Back to Class

Well we started our obedience classes again last night and Oak did a fabulous job. He still doesn;t like to stay though :) He also thought the other dogs cheese treats looked much better then his hot dog treats! The trainer told me Oak was getting fat, so I guess next time we'll have to go with chicken weiners!
We also found his sister on facebook and we hope to go meet her soon. I'll make sure to take lots of pictures.

Oak's Horoscope

Cancer - June 22 - July 22

Element: Water
Modality: Cardinal
Ruler: Moon
Symbol: Crab
Healing Combo: Aquarius, Sagittarius

Most compatible with: Scorpio. Pisces, Taurus, Virgo

What a Cancer dog daydreams about: Rainy days and snow storms so you'll have no interest in going outside. AMC movie marathons, listening to the radio and watching you smoke your pipe or bake apple pie.

Keywords: sensitive, moody, emotional, intuitive, domestic, shy, touchy, nurturing, protective, needy.

The Personality Snapshot:

Cancer dogs need to be cuddled.
Cancer dogs need to be mommied.
Caner doggies say "home is where the heart is."
Cancers dogs need home-cooked food.
Cancer dogs need you to remember their birthday and your anniversary.
Cancer dogs have memories like an elephant-they never forget.
Cancer dogs are extremely sensitive to harsh words-so speak sweetly and softly.
Cancer dogs don't always like other dogs unless they're equally as sensitive.

Oak definitely loves to be cuddled and mommied. He loves other dogs, so that part does not fit.

In-Depth:

You Don't Bring Me Flowers Anymore:
The most sensitive and nurturing of all dogs. They have a tough shell exterior but that's simply to protect their vulnerable little hearts. They want to take care of you but be babied in return. Like their symbol, the crab, Cancer doggies will never approach matters directly but will sidle up to you with subtle hints that they need something. They're home-loving pups and soooo keenly sensitive to their environment that if you live in a dump or austere flat then start decorating they'll be forced to run away from home. This domestic doggie needs to be treated like a true and cherished member of the family — not just some pet relegated to a dog house or crate. This dog is not only sensitive but borders on psychic. They feel when you're going to leave them for your vacation even if you leave no clues. They'll even run and hide when they feel a vet trip in the near future — even though you've given no indication that you've booked an appointment.

When Oak thinks I am leaving he goes and sits in front of the door. There's no way I'm going anywhere without him :)

C.D. (Cancer Dog) Phone Home:
This doggie is more than just a lover of all things domestic — they are fervently attached to their home. It takes a lot to convince them that there is anything worth leaving their little sanctuaries for. If they could live under a blanket away from all loud noises, people and other doggies they probably would. They'd hope you would share this home-loving sensibility and feel it utterly unnecessary to go out. They can't stand to see you leave the home, and wait anxiously for your return. Their favorite times are cozy nights spent at home with you. They love affection from you but can't stand stranger's touching them let alone grooming them — especially if they're rough or aggressive. Cancer stars are so shy and sensitive on first meeting and may surprise you by how antisocial they can be. Other than their immediate family, Cancer puppies really don't care for strangers all that much. They'll be utterly traumatized if you throw them into a dog run with a bunch of brutish types. They need to be around other sensitive and caring souls who approach gently and with caution. Overzealousness makes their fur crawl.

This part does not fit at all. He loves everyone, doesn't mind going to the groomers at all, and he's not the least bit antisocial. He thinks everyone is his friend and they should all want to pet him :) His friend at daycare is Barkley. There is nothing calm and quiet about Barkley. He is constantly running around and playing and getting Oak to play too.

Memories, Like the Corners of My Mind:
This dog has a memory like an elephant and expects you to have the same. Especially when it comes to remembering their birthday or the anniversary of the day you brought your baby home. Be sensitive to shower them with plenty of reassurance and make them feel safe and secure knowing that you'll never leave their side for long. They have an abandonment complex after all. They'll be unduly traumatized for life if you raise your voice or even yank their leash too hard out of impatience. Things that might just roll of another dog star's back will leave deep scars for life on your thin-skinned Cancer doggie. And they may forgive, but they never ever forget.

