Tag Archives: puppy training

What? Dreaming of Zero Calorie Brownies?

IMG_2914Mom and her new cool intern Liz were quite busy this past week and I wanted IN on all that was going on!  First they wrote this blog on zero calorie brownies. Of course I would be on board with dreaming about any type of food.

I love all food except carrots and I could care less about the caloric count.

Then they made THREE types of cookies from Mom’s gluten-free cookie book A Healthy Baker’s Dozen and of course NONE of them included my famous dog cookie.  I tried to get crumbs of the cranberry oatmeal, no bake chocolate and peanut butter cookies but Mom was quite vigilant in cleaning up and I did not score this time.

Counter surfing has been officially banned but I don’t subscribe to that as of now.  Since Liz is taller than me she was on to me but at least I got my loves, hugs and pets so I guess there is something to be said for that.

Things are heating up this holiday season but thank goodness I do not have to wear any crazy looking sweaters, coats or rain boots. However, they claim El Nino is coming so maybe I will need to get a raincoat and umbrella.

We have been working on a new project.  Mom is going to start doing some webinars for Motivational Interviewing to help people improve their skills. These skills work great especially for those who are in the health industry, counseling field or really any field that want to learn communication.

You should all check it out as the first one is free.  Give yourself a free gift this December and learn to use OARS as Mom calls it.  I’m not sure what that is but if you attend the webinar I’m sure you’ll find out.  Here’s the link for my peoples.

Well that is about it since I hear the refrigerator door opening and I believe it’s the cheese drawer so peace out people – I need to stop dreaming and start eating.

BTW – it was quite a warm 70 degrees today so no sweaters here yet!

Love,

Perry

My Own Wrecking Ball

photo-2

Well Christmas came and went and I survived being away from the parental units.  Yep I survived…I did run a lot and lost a few pounds (Mom says I’m “insulin-sensitive vs. her and Dad being “insulin-resistant” so I lose weight quickly – once again another way canines are the preferred species).

Now I am back home eating like a champ to get my fighting weight back on since I did get a little skinny.  Unfortunately, it is not by eating junk food as Mom has a close eye on my healthy treats.

Southern California’s weather has been a bit schizophrenic with one day like summer and the next winter but it doesn’t matter since my life of luxury continues.  However, being away and sleeping in a confined space I am sure glad I am home with my big comfy chair.  I like the country but I like the comforts of home.  That said the parentals did bring me a gift, which I love, a Harry Barker toss and tug rope toy.  Mom thought it would be good for me since it’s made of cotton and is free of bad things that make canines sick.

photoWhy do I love my new toy so much?  Because apparently Dad was not thinking of the damage this toy can cause.  When I am bored I rummage through my toy box and bring toys to Dad.

I usually wait until he is on the phone or doing something important.  I then come to him running with toy in mouth and try and thrust it into his hands.  This method gets him going and he usually ends up playing tug of war, WHICH I LOVE PEOPLE!

This gets Mom a little irritated  and she usually says, “no playing in the house Jeffrey Michael.”   When the middle name is used it means trouble.  Perry 1 and Dad a big fat 0.

OK, sorry I digressed  – so they got me a rope toy with a hug ball on the end.  They thought I would just chew on the ball and Dad would pull by the handle.

Seriously?  I am all about holding onto the handle and shaking my head all around so the ball hits everything.  That’s right folks – my own wrecking ball…Miley Cyrus has nothing on me.

I do know how to behave – it’s just whether I decide to do it and how many walks Dad decides to take me on to tire me out.

Catch you after the first of the year.  Remember my 2 year old birthday is less then two weeks away so that limits your shopping days.

Peace and good Health in 2014!

Training and Mindful Eating?

photoThank goodness there was no dressing up this week.  I’m not looking forward to Halloween next year except if I get some treats.  Treats are worth everything!

The parentals stepped up the training this week.  I have to wait at the door for company to come in…and then the company is instructed not to pay attention to me unless I behave.  I messed that up this week when Auntie Aurora came over.  I got a little too excited and jumped on her so off to the crate I went.

