Henry's Hero

So I know I said, "That's my story and I'm sticking to it" in my last post, but apparently, after being challenged by my brother Randy,  I lied.

This is Asash the Sumo grand champion.  He is amazing according to Henry.  Notice the sleeked back hair to his topnotch.  Observe the steely and determined gaze which you could not see if the hair was covering those eyes.  This guy is the real deal. 

Do you see a similarity between the champ and Henry?  After my last post, Randy sent me a set of rules.  I don't know if I should break little Henry's heart and share those rules with him.  What do you think?  He is young enough to admire his Uncle R - but there are five of you uncles out there!  Consider Randy's rules and tell me what you think!

Randall  said...

Rule #1: no pony tails on dogs, see Rule #2

Rule #2: Ribbons on ponytails are absolutely forbidden, see Rule #3

Rule #3: See Rule #1


Was Henry successful in his emulation of the grand champion?  Should he give up and forfeit his efforts?  From the right angle, he not only looks like sumo in training, but has the additional bonus of appearing to have a sprinkler on his head!  Could it possibly get better than that?

Super Dog

Henry graduated from his Intermediate class tonight!  -- Yes he did and we didn't even have to cheat. True, he did earn cute points and that probably contributed to his continued success. Also true without our wonderful trainer, Charlene G., we would never have made it.  She has been so supportive!

We signed up for the next level.  I've got to keep working until the little bugger will come consistently even with distractions.  That may never happen.  He just has so much energy and wants to sniff and lick the whole world.  

His best puppy friend in class, CC brought him a Christmas basket in anticipation of a successful graduation.  The yummy celebratory biscuit about to be munched was in the sack - I think CC's human Barbara may have had something to do with the gift. 

Cats, Otto and Vivika are not impressed with Henry's diploma.  But you don't see them sitting and staying for a minute ten seconds with tasty distractions.  Its a cat thing I guess.  I believe they may be jealous deep down inside.  Very, very, very deep down.

Jingle Bells

I know.  So silly, but I couldn't help myself.  The tree is up.  The outdoor lights are strung in the back and the front.  Packages are stacked and ready for wrapping.  We even have the Southern California equivalent of snow: overcast with a light rain. 

I especially like the dog on the right.  So casual.  Take a nap until his/her big moment at the end.  So doggie!

Please Don't Tell Henry!

Shhhhh.  It would upset him too much, so I am not telling Henry - but Hagrid seems to have gone over to the dark side.   Of all the characters Henry has followed on that silver screen, Hagrid is the one with which he most identifies!  Loving disposition, uncontrollable hair, affinity with all creatures...oh why did it all go so wrong?

....And what are the repercussions?  Will Gawrp imitate his big brother?  Is Hagrid's change a result of Gawrp's natural inclinations?  It just seems to open so many questions.

While dealing with the enormity of this, please remember,  Henry is still a pup and needs to be protected from the unexplainable.  Hermoine, Harry, Ron, and all the Hogwarts 7th years are adults now.  Henry is just eight months old.  A baby.

Crime and Punishment

Yesterday Henry and I packed up a picnic lunch for an afternoon in Michigan Park.  Lunch, training and exercise!

Henry likes going with the long leash - he can sniff and explore and I can keep him reasonably close.  We stay away from the picnic and play area and stick to the areas not used during school hours. Remember we always do the poop patrol - cleaning up after Henry and one other dog  if we find "evidence".  With that - you can already guess what happened.

Crime and Punishment:  We've played in Michigan Park lots of times, but this trip a very apologetic maintenance man asked if we were just passing through or stopping.  When I told him we had stopped for lunch he invoked the "no dog" rule and politely booted us.  Henry was so hurt.  He just could not figure out what he'd done wrong.  He is a responsible Whittier resident too.  Oh, the double standard.  So painful.  Ejected!  I'm saying ejected!

So, today we went back to our favorite exercise walk - the Arroyo Pescadero Nature Perserve. These photos are the after photos. Its a wonderful walk but way longer than Henry and I are used to.  This is the only time I can do a close up of the boy.  He is pooped!  I'm thinking I might need some down time too!

