CASHEW TV

2008-05-04T21:31:00.005-04:00

It's been a busy time and blogging has been put on the backburner for a while. Thank you to everyone for staying in touch. I will be back and blogging regularly very soon.

In the meanwhile, here's a photo of me and my aunt. We had bridal shower for her today! She's getting married soon!

Gotta go! So many good crumbs around now!

Brr!

2008-02-27T19:47:00.005-05:00

Hi Everydog!

Sorry for the long absence. Sparky left a message today and now Mom feels guilty.

We've been keeping up with everyone. It's just that Mom's been busy buying a house (more about that later) and travelling for work. She hasn't even taken a single picture lately! We've also been hibernating.

It's been sooo cold here in Toronto. I go out with my dog walker (Jennie) everyday, and I love her so much that I go, but I don't spend any more time outside than absolutely have to. Besides, I hate wearing my coat!

So, Mom bought a house and it's far from our place downtown. We're moving in April and I'll be getting a new dog walker. I'm not very happy about that because I love my "Jennie" so very much. I've known her since I was six months old.

But Mom says we're moving to a new area with lot's of parks and quiet streets. Yay! Being so little all the big trucks and cars whizzing by downtown really scare me. So maybe this new place won't be so bad.

I'll keep you posted.

And thanks to Sparky for giving me this "Funky Blog" award. I've never had one before and it's, well, funky!

In turn I am awarding it to my friend Charlie!

Licks,

Cashew

The Ball!

2008-01-06T19:47:00.000-05:00

I love my ball!

Back from Our Holidays!

2008-01-01T15:41:00.000-05:00

Hello Everydog! I'm back from holidays! Boy, Mom sure took me all over.

First we went to Hamilton (Ontario) to visit Mom's Mom (we call her Bubbie) and Mom's nephew Alec (my cousin I guess) who was visiting from Houston, Texas!

We had so much fun!

Then, we went to Montreal to visit Mom's Dad and Stepmother. That's where my best friend Maggie lives.

In this pic we were sitting pretty for a treat. Boy, did we get a lot of treats!!

Here I am am getting tough with Alec.

Us little guys need to show people who's boss!

This is me, Maggie, Mom's Stepmother Merle, and Josh our cousin. We were watching Alec go tobogganing!

Brr, it's cold in Montreal, but I had fun playing in the snow!

I'm now back in Toronto and have been sleeping all day. I'm so pooped from all the fun! Oh, but I do wake up any time someone goes into the kitchen! Haha!

To the 4xBs thanks for the tag. I haven't forgotten it!

Presents!

2007-12-23T11:20:00.001-05:00

Hi Everydog!

Mom let me open one of my presents! It was from Jennie my dogwalker/second Mom. It was a hedgehog squeaky toy with a Santa hat!

I started with the little hangy thing and chewed it off. Then I chewed off the tag that was sewn in, and then I started on the best part, the hat!

Jennie also gave me some yummy chicken treats, but Mom only lets me have a little everyday. She said I should make it last. Don’t know if I agree with her there, but since I can't reach the treat jar...

I especially loved that hat 'cuz I could grab it and shake it around! The hat was very tasty too. See I got it off!

Mom says there's more presents for me in the "stocking", but I have to wait for Christmas. Hmm, if it wasn't hanging up so high I could have them right now!

Mom bought some presents for herself too. They're ceramic coasters. She bought them at http://www.cafepress.com/. You can order all kinds of gifts items with all types of dog breed images

Well, I wish everydog a wonderful Christmas filled with lots of treats. I'm gonna be really good so I can get some turkey!

Mom here: I wish all my fellow dog bloggers a happy and healthy holiday and a Happy New Year!

Snowed In!

2007-12-16T18:05:00.000-05:00

Well, we got more snow! Almost higher than me!

Mom has a cold so we're kinda stuck inside.

But I got to play outside for while.

Then I got to play inside.

...and snooze.

and play...

and snooze..

and play!

Overall, it was a pretty lazy day.