However, a day later I got to go Auntie Aurora’s house since Mom spoke at a diabetes conference.  I got to play with her and my canine friend Kobe.  We went to the dog park a few times and everyone loved me, as they should.  I overheard Aurora telling Mom the dog park it good since it tires me out but that’s okay since it’s worth the fun and all the attention I get.

Mom is trying to make me be what she calls a “mindful eater.”  Apparently I eat both my meals in under a minute.  I’m just trying to show how much I love my food but apparently she’s not buying it.  Not sure I can be trained for this one but I guess I can give it a try.

At least I’m thankful for my food and getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving soon!

It Was Perry Week

IMG_6380-001It was MY Week!

So we started off the week with my head shots or should I say my body shots since the whole of me was in the pictures.  I know Dad was worried but I’m not sure why…we all know he’s a worry well so I guess that’s it.  Mom stayed for the pictures to help Dad and Uncle Andrew but what the fuss was I’m not sure since I did just fine.  They had all their shots in a matter of minutes.  I know how to look great so when I want to!  See how regal and serious I am and not EVEN touching one of the cookies being the show dog that I am.

Two days later brought more excitement…the Batchelor Grandparents came for a quick visit before they left for the airport to go see my Aunt Wendy and the boys in Atlanta.  I love when they are here as I get to be a little more spoiled then usual.

I did get into a little bit of trouble, as I continually wanted to get into their bedroom in the middle of the night.  It made Dad crazy but then again what does not make him crazy?

Of course my squeak friend the squirrel remains my nemesis and is always taunting me to chase him.  I do lay in wait as I watch him come up to the side windows on the fence and scream at me to come outside.  Mom can’t believe he does this every day.  Lately the PITA has been bold by playing on the back step while I am going postal on the other side of the glass.

As for the rest of the family Mom spoke again for LA Care this week and Dad is organizing some people and I am being “perfect” as usual.  I even helped Mom perfect the Lemon Bars last night for the new cookie book.  Remember I have my own dog cookie and a few of them are unfortunately hidden in the refrigerator.

OK, I need to do backyard patrol to prevent PITA squirrel from trying to take it over.

I’m Laboring on Labor Day with my Cookie Debut

photo-1I can hardly keep my eyes open people!

We all know how much I love consistency and when my schedule gets disrupted I become a little…let’s just say…crazy.

OK, let me do some explaining.

The parentals have been working hard trying out different recipes and creations for a potential future cookbook.  I love this since we have all been in the kitchen working on the Gluten-Free cookies for the new E-book.

It is now apparent that the parent’s work too much because they are always working on projects, and yesterday did NOT include me!

Apparently it was a big cooking day and I was excited because I would be able to be co- captain in the kitchen.  Low and behold I did not have that opportunity since I was sent to my club The Wags Club for a sleepover.  What????!!!

photoI had a rough night, and was up and down and could not settle down since I was not in my own bed.  I was lonely and sad and when Dad came to pick me up this morning and I could not get out of there fast enough.  What was he not thinking?  Leaving me out of all the fun!

All right – I will get to the point.  I have been resting all afternoon and I hear Dad is concerned, as I have to be ready for pictures tomorrow morning.  Mom did make my doggie cookies today and Dad and Uncle Andrew are shooting my picture with my cookie tomorrow – it should be a fun festive day!

That said people I need to get my beauty rest because I want to be ready for my close ups tomorrow.  I guess I will be in fact laboring on Labor Day!

I’m a Motivational Interviewing Greeter

photo-1Hello my name is Perry!

That’s right folks – I am now officially a greeter.  Though I did not get a cool vest like the greeters at Wal-Mart, I am still greeting.

Mom had a Motivational Interviewing workshop at our office yesterday and I got to welcome all the participants.  Of course I was on my bestest behavior the entire time.  I know how to have on my game face and etiquette.