Destruction and Temptations

The cats, Otto and Vivika Heino  decided that the allergy free phony tree was an exciting climb - amazing how much destruction they can do in so little time!  I attempted the time tested - cats hate it, crumpled sheets of aluminum foil solution.  It might have worked for Otto and Vivika, but we will never know.  Henry thought the foil was the best thing in the world.  We will still be finding the scattered shredded bits long after the New Year.

So, we purchased a noble pine.  So far it remains noble.  Henry has not piddled at its base. The cats are interested but they can't figure out how to navigate the dense mesh of branches. We will see how that goes when we have lights and decorations in place.

Henry has discovered water in the tree holder and that access needs to be blocked.  I don't know what they give the trees to keep them semi-fresh but I suspect it might be aspirin and that is toxic for pups.

Puppy proofing the house continues to be an unexpectedly complex challenge.  Henry loves to chew -- cords, shoes, leashes, collars, branches, water bottles, aluminum sheets, brushes and combs -- anything within reach that he can fit in his mouth.  And once it is in his mouth, it is his and retrieval is a "catch-me-if-you-can" game.  Yes!  After we really master "come" the next thing is "drop-it".

Following a truly scary bolt through the gate and into the street during rush hour on Monday,  "come" takes precedence over everything else.  I thought I was going to lose my boy.  Happily the cars swishing by managed to miss him, if just barely. The neighbor across the street stopped traffic one way as I stopped it in the other direction.  It took Greg coming out with treats to finally capture Henry.  We collected quite a line of disgruntled home-bound workers.

We are going through a lot of yummy treat with the "come" command.  I'm putting evil temptations in his path - allowing him in areas normally off limits -- and it is working - sometimes.   I find the sound of the container rattling gets his attention more rapidly than the command itself.  Aaarg.

Dangerous Challenges

On the very positive side, Henry has learned the handy command "right", which undoubtedly means that he can tell his right from his left ..... Well, he does spin in a full circle to his right.  I'm not sure how to use this talent to my advantage, so if you can think of something please tell me.

Under "Dangerous Challenges" please add paint buckets if you have a list.  Preparing for our three kids Christmas homecoming I am painting the entry and the music room.  We are doing the whole thing with a brush since there is so much trim to paint around, which means the bucket is exposed for extended periods.  Cats, Otto and Vivika are interested - but, pup Henry is fascinated.  Oh my goodness.  What he could do with this opportunity.  Henry is doing everything he can to learn the "open the sliding door" trick.  No rewards for that one!

With my brain focused on painting, Otto and Vivika have decided that the tree is their  territory.  The lights and ornaments are not even on the thing and already they have attempted dismantling.  Looks like time for the crumpled foil at the base and bitter apple on the branches!

Not Henry

Henry doesn't hate baths - but at the same time, he could not be accused of being compliant either.  This is Henry after "helping" me with the landscaping under the avocado in the back.  While I try to convince him that a bath would be in his best interest ....

UnHenry-like, check out this easy going pup!  This dog loves baths  www.dogwork.com  Henry would have to be on valium -- and possibly sleeping pills too.

Onion Landscaping --

For those of you bemoaning the fact that you missed the opportunity of apple pie and all the transfer of bricks, soil and broken rebar'd cement -- do not despair! There seems to be plenty more where that came from.  In fact it is like an onion - when you peel back one layer and there is another and another underneath.

Yesterday afternoon Henry went to his baby bed when we came in for a break.  Now that might not mean much to you but think in terms of a five year old wanting to leave the "big boy bed" and returning to his cradle.  He must have been very pooped.

We are taking our morning break again today. I did do a rinse and towel off before I let him in, but Henry is still pretty grubby.  Nothing like mud to make this guy happy.  Don't worry about it.  He is on Greg's chair, not mine.

We did our class last night.  Henry spun in excitement when he saw CC.  Very happy to be there!  He practiced more on the "place" and is learning to stay remotely.  Or, in his case not remotely learning to stay.

A new fun one is spinning.  And I must say with complete accuracy, a pig can put Henry to shame.  No really, check out the video of my instructor filming her boyfriend's pig.
Too cute.    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4U_g1JUtNk 

Long Leash

This is the city answer to running free for little Henry.  The long leash gives him huge opportunities to not follow commands until he is good and ready and to sniff to his hearts content.  Whittier College campus on weekends before 9 a.m. is a vast romp-land free of human distractions.  Wonderful!

