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Howdy blogaroos. Squirmy Wormy here on a wonderful Wednesday. Our snow has melted, and I am able to return to my pond building excavation work in the back lawn. The craters I have created with my construction colleague, the Coyote, are looking terrific. In addition, we are surrounded, while we work, by all the toys and bones we haven’t seen since winter snows covered all of them. There are toys out there I didn’t even recall owning! It’s like Christmas all over again.

Things were pretty quiet on the snowy Monday, and not much new yesterday either. So I decided to check out the latest dog news…

Our first story is about a cool dog named Parks – who got himself a job working at a hospital in Florida. Here’s his story:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2022/04/05/service-dog-hospital-orlando-canine/

Now there’s a dog I admire. Look at the great job he does working with kids. Unfortunately, not a job I could do- especially given that I don’t like people patting my head. And the fact that ricocheting off children is probably not advisable.

Now here’s a quick video of another dog with a job. He is working in Ukraine. Sniffing out mines….

https://news.sky.com/video/ukrainian-dog-sniffs-out-mines-for-officials-12582378

Now THAT’S another admirable job. Given my great olfactory abilities at sniffing out golf balls, I bet I could find mines. But I don’t want to. One wrong step and you end up flying sky high like Toto but I’m not sure you end up in Oz. I think I’ll pass. But I salute the dogs who do this work.

This next story is about dogs and our facial expressions and how we communicate:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2022-04-06/dog-human-communication-puppy-dog-eyes-facial-expression/100955364?utm_source=abc_news_web&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_web

Interesting stuff, but there are some parts that are incorrect. They say that dogs bark to be playful, to protect their territory and to warn of intruders. They say the wolves howl and do it to communicate with one another. Well, I’d like to add a few comments here. We ALSO bark because we want to be fed. Quickly. We bark if we are bored. We bark when going out. We bark when we want a treat. We bark in training when the two-legged is doing something wrong. We bark at random birds, falling leaves and sometimes just because we want to. We also DO communicate with each other by barking – it’s not just wolves who do that. We frequently bark across acres at our neighbor Max, just to say hello. We can’t SEE him, but we hear him and the conversation begins. It’s typically the Boss and I who are the chatty ones. The Coyote prefers to bark at nothing. At least nothing we can see. He loves to do that at night…

So that’s it from the dogs news world. Sure there are some not good dog news stories out there – but you didn’t come here to be depressed. Mind you, I suppose a mine finding dog is kinda depressing- but admirable at the same time. Anyway we leave the really heavy stories to FOX or CNN. PNN or the PON News Network tries to share good news – so you can use your facial muscles to smile!

OK – time to go goose hunting.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Howdy blogaroos. Squirmy here with a photo of our new puppy!!!!!! How cute is she?! The Warden went to meet her yesterday!!!! OK. I can’t do this. Today is Tell a Lie Day – even though I thought that was April 1st. Anyway, despite the fact that the Warden, DID go to visit some adorable Berner babies at Glenda’s, she didn’t bring any home. And she isn’t – one more four legged being in this house and that would be the end of her. So no new sibling. But she DID bring home puppy scent, and we practically inhaled the pants off her when she got home.

What else is new – besides the fact that we are getting snow today. I wish I was telling a lie about that – but no- it’s a good thing the Warden didn’t take off her snow tires or put away the shovels just yet.

What else…Oh – I did some socializing on Saturday. I went to two pet stores and a book store. The Warden wanted to do some obedience work with me, but it was tricky because so many people wanted to touch the cute shaggy untouchable dog. Yeah – I’m fine with people – just don’t pat me on the head. I duck. Treats? I’ll take ‘em. But I have to really know someone to let them pat my head. I’m a pat aversive pandemic PON pup- a PAPPP. I’m not overly shy or nervous – I march into a place like I own it. Do I care if there are people around me? Nah. I sit calmly at the counter while the Warden is paying for something, and I couldn’t care less who is waiting behind me, or walking around me. I’ll even put my paws on the counter to check out the clerk. But do I want someone to pat me on the head? No. Who do they think I am? A dog? Oh wait – never mind. Anyway, I had a great time with all the treats I got- and visits to the pet store are like heaven . The only challenge was getting me to sit still in front of the counter at the one pet store where they had a shelf – full of bully sticks right there. The Warden even joked with the clerk “not the best place to put those bully sticks.” The clerk didn’t respond. She just smirked. Good thing SHE didn’t try to pat my head.

