I'm utterly amazed.

By two things. 1) I learned something useful from a TV show, and 2) The difference in our dog.


Elsa with Sam, a few days after we got him. He had just fallen off the dock into the water, hence the dejected look. P.S. He's lots bigger now.

Ever watched the show The Dog Whisperer? I randomly landed on it the other day while at work, and watched for a bit. I don't suppose it'd be incredibly interesting, other than the fact that our pooch has been in need of some training. So, since I liked the guy's style (treating the dog like a dog, not like a child) and that the system seemed to work consistently I took what I could from the show.

Having grown up with dogs that were trained by siblings at 4-H dog training, I got to enjoy well behaved dogs, but never put the time into training -or learned how to train- them myself. Our dog's been in need of a change, if he was gonna last around here.

Today, I gave the basics a try. Now, Sam is not out of control like some, just hyper and in need of learning how to listen. For example, he loves licking Elsa's face every moment he can, no matter what; he loves trying to grab gloves off your hands (and usually gets the hand too...). You know, those annoying things.

The basic premise of the Dog Whisperer is to teach the dog who's the dominant one in the pack. The first way to do this is by attaching a lead, and making them follow you; never letting them lead. Warning, eat your Wheaties if you're gonna give it a try. Boy, did I get an arm workout. Sam bounced around,twisted this way and that, tried everything he could to get away. I didn't scold or yell, just kept giving the lead (actually, a piece of rope...I picked up a leash today. High tech around here..) a firm yank. The whole time, you walk along, making him follow; keep your head up, look (and feel, the aura you give matters) important. Sounds so simple, doesn't it?

It worked. After about 5-10 minutes of fighting, he gave in and followed. His ears went back (a sign of submissiveness and listening,) and he got all attentive on me, and nothing else. It was amazing.

Just a minute ago, I was in the porch and stopped to pet him. Usually if I sit down, he immediately puts his nose in my face and gets all hyper. Tonight? Sam came over, calmly laid his head on my leg and let me pet him. Wow.

I know it'll take consistency and more training to get rid of all the bad habits, but I'm ecstatic at the progress in just one 20 minute session.

He's a smartie

Coming home from church, driving down our still bumpy road, Oliver informed me "it be really bumpy, need to pick it up." "Huh??" I asked, and very know-it-all-like, he informed me: "need to pick up the rocks, so it not be bumpy." Heh. Sounds like work to me.

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In other news, we acquired a kitty today. My mother-in-law found it outside her work a few days ago, half starved, with frost bitten toes. (I'm also wondering if those really pink ears might have been a little too, as well as a spot on her nose. Poor thing.) She's been at Eric's grandma's, and today we brought her home. So far she hasn't done much other than eat, hide/sleep and purr. I really debated weather I wanted an indoor cat, but I was over-ruled; the kids love animals, and Eric thought it'd be alright. I decided she'd be alright since she's already housebroke, and seems to be very friendly and kid loving. Hopefully once she's healed up, she'll be indoor/outdoor...(emphasis on the outdoor.) Oh, and that mouse Eric saw in our room this morning was the clincher.

Now she just needs a name. Oliver's suggestions include "Two"(?) and "Cat." Anyone got a good one? She's all white with the gray on her forehead and the tip of her tail. One eye is half blue half green and the other is green.

We enjoyed a beautiful day yesterday, but the winds of change are upon us, and me thinks the cold is coming back-boo.

Have a relaxing Sunday!