We made the big circuit through all the grassy areas after learning that walks through wooded sections is a bit to labor intensive for Henry's human.  There is a lot of leash there to wrap around ... everything.

Apple Pie

The day after Thanksgiving and there is still half a pie left - but only because Greg is at school working today.

The pie will be gone when Greg comes home.  I guarantee.  It is delicious!  Gregory made it and that guarantees it is the best apple pie!

So here is the opportunity:

I need the brick boxes and the cement foundations in the right hand photo removed plus two tons of soil moved to the temporary soil bin on the left.  That is for my landscaping work in an attempt to stay ahead of the chaos created by Henry. Check out the pile already taken care of.  I know it does not look like much, but it is well over a ton.

You have until about 4 p.m. to come and transfer dirt for a slice of pie.  That is when Greg comes home. All bets are off when he arrives the pie will be gone.  Of course, if he reads this, Greg will be home almost immediately anyhow ... in fact, I'm getting very tempted myself.

Just Saying

Henry is supervising the landscaping work again.  He checks it out very thoroughly then digs to rearrange as needed.  I've replanted parts of the ground cover three times so far.  I know I should have waited -- but it was sitting there in its flat hinting that it should be planted right now. In my defense, Henry agreed.  I just didn't realize what motivated the agreement.

So, ever critical, Henry is checking out my work in preparation  for his distruction moves.

Now, of course, he is soil colored up to his tummy and snout to eyes.  Plus, there is lots more to do which means that Henry will be collecting tons more dirt.

I understand I am suppose to limit baths to once a month - but really - he does not look charming. I am envisioning a dunk pool at the back door entrance; just a little something with a wash and rinse cycle then a drying room that fluffs his furry little head.  
 

Almost Thanksgiving

What the heck does little Henry have to be thankful for?  Plenty.  He is a lucky dog.  Here are his current top four:

1.  Humans admire his funny face and great personality. Of course they do.  There is nothing like bright eyes and a wagging tail.  Even the lawn guys and mail carrier like Henry. 

2.  He gets to sprawl on the furniture when he beats us to it.  And unlike Greg and Sue, he can get away with coming in with dirty paws.

3.  Henry can make his human's jump up and rush to the door just by standing by it looking thoughtful. It does not matter what they are doing.  It's hilarious!  The humans have apparently forgotten that he hasn't had an accident in well over a week.

4.  His #1 human slave made turkey for his treats last week and is going to make another one tomorrow - which is fine with Henry.  You cannot have too much of a good training treat.  Henry is hoping there is another frozen one in the freezer for later and then Christmas is coming up too!

Life is good.

Guiding Dog

"Lily is a Great Dane who has been blind since a bizarre medical condition required that she have both eyes removed. For the last 5 years, Maddison, another Great Dane, has been her sight. The two are, of course, inseparable."

This came to me via Greg's sister, Kathy who got the posting from our cousin Olivia - so heartwarming. I wonder how the two dogs figured out how to fulfill each others needs. They appear to be happy and fun loving pals. But, you know it takes a lot of thought by both of the dogs to make Lily's life work.

Although not up to the standards of Lily and Maddison, Henry does take care of me.  He naps with me when I need it, and rarely licks enough to wake me up - if he is tired out.

Jumping down from the back of the couch on my stomach makes me take notice, but I am sure it is just to check on my continued existence - not to chase Otto the cat.  Henry is, perhaps, not cut out to be a guide dog, but comes under the category as a useful cuddler and does take me out for exercise on a regular basis.  Those things count even if not as amazing as those awesome Great Danes. Thoughtful little fluffy pooch.

Intermediate Class #3

Today we were introduced to "place" on a rug, "heal" on a turn, and "sit" tight to my leg when we stop walking. Henry did great on all three.  He may have decided he will perform willingly for fresh turkey.  Or maybe, it was that class was only with CC and Henry.  They got a lot of help from their wonderful teacher, Charlene.  Henry will do anything for her.  We have lots to practice for next week - but I am encouraged.  Henry the super dog!

Can That Be True?

Is that true?  I do find it difficult to believe that two of my favorites could have been so evil early in their careers. Time to watch 101 Dalmations again - just to double check.  Oh, those poor puppies!  I may need to start sorting our viewing for Henry.  He will be eight months old at the end of the month - so caution is appropriate!