I know this because when I am being polite, people compliment me on how regal and mellow I am.  Then I look at the parentals, who secretly give each other an eye roll and just laugh.  Remember, I am a show dog but at home I let my hair down.

Anyway- after the meet and greet Dad took me to the Wags because he was making the food for the meeting.  No matter how I tried to give him the sad eyes he would not let me stay home.  I am good in the kitchen and my counter surfing is getting better.  However, when Dad catches me trying to counter surf it is not his inside voice and I know I am in trouble.  I did steal a whole cube of butter last week so now that is never left out.

The rest of my week was pretty chill.  My “friend,” the squeaky squirrel, is still getting on my last nerve.  He gets me into trouble most days.  He waits in the trees on the branches and chirps at me when he wants me to bark.  Of course his favorite time to play is 6 am.  Dad just goes crazy so maybe I should put him in the crate so I can terrorize the neighborhood with my booming voice.

The best news…Christmas Kitty has not been back and that folks is a Christmas miracle.

OK, have to take a little catnap so bye for now.

Perry

Perry goes to the Verizon Store

IMG-20130803-00023Hello People…

This was no ordinary week.  Like them all we are busy around here but it only gets exciting for me when I get to go out in the world and share it with all of you.

So much has happened this weekend.  First we had to go to the Verizon store on 26th and Wilshire to get Mom’s phone fixed.  The twitter was not working and she needs that to keep all her followers informed of important nutritional information.  I’m not sure what tweeting is but I know I’m involved somehow and that’s all that is important about it.

Mike at the Verizon store was very nice to me and gave me the deserving attentions and affections, which are mandatory in my presence.

Next I was allowed to go on sort of date night with Mom and Dad.  Mom continues to do food reviews and there is a cool new Hawaiian atmosphere burger joint in Sunset Park area called Shaka Shack Burger.  They are known for their grass-fed burgers, which I know are higher in omega 3’s  – you all know I take my fish oil religiously which is why my coat stays so shiny.  Dad stayed outside with me and Mom ordered their food.  We hung out outside as I was getting pets and listening to Hawaiian music.  The best part was when the owner gave me a high value snack…BACON.

photo-1After all this excitement we came home and just crashed watching some TV.  Of course I pushed the parental units out-of-the-way and got the big chair to myself.  I would say it was just about the perfect day….

The Squirrel is trying to make me crazy!

photoI have shared with all of you my plight with the squirrels and birds in our back yard.  They are constantly trying to rile me up and that of course causes me to bark…causing a domino effect of eventually disturbing the neighborhood and of course the parental units.

There is this one specific “friend” of a squirrel I call Squeak who just taunts me, even when I am in the house.

He runs on top of the fence and when I am trying to lounge in the living room he screeches to get my attention and rile me up to come outside and play.  Then when I get outside he runs and hides in the trees.  He tries to be sneaky and lies in wait as I am freaking out and using my outside barking voice.  He is so tricky that he will drop little branches or berries on my nose, which makes it even worse.

Of course Dad just yells and tries to get me to calm down.  Then Squeak starts the chase game by running back and forth of the fence…when I over shoot it he runs back to scream at me to keep it going.

Well now I am determined to get him first, so my new routine is to get outside first thing in the morning and start barking at the trees to see if the rodent will come out to play.

This just infuriates Dad especially when I am barking at 6:15 in the morning.  This morning was great since Dad was whispering for me to get my skinny butt into the house all the while I am barking.  He looked funny in his bathrobe and kept looking up telling me my “friend” was not out there and to get inside now.  I just kept looking up trying to climb the tree.

HA-Dad finally looked up and that my “friend” dropped leaves on his face.

Needless to say the parental unit was not impressed and he too got upset.  The next thing I know is Dad is in the bathrobe with a 2×4 trying to get the thing from yelling at him.  I was the flawless cheerleader as I was barking away.

Then the backdoor flew open and Mom yelled “what is going on?”  It was a priceless morning in the Dopart-Batchelor house.

