Long But Fun Filled Day: With No Bark

We came back from Queens Quay, at the new Paws Way building. We were - well the dogs were ambassadors for the breed. Yesterday Nathan, Alex (thanks, Alex!), Kat and Abigail did the socializing stint and today Nathan, Fiona, Kat and I did. Although they liked seeing the dogs and people - there is nothing like home and the fun things they do around here.

Here's Kat after his return with Coco saying, "Is it time to swim, daddy?"

Here he is brushed for the show and he wants to swim? Okay - mommy will spray and brush and laugh at you jumping in the pool. Who owns us? The dawgs!! Oh, but the love and snuggles they give you in return - well they can own me any old time.

So - daddy is it time yet?

Let me tell you how crazy it was. We - okay Nathan - if we are going to get the story right taught the 'no bark; and that's a tough one when the dogs are all worked up as a gang excited about going swimming. Even if they are not interested in actually swimming.

Terra barked - Nathan said 'no bark' and she didn't listen so in the house she went. Then Shoshi barked and into the house she went. Poor Zack was watching this all in amazement without a peep. He does like to join in but is easily corrected. This time not a peep. The rest of the gang got it and no sound but the game wasn't the same. Still Nathan kept at it putting his finger up as a signal not to bark and they tried to contain themselves almost appearing as if that emotion was going to burst right out of them. Then he let the barkers out and they also learned. Hmmm this works.

What did we learn? You 'can' control the bark. You must be serious about it showing you are not going to put up with it but we also found out that we sort of like the excitement of the bark but one can't have it both ways so 'no bark' it is. There are times for barks and times that you simply can't. Not all barking is bad but you have to get control over it so they learn when it is acceptable and when it is not.

Then after the swimming and running around time was done, the crew all found their spots on the lounge chairs (See Zack on Nathan) and settled in for a long day's nap.

The crew was all smooshed on top of us and next to our bodies. I think we must have slept for an hour all wet and then I woke up and said - oh no I didn't brush Kat and he's almost dry.

A dab of spray on the brush - spray all over him and brush and I let him air dry - no knots.

Then it was time to brush the rest. I think Coco looked at me cross-eyed then put her little head down and went back to sleep.

Who me..you want to brush little old me...well I suppose it's okay but wake me up when you are done, will ya?

I decided to do her last so she could catch some more zzzzzs. it's been a simply exhausting day but now you know you can teach 'no bark' even if YOU like the barking. ROFL!