I Have NOT Been Tagged

2007-12-09T08:49:00.001-05:00

That's right. I have NOT been tagged. But, I have lots to tell ya, so I am tagging myself! Ha Ha

10 Random Things About Me:

Every morning at exactly 7:00 a.m. I turn into an alarm clock and wake up my Mom with whining (I sleep in my crate).
I have a dog walker named Jennie. She takes me to the park to play with my pals almost every day. I love Jennie as much as my Mom.
I weigh 8 pounds.
I have learned to:
- sit
- down
- roll over
- walk on my hind legs and turn around
- jump up on something
- jump over something
- jump through a hoop
- off (the couch, bed, etc)
- go to my bed
- wait
- leave a treat on the floor until I get the OK to eat it
- peek-a-boo (stand between Mom's legs to get the treat)
- fetch my toys
- jump in the air to catch a toy
- sit on my hind legs and beg
- shake a paw
- take a bow
No matter where I am or what I'm doing (even sleeping), if someone opens the fridge or my treat jar I'll be in the kitchen in 5 seconds.
I hear noises that no one else can hear (and I bark at them).
I'm afraid of pigeons (well they're almost as big as me!)
I can sleep under a heavy down duvet and still breathe!
My favorite toy is my blue rubber ball ('cuz it bounces so erratically)
I have girlfriend. She looks like a doughnut shaped pillow. I date her every night for about 20 minutes (if you know what I mean!)

If you read this post, and you haven't been tagged yet, then tag yourself. But please leave a comment so I can go read your list!

Snow and Van Gogh!

2007-12-02T13:33:00.000-05:00

That’s my snowman! Yes, indeedy. I made it!
Mom said "I never knew you were so talented Cashew!

You're a "Van Gogh"! (I hope that's not a bad word).

We went to High Park. It’s a huge park.

There was so much snow, most of it higher than little me.

But I had so much fun!

Then Mom said "All good things must come to an end"

and we drove home. See how sad I look.

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

2007-12-02T09:24:00.000-05:00

I love the snow when it's white and fluffy!

Yipee!

Mom says I look like a rabbit whenI jump in it.

Here's what it looks like from our place.

Mom says we're going to the park later to play. Yay!

I played out on the balcony in the snow, but then Mom called me back in.

Aw, c'mon Mom, just a little longer, puleeease!

Hanukkah? Huh?

2007-11-29T18:52:00.001-05:00

Mom says in our house we have to celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas.

Yippee! Can you tell how excited I am?

I mean, why should I get excited about Hanukkah?

Dreidels? Nope, no opposable thumb here.

A Menorah? Uh uh. I'm not allowed to light the candles.

Hanukkah songs? Hmm, can't sing.

What's that you say Mom? Potato Latkes?

Yes, Yes! I certainly can eat!!!!

Maybe Hanukah is not so bad after all.

A New Bed!

2007-11-24T17:29:00.000-05:00

I love it! It's so soft and cuddly.

Mom bought it because it's part of this new behaviour modification program.

I'm supposed to be more indepedant and not follow her around so much.

I'm supposed to feel safe in my bed.

It's my special place. No one else can use it (but if any of my doggie friends came over I'd let them use it)

And it's shaped like a couch!

Here I am wearing my Harley Davidson cap.

(I really hate it. I only wore it for ten seconds so Mom could take the picture, then I tore it off)

I'm Baaaack!

2007-11-22T21:50:00.001-05:00

Finally, a new posting! I kept asking, but I don't think my Mom speaks Dog, and since I can't type I had no way of letting you all know I was okay!

Sorry 'bout that that fellow dog bloggers and other Cashew fans.

So here's the scoop.

In October my cousin Maggie (from Montreal) came to visit.

We had a blast.

That same weekend I came so close to eating some smoked salmon.
But alas, it was not to be.

But, I did get lots of extra treats!

Tonight a lady came to visit us. I didn't know her so I growled and barked at her in my usual way of greeting strangers who come into the house. She and my Mom talked for a long time about something called "dog behaviour modification". She also gave me lots of treats. I may let her back into the house.

