Hoshi started his Fun-damentals of Obedience & Rally today. I made the mistake of not feeding him breakfast right before we left so he was begging and whining for treats throughout the class making him less than cooperative. I kept giving him treats just to keep him quiet. So far we didn’t cover anything new. We did sit, down, stand, stay, heel, about turn, left and right finishes, fronts and figure 8s. There were a lot more people in this class (8 I think). The instructors were completely opposite. One was a military type shouting commands the other soft spoken. I think it’s good having a variety of instructors with different teaching styles. They say we could work on a Companion Dog (CD) title if we are judged in 3 shows with passing scores. I don’t know if I’m up to showing. I’ll think about it.
Category: Diary
Hoshi passed his Canine Good Citizen test
Hoshi took his exam this morning and did very well.
Medication
Gabby has been doing well since he started taking Vetmedin. I’m ordering Vetmedin through Foster & Smith as a significant discount. His cough has improved. His activity improved slightly. He sleeps a lot. He has lost weight–a good thing because he was overweight. I’ve decreased his Lasix dosage from 120mg (without my vet’s approval) to 80mg per day because his symptoms have improved with Vetmedin. 120mg of Lasix is a whopping dose even for a human.
He’s doesn’t like peanut butter like he used to. I use peanut butter to give his pills. Gabby takes 5 pills in the morning and evening. I’m using Jiff honey peanut butter he seems to like it the best. I’ll have to switch to something else if continues to be picky.
Gabby doesn’t have the strength he used to. It might be related to his blood pressure medication or inactivity. He’s lost a lot of muscle tone. This causes him to trip going up or down stairwells or getting down from the car.
Getting Gabby Up
I have to coax Gabby to get up for potty. I use treats. It funny, Gabby tries to steal the treats from me while he’s still in bed. He’s like a alligator lying motionless then he lunges in the blink of an eye taking the treat from my hand. I have to count my fingers to make sure they’re all there.
FUN-damentals Obedience & Rally
I’m taking advantage of our local club’s proximity to home. I signed Hoshi up for another class. I’d like to reinforce some of the skills Hoshi has learned so far. Gina, Hoshi has received much praise for his pleasant demeanor and cuteness! They are surprised how sociable he is for a cocker spaniel. 😕
Haircut
I gave Hoshi a haircut this week really trimming back his legs. They look choppy. We were pleased with his face and topknot. I think I shaved too much of butt because it doesn’t match the longer hair on his legs. I tried blending it–learn as you go. I’ll take pictures when I have a chance. It took me all afternoon to finish his trim. I think it well go much faster once I get the hang of it plus his hair won’t be so tangled. I’m getting the hang of using the table arm and loops. Hoshi HATES having his face trimmed–It’s a wrestling match every time!
Marking!
I was wondering if Hoshi would ever pee like big dog. Yup! Now he’s marking (inside too) like he’s discovered a new toy. He does it whenever he’s excited so I’m going to work on confining him and remedial house training.
Hoshi Graduates!