Chilly Weather

My feet are cold and I am wiggling my toes to keep them warm.  I have the gas fireplace cranked up and am huddled close.  When I take Henry out to do his business, my toes are colder yet, but he refuses to go alone -- just too cold outside and he is too spoiled I guess.  Not Nanook of the North!

That Washington State Department of Transportation photo taken near the turnoff to Loon Lake gives a hint about the weather.  The weather near our summer cabin, not the weather here.

I'm whining about Southern California - our November home.  No snow - ever.  My chilly toes are in flips and Henry is kitted out in his blue BaxterBoo hoodie. I really dread the change over to close toes shoes with socks.  I guess it is time. We are a couple of wimps, Henry and I.  In our defense, I'll bet no one at Loon Lake did weeding today.  I did! Not much, but some.

Call Henry a Mix

We may have Henry's parentage figured out: Miniature Poodle, Rough Face Pyrenean Shepard and Miniature Terrier.  That's my story and I'm sticking to it!  We'll call Henry a PyrTerriPoo.  No.  Not a Terri-poop.  We are much too respectable for that.  We could call him a mix.  That would be true - but I am holding out for at least a "Charming Mix", with the capital letters embedded!

Puppy Owner's Heaven

I like going to the pet store.  Its filled with lots of fun I-really-do-need-it and impulse-buy possibilities.  It isn't as great as shopping for Samantha and Stephanie 30 and 20 years ago  But they formed opinions early - no dress up dolls in this family!  Well, until Henry. He can be talked into anything if I use my enthusiastic voice.  

This time we could not do without:
One pair of Scaredy Cut scissors - (hair is hanging in Henry's eyes again)
One Kong treat toy - (can't have the boy bored - that's when he misbehaves)
One doggie stay in place training mat - (need it for the third training class)
One washable, reversable Henry bed - (he keeps dragging the bed out of his crate)
One tube of delicious training treats - (class with lots of distractions tonight)

 

As you can see, the bed worked out well - one try and he dragged his crate bed out to chew on.  The kong has become his new favorite bark-at-it toy.

Visitors

One interesting thing about creating this blog is seeing the list of Henry's visitors.  I wish I could figure out how to allow you to post pictures of your dogs in my layout.  I did see a blog spot that allowed photo posts and was amazed.  Henry would love to see his doggie acquaintances.

Visitors:

United States 676

Russia 39

Germany 4

Indonesia 4

Columbia 2

Argentina 1

Bulgaria 1

Canada 1

United Kingdom 1

South Korea 1

So, hello out there!  I'm glad you visited and so is Henry.  Hope your puppies are healthy and happy : >

What is it about....

What is it about a broom, dust-mop, shovel, hoe, rake, lawnmower ... that makes Henry crazy?  He is generally a gentle unassuming little dog -- okay, quiet you guys.  I know "unassuming" may be a bit of an exaggeration.

So, here is what is happening.  I am transferring the large colored concrete tiles from the front parking strip to the back treed section of our property.  Henry awaits me at the gate after I pull the thick hunks out and put them on the transfer trolley.  He follows me back along the house.  Eventually the slabs will create a small patio for the chairs under the leafy canope.  That area stays ten degrees cooler on the 100+ summer days.  It is nice to be able to sit out there with a book.

While I am working on the new area Henry is in full-out bark mode, diving at the shovel head and dodging and barking at the scoops of soil as it is transferred to the berms around the sequoia and the avocado trees.  He lunges at the rake still barking enthusiastically as I try to level the area.  Henry even eyes the metal level in case that tool grows teeth as I check for "flat"!  The neighbors must think he is attacking an intruder.  Unfortunately Henry would just offer an evil-intent intruder wet puppy kisses.  Even the squirrel chattering up in the tree avocado cannot get Henry's attention.

There is a difference in tone.  Henry can bark with joy and happiness.  You can hear him celebrating life.  This is not that bark.  Henry is trying to threaten the rake and bark it into submission.  I think he is a bit frightened by the shovel and rake and broom and all those other things on the list.  I guess it is time to get him beyond that.