He does seem to think I am going to abandon him if I leave, but sometimes the only way to get him to listen is to yank on his leash!

Looney Tunes:
Cancer dog stars are ruled by the moon, which might explain their frequent lunatic-like outbursts. Your friends and neighbors will undoubtedly marvel at the odd ball behavior of your Cancer pooch — wondering where on earth you ever got such a loose-cannon creature. Just make sure they don't insult your hypersensitive pooch because the Cancer dog star's feelings are so easily hurt. You'll have to get used to the way your moon-ruled pup exhibits even stranger behaviors on the full moon. They may even start howling for no reason or suddenly start wolfing down their dog food on those nights. Or maybe they simply run around the house like a possessed little freak for no apparent reason. Blame it on La Luna.

I can definitely see this in Oak. He goes looney every night! Runs around, plays, wants outside, wants inside etc. Some nights he'll even start barking at nothing!

If the Cancer dog could talk, he or she would say:

That hurt my feelings
I don't want leftovers — I want the special people food that you're eating.
You forgot our anniversary!

He'll eat anything, anytime and I'm not sure his feelings would ever be hurt!

What a Cancer dog wants in an owner:

I want someone to treat me like their little baby and make me feel I am really the most cherished member of the entire family. If you have a baby already, I will be so jealous because I want to be the child of the family. I need nurturing! I want someone who hates to leave home for any extended period of time. And don't try to fool me by packing at the last minute, because I'll sense if you're leaving days before. Puleeez, don't abandon me or I could easily develop digestive issues. The more domestic and home-loving you are, the more my little Cancerian soul will feel assured. It's all about security lest my fur start falling out. I really need a sensitive owner who has the kind of loving care a doting Grandparent gives their favorite grandchild. I'd prefer if you wouldn't bring strangers around the house and expect me to interact with them in some extroverted way. Ain't happening friend — I don't like sharing my house or my owner with new people — my place my space! I want us to hide out together in our quiet little sanctuary — safely away from the battering of the cruel outside world. And why do you have to bring any outsiders in? It makes me way uncomfortable, I'll have you know. I don't warm up to others that easily. It takes time and I have to trust before I'll be willing to come out of my furry shell.


He definitely expects to be doted on and he loves being number one in my life. He gets upset if I pet one of the other dogs. He would never hide though, he expects to be in the forefront and the center of everyone's attention!

Healthy Pleasures:
Oh, and I'd like an owner who uses all natural cleaning and grooming products because I have a very delicate system. Chemicals make me ill. I prefer natural doggie food too as artificial ingredients could easily lead to major health issues because I just mentioned, I've got a sensitive constitution. I'm also a very finicky eater, so if I don't like my dog food, I won't eat it.

He definitely enjoys the natural food. He is fed B.A.R.F. - biologically appropriate raw food and he is blossoming. His fur is gorgeous, he is solid and very healthy. No chemicals for my baby!

Barking at the Moon:
I want someone who likes to go for long walks on the full moon and won't mind if I display my whacky lunar tendencies when the moon is full. If you're into moon worship or Wicca, you'll totally rock my world. When the moon is new, I'm usually at my lowest energy. When it's waxing, I may actually agree to leave the house once in awhile. When it is full, look out! I may need to do laps around the house and then bark like a psycho for the fun of it. When the moon is waning, I need my space and extra sleep time. Keeping in tune with the moon phases is key if you want to understand my whacky, lunar nature. My little doggie moods ebb and flow in accordance with the big silver ball in the sky.

No sleeping yet, maybe when he gets older :) He is defintely a whacky puppy though. He loves playing, eating, going for walks, going to the dog park, playing with other dogs or people and even going to the groomer!

What's you dog's horoscope say?

Toy or Not ... ?

Last night Oak was outside and I heard this strange noise coming from the backyard. I went out on the deck to see what was going on, and this is what I saw....



Oak had decided the lid for the garbage can made a great toy and he was carrying it around the backyard and swinging it back and forth! He even brought it up on the deck to show me, but he ran back down because he was afraid I was going to take it away.