They REALLY Like Me!!

IMG-20130518-01046It was AWESOME out there today in the world.

I went to this really nice doctor yesterday who said I was handsome.  Mom and Dad thought I needed some help.  Isn’t it enough that I’m handsome and friendly?  Apparently it’s something with my immune system that is not working like it should since the owie on my toe and in my mouth is not getting better.

His name is Dr. Palmquist and Mom calls him an Integrative Medicine Vet, although I’m not sure what that means.  He gave me some treats, vitamins, and squirts for my mouth that are supposed to make me better.  I’m good at taking my medicine – it’s just not my favorite.  Everyone there was really nice and stopped to admire me – I love that!

Today the three of us went out to a street in Santa Monica, called Montana.  Something about Mom needing a blouse since she is going to be on Channel 7 news this week to talk about her diabetes book.

I did not care about the shopping – it was just awesome walking down street sales for blocks with all the people admiring me.  Dad counted the compliments:

”He’s big”… 17, “beautiful” …9 and  “stately” … 2

However, Dad doesn’t know that I counted his responses:

“Thanks” … 12, “he’s a little narcissistic” … 8 and “he’s a good boy”…a lot I lost count.

We got to walk in between rows of people, and I had to stop and let babies by in strollers (ha, I am so much taller then those things) and I ended up gaining valuable sidewalk sale maneuvering skills.

The BEST part of the day was when Dad did not hesitate and walked me right into a store.  Before I could just sort of peek in, and now he was not hesitating at all.  I got to go into my first cooking STORE PEOPLE!

IMG-20130518-01057The next thing I know people in green aprons started really admiring me.  I heard Mom tell the helper at Williams Sonoma, Santa Monica it was OK to give me a snack.  “Snacks are the best thing in the world.”

But by this time I was starting to get tired.  Dr. Palmquist said my new vitamins might make that happen since I don’t remember ever getting tired in the middle of the day before.

I thought nothing of it to just lie down in the middle of the store.  However, I could see Dad was getting a little annoyed with me as I was starting to stretch out and people were having to walk over me.

All of us finally got home and boy I was tired out, with the combination of the medicine and all the attention I just needed to chill out.

I was just happy of all the loves, hugs, and attentions.  Dr. Palmquist said it right yesterday that dog is just GOD spelled backwards and that’s why I sometimes think I know everything but that’s why God gave me Mom and Dad to keep me humble most of the time.

Punky Goes to the Farm while Mom and Dad go to Auntie Marjorie’s in New Jersey

IMG-20130512-01043I was bummed that I did NOT get to go to Auntie Marjorie’s house.  I wanted to play with my cousins Bliss, AKA the little polar bear dog that never stops licking, and Reeses, AKA the barker dog who always wants to be petted.

Although they are MUCH smaller than me, I knew we’d have fun terrorizing Aunt Marjorie’s clean house and upsetting all the furniture and antiques she so nicely places on all her furniture.

I saw Mom and Dad packing my things, but then overheard them saying something about me going to the country (??)  What is that about?  Then I heard them saying I would not do well in the cargo and going to NJ may be a bit much for my anxiety level.  That may be true but why can’t I sit in the plane with them?  I deserve to have a ticket since I am an important part of this family, aren’t I?

IMG_5594Anyway, this big white van came to pick me up and off to the country I went.  I got to play with other dogs, and discovered some other animals I did not know about – I overheard the lady Julie calling them chickens, and horses.  I played in lots of areas around the farm and then had my own bed at night.  Mom and Dad sent my own little blanket so I would not get too homesick.

I came home tired from all the play, and am so happy to be home in my own bed.  I need Mom to cover me up if the covers come off in the middle of the night.

Hopefully one day I’ll get to meet Aunt Marjorie, Bliss and Reeses but for now a cross-country flight may be more than my puppyness can handle.  Maybe Aunt Marjorie will have to come to California to meet me since she won’t have to sit in cargo like me.  Life’s just not fair sometimes….