It's a Dog's Life: Training Class Friends & Tippi

About six days ago, Cinnamon met Jen B, a pet trainer at Petsmart.  In addition, he was thrilled to meet two new friends. Finn, a 14-week-old Irish Wolf Hound and Bandit, an 11-week-old Jack Russell Terrier.  We pet parents were asked to say our furry friend's first name and use a describing word with our pet's first letter of his/her name.

Bandit's mom said, "His name is Bandit and he is Bossy."  Finn's mom and dad said, "This is Finn.  He is Fantastic."  I said, "My little boy is Cinnamon and he likes to Chew."  Jen trained we parents as well as our pets.  She really knows her stuff.  

From Cinnamon: "Jen taught my mom and the other parents how to use cue words. Now my mom knows how to use uh-uh, oops and try again instead of simply saying no.  Also, mommy knows how to say YES when I do #1, #2 and sit. I get a tiny training treat for doing my business (1 and 2), sitting and other good behavior.  Jen taught all of the pet parents to use a clicker to train us.  She says you can train chickens with a clicker.  I like release words like done and free.  When I hear done or free, I know I can be at ease.  I am trying to improve on my "watch me" talent. When I can see the treat and make eye contact with mommy, I hear a click, I get a treat.  I have to be able to do this 10 times in a row before I can move on to the next talent."

Cinnamon continues, "I was so happy to play with Finn and Bandit.  After class, I met Tippi, a female puppy who is six weeks old. Tippi is minature size. She is part Jack Russell Terrier and part Chihuahua.  She is maybe a pound at the most.  I am not allowed to play with her yet because she is still fun-sized.  Her mom (Sherrie) found Tippi on a farm in up north in Snohomish.   Tippi's mom said we were welcome to come and say hello to Tippi if we were in the neighborhood.  I was stoked to find out that we live close to Tippi. My mom took pictures of Tippi so everybody can see how adorable Tippi is. Can't wait for the girl to grow up so I can play with her.  I will be 18 weeks old this Wednesday.  I could be her older brother."

Two days ago, Cinnamon was very happy to have Daddy join in during the second class.  Due to work and travel changes, we did a make-up class with Jen.  Jen taught Cinnamon and us about massage therapy for dogs, finger brushes that clean puppy teeth, doggie toothpaste, breath mints for pups, loose leash walking and more.  

From Cinnamon: "It was Daddy's birthday on Thursday.  After training class dad went to a meeting.  Mom and I ate dinner with Auntie Lo and Savvy. Later, mom got two chocolate cakes for dad.  Mom and I sang the happy birthday song to Daddy. Instead of singing cha, cha, cha at the end of each sentence, I sang WOOF, woof, woof.  It made Daddy laugh and smile."

A closing comment from Cinnamon: "Hi boys and girls.  Moms and dads. Neighbors, all adults, everybody.  Here is a reminder that I am the judge of a monthly pet contest.  It is really easy and fun.  If you own a pet please email me (patchpuppy98155@gmail.com).  Send me a picture (jpg attachment only) of your pet.  Doesn't have to be dog, cat or standard domesticated animal.  You can send in pictures of your ferret, fish, pot bellied pig, etc.  Simply give me one sentence to half a page starting with 'I believe my pet should be pet of the month because ___________.' For the fine print about the contest rules please  Have a great weekend!"