Mom thanked her when she left and then said that things were gonna change and I was going to learn how to be more relaxed and not bark so much. Ha!

I'll keep you posted fellow doggies and fans!

Sadly True...

2007-09-27T21:18:00.000-04:00

http://www.andertoons.com

WARNING: More Bad Dog Food From China!

2007-09-14T22:31:00.000-04:00

UPDATE Sept. 15: The The American Veterinary Medical Association has released the following media alert: http://www.avma.org/press/media_alerts/070914_jerky_treats.asp

Original Posting:
The following story has been spreading online.

Even though there are no personal details (i.e. the Vet's name etc.) to prove the story is real, it certainly sounds real and is worth taking very seriously.

But, because of this story I will now start reading all dog food/treat packages to ensure they are locally produced. Seems like since the recent Menu Foods scare we haven't considered that other pet food products coming out of China may have the same lack of quality control. Better safe than sorry.

Bella, 3 years old, 4 pounds
Product - Smoke House Chicken Breast Tenders Treats

Bella became suddenly ill and now hospitalized with her life threatened due to Smoke House Chicken Tenders. I recently purchased at Pet Smart. It doesn't matter where you purchase them, just don't purchase them.

This was the first time I bought the Smoke House treats. Having read the label, it was listed as all natural, no additives, dyes etc. The treats were purchased on or about August 17. She loved them and I was happy because she typically only likes one treat. By August 23 she vomited bile, and again on August 24. Her personality began to change becoming lethargic, wanting to stay in her bed, loss of appetite. excessive drinking, urinating frequently in excessive amounts. urine became orange like in color. By August 28 she was severely dehydrated and lost one of her three pounds.

Sugar was found in her urine which would typically indicate diabetes. Bella was put on IV and given an antibiotic to take while tests were being done over Labor Day weekend.

Test results showed "irregularity in the lower part of her kidney. Possibly a hole in her kidney because of the malfunction.

By today Sept 7, she was no better and very low on energy and interest in being around anyone. I brought the package of Smoke House Chicken Tenders with me to the vet because it was the only thing that was different in her diet.

My wonderful vet, a graduate of Cornell University searched the Cornell Veterinarian site where veterinarians report unusual cases which are tracked. The search was done by symptoms. A second search by chicken treats.

There were numerous cases on the Cornell University Veterinarian web site, all with the same symptoms, test results and yes, related to chicken tender treats made in China. Never did it cross my mind that this product was made in China. When Dr. didn't find complete listing of ingredients on the package he called the number listed on the back of the package identifying himself and asked for ingredients to help understand what was happening to my pet. The only thing the person on the phone with a strong Chinese accent was "all natural, all natural". Sure enough looking at the small print on the bottom back of the package is "product of China", the same source of other products that have been killing our pets. I sat beside my vet and read along with him.

Following are primary repeated findings;

- severe damage to the kidney often resulting in complete renal failure and death
- numerous reports in the past four to five weeks, a larger number on the East Coast
- chicken and beef treats promoted as all natural
- it does not matter what the label is, if it is a product of China
- if caught early enough, hospitalized on IV hydrating and flushing the kidney over days with nutrients may help the kidney heal itself and the pet could then live with the damaged kidney
- if not caught early complete renal failure is expected-most cases reported are related to small dogs
- initial symptoms indicate diabetes
- mold is often found when flushing the kidney (found in Bella)

I have been in touch with Pet Smart requesting them to help get the ingredients. Time is lost analyzing the food. Today a vet at Cornell purchased a bag after reading the report my Vet posted on Bella. He then contacted my vet to say the bag he bought had mold in it despite an expiration date one year from now. I was asked to look closely at whatever was left in my bag, but saw none

After Bella was admitted to the vet I went directly to Pet Smart in Nanuet NY, told the Manager what happened and asked her to assist getting the ingredients identified. I was met with a hostile attitude. She was only interested in getting my name because she felt I was going to file a complaint. The person at PS headquarters responsible for knowing food ingredients at Pet Smart headquarters is trying to help.

