again. BUT she enclosed the bookshelf in an x-pen, so that is a bit of a bummer.

More extreme librarian coolness

2008-01-18T16:28:00.001-08:00

Did you know the Library of Congress has a blog? And it's good too. They also have a Flickr account and have posted about 3,000 images. Even better....

Check out the photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/library_of_congress/

And their blog (which will not put you to sleep I swear) is at
http://www.loc.gov/blog/

Library Thing is so web 2.5

2008-01-18T13:25:00.000-08:00

We love LibraryThing. Those crazy wacky librarians and the stuff they think up.

We even bought the cool CueCat scanner so we can add our books just by scanning the UPC code on the back of the book.

So far we have gotten three our our friends to join the cult.

Naturally we have a lot of dog books. One we bought back in 1985 or so, used, for $5, is selling for $450 on eBay. Maybe we should sell it and buy dog toys or something.

Track Your Goals!

2008-01-10T17:29:00.000-08:00

Hey, no excuses! Here's a great little web app that allows you to set goals, and track your achievement (nothing fancy, just a check). If you have multiple goals, it gives you a total score for the day.

You can track, as an example "Did I walk the dog", "Did I walk the dog again", "Did I take the dog to agility", "Did I give very good dogs extra cookies". Stuff like that.

And it has a cool graph that you can add to your blog.

Sweet!

Check it out: Joe's Goals

We also really really love that it is written in ColdFusion

No More Betty Crocker

2008-01-09T19:54:00.001-08:00

NoMoreBettyCrocker
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

We will only accept recipes from the "Three Dog Bakery" cookbook from here on out.

No excuses

2008-01-07T16:40:00.000-08:00

We go for a walk now?

Melinda's Puppies

2007-12-23T18:51:00.001-08:00

4
Originally uploaded by olmikeydog

Teensy tiny little puppy paws from a one week old Lab puppy.