My family will tell you I get tired and grumpy when doing hot sweaty work.  Maybe not the best time to train my pup, but in this case, it is time to combine training with hot and sweaty.  Hum....my trigger word will be "quiet" and today I'll take out the cheesy star training treats (yum.) This is a real commitment on my part!  I've never attempted training while doing physical work.  Training Henry is usually work enough!

Later: well, that did not work out well.  Henry did a lot of barking and ate cheesy stars every time I convinced  him a treat is better than a bark. I think he may have learned that if he barks then quits he gets a treat - so: bark, treat, bark, treat..... He is tired.  I am tired.  We're going to bond for awhile on the recliner.

Second Intermediate Class

Class went great.  Henry and I got to know Cinnamon (the big dog that frightened Henry last week) and his owner before class.  Cinnamon is certainly rambunctious but beautiful.  Cinnamon's owner is probably 13 or 14 and embarrassed when Cinnamon misbehaves.

He uses his angry voice when his tail wagging six month old lunges or barks.  The pup just wants to have a good time.   I let him mouth my hand in greeting a couple of times and that seemed to make Cinnamon's human more relaxed...and probably Henry as well.

All the while, Henry is tail wagging and cautious but willing.  I think the days at PetSmart in doggie day care were great for him.  He was much more confident and no trembling at all.

Work on reminders from class two:
1.  walk at heel - no pulling.
2.  sit and stay - extend time
3.  down and stay - extend time
4.  Henry eyes focusing on me
5.  try it all increasing distractions

Use "okay" consistently as the release from a command.
I need to be careful to use the release word and not a physical reaction.
Give  "yes" when he makes eye contact or does a desired action with a treat.

Pets Hotel Pawgress Report

He went - he saw - he maybe conquered?  

Henry spent three nights in the Pets Hotel and was happy and chipper when I picked him up.  I did attempt a reunion video on my cell phone, but it did not work out well - it involved a lot of enthusiastic jumping and puppy tongue smear marks on the lens.  In other words, exactly what a proud puppy owner wants to see but exactly what does not work well for video.


Henry received his visit progress report, and he did fine - documentation is in the second photo frame on the left for your perusal and evaluation.  I do wish I could have had a spy!  

I would like to know how he interacted with the other dogs in more detail.  I guess I'll get a pretty good idea when Henry and I go back to PetSmart to take his Monday intermediate class tonight!  


He has always been so anxious to get in the door to see what there is to see (who knows what gets him most excited: furry creatures, huge heaps of dog food and puppy treats, the thrill of the classroom....). If he is still anxious to get into the store, I'll know it really went well.  I do have some yummy new puppy training treats, so no matter what, it will all be good.

Graduation!

Here it is everyone!  Henry did it.  He is now officially a Puppy Education graduate!

Our instructor, David took the puppies through their paces and Henry did ... okay.  Come on guys, you knew he would mess up. He does so much better at home and even in Petsmart when he is not in class.  I know.  Yada, yada, yada.

All he wanted to do was play with David.  David ignored him, but of course that just encouraged Henry.  He passed anyway.  Yay!!

Trembling Cautious Canine

First intermediate class last night.  I really like the instructor.  She does obedience with a couple of her own dogs.  Henry loved her!  Only three dogs showed up: one tiny (yip, pant, yip, pant), one big dog (bark, bark, pull, pull, bark, pull) and Henry.  Henry loves the little female and is very frightened of the big dog and is, of course as always, distracted by them both.

It will be interesting to see how it goes with the big dog.  He is beautiful, but quite a handful.  The trainer worked with each of us individually last night and gave some great suggestions for taking Henry to the next level, but only after sending the big dog out to be walked a bit.  Henry still spent most of his time watching for the big dog through the window. I've never seen my boy tremble before.  Pathetic. 

Work for this week:
1.  sit and stay - do it with the food.  Have Henry sit and stay then lower his food in front of him.  Don't give it if he does not maintain his sit and stay.  He will undoubtedly slim down some.
2.  walk in position - while he walks on left side, hold leash with right hand and offer treats with the left hand when he makes eye contact and is in heal position.  The idea is to keep his head at my leg instead of in front of it.  If I reach across instead of straight down, I'm leading him too far forward.  I'm going to have to roast another chicken.  He will do anything for that treat. 

I do think this will be a great class for Henry if I can get him over his wariness of the big dog.  That is going to be a challenge.

