Cats and Dogs Living Together...

Patches went to his second night of "advanced" doggie class.  We missed last week so went in early to learn last week's stuff.  Patches did very well.  He heeled very well and did his Automatic Sits and his Automatic Turns much better than he normally does. He was performing in front of the trainer so he was trying to show off.  As soon as I turned the corner and was out of sight of the trainer, he's sniffing all over the floor and acting like he doesn't know his name or what sit means or any of that!

During class, we also worked on Easy and Hurry during Heels (he basically has to stay at our pace no matter what).  We also practiced on making him control himself more.  We did a couple of long Down Stays and then we stood behind him and threw treats over his head and he had to "Leave It" until we picked them up and gave them to him. (He thought that was very odd the first time we did it!  "Dudes, you're like throwing food at my head!  I am going to eat that!")  We also worked on "Stand Stay" where he stands motionless for a few seconds (we have to tickle his ribs to get him to move from Sit to Stand.  It's ingrained in him that GOOD DOGS SIT.  So it seems very awkward to him to be still be "good" and move from Sit to Stand.)  We also worked on Finish which involves Patches coming to us, sitting  in front of us very closely and then circling to the right and sitting at our left side.  Not sure why we'd use it, but there it is.

Patches gets along with all the other dogs very well, including a new Jack Russell who is about 6 inches tall and snarls at everyone except Patches.  My new favorite dog is Phil who is very shy and scared of humans but is a "dog's dog."  Everybody (everydog?) loves him.  When Patches got all worked up because he couldn't go play with a boxer walking by, Phil came trotting over to see if Patches was ok.  Really.  He just trotted over inquisitively and was very concerned and wanted Patches to calm down a bit. (Truly, we all wanted Patches to calm down a bit)  Lexie, the shy, scared (evil) German Shephard, still doesn't like Patches and actually tried to go after him last night again.  EEEKS.  They are scary dogs. 

The cats are still adjusting to Savannah's absence.  We all are.  It's weird not to have to feed them at exactly 7 pm and 7 am every day (diabetes issues).  Savannah was such a presence here that it's very quiet without her. (Especially at 2:00 am when would I roll over and all of a sudden a large, vibrating ball of purring fur would jump on my chest for a late night snuggle.)  Scarlett particularly seems to be figuring out her place now.  The first few days after Savannie left, Scar and Duncan slept with us all night long, snuggled up as close as they could.  Now they move in and out during the night.  It's obvious when this happens because the dog jumps around his crate barking and lunging and we sit bolt upright in bed variously mumbling and shouting different names and commands such as "Patches! No!  Quiet.  Scarlett, it's ok.  Patches, it's ok!  Duncan, Duncan where are you? It's ok" This usually happens about 1:30 am and 4:30 am.  It's a lot of fun! 

Off to go think great thoughts.  Or at least, get out of the house and go to the office...

8:41:46 AM