Making Mini Buried Containers For Scent Work

Searching for odor is easy but when putting in a new place such as buried in sand it acts differently.  Our trainer said that odor will go up then disperse out towards the side of the container before reaching the surface.  This type of search has been giving me trouble in class so we are making some sand containers to practice with at home.  We began with getting supplies from Walmart.  We purchased Ultra Stiff Mesh Plastic Canvas...

...and Zip-loc  twist and lock containers.  Both were under $3.

Next momma cut the mesh canvas to the size of the container.  The mesh canvas will allow the scent to come though but prevent digging and sand being tossed all over her kitchen floor.    It fit just inside the edge allowing the lid to twist and loc in place.

Then we added sand and labeled the containers for hot (the one used for burying oil) and cold (will never have oil).

Now we just have to add oil qtip in the centrifuge tube to practice.  Fun Times!!!!!

Sniffs,
Lucy

Work Related

As you know momma works at the city's water maintenance department.  Well they have constructed this pawsome sample meter box and a shiny new fire hydrant.  Which is very educational.  Momma had no idea of the inner workings of things till she started here.  Of course I had to see what this was all about and get a photo.

This is one of the city's new smart meters.  It transmits the usage down town for the billing dept to see.  Thats like pretty pawsome technology.

I decided to throw caution to the wind and try my paw at parkour again.  I got this, especially with my tongue out for balance purposes.

Ta Da!

Plus the bonus artsy shot.  Lucy parkour master.

Once done with photos I took a ride in mommas chair back to her desk. Wheee!

I then realized I hadn't been here since she was a dispatcher. She now has a nice new larger office all to herself.  Lots of windows with good views of the yard.  And lots of paper for shredding. :)

As we left we checked out the big trucks.

Sadly there were no peoples inside but they were still pretty cool.

BTW today is mommas 1 year work-iversary.  Which is a pretty big deal.  She says she is so happy she finally has a job she enjoys and loves going to everyday.  Happy work-iversay momma!

Smooches,
Lucy

Visiting Santa Paws

What a magical day!!!  We awoke furry early in anticipation of getting to see Santa Paws.  We ate breakfast, combed our furs and set out for Petsmart.  We have arrived!

Let's Go!!!!

We got in line...

...and fluffed up our furs again. 

I'm ready momma, I got this!

Lucy went first.  Awww!   No guilt gut this year. Much inprovement!!!!

Finally it was my turn.  Momma handed me off.  I was ok.  I looked back at momma then back at Santa.  I told him everything I wanted.  New clothes,  treats and toys if he saw fit.  Once my turn was over I was given back to momma and given lots of cuddles for being a good girl. 

Afterwards we went to Doggy Nannys house to tell her all about our adventure.  On the way home Poppy melted and I was her pillow.  Puppy paralysis is real friends.  I couldn't move the entire ride home she was sleeping so soundly. 

Smooches,
Lucy and Poppy

Side note from the momma: We have been working hard on behaviors in public.  With Poppy at Doggy Nanny's she barking less at grandpa.  Shifting her focus to me.  At Petsmart I had her in the front part of the buggy and a friend from her training class came to say hello to us.  She mentioned that Poppy looked less fearful and was well behaved.  She reached to pet her and I was fine with that as Poppy wasn't showing signs of being afraid.  Poppy just simply turned around crawled out of the buggy and into my arms.  I could not have been more proud.  Instead of barking and/or nipping she just left the situation.  She turned to me as someone to protect her and knew I wouldn't let anything bad happen. 

Along with this another situation (no photos it was an impromptu to trip to petco) a family wanted to say hello both girls were walking on leash.  I allowed it as both were behaving quite nicely.  Lucy stayed standing allowed petting and kept checking in with me.  I asked Poppy to leave it, she did and just stood next to me with her little body pressed against my ankle.  No barking, no pulling, no fear.  Just left the situation (situation being people coming up to us) and watched her sister. 

My ability to stay calm in situations and my girls ability to trust me is a big deal.  We are all working as a team.  I have never really had this and it feels great.  That is not to say we don't have bad moments where we look like a true circus act but as we always say practice makes progress.  These girls have totally different needs and I have to find balance within myself to ensure we are all taken care of. 

SW Class Photo Bloopers

During my official SW class photoshoot we tried many different poses and tricks that didn't quite work out but they were awful cute so I had to share.

I have antlers!

Darn wind!

Not liking this one.

Lets try some tricks.

Nope

Tongue out!

Almost

Let me try again.

Just about.

Cute but blurry.  The camera can't keep up with my jumping self.

There we go!

I wanna go again!

JUMP FOR JOY!

Yipee!

Final move is a spin.

 This one turned out to be mommas favorite.  She even made it her phone back ground.

I like it too momma!!!!

If you are wondering where Poppy is....

Shes waiting in the car.

Looking salty!

(Don't worry its a brisk 55 and she was fully sweatered)

Smooches,
Lucy

OTCWF Intermediate Scent Work - Week 7

We missed class this week.

 In the mean time here is my official class photo take just after my recent grooming.

Last but not least my new scent work toys from class.

This class was a blast and now we have laid the foundation to bring home new ribbons and titles next August.  #winmearibbon Thank you to Kelly, Martha and the OTCWF for offering scent work classes. 

Sniffs,
Lucy

Lunch Time Grooming Run

I am scheduled every 6 weeks with Miss Pat now.  She is my official groomer.  She grooms on Wednesday afternoons so that is my official grooming time slot.  Our new routine for grooming will be as follows.  At mommas lunch break she will come and pick me up and then she dropped me off at Margots.  Today I went in and said hello to every groomer working.  Asked politely that they stop working and give me belly rubs.  They were happy to do so.  :)

After work momma hurried right over to pick me up.  She found me being furry polite and chilling in my kennel.  She sneakily took a photo before I realized she was there. 

Hi Pepper!  Nice Photobomb!

Then Miss Pat tried to collar me...didn't work.  She had to get me out of my kennel let me get my wiggles out then collar me.  As soon as the gate opened I burst out to show momma my new furcut and pretty collar pom pom from Miss Pat! 

Oh I feel fresh and pretty!

Time to get rid of the groomer smell. 

Engage hEad RuB!

Smooches,
Lucy