Agility – Page 2 – Pet Momma

Spring Update

Old School Black and White photos this time as I just finished off an old, lost and found roll of film

Lots going on around here lately, so I figured it was time for a little update from the zoo.

Stanley is back in another round of agility classes, which just makes me so happy. Will he come when I call him in our own yard? Absolutely not. But get him in a training space and he suddenly remembers that I exist and that we’re a team. He’s really starting to get the agility thing, and he’ll stay with me and run a whole course, which feels pretty amazing. I’m really curious to see how he does when we can practice in an outdoor arena this summer instead of just in a small, closed room.

In other fun news, I found an old roll of black and white film in a camera I was thinking about selling. Of course I had to finish the roll, and I ended up getting some really cute pictures of Stanley doing jumps on our porch. His ears in mid-air are just the best — they flop in every possible direction. I kind of love the old-school film look on action shots; it makes him look like a tiny, dramatic movie star.

The big news around here, though, is that our local animal shelter had a fire last week. Thankfully, all the humans and all the animals got out safely, but the building needed some serious cleanup and repairs, which meant no animals could stay there for a bit. Since I’ve fostered for them before, my phone rang pretty quickly asking if I could help out and foster a bird. There was no way I could say no. Fast forward a few hours and somehow we ended up with two lovebirds and a Senegal parrot in the house.

I had forgotten what “real” birds are like at night. Hector doesn’t like to be covered, so I’ve gotten used to just leaving her be. The first morning with the foster birds, I was up at sunrise sprinting around and covering cages because they were up and ready to greet the day at full volume. We’ve settled into a routine now, and everyone seems a lot happier with a defined bedtime.

The lovebirds came from a recent hoarding situation. They are cute little things, but not at all tame, so they are staying safely tucked in their cage for now. They watch everything, and I feel like they’re quietly judging all of us, but at least they seem comfortable. The Senegal parrot is a totally different story. He wants to be out of his cage all the time, and when he’s out, he only wants one place to be: on my shoulder.

The first day, Stanley was not impressed. There was a lot of barking at the little parrot, and a lot of me trying to reassure Stan that he is still my number one little guy. Thankfully, everyone is adjusting. I don’t expect the foster crew to be here too long — hopefully they can go back to the shelter sometime next week once things are cleaned up — but the little parrot has been a very entertaining visitor.

If I put him on his cage and walk away, he immediately flies right back to my shoulder like, “Excuse me, we were hanging out.” He also tries to steal food directly from my plate, and yes, he will go for food in my mouth if I’m not careful. I’ve had to be very aware of what I’m eating when he’s out, because he is absolutely not shy about helping himself.

Not the best photo, but had to play with the black and white film

Hector, meanwhile, seems to be enjoying the guest. The little parrot flew over to the fence by her cage and she very clearly said, “Hi bird,” which kind of blew my mind. I’m guessing she understands that he’s the same species, or at least that “bird” means something specific to her. Another time she just kept saying, “Hi, hi, hi, hi…” on repeat, which was ridiculously cute. She also asked him, “What doing?” Apparently the birds are speaking English to each other now. I guess that’s the common language for birds and many humans in this house.

The Dragon is good and just finished a nice shed, so she’s looking extra shiny and pleased with herself. The cats are good. Stanley has been enjoying some trips to the dog park now that the weather is nicer. I love bringing him and watching him run and play with the other dogs, but I’m always a little petrified that a big dog is going to hurt him. I stay very close when we go, and I try to quietly feel out the vibe of the other dogs before I really relax.

The other day there was one big dog playing a little too rough for my comfort level. Stanley gave a couple of warning nips to say “back off,” but it didn’t seem to make much difference. I scooped him up and we left. It’s just not worth the risk of him getting hurt, no matter how much he likes to play. Today there were two big dogs at the park again, but they were very gentle with Stan and it all went fine. When it works, it’s so fun to watch him zoom around with friends. I’m still hopeful that we run into the little Doxy he had so much fun with a couple of weeks ago again.

