Saturday, March 13, 2010

Shopping Expedition

I worked very hard this week. Besides my demo to the pre-vet students I also helped Barbara with some of her clients' dogs. I specialize in working with dogs who have on-leash aggression. My body language is very clear and not at all provocative so I can help these dogs get used to passing by other dogs without being afraid. Because I have been such a good girl, Barbara took me to Phydeaux, my favorite pet supply store, and said I could pick out any toy that I wanted.



First we checked out the dog food aisle. It is stacked with all sorts of tasty and healthy food.



Then we moved on to the wall of toys.



I checked out the Kongs but since I have several of those already I decided to hold out for a new stuffie.



Phydeaux has an excellent selection of stuffies and flatties as well as tug toys.



Should I get this cat?



Good bird dog that I am, I finally decided on this ring-necked pheasant flattie. Ambrose got a stuffed skunk because he put it in his mouth and got his slimy puppy cooties all over it.



We passed by this display of treats and I just had to stop for a sniff. I was very pleased that Barbara got me some of the Norwegian salmon treats. So delish!



Ambrose, the bad boy, has chewed through another leash!



We had to get him a new one. What a waste of money that could have been spent on more salmon treats.



(Note from Barbara: Don't be so smug Niamh. You demolished a number of leashes when you were a puppy including a hand made, very expensive leather leash that I had had for 18 years)

I love going to Phydeaux. They have the best dog stuff and the staff is always very nice to me. Unfortunately Barbara made us leave when Ambrose was caught shoplifting a bully stick, the little criminal.

Some of my blogging friends have asked about my good recall. I learned the Leslie Nelson Really Reliable Recall method along with some other fun techniques. Barbara tried to get some video today but she could not seem to manage calling me to come, shooting the video and giving me praise, petting and treats all at the same time. We will try to get someone to video us next week to show you what we do.

11 comments:

Unknown said...

I can't believe this, Niamh! Your momma's still mad over that ol' 18 year old leash?! Okay, sorry, just kidding. The wall of toys got me lightheaded. Was it me or did it look endless?
Twink!

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

Isn't it nice to be rewarded for work well done? I'm glad you got a great new toy and some treats, Niamh!

#1 said to tell Barbara that if she wants an excellent and hardier alternative to regular dog leads for Ambrose, she should try horse leads. Over here, they are quite a bit cheaper and they are also much sturdier!

Woofs,
Tommy

Dexter said...

Oh Niamh! I wish you could come and train with me. I suffer from leash issues and thus we are now working on leash manners just in my yard. I am sure that with a nice gal like you I would be a perfect gentleman.

Slobbers,
Mango

BRUTUS said...

What a great place. And such a cool name too! We'd have been in there for hours I think! Twinkie is right, that toy aisle looked endless!!

Snorts-
Brutus the Frenchie

Lorenza said...

Hi, Niamh!
Wow!
Sure you had a pawesome shopping expedition!
Very well deserved after all your hard work!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Molly the Airedale said...

We were hoping you'd choose the cat-apillar, Niamh! We have one of those and it's a fun toy!
Did Ambrose have to go go jail for stealing?!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

Gus, Louie and Callie said...

Oh what fun. You are such a lucky pup. You get to help other pups and go to the pet store. We are so jealous..
As for chewing threw leashes, Callie has had her share of those too.. She has even chewed the loops of of Dad's jeans.. See Pest..


Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie

Arran, Arthur and Mum said...

What a pawsome trip to the pet shop. One of my favourite places!!
hm, good toy choice and wonderful treats, I loves salmon. It not seem very fair that Ambrose got a toy too when you is the one doing all the hard workings. I would take it off him if I beed you.
~lickies, Ludo

Pedro said...

Niamh,

You are such a good dawg model! It's great you can help other dawgs learn to walk on leash better. My mom wishes you could help me. I just prefer to be carried. Phydeaux is such a clever name!

Pedro

Toffee said...

okay...they say that disney is the happiest place on earth but I think that Phydeaux is the happiest place on earth!
wowsers! I want to go there! What a great store!
xo
toffee

p.s. mom's work schedule changed so I apologize if we haven't visited much.

Unknown said...

That's great work you do, Niamh, helping other doggies with leash issues. I did a bit of that too back in Auckland - when my trainer, Flip, needed a calm, non-reactive "walk-by" dog to help in his training, he always called me and Hsin-Yi to come and help him.

Hee! Hee! I have to say, I enjoyed that little note from Barbara about your (ancient!) naughtiness!

And wow - what a great trip to the pet store! I thoroughly approve of your choices although I did have a giggle about Ambrose's shoplifting moment!

Yes! Am so excited that you're doing a Recall video! Can't wait to see it!!!

Slobbers,
Honey the Great Dane