Anyway, I did do some quick sit and down stays and a little bit of heelwork down a couple of aisles. I get lots of treats – so it’s quite fun. The Warden said we need to do it more often. Not today though – as I said it’s going to snow all day- so we’ll be sequestered. The Warden better have some games ready. If she would have just brought that puppy home, I’d have someone who really likes to play….

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Greetings blog aficionados. Frodo here for your reading pleasure on this, the 2nd of April. April. The month that is associated with the phrase “April showers bring May flowers.” To which I would add: “and one cranky PON.” I detest rain. In all its forms. Shower, drizzle, mist, downpour – they are all equivalent in my opinion. They are all wet. I do look forward to the May flowers though.

Today I have a rather long tale for you….Regular readers know that both PONs and Picards can be very determined when they get an idea in their heads. But I would like to point out that humans can be the same….

Several weeks ago, Her Highness received an email bulletin from the Canadian Kennel Club announcing a new award/title. It is called a versatility award, and it is given to a dog who has obtained titles in three or more areas. She immediately took out her calculator to count the titles I have obtained. I say that in jest. It included a Championship (the beauty pageant award), a novice obedience title, and essentially 3 Rally titles to date – Novice, Advanced and Excellent. Not exactly calculator worthy. Her Highness thought that because I had three titles, I might be eligible for a versatility award. Alas – while I do have at least 3 titles, each one must be in a different “category” and unfortunately, rally and obedience are in the same category. Her hopes were dashed. I didn’t particularly care – unless the award came with biscuits. Still – she felt I SHOULD be a a versatility dog. Just because. So she began looking at other categories- to see if I might obtain a title that wouldn’t take years to obtain – given that I am 12.2 years old. So we went through options…agility. A bit much for an old fella, although to see me you wouldn’t guess my age. But still – repetitive jumps might be too challenging.

Chase ability? If there were puddles on the field I wouldn’t want to run through them. Not my thing.

Novice Draft Dog? Her Highness failed more draft tests with Harper, the Bernese than probably anyone in the record books. You see- when a dog is pulling a cart (at least in Canadian tests) they are not allowed to sit. Do you know how many times dear Harper – who was an excellent draft dog and who followed directions quite well, would sit (given his obedience training) and it was game over. And it was Her Highness who inadvertently gave him a signal to sit. They did finally pass- thank heavens. But me pull a 40lb load. No thank you. I’m no Bernese. And did I mention I’m 12.2?

Pointing Water Dog? I’m not sure my breed would even be eligible to compete. Besides, me- near water? Forget it. If that’s what the test entails. I do know it’s in the same class as a Working certificate- which Her Highness obtained with Beamish – the Labrador. It involves retrieving ducks on land and in the water. I’m a fabulous retriever, but swimming out to retrieve a duck? Shoot me now.

Another category included Lure Coursing – which Sight hounds are known for. Again we get into wet fields. Horrors.

Now also in that category is Scent Detection Instinct. I could possibly do something like that. But I’m not sure how long it would take. And whether the tests are frequently offered.

Barn hunt? The Coyote tried that. I could possibly do that – but I believe tests are few and far between.

Dock diving? Are you laughing as hard as me?

Tracking is up there with Scent Detection. A possibility.

There are loads of other titles you can get with your dog. Since I failed the herding instinct test – that wouldn’t be a possibility for me.

But just as she was about to give up the idea – she spotted another title. A Trick Dog title. Now THAT was a possibility. She read all about it – and she had some friends who obtained titles during the pandemic lockdown. In fact there are several levels of Trick Dog titles. And the best part? You can be tested by an examiner. OR- you can videotape the designated tricks and email them to an examiner. BINGO!