That’s the current state of the Pet Momma house: agility, surprise film photoshoots, temporary birds, talkative parrots, a freshly shed Dragon, happy cats, and one small dog living his best dog park life with a very cautious chaperone.

How are you enjoying the nicer weather where you are — are you and your pets getting outside a bit more these days? Let me know!

Little Things Count

Stanley has been keeping me busy lately with agility classes, tricks, manners, and plenty of walks. Last week was the final class of this agility session, and we celebrated with agility games. The basic rules were simple and a little chaotic: race around the obstacles any way you want within a set time, but hit certain required obstacles along the way for points.

Some weeks, I can’t even take Stan off leash because the smells on the course and the other dogs around the room are just too much for his little brain. Other times, he locks in with me and we have a great run. Last week was one of those great nights. I was a little overwhelmed trying to plan a path that would both rack up points and play to his strengths, but Stanley absolutely rose to the occasion. He stayed with me, followed my cues, and even ran the weave poles. Tunnel, A‑frame, jumps, tire jump – he did it all, off leash and focused. I was so proud of him, and I really feel like all the focus training we’ve been doing is finally starting to pay off.

As thrilled as I am about his big “game night” success, I’m realizing how much the tiny, everyday moments matter just as much. The other day I came home, let him out of his crate, did the usual potty break, and then hit a wall. I just didn’t feel great and really needed a nap. Of course, as soon as I lay down, Stanley decided it was playtime. He bounced on the bed, nipped at my hands, and dug at the blankets while I silently begged the universe for twenty minutes of quiet.

I gave him a gentle pat and told him I needed to rest. A minute later, he hopped off the bed. I figured he’d found something else to get into, but instead he came back carrying a chew toy. He settled in next to me, happily chewed for a few minutes, and then curled up against me and fell asleep. Self‑soothing, respecting my need for a break, and still taking care of his own.

That tiny moment felt just as big as his perfect off‑leash agility run. It’s easy to celebrate the flashy stuff – the tunnels, the weave poles, the game nights – but the little choices he’s starting to make on his own are what really show me how far he’s come. I love this little dog so much, and I’m trying to remember that in training and in life, the little things really do count!

Bean also had a big day recently with a dental cleaning, and I’m so relieved that all went well. The vet did end up removing one tooth; the root was pretty badly damaged, so they think he must have injured it at some point and that it was probably causing him pain. He got injections of antibiotics and pain medication while he was there, which meant no meds for me to juggle at home – such a gift. He came home a little sleepy but comfortable, and I’m grateful we caught the problem and that he should be feeling so much better now. Hoping for a break from large vet bills for a bit!

Bean’s tooth for the curious:

Cat Teeth and Dog Agility

Some weeks around here feel like a very on‑brand mix of “cat teeth drama” and “tiny dog running full speed at an A‑frame.” This has definitely been one of those weeks.

Puck’s Teeth: From Drool to Dental
A few weeks ago, we noticed that Puck was drooling a little bit and being extra pesty, and at first I couldn’t figure out what he was trying to tell us. Puck is very good at letting us know when something is wrong, so the “clingy, rub‑his-face-on-us” behavior got my attention pretty quickly. Years ago, when he had urinary tract issues, he literally led us to the litter box, sat in it, and howled until we realized he needed help, so when he starts acting off, I pay attention.

This time, the clue was his breath. Once we noticed how bad it smelled, it was off to the vet. The verdict: some bad teeth that needed to go. Puck went in for a dental cleaning, had four teeth removed, and came home groggy but quickly went back to being his opinionated, snuggly self.

The not‑so‑fun part? Cat dentals are expensive these days, especially once extractions are involved. The good part is that almost immediately after he recovered from anesthesia, he seemed more comfortable. I suspect his mouth had been bothering him longer than he let on.

