Back to School

I have to admit, I wondered if I really needed more school. Hadn't I already aced my way through "Think Like a Dog" Level 1? What was really left for me to learn in Level 2?

Meanwhile, I know my human had other concerns. He hasn't been satisfied with our progress since Level 1. Notice I didn't say "my" progress. That is because Mark believes that any achievement (or under-achievement) on my part is due in part to his abilities (or lack of abilities) as a dog trainer. If I don't come when I'm not on a leash, he thinks it's because his actions have shown me that I can get away with not coming when I'm not on my leash.

Which I can! So what were they going to do about it?

Anyway, I'm pretty sure Mark was worried they were going to send us back to Level 1. It turns out he had nothing to worry about. I have to say, once I get to school, my attitude changes. I find myself wanting to please everyone. We did an agility course where the owners have to get their dogs to go through a tunnel. I didn't want to at first, but once I did it once, I got a big kick about doing it over and over. I was one proud dog! Meanwhile, Mark asked straight up how to transform me into a dog who comes. April, the dog trainer, showed him how to use a long line (NOT a retractable leash, she emphasized) to train me. And I have to say, we've been on it this week since class. It's kind of cool because I can still run around a little bit (nothing like I usually do, of course), but the human still has control of his dog to make whatever corrections he wants. The weird part is I find myself wanting to be a good dog.! Like I said... it's very strange.

Meanwhile, up at school, Alison and Gladys were a team. While I walked around proudly acing all the tests and challenges, Gladys was the best "comer" in the group. Gee whiz, puppy, it's just a piece of cheese, for goodness sakes! It's not like they're giving you a steak. Get ahold of yourself!

Bottom line: Level 2 was a good time for everyone involved. So watch out -- I may become a well-behaved dog yet.

Dear Oscar, Were you and your new puppy able to go swimming over the holiday weekend? Lifeguard from Louisville

Dear Lifeguard,

We spent the entire holiday weekend at the Aiken camp in North Hero. It was HOT, and, yes, we did get to do some swimming... obviously!

I should clarify "hot" and mention that being on the lake does cool things down considerably. And the breeze coming out of the south all weekend was so refreshing! But Gladys and I made many forays down to the beach for swimming, sniffing, and exploring.

One difference between Gladys and me that has come to light since her arrival in the family is how she handles water. Clearly, we both have Lab in our ancestry: just look at our heads, fur, and noses. But where I have inherited the typical "water-dog" traits -- the webbed paws, the fur that, like Gore-tex, repels water, and a buoyancy that makes swimming easy -- Gladys is the opposite. First off, when she gets in over her head, her tendency is to sink. You should see her dog-paddling like crazy just to stay afloat! You have me, pretty much just paddling every now and then for steering purposes while she is cranking her front feet to keep her head above water! Then when we get out, I shake once, and I'm pretty much dry. Gladys is sopping wet for hours! She drips like a wet cat, for crying out loud! No matter how much she shakes, she keeps dripping. Alison sometimes has to wipe her down with a towel.

This isn't saying she doesn't like the beach. Gladys munched on several dead fish, sniffed all the smells, and wades in quite willingly. I don't doubt we'll log many more hours down there. But, for now, I'm thanking my lucky stars for my good swimmer's genes.

Oscar