The next day, she announced we had work to do. She went downstairs in the rec room and moved the furniture around. She set up her phone on a stand, had my list of tricks and the camera was rolling. We had to do a few second takes- only because the videographer didn’t set the camera angle correctly. We did all the required tricks and she reviewed the footage. It was at that point that she realized we did all the tricks with her wearing her big fuzzy slippers. Oh so fashionable. She looked at me and said “so what.” I agreed. And she filled out the paperwork, paid the fee and sent my Academy Award winning performance to the examiner. Within 24 hours we had the word – I passed! And yesterday….this arrived…

So once that was complete – she sent in my results to the CKC – and according to the website, I now have Versatility Novice title! Not bad for an old guy!

Now according to the algorithms for Versatility tiles, I actually only need one more title to obtain my Versatility Advanced title. Look out Scent Detection peeps – I may be joining your training group. If I can find one. It’s either that, or sled dog.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Howdy blogaroos! Squirmy here today and I’m here to tell you I’m a little bit miffed. I just saw this article:

https://people.com/pets/ohio-therapy-dog-wins-2022-cadbury-bunny-tryouts/?amp=true

So why didn’t I know about this tryout?! I mean I think my Easter photo from last year was a winner…

Surely I could have been the Cadbury Clucking Bunny. By the way, what exactly is a clucking bunny? Sounds clucking silly if you ask me. But I would have liked the $5000 prize. That would buy a whole lot of biscuits. And just imagine me in a commercial.

So I’m pretty unhappy about this. PLUS we saw the Warden come home from the Dollar Store the other day with a pretty big bag. It can’t be more ears – we have plenty. We’ll have to wait and see…

Meanwhile, yesterday yours truly showed the Warden juuuuuusssssst how determined I can be. I prefer the word “determined” rather than stubborn. We took a walk to the lake – Frodo was free, I was free with my giant bell and the Coyote was on leash. As we were headed for the house, we all came across a particularly aromatic poop that some animal left on the trail. When the Warden realized what we were dissecting with our noses, she said to “leave it.” The other guys carried on but yours truly wasn’t finished. At least in my mind. The Warden said more loudly (like I didn’t hear her the first time) “LEAVE it.” I walked forward about 3 feet and turned around to go back. The Warden said “ NO- LEAVE it!!” I went forward about 10 feet and turned to go back. “HEY. LEAVE it.” I proceeded forward about 10 feet again, circled in front of the Warden and headed back. “I MEAN IT – LEAVE IT!” Next, I went ahead of her and ran off into the woods on her right. She watched me as I circled back in the woods to go to the spot. “SERIOUSLY- I SEE YOU! LEAVE IT!!” Then I ran ahead of her, crossed in front of her and headed into the woods on her left. Again I tried to circle back. “I’M GOING TO PUT YOU ON A LEASH AND YOU’LL NEVER BE LET LOOSE AGAIN UNTIL YOU’RE 12! LEAVE IT RIGHT NOW!!!!” I tried at LEAST 6 times to get back to that poop. But I realized the Warden does pay attention on these walks. Plus that blasted cow bell gives me away. Hard to be sneaky when you sound like an old fashioned ice cream truck with every move you make. While she was opening the gate to let us into the yard, I decided to try one more time to run back. But she had her eye on me. “GET IN THIS YARD RIGHT THIS INSTANT OR I’LL LOCK YOU OUT AND YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO COME IN AND GET YOUR SUPPER.” Honestly- did she think I’d fall for that one? You KNOW she would never lock me out. But much as I KNEW she would never REALLY do it, who wants to take a slim chance when there’s food involved. I came in.

So that’s the news from here. Hope you have a clucking jolly Thursday- full of sunshine and good aromas.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Howdy doody Blogaroos. Squirmy here on another terrific Tuesday. Although we do have snow fluffies in the forecast this morning so it’s not totally terrific . Not lots of snow- and it probably won’t stay on the ground. But just enough to make the pond I’m digging in the yard kind of wet and mucky. The Warden was chatting with a friend on the phone last evening while I was out doing some preliminary site work. I came in and she looked at me and said “well don’t YOU look ragged! Look at your feet. And your face!” I just looked at her with my rugged excavator look and shook myself. I think I may be headed for the tub today.