The information available to vets on the Cornell web site is not public information. No one seems to be aware of this. Dogs are misdiagnosed.

Other products being mentioned online:
Waggin Train brand of chicken jerkies and Kingdom chicken jerky strips
http://www.topix.com/forum/us/fda/TPSS8QRGJM6D4MVVA/p31

New Blog Section!!

2007-09-14T08:21:00.000-04:00

If you haven't noticed, I've added a new section to the blog. It's called "Doggoneit, Learn Something New!" and will contain interesting and helpful information for dog owners!

The current articles are about dog CPR and how to perform the Heimlich maneuver on choking dogs - both very important to know.

So, don't miss out on updates, check my blog often.

"What's Your Sign?"

2007-09-09T21:28:00.000-04:00

How many times have you heard that line? Probably at least once.

Well, did you know that Astrology applies to dogs (and cats) as well? It can provide insight into their personalities and help you better understand their moods, likes and dislikes (hmm, don't like your kibble anymore?) and how best to interact with them.

I'm a Gemini (just like my owner) and true to my sign I'm notorious for being a very picky eater!

So, don't poo-poo it (no pun intended). Check it out...

Aries: March 21-April 19

Taurus: April 20-May 20

Gemini: May 21-June 21 :) that's me!

Cancer: June 22-July 22

Leo: July 23-August 22

Virgo: August 23-September 22

Libra: September 23-October 22

Scorpio: October 23 - November 21

Sagittarius: November 22-December 21

Capricorn: December 22-January 19

Aquarius: January 20-February 18

Pisces: February 19-March 20

New Haircut, New Friend and New Videos!

2007-08-19T17:57:00.000-04:00

Well, I finally agreed to have the fur on my face cut short. My mom said I would feel cleaner without all that food getting stuck in my fur. She took me to that scary place that all the dogs hate - THE GROOMER! They all come in and start to shake or try to run away. I do the same (shake and try to get away). I'm not sure why I get so scared. They comb and bathe me, and then dry me and give me a haircut. For a while it's "all about me". Anyway, my Mom explained to the lady exactly how she wanted my fur to be cut, and I guess she liked how it turned out 'cuz she squealed with joy when she saw me. Boy, it's hard work being beautiful. Don't forget to watch my new videos (at the bottom)!

I made a new friend at the park today! His name is Jupiter and he's a Harlequin Great Dane. At first I was afraid 'cuz I thought he was a Horse! But, when I smelled him I realised he was a dog (just a very big one - poor guy). He was very gentle and didn't try to chase me. Then we both got treats!

In Memory...

2007-08-15T22:33:00.000-04:00

Oscar...

...you will be missed.

http://oscartheairedale.blogspot.com/

Vacation!

2007-07-30T21:15:00.000-04:00

So this is a vacation. Looks kinda wet.
Hmm, what are all these little things moving around down there?

Hmm, there's more here too. Looks like good eatin' though!

Okay, take the picture already!

Alright, I've seen enough.
Now, back to that Chipmunk!

Morning stillness
(until my next bark that is!)

Now we're in this "thingy" called a Boat.
It moves on the wet stuff!
That's the house. I think I wanna go back.

Mom put this funny coat on me.
She says it's in case I jump out of the boat into the wet stuff.
(now why would I do that?)

More of the wet stuff.

Now we're in something called a "Cunoo".
I dont like it as much as the other boat.
I think I'll just stay down here.

Okay, it's not all bad.
Can we stay here forever?

I vant to be alone.

Ahh, this is the life!

Okay, I finally went into the wet stuff and it wasn't too bad!

My Mom being artistic.

Boy, being on vacation sure is tiring.

Day at the Beach!

2007-07-08T22:32:00.000-04:00

Cashew had his first experience at the beach, and

he loved it. He followed me into the water without hesitation. He's gonna love the cottage and the lake!

2007-07-01T20:42:00.001-04:00

Y õ Happy 140th Canada! õ Y

Being a born and bred Canadian I am proud to

act as Mascot for the day!

