Home Sweet Home

In case anyone had any doubt, Basil has certainly made himself at home with us. He's out of his shell completely now. Even a little spoiled I would say. We give him free reign because he's so mild mannered that we think it's ok. We do give him the structure he needs just in case. He don't want to completely spoil him, but he's certainly comfortable with us.

Brindle Dog Print

I have been on the look out for french bull dog wall art. There's a lot out there for Boston Terriers, but not as much for frenchies. I ran across this print while searching for furniture at Ballard Designs. They have a quite a few different dog breed prints available for $119-$149. That's pricey! I would rather just get another dog or donate the $ to FBRN.


from Ballard Designs - Brindle Dog Print

No Barking - Success!

It's been a while since I have worked with Basil on not barking while in the car. The other morning, we were getting coffee at our usual watering hole when I implemented some advice from Cesar Milan's dog psychology.

• Remain calm and assertive. Clear your mind. Don't feel nervousness or anxiety.
• Anticipate the reaction and prevent it before it escalates.
• Keep him in check the whole time. Stay on it. Follow through.
  

So before Basil could start, I just kept an eye on him and as he eyed people down (with the anticipation to bark) I broke his concentration by making the "tsch" sound and a firm touch with two fingers to the shoulder. I gestured for him lay back down in his dog bed in the back of the car. He listened and was obedient the whole time. No barking what so ever! He did start growling and that's when he got the fingers. I was so shocked. There were a lot of men walking near the car including an SUV which seems to get him upset. He didn't bark at any of them.

In addition, Basil has been really good reading my body language and hand gestures. The hand gestures (commands) are really useful for me because my voice isn't deep like Keith's. When I say things, he doesn't listen so much. He does react to my hand gestures though. He and I have also been walking a lot and he definitely knows he suppose to walk next to me now.

Eggs and Basil

I would not, could not, in a box.

I could not, would not, with a fox.

I will not eat them with a mouse.

I will not eat them in a house.

I will not eat them here or there.

I will not eat them anywhere.

I do not eat cooked eggs and ham (not).

I do not like them, Basil-I-am.

Doggie Door Mat

from Pier 1

I spy

From Pottery Barn

New Words

I feel like one of those mom bloggers who record every new word their human rugrat learns that month. Basil has actually learned some new words.

"Treat" - You would be a fool not to learn this word. I don't encourage the use of this word just because I don't want him to go stir crazy every time he hears it, but I realized Keith has been using it every time he gives him a treat. Since I've been trying to teach him "Heel" or "Wait", it seems like "treat" works better to get him to stop and come back to me!

"Mommy" - The wonderful, the ever so patient trainer, the all nurturing, best tummy rubber, bottom wiping, tasty pear giving, face fold wiping, fish feeding, eye boogie cleaner, the goddess that is Anita.

"Daddy" - The guy who tries to make me catch a frisbe.

"Kisses" - We think he knows this. He does it when we say it.

"Toy" vs "Bone" - He knows the difference. Whichever word I use, that's the thing he brings me.

"Go for a ride?" - He loves car rides so he gets excited and goes right to the passenger side of the car. He's so smart!

"Go for a walk?" - Same with walk but he already knew "Walk".

"Wanna go pick up Mommy?" - Sometimes Keith picks me up from the train station in his car. He knows he's getting a ride out of the deal. How smart!

"Heats on!" - We're teaching him this now since he loves to lay next to the register when the heat kicks on.