What To Do With Myself This Weekend

So here I am on my first official day with no doggies other than my own since February 1st!!! It doesn't seem like having other dogs in the house would take up so much time, but truth is it does and now my day is open for all sorts of things:)

For one, I actually have time to update my blogs now with new articles and content. I definitely dropped the ball at the end of August, but I was getting so burnt out on work that I had nothing left. This gave me the idea that if next year is any busier, I better be healthier and in much better shape. I also just might be looking for an assistant next year to keep my sanity. I could really use someone to video tape sessions, clean the food and water bowls, poop scoop, load pictures and video onto the computer, walk the non problematic client dogs, and set up pre-lessons. It is possible that I might delve into group lessons next year, so it would also be useful to have an assistant for that. Right now the economy is only so so, and my business grew this year but I can't count on that continuing for next year.

Equally important, I have at least two dogs to ready for Novice trials. One just needs to earn her last leg, and one needs all three legs. Jack, I want to advance his training and think about bringing him to Open. Leon, I want to advance his training in the cute things he can do that people love on the beach. He has a hard time with his knees, so I try to stay away from sit stays and jumps. I want to improve his obedience again for when clients see him, but since he is neither aggressive nor a dog that will go into competition, I let him and I slack a bit on that .

Today the human AND canine family will be attending "Art in the Park" in York Maine. This is where various artists set up in a park near here. That should be a nice relaxing and fun time with the dogs. Jackie gets very upset when he looses sight of his brother, Leon, and this will also be one of the training things that I need to work with him on, though I don't know if it will be today.

Tomorrow will probably be devoted to cleaning. Sadly, I have not trained the dogs to do the mopping, sweeping, and cleaning of windows yet. Though I can reintroduce to Leon the concept of getting me things:)


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