We went up to the July 1 celebrations in Orillia today. It was cool and sunny. The water was beautiful and the snacks I got were a total bonus (hot dogs, french fries!). We walked around the marina and ogled at beautiful boats. Ah, one day. :)

From Huntsville to Balconville!

2007-06-17T12:12:00.001-04:00

Yesterday we took a drive up to Huntsville to see the cottage we rented for vacation in July. Looks like a nice, private spot on a quiet lake, facing Southwest.
This will be Cashew's first real swimming experience. So far, all signs say he enjoys water. We'll definitely have to buy a doggie-lifejacket.

Cashew had enjoyed the ride up, alternately sightseeing and sleeping. We ended the day at Jerry and Irene's place in Stroud. They treated us to a great meal (King Crab legs and BBQ ribs) . Cashew wore himself out running around their garden and being spoiled with treats from Jerry (King Crab and ribs - what else!).

We're all pooped today. But Mr C. still manages to get out for his morning sunshine!

Best Friends

2007-06-14T22:23:00.000-04:00

What is a best friend? Maggie and Cashew know. As far as they are concerned, if you share your toys, can comiserate when one of you gets sent to your crate, enjoy treats and car rides, and chase each other around (for two days straight) until you collapse from exhaustion, then you are best friends. "Thanks for coming to Toronto Maggie. I really miss you." - Cashew

(The humans had a good time too, just less exhausting).

Happy First Birthday Cashew!

2007-06-07T22:33:00.000-04:00

Cashew at 12 weeks - no bigger than the remote!

Cashew at 12 months

(about the size of two remotes - haha)!

Jewish Guilt Haiku

2007-05-21T17:57:00.000-04:00

Gone for 3 days
guilt for six
treats forever

Doggone AWOL!

2007-05-10T21:10:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been quite a while since the last posting. We've busy moving, unpacking and travelling.

Cashew begins novice level agility training next week, so stay tuned for more updates and video!

Congratulations Little Graduate! You're The Best!

2007-04-11T19:23:00.000-04:00

Last night Cashew graduated the first level agility class! Way to go little Cashew!! He did really well. He learned so much and met all the challenges presented to him. I'm so proud of him! Big thanks go to our instructor, Brandi Jacques. Brandi is a patient and supportive teacher. We will definitely be signing up for the next level with her. See the pics below and three new videos at the bottom of the page.

Poodle Profusion

2007-04-08T15:29:00.000-04:00

Cashew and his new blanket that we picked up at the "All About Pets" show.

Moving On Up!

2007-04-06T16:44:00.000-04:00

Well, we're all moved in and the dust is slowly settling.

Cashew was a little nervous and vocal in the first few days after the move, but we expected that, considering his whole world has changed.

But, he does love the new place. There's so much more room to run and play.

He's also doing really great in Agility class. The instructor thinks Cashew's doing really well and will eventually be able to compete! Sorry no new pics. Next week is the last class. Maybe I'll get Allan to come and take some pics.

I'm going to sign him up for the next level which starts at the end of April.

Update on Photo Contest Win!!
Cashew's winning photo has been posted to the "Dogs, Dogs, Dogs!" web site at http://ww.dogsx3.com/photocontest.html

The prize pack arrived last week including:

A week of doggie day care at Paws in the City
A Puppy Training Kit
A coupon for a pet caricature
2 Passes to the "All About Pets Show"
5 copies of the April/May edition of "Dogs, Dogs, Dogs!" which includes the photo contest pictures!

So, today we went to the "All About Pet's" show at the International Center. We watched a flyball competition and did some doggie stuff shopping. It was fun.

One booth was advertising a "Pet Idol" contest. There are 10 photographic categories and great prizes. And, yes, of course, I will be entering Cashew! Contest opens May 17 at Petidol.ca.

So, stay tuned fans, and keep checking this blog to follow Cashew's rise to stardom!

And the winner is...

2007-03-23T21:34:00.000-04:00

The Winning Photo!

