Paw it Forward

.(Written by Duchess's handler, Toby's Raiser)
When picking up my mail Saturday, I was surprised to find... a package for TOBY!!
It was from our lovely friend's over in CA! (Thanks Kari!).
Duchess of course was quite excited, and didn't care too much about her name NOT being on the package...
We opened it up, and not to my surprise at all- it was for the dogs :) TREATS!
Of course I told Duchess we would have to wait to open them, as they are Toby's, not her's.
I have never received a paw it forward gift, and don't know too much about them.
I was told though, once you receive it, you pass it on to 3 other dog blogs.
Since I'm not rich (!!), It will be a small gift, but you guys should still enjoy it.
Have never received a Paw it Forward package? Want to be 1 of the 3?
Leave a comment with the word "pawesome" in it (thanks Duchess...), and the first 3 "pawesome" comments will receive a small gift! (in the USA please)
**(Please note that I DO filter comments, so they aren't published right away - though I do try and post them when they come in)**
Don't be shy, if you want to participate leave a "pawesome" comment!! (all comments are welcome, if you include "pawesome" in the comment I will count that as you are wanting to participate)
Please email me at "letters-fromhomeAThotmailDOTcom" if you were one of the three, or leave your email in the comment and I'll email you.
Thanks again Kari, Toby will enjoy the healthy treats when he gets back from camp!

P.S. I see a "IFT" (In For Training) email in my inbox... I guess that will be my next post...

Duchess's handler, Toby's Raiser
The human that has a dog with a blog

Letters From Camp... Outing time!

*(Posted by Duchess's handler, Toby's Raiser)*
I received a email yesterday from the father of the family Toby is staying with. It was a really long email with great details about his training, but I did take some parts out to make it shorter for you guys (if something sounds a little odd, it may be because I took a section out).
Enjoy!

"Recorded my first 4 hour working session with Toby. My gut feel- he is going to make it! The first place I took him was the bus stop. After that we dropped the 5 year old at pre-school and then went to the insurance office to conduct some business. We went in the office and he did very well staying in a seated position to greet the staff. After introductions and some petting, we went in to a private office where he laid down and slept for an hour. PERFECT.
We then drove to down town where we could walk past restaurants and shops.
We met some toddlers where Toby sat so they could approach and pet. Once again PERFECT!
Toby had a few issues walking past some sidewalk displays with plants and he also jumped when a semi rig bounced over the railroad tracks. We left that area and entered the new city hall. We rode the elevator up, stopping at 2 and 3 and then back down also stopping at 3 and 2 before exiting at 1. He was once again PERFECT! He remained in the sitting position as the door opened and closed on each floor.
We went down Richardson without issue and even stopped to watch some men making a racket by throwing kegs of beer out the back of a truck and loading them up on dollies. No issues with beer for this dog but the handler’s urge to enter a pub created a minor distraction. The will power prevailed and Toby’s work continued.
We passed a few pedestrians without issue and the number of bumps to prevent marking had dropped to near zero.
We took another pass down main street and he once again returned to PERFECT. He passed the flowers, plants, pedestrians, poles hydrants, signs without a single bump. He is really smart and learned how to meet expectations really quickly.
We made a pass through Lowe’s where I stopped and talked to several people and made a restroom visit. He was PERFECT Again!!!
He does very well with “come”, “sit”, “stay”, and “down”. Very sharp with “stand” and “forward”. He also knows “heel” and “switch” but could use a little practice to make those perfect. will get some pics to ya soon...” Looks like Toby's main issue at the moment is marking things, but it sounds like he is getting better!

I will be doing a "Paw it Forward" post soon, and passing it along to 3 other doggie blogs, so stay tuned!

Duchess's Handler & Toby's Raiser "The human that has a dog with a blog"