Hey – guess WHAT?! You give up? Pretty exciting…. I got to sleep out of my crate on Sunday night!!! I was shocked when the Warden let me out. I think she just wanted to see what would happen. Initially I had two paws on her bed and kept licking her face. She told me to settle down. Then I tried to bite her toes through the comforter. She told me to lie down. When I started licking the Boss’s face she told me to stop it – and that it would be her last warning. I settled down after that. And I was good ALL night. Until 6AM. Then I felt it was time to get the day going. The Warden kept rolling away from me and burying her head in the pillow. It didn’t work. She tried the roll and ignore strategy for 15 minutes, and finally got up. The Boss just glared at her. He was NOT impressed that yours truly was free. He likes to be king of the bedroom. He sleeps wherever he likes. On the bed, next to the bed, jammed under the bedside table, by the window…. He was annoyed that I was free. So last night I was back in my cell. Like the Coyote. That dude used to be free, but he has no awareness of personal space – and he would practically push the Warden off the bed. That’s when he returned to the pony-sized den. Which be interestingly loves. When it’s getting close to bedtime, he stands and cries by the bedroom door to be let in. The bedroom door is usually closed during the day because yours truly LOVES to jump on the bed, grab a pillow and run. Another of my obsessions…

Otherwise things are quiet here. The bunnies are changing from white to brown again. I saw one on the golf course the other morning, and he wasn’t the least bit shy. Here’s a picture of us. You can see me pulling to greet him, and my stubbie tail was wagging in circles. Actually my whole butt was moving. I just wanted to play with Thumper. Sure I did….

Time to begin the morning sing-along!

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Howdy blogaroos. Happy Sunday! Hope your weekend has been super and full of sunshine and treats. Or at least treats.

Today I am writing to share with you a confession. They say they confession is good for the soul, but I don’t know who they is. Anyway… this is a confession about my secret obsession. I feel it’s time to share this info – and to see if there are other dogs out there with this “problem.” Maybe we could form a support group.

It started…hmmm…I guess last year. Susan was visiting with Keith, as I recall, and we had gone up to the golf course one morning for a walk. I was off leash running through the woods on the sides of the fairway, and the Warden called me- because I was out of sight. I came running out of the woods – and Susan and the Warden looked at each other as I was running toward them and said “What’s that in his mouth?!” It was shocking pink in color. It was a golf ball. I dropped it at the Warden’s feet and because I did that, and didn’t attempt to chew it, the Warden quickly gave me a treat. And that’s when my obsession began…..little did she know that one treat would change our walks on the golf course forever…

Check

Out

This

Photo…..

Since that one incident, if I go to the golf course, and I’m let off leash – I am OBSESSED with running into the woods to find balls. I mean OBSESSED. This is the third time this box has been filled. The Warden gives the balls away. Right now, because the course isn’t open, I’m finding balls from last season- many of which are half buried in mud. But don’t worry- I have figured out how to dig them out. Sometimes the Warden won’t let me off leash – because she knows I won’t stop looking until I find one. Or two. Or ten. I wear my bell so although the Warden can’t see me, she can hear where I’m headed. If the bell stops ringing, I’m either digging or possibly eating bunny poo.

I think I could get a job working for some golfers who regularly put their balls in the woods. Canine caddy. That’s me!

So there. You have learned about my secret obsession. And you thought my specialty was ricocheting. The Warden said my obsession could be worse – I could be bringing back the bunny balls….

So – if you golf and happen to be in the neighborhood, stop in – I’ll fix ya up! Twelve balls for 6 biscuits. The Warden may give them away – but I do have a small stash to make myself some treats. Hey – it’s work finding those balls – and a guy has to make a living. Given my aptitude for using my nose to find balls, the Warden thinks maybe I should try some scentwork classes. What do you think?