This is the photo that won fourth prize in the "Dogs, Dogs, Dogs!" annual photo contest. It was selected fourth out of thousands of entries. Cashew was 10 weeks old when this photo was taken. He had only been with us for 5 days. Even at this young age his expression illustrates how curious and intense he was. The photo will be published in the April/May issue of "Dogs, Dogs, Dogs!" as well as on their website at http://www.dogsx3.com/.

EXTRA! EXTRA! Little Pooch Beats Out Thousands!

2007-03-20T18:12:00.000-04:00

Late breaking news...

Cashew, the seven pound, Toy Poodle has won fourth place in the "Dogs, Dogs, Dogs" Annual Photo Contest!!!

The "Dogs, Dogs, Dogs" dog newspaper received literally thousands of entries and judges had a difficult time choosing the winners.

Cashew's owner was notified late on Monday that Cashew's photo won, but is unsure which photo was the chosen as a winner as she submitted three entries.

Fourth Place prizes are:

Customized pet character of you dog created by Shannon Darch of Animates.
A week of doggy day care at Paws in the City
Two passes to attend All About Pets Show 2006
A copy of the Ultimate Puppy a complete, fun, step-by-step guide to raising a happy, well-adjusted dog. Donate by Paws in the City.
A one-year (six issues) subscription to Dogs, Dogs, Dogs!

The winning photos will be published in the April/May edition of Dogs, Dogs, Dogs! and will be posted on their web site at http://ww.dogsx3.com/photocontest.html

Stay tuned to see the winning photo!!!

The "Eyes" Have It!

2007-03-18T17:48:00.000-04:00

Cashew has really learned how to communicate well. All he has to do is look at me, and depending on the way he's standing, or, where we are, I usually know what he wants. He has such an intense stare, and he'll remain there, looking at me, until I respond or move away.

He's also "taught us" when he needs to go out. Since he's always right by my side, and follows me everywhere, if he's not with me, I know I can find him waiting by the door.

If he loses a toy under, or behind some furniture, he will sit in front of it, looking at us, until we investigate. Human beings could really learn a lot from dogs. If we did, the world would certainly be a quieter place.

A Saturday Snooze in the Sun

2007-03-17T22:49:00.000-04:00

A bath, blow dry, and then a lay in the sun. What more could a dog ask for, besides a treat?

Well, we thought spring had arrived. A couple of warm days spoiled everyone. Cashew enjoyed the "coat-free" romps. But, today it was coats and booties for everyone.

We waited for the warmest part of the day and then went for a walk along Yonge street. Pet Value, the Pharmacy, and supermarket. Everywhere we go Cashew has so many admirers. We can't walk a block without someone stopping to greet him, or to remark on how cute he is, 'cuz he is! Cashew takes it all in stride, usually by looking the other way in that Greta Garbo "I want to be alone" mode.

Back to Agility class on Tuesday. I'm hoping Allan will be able to come again and capture more video.

We went to see "300" tonight. Was quite good, actually. Great cinematography and special effects, cool eye candy - but, certainly not an academy award winner.

Twitching from the Switch

2007-03-15T19:06:00.000-04:00

I finally have something positive to say about switching back to Daylight Savings Time. Cashew no longer wakes us up an hour before the alarm. He's still an hour behind, and wakes up at 7:00 a.m. instead of 6:00! Yay!

It's some consolation for the bad week of sleep I've had. My body just never seems to adjust.

So many people, including myself, ask why we still follow this ridiculous ritual anyway? So, I did some research (okay, it was just a few keystrokes in Google) and here's why:

The idea of daylight saving time was first conceived by Benjamin Franklin in 1784. It had nothing to do with providing farmers more daylight hours (as I always thought) , but just to simply to enjoy more hours of sunlight later in the day rather than in the morning.

Ben's idea went nowhere for over 130 years, until 1915, when the idea was first advocated seriously by London builder William Willett (1857-1915). In his pamphlet "The Waste of Daylight" he wrote:

"Everyone appreciates the long, light evenings. Everyone laments their shortage as Autumn approaches; and everyone has given utterance to regret that the clear, bright light of an early morning during Spring and Summer months is so seldom seen or used."

