On Sunday we had human stuff planned, my son's birthday luncheon. Ember was content to have some extra down time, as was Carl. We went to Red Robin, and let me say, it gave echoes of son's growing up years. Growing boys can really pack away the food. I had a grain-burger, and it was very good. They offer broccoli as a side, and it was cooked to perfection. We shared a stack of onion rings, and a stack of donuts for dessert. A very pleasant outing.
Tuesday it was back to "normal", Ember to day care, me to the trainer.
Wednesday, Ember got her groom on. No bandana this time, just a clean-smelling, soft-furred dog.
We had "adventures" getting to our grooming appointment, though. A one-car accident happened at the nearest intersection to the vet/groomer/daycare/boarding place. Pair that with major road construction on one of the streets that meets there, beginning one block away, resulting in "no left turn" for a couple of miles... well, let us say, with free choice drivers, we were a few minutes late. The news reported the driver was injured but survived. He did not have a valid driver's license, and experienced a medical episode, leading to the crash.
While Ember was at the groomer I swept, dust-mopped, and mopped the tile floors. Always gives a great sense of accomplishment!
Thursday, normal day care and trainer again. I just kind of collapsed in a heap after the trainer. Worn out.
Friday... well, it was a rainy day. Ember contentedly napped and so did I. We played mental games. There is one that Susan Garrett refers to as "Vito's game", where you don't talk to your dog, you engage their minds to determine the pattern they have to travel to get you to dispense treats. It's quite educational for the human, too, as you watch the dog think it out. This is only the second time I've played this game with her.
Thinking back over the months Ember has been with me, I see what the roadblocks were in training (at least some of them) and how layers of training in Recallers (Susan's online course) make the next game work. I know more about what Ember likes and doesn't like now, what will be most rewarding to her (and thus a better training reward). Learning to not rush things, but go at the pace where she's ready, is the biggest lesson for me.
That said, she really doesn't like wet grass to do her business. All the accidents we have had in the past month have been related to "it's too hot outside, Mom" or "I don't want to get my feet wet, Mom!" I've had a few successes in getting her to go out with me and do her business, but also some stray failures. And she's a year and a half old, this next week!
Life is good. Keep on Sparking!
Ember really has come a long way too, she is such a good girl and I see that when something happens there usually is a good reason in her mind. You have done so great with that girl. I love the picture of Prisoner and Ember, they too have come a long way. Have a great week ahead.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to make sure she gets opportunities to show her growth and I don't leave her "stuck" in earlier stages, too. Example: walking past other people's automatic sprinklers... these used to freak her out, last year.
DeleteIt's wonderful that Poor Kitty and Ember have established a tolerance of each other. Happy belated birthday to DS. A fun outing for sure.
ReplyDeleteTypically, July in this area, results in the color brown everywhere: grass, crops, weeds. You name it and it's brown. This year is the hottest and wettest in my memory. My brain tells me to grateful it's not snow and ice. The extreme weather now causes another extreme heat warning for today. Wishing you and your fur buddies a great week. Stay cool.
Yes, we have that extreme heat warning today, too. Thankfully, Ember and I got out at 7 a.m. when the thermometer still read in the lower 70's. It was humid enough that I got home covered in sweat, anyway! Despite the recent rains, we're still below average and in "moderate drought" around our city.
DeleteSounds like a wonderful birthday celebration for DS @ Red Robin!
ReplyDeleteBet Ember enjoyed the grooming! But the trip there sounds like a nightmare w/the construction and accident. Glad that the driver survived, but sounds like some serious medical problems. And NOT good that driver didn’t have a valid driver’s license. **SIGH** That is a huge problem here in WI.
I bet you were worn out after the trainer on Thursday.
Miss Lilly is not a fan of wet feet, either. First thing done when she gets in from wet outside is rub the towel on the feet. Then she’s happier.
Here’s to a good week ahead.
Hugs
Barb
1cd
I just know I'd love your Miss Lilly! Ember probably would, too. It's been beastly hot here on Sunday. She stayed home in her crate in the air conditioned house while I went out in the heat to support foster grand son at his t-ball game.
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ReplyDeletePerhaps gender & frequent proximity & sharing a Humom affect the Ember grooming Prisoner picture in addition to Ember & Carl's breed traits. Sweet photo.
Susan
Perhaps so, Susan! Since we can't read their furry minds, we might never know. This afternoon, The Prisoner came into the house, saw Ember outside her crate, and opted to exit back into the heat. But Ember did not give chase. I can feel true tolerance is going to happen. Hopefully in time for next Winter! LOL.
DeleteWow, what a week you've had! From birthday celebrations and nostalgic Red Robin trips (growing boys, right?!) to navigating "adventures" just to get Ember groomed – it sounds like you packed a lot in.
ReplyDeleteIt's so interesting how Ember and Carl have such different reactions to "The Prisoner." Those breed traits really shine through, don't they? And kudos to you for tackling all those floors after the grooming appointment! Nothing beats that feeling of a clean house.
I loved hearing about your rainy Friday with Ember, especially "Vito's game." It's amazing how much you learn about them, and yourself, through those mental challenges. And you're so right, patience is definitely key in training. It sounds like you're really understanding Ember's unique personality and what motivates her.
Happy early birthday to Ember for next week! Hopefully, you'll have more dry grass days for her. You're doing a fantastic job with her! (((BIG HUGS)))
Thanks... our fur-friends keep us learning, don't they?
DeleteOur pastures still have a surprising amount of green grass; thus far I haven't had to pitch any hay. But it's like I was telling my SIL, it's a never-ending carousel of laundering throw rugs in my household! (she had texted me bcz her new rescue terrier had peed on a rug; I doubt it was a UTI!)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I hear y'all got considerable rain down there... too much at once in some parts of the state. I hear you about the never-ending carousel of laundering!
DeleteAlways enjoy your blogs and pictures….glad to see Prisoner tolerating some love from Ember! Stay hydrated and cool in this heat. I still do my daily 4 miles at 7 AM BUT that is about the extent of my outdoor time! Eissa7 (Karen)
ReplyDeleteI am impressed by your 4 miles a day! I'm not doing anything in terms of my own walking, just out with the dog!
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