Halloween!

First, in my defense, I waited until the day before Halloween when the costumes were 75% off.  Unfortunately, that meant the bumblebee costume that was really exactly Henry was sold out.  So you will not need to ask, Henry is a frog for Halloween.

It was either that or a footballer costume.  I don't want to encourage aggression - so I ruled that one out.  There were a bunch of girlish costumes too, but boy dogies are so easily embarrassed and I didn't want to add something to his background that would require trips to a puppy psych specialist in the future.

Now, for the best news!  We miss Halloween.  Henry is starting his intermediate puppy class tomorrow evening.  He has decided to go as a dog instead of a frog.  He just feels he will get more respect that way.  I have my doubts, but will not share them with Henry.

I am thinking of putting Henry in the PetSmart Puppy Hotel for our next trip to Eugene.  It can be arranged with play time visits and a treat time that looks pretty neat.  I checked out the facility and it looks very clean, well organized with lots of workers.  If anyone has first hand knowledge, I'd like to hear!

Eugene and Whittier

One of my few pre-school memories - 60 or so years ago - is of my mom taking me for a treat at a drug store around the corner from Dr. Rutherford's office in Seattle. It was after an inoculation and I still remember being extremely miserable.

So what if she is in graduate school; she is still one of my baby girls. I asked Stephie what she wanted after her doctor visit, she was miserable too, but with more justification.  She wanted to have her bedroom painted. 

So my last day visiting, that is what we did.  It took most of the day scraping, filling, sanding and painting but we finished up just after midnight.
 
Heading home today,  I slept on the flight from Eugene to Seattle and the flight from Seattle to Long Beach.  I'm all caught up!  Just as well.  Arriving home, Henry welcomed me with enthusiastic jubilation.  This is the "after shot".  He used up all his energy but made me feel very welcome.

Long Distance Henry

I am in Eugene.  Henry is in Whittier.  We just "talked" over the phone.  The phone slobber must mean he misses me.  (No!  I don't care what you say. He misses me.) I am sure Greg is spoiling him.

Now, back to the halloween theme - since I cannot torment Henry with halloween outfits at a distance, I had Stephie dress up for me.  This was at the more cheerful time - pre-oral surgery. A time still full of hope that the fractured jaw would all go away before it was time to collect halloween candy.  The right hand picture is ten hours after the oral surgeon finished with her. All thoughts of solid candy are out of her mind.  Melted chocolate and ice cream is about as close as she will get for the next six weeks.

It could be worst!  At least the jaw is held in place with pegs and bands instead of being wired shut - and as always, Steph manages to remain pretty cheerful or at least grateful for any small blessings.

Avid Henry Watchers Beware

Get well soon flowers for Stephie : )

You may be feeling Henry update withdrawals in the next few days.  I am leaving Greg in charge of the four legged boy and am going on an unscheduled trip north to Eugene.

My two legged youngest daughter went head over heels on her bike and needs a second set of ears when she visits an oral surgeon for her fractured jaw.  She tells me the cut up face is healing though still scary and the tooth cut mouth will be okay eventually.  The swollen knee would like to be driven to classes instead of biking there for a few days.

This means, of course, that Henry will be missing his Thursday final exam for his puppy class.  I promise this is not just an excuse to avoid the humiliation of failure.  Henry is doing quite well thank you -- but if it was an excuse, it would be a really great one!

Third Play Date

Building a clubhouse for five year old Otis is great fun especially with the help of two dogs and the curious and hands-on five year old. While the two dogs spent time discussing whether or not the extension cord would be more useful in two pieces, Otis experimented with cardboard box dwellings and construction scraps.

Henry thinks a five year old is just right, and the five year old thinks Henry is a bit too clingy.

Did we finish?  Nope. If you look at the photo to the left, you will see that it really doesn't look a whole lot different than yesterday's efforts. We did get the floor in and it is lovely and solid.  It will eventually be sanded and painted to avoid slivers.  We also got the board in place to create the roof pitch for drainage. I refuse to mention that we may need to jack up the left side  to get it totally level.

I also will not mention that Henry dug up a dead squirrel that Arlo buried at some point. There was a very definite over ripe odor. Henry is going to enjoy a bath this evening before bed.