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Howdy blogaroos! Happy Friday! Although I’m not super happy because it’s supposed to rain today. Which means I can’t go up to the golf course to chase geese. Yup. The feathered poop machines are back. If there’s a big group of them, we stay back as they can be kinda cranky. But if there’s one or two – well let’s just say that they fly away from a shaggy shark and his human. And then the human walks along saying “leave it” about 50 times as we walk through the poop minefield. Those guys make a mess!

And speaking of a mess- I learned something yesterday. IF one disappears into the woods while on a walk and one returns with a brown, matted face, one gets an unplanned trip to the grooming torture palace tub. One would think a mucky brown face would simply result in a face wash- but no- yours truly got the WHOLE ENTIRE WASH JOB. The Warden wasn’t exactly sure what was on my face, but it appeared I had rubbed my face in SOME brown substance. I’m not saying what it was. The Warden was understandably not impressed. Meanwhile, the Boss and the Coyote just looked at me and rolled their eyes. Hey – at least I came when called. Look at the bright side. Even if the bright side was brown.

I have class today- and I’ve been doing my homework, but it’s anybody’s guess if it will show in class. My behavior is intermittent- just like reinforcement. Besides – the longer it takes to do something perfectly, the more training treats you get. I’m no fool.

We have no big plans for the weekend. At least I won’t be having a bath – I smell kinda like candy right now. Yup – a sweet scent for a sweet boy. Who would give anything to go back in the woods and find that brown stuff again.

Good thing I’m cute.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Howdy blogaroos. Squirmy here on another wonderful Wednesday.

Today is National Puppy Day. And we’re getting a new puppy!!! Just joking. Did you choke on your coffee? Yeah – the only puppy coming any time soon to this house would be stuffed. And we would promptly attempt to de-stuff him.

Anyway, in honor of National Puppy Day, we’re stealing a quiz from Viktor’s blog that was written like 6 years ago. You might remember it if you’re a long time reader. We didn’t. So we’re stealing it. See what you know about puppies:

1. Puppies can’t see, hear or smell when they are born. True or False

2. When a puppy is born, 60% of his time is spent sleeping and 40% is spent eating. True or False

3. Puppies are delivered about how many days after conception?

A) 22
B) 36
C) 63
D) 94

4.   A puppy’s first sense of smell begins at:

A)  1 week

B)  3 weeks

C)  6 weeks

D) 9 weeks

5.   Puppies can begin learning commands:

A) at 8 weeks

B) at 12 weeks

C) at 6 months

D) whenever they feel like learning

6. Most Dalmation puppies are born solid white, and their spots develop at around 10 days old. True or False

7. Puppies have 28 puppy teeth and adult dogs have 42 teeth. True or False

8.   What does socializing your puppy mean?

A) Teaching your puppy to greet people nicely

B) Making sure your puppy can tolerate large groups of people

C) Letting your puppy play with other dogs

D) Exposing your puppy to as many new people, animals and experiences as possible

9.   What is the primary reason why socializing is very important?

A) Preventing fears in adult dogs

B) Teaching a puppy how to greet people nicely

C)  Preventing a puppy from nipping and mouthing

D) Making the adult dog more intelligent

10. When do responsible breeders start socializing their puppies?

A) As soon as the puppies’ eyes open

B) At birth

C) As soon as the puppies start to walk

D) As soon as the puppies are weaned

11. At what age do many dog experts believe is the optimal age for a socialization program?

A)  2-8 weeks

 B) 24-32 weeks

 C) 16-24 weeks

D) 7-16 weeks

12.  According to dog behaviorist Dr. Ian Dunbar, how many different people should a puppy meet between the ages of 8 and 12 weeks?