Puppies can turn anything into a toy :)

Sleepy Boy

I love the days Barkley is at daycare. This is what Oak looks like for the rest of the night :)

Practice Graduation

So last night was graduation for our obedience class. I call it our "practice graduation" because I knew we were't going to pas the first time round! Oak was his usual playful self. During the heel exercise he spent the whole time jumping up and trying to grab the leash(of course he had a big smile on his face the entire time).
When the instructor said halt, I would stop and Oak would sit(as he should) but not neccessarily beside me. Once he was behind me, once in front, then once sort of beside.



Next came Stand for Examination. He has never stayed during this exercise, except when we are at home of course. This time he actually stood and stayed when I told him too! The instructor went over, ran a hand down his side and I rushed back over to him before he moved. Yeah! He's getting there!



Don't forget we are doing all these exercises without treats tonight, so I was rather pleased with him. He didn't stay worth a hoot for the sit stay or the down stay. He is obviously not to keen on the "stay" word :)



He is supposed to be seated on the floor behind me, not following me!



But, he was happy and so was I. Class is always alot of fun with my little Oak around. : )

Class

Everyone always gets a big laugh out of Oak at class. He wants to say Hi to everyone and sees no reason why he should Stay even when I tell him to. He always has a big smile on his face and a waggy tail, actually quite often his whole body! Next week is graduation night(or in our case practice for graduation, since I've already signed up for novice again) and Julie is coming to take pics. I'll post them next wednesday. Maybe she'll even get a shot of him staying in one place for longer then 2 seconds. :)

Just A Dog

“Just a Dog”

From time to time, people tell me, “lighten up, it’s just a dog,” or, “that’s a lot of money for just a dog.” They don’t understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for “just a dog.” Some of my proudest moments have come about with “just a dog.” Many hours have passed and my only company was “just a dog,” but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by “just a dog,” and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “just a dog” gave me comfort and reason to over come the day. If you, too, think it’s “just a dog,” then you will probably understand phrases like “just a friend,” “just a sunrise,” or “just a promise.” “Just a dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure
unbridled joy. “Just a dog” brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person. Because of “just a dog” I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it’s not “just a dog” but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. “Just a dog” brings out what’s good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day. I hope that someday they can understand that it’s not “just a dog” but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “just a Woman/Man.” So the next time you hear the phrase “just a dog” just smile, because they “just don’t understand.”


For Those Furry Friends who are no longer with us ....

Please note I did not write it, I just thought it was lovely, so I posted it here.

Muddy Days

Mild weather and rain makes for muddy paws, bellies, heads, tails, floors, carpets etc. The only solution I can think of is to make sure you have lots of towels :) It's also a good time to practice standing on command so you can clean the muddy bellies, feet etc. Although, when doing the back feet you may end up with a wobbly puppy! Oak ended up sitting not standing by the time I was done :)

A New Thought for the Door Problem

Well, I've tried something new for the door problem and so far it seems to be working. I put a baby gate leaning across the door. He just stands behind it and looks a bit confused as to what to do. I just started this morning, so we'll see what happens.
The last two mornings, we've had to get up and go walk Bali. She is an adorable goldipoo. They are both always so happy to see each other, but it has been really cold. So I lent Oak my hat. Doesn't he look thrilled? :)


PS I got a teenie,tiny ball of fur from Oak when I brushed him last night. He May start shedding now that the warmer weather is here.

The Proper Way to Knock

Oak goes to daycare alot( a couple of hours every day) and he has learnt a bad habit from the other dogs. When they want into the house, they jump up on the door. So now, he does this at home too. I am trying to break him of this habit before summer and he starts ripping apart screens instead! Before I let him in, I make him sit. The hope is he doesn't figure he is ordering me to let him in by jumping on the door. He does what I tell him too, then he gets in the house. I'm not sure this plan is working too well, so I went on the internet for suggestions. I found this website when googling "dog jumping on door" http://hubpages.com/hub/Unwanted_Dog_Jumping_Behavior There seems to be alot of good ideas on it. We are going to start trying the "Off" command and maybe get doublesided tape. I'm just afraid it will be too hard to remove when the time comes.