But, it was not until after World War I, in 1925, that the English Parliament passed several acts relating to Summer Time. In 1925, a law was enacted that Summer Time should begin on the day following the third Saturday in April (or one week earlier if that day was Easter Day). The date for closing of Summer Time was fixed for the day after the first Saturday in October.

Today, approximately 70 countries utilize Daylight Saving Time in at least a portion of the country. Japan, India, and China are the only major industrialized countries that do not observe some form of daylight saving.

All things considered, I guess I'd rather have more sunlight later in the day, than early in the morning, and, now that Cashew is letting us sleep, we can really take advantage of it!

Lazy Sunday

2007-03-11T20:40:00.000-04:00

Cashew had a visit from Bubbie today! Boy does he love her and vice versa. He was so excited to see her (and vice versa!). Later we drove over to show her our new apartment. It's empty and we have the key so we can drop in anytime. Cashew is slowly getting used to the place as we've taken him there about four times. Once his stuff is in I'm sure he'll be fine.

Everything is on target to move on March 30th!

Making it Over the Hurdles

2007-03-11T15:58:00.000-04:00

Cashew's 2nd agility class was a great success. He did well running through the tube, jumping through the tire, over the poles and through the chute! He's a natural!

Scroll down to the bottom of this page to view Cashew's latest video, or you can see all his videos at http://www.youtube.com/watchingthecat.

Agility!

2007-02-27T15:51:00.000-05:00

Confidence Building 101 (a.k.a. Agility) has begun. Little Cashew did so well! He was quite nervous when we first arrived, new environment, people, dogs. But, once those yummy treats came out he was fine!

The first class was about getting them used to being on the equipment. Lot's of positive reinforcement and rewards for everything they did. The objective was to get them to make positive associations with the equipment.

The instructor felt Cashew did very well, not too timid. So did I.

The other dogs and humans were all friendly and fun.

Allan came and tried to take some photos, but we were movng quite fast. You can still make them out though.

Building Confidence

2007-02-15T15:23:00.000-05:00

Cashew is such a sweet and playful dog, but he has developed a barking problem. Not only does he bark at people who come to the door (which is normal doggie behaviour), but in recent weeks he's started barking at noises in the house and sometimes he barks at Allan.

Of course this had us very concerned. We used the normal training methods to get him to stop but it only seemed to get worse. So we had Caroline, our dog trainer, come for a visit. After spending a few hours with us and Cashew she determined that he is not trying to be "alpha" dog, as we had thought, but that he is insecure and is barking out of fear.

In order to reduce the barking we need to a) build his confidence, and, b) do not respond to inappropriate barking.

In order to build his confidence, she recommended teaching him agility. Agility is a sport where dogs learn to compete in an obstacle course of sorts. You have probably seen it on TV. As a dog learns to master the obstacles he is also building his confidence.

I was thrilled to hear that Agility would help him. Over the years I have watched many agility competitions and have always wanted to do it (but didn't have a dog!).
Lucky for us there are a few places in Toronto that provide classes. So I signed him up for a beginner course that starts on February 27th.

We'll keep you posted on his progress!

The Indignities of Winter

2007-01-11T14:32:00.000-05:00

Boy, winter has really set in. Cold, windy, and dry. Good time to hang out inside and eat soup! Much preferred over wearing coats and boots (especially by dogs!). My skin is so dry and itchy!

Hope you'all down in Houston appreciate your good weather.

Yesterday Allan, Cashew and I went to see a new apartment. It's a two bedroom, two bathroom just around the corner at Yonge and St Claire. It was very nice (12oo sf), bright (south facing), had two balconies and large master bedroom with walk- in closet and ensuite washroom, and a large kitchen with a window in it (rare for apartments).

We really liked it and are going back today to possibly sign a lease. If all goes well we'll be moving April 1st.

After seeing the apartment we headed out to Jan and Mom's new house in Hamilton. We spent the day there buying supplies in preparation for painintg and just hanging out. It was a cold but fun day!