For anyone thinking of getting a puppy, Ian Dunbar has posted his Before and After Getting Your Puppy books online. You can download the PDFs free here:
http://www.dogstardaily.com/free-downloads
I'm now fostering my second puppy, Joey, and boy is it easy to take for granted the things you pick up. This past weekend, I went with dear friends to Tahoe, so re-fosterd the dog with a fellow volunteer for the rescue organization I work with, Coppers Dream. The woman who took him was confused by my instructions that he appeared to be housetrained. "Does that mean," she asked me last night, "that he only goes to the bathroom in the house?" It was a rough weekend for everyone (but me).
Education is a good thing. Also a big thanks to everyone for their fabulous insights and suggestions. G told me about a game where you hide a treat, out of the dog's sight. Then you instruct him to "find it!", giving voice cues: Cold, warm, and hot. Tone is important. Also J showed me how to tip a rambunctious puppy over and rub his belly til he goes limp. Totally chills him out. Now if I could just figure out how to keep him from stealing my slippers...
It's been 10 weeks since I last wrote. (Where *does* the time go?) My freelance work is starting with more of a trickle than a bang. At least this time around, I'm enjoying my free time. Goals: regular workouts, improve diet, reduce drinking, write every day, and meditate at least 3 times a week. How hard can that be?
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