A)  At least 100

B)  At least 50

C)  At least 1000

D) At least 25

Aren’t we puppies amazing?   Let’s see what you know about us:

1.    True

2.    False – we actually sleep 90% of the time and eat 10% of the time.  But I doubt that is true for PONs…we ALWAYS like to eat…

3.    C

4.    B

5.    A

6.    True

7.    True

8.    D

9.    A

10.  B

11.   D

12. A

Today is also Cuddly Kitten Day. And guess what? We’re not getting a kitten. The Warden is not caving on that one either. The woman has no sense of adventure. Not much else new here. The Boss had a horrible day yesterday. He was groomed. Not even the full meal deal- it was what the Warden calls a cursory brushing. She didn’t do his nails – the brushing was enough. He’s such a drama king. But he rebounds immediately when he is off the grooming table.

Well time to rock and roll. Speaking of rolling, here I am trying to enjoy the last of the snow pile. I’m looking a bit disheveled – because I didn’t get my grooming yesterday. Plus snow rolling will do that to you…

https://youtube.com/shorts/Rw8MSJBfC2I?feature=share

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Yo. Blog readers. Elroy here for your reading entertainment today. The mops are busy rolling in the last of the snow piles that were left by Larry, the plow guy. All the other snow is GONE, but we still have a few dwindling piles on the sides of the driveway. So the mops dash out and roll on them. Even though it’s probably like rolling on a rock. Sometimes I don’t get them.

Otherwise, not a whole lot new here in the hood. LOTS of pheasants around, and the Boss put the scare to a bunch of them the other day. He went out the front door and took a beeline for them. Her Highness hadn’t checked before she opened the door. Yup – the head pheasant and his harem of six (yup six!) girls took to the skies. They make quite a racket when a big old mop comes charging at them. Needless to say, he didn’t catch any.

So check out this story about a dog who gets high. But thankfully not on drugs…

https://people.com/pets/penn-firefighters-try-to-save-dog-on-roof-false-alarm/?utm_source=emailshare&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=email-share-article&utm_content=20220319

Why is it I can see the Imp doing something like that? I’m not so sure that’s a safe hobby. But then again, neither is ricocheting off humans….

So that’s it from here. But being the mellow guy that I am, I thought I’d close with this. As a little tribute to the dog in the story. Kind of a good mellow Monday tune. Enjoy.

https://youtu.be/fHzMeEf3rM0

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Hey hey hey blogaroos. Squirmy here on a super Saturday. Particularly super because there is no snow in the forecast! Yippeeeeee. Back to longer walks!!!! The Warden got pretty lazy with us this icy winter. Some excuse about not falling on ice. Blah blah. But we’re feeling Spring in the air – so it will be good to get back to our regular routine of dragging her down the road. Yee haw.

The Warden saw something funny the other day, and I decided to share it with you. This was on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Jimmy has, I think a Golden Retriever- and is a dog fan. We like Jimmy. Anyway, he showcases talented dogs. The Warden said I would be just like the first guy, Tonka – even though we don’t resemble each other. She says we’re alike because when you THINK I know something, and you want to show someone what I can do, I don’t do it – like Tonka and his limbo trick. I don’t know what’s more entertaining- Tonka, or Jimmy who is laughing so hard. The Warden thought it was pretty funny too.

The three legged dog performed fine. I’m not sure it’s the BEST trick in the world, but at least he did it.

Now the Oreo guy – he looks as excited as the Coyote when you pull out a camera. The Coyote could probably do that trick. I mean he’s not fussy about food, and he definitely has the disgusted stare down perfectly. The Warden said she’d love to see a PON do this. Now THAT would be a trick. I’d show how with one turn of my head I could eat all of them. Which probably aren’t that good for dogs. Unless they are those fake Oreo dog biscuits Like they think we dogs don’t know the difference. Trust me. We do. Anyway – check out the performances:

https://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/video/whats-up-dog-limbo-walking-upright-and-balancing-oreos/353925877

I had class yesterday and all was going great until our teacher took us outside in a fenced area to do literally, 2 minutes of attention work. Well, I pulled a Tonka. Sure I can do certain things like heelwork and recalls and stays in a controlled, familiar environment- but outside, I barely knew my name. When I realized the Warden had treats, I was a BIT better. But holy macaroni- I have LOTS of work ahead of me!

OK. Time to get ready to take the Warden on a LONG walk. She needs it.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.