Bean’s Turn (Because of Course)
Just when I thought we were through the worst of the cat dental adventures, Bean had his checkup. Overall, both cats looked good, but Bean has one bad tooth and some tartar, and our vet recommended a dental for him as well.

Part of me wishes there were a magical way to do cat teeth without anesthesia, because that’s where so much of the cost comes from, but for now, that’s just part of responsible cat care. Two cat dentals in one season is not my favorite budgeting challenge, but I keep reminding myself that mouth pain is miserable and cats are very good at hiding it.

Between Puck’s extractions and Bean’s upcoming dental, I’m more motivated than ever to stay on top of brushing and home care to stretch out the time between future professional cleanings.

Why Cat Teeth Matter (Even When They Pretend They’re Fine)
If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know how all‑consuming it can be. Cats, of course, don’t tell us they hurt; they keep eating, keep grooming, and maybe just get a little quieter or clingier. With both Puck and Bean, the signs were subtle: drooling, bad breath, and small changes in behavior rather than dramatic symptoms.

Now that I’ve watched Puck bounce back from his dental, I’m convinced that cat teeth are one of those “pay now or pay more (and in pain) later” situations. I’d rather spend the money proactively than find out years from now that they’ve been living with sore mouths.

So that’s the cat side of things: one kitty with fewer teeth but a better quality of life, and another waiting his turn.

Meanwhile, in Dog Agility Land…
While the cats handle their dental journeys, Stanley and I are busy in a very different department: agility.

I went to my first agility club meeting last week. I assumed it was just for humans, so I left Stan at home… and then watched several people walk in with their dogs like it was the most normal thing in the world. Even without him there, it was a great experience. Everyone was incredibly friendly and welcoming, and I left feeling like I joined at exactly the right time.

Our club’s big trial is coming up in May, and I’ll be volunteering so I can see what everything looks like from the inside. I’m excited (and a little nervous) to get a feel for how a full trial day runs, what the energy is like, and how dogs handle being around all those sights, sounds, and smells.

In June, the club will have a booth at a fundraising event for the SPCA where I take classes. There’s going to be a small agility course and demos. I don’t think I’ll be ready for an official demo yet, but I’ve already been told I can volunteer at the booth and run the course at an unofficial time so Stan can try it out with people and distractions around. That feels like the perfect low‑pressure way to dip our toes (and paws) into the “real world” of agility.

Getting Ready: Travel Crate and Focus Work
If we ever do compete, Stanley will need to be comfortable hanging out in a travel crate while we wait for our runs. That means I need to stop just thinking about a crate and actually get one, and then do the slow, patient work of making it a happy place. Stanley loves his crate at home, so it is just a matter of getting him used to a travel crate.

I found a used portable travel crate, on Facebook Marketplace. I wasn’t going to buy one right now, but it was less than half the price of new, and it had only been used for a couple of weeks. I just got it, so now I’ll start introducing it at home with all the good stuff: comfy bedding, chews, and short, positive sessions so it becomes his little safe den instead of “the boring place I sit when mom disappears.”

Class-wise, Stan is still doing weekly agility and having a blast. Two weeks ago we had a rough night—he was super distracted and not listening at all. I’ve been working hard on “with me,” “watch me,” and “touch” (hand targeting) to help him stay engaged when the world gets interesting. He’s brave about obstacles; the real work right now is focus and teamwork.

Last class, we worked on the teeter, which he’s only done once before. He ran right up like it was no big deal. He’s solid on the tunnel, the A‑frame, and the other equipment. It’s the in‑between pieces—staying with me, reading my cues, and remembering that zoomies are not always on the lesson plan—that we’re working through.

Now that the weather is nicer, I’ve been setting up jumps and weave poles on the back porch and practicing outside. It’s not as distracting as class, but it’s a big step up from our quiet living room. Birds, neighborhood noises, and random smells make great “practice distractions.”

Playdates, Practice, and a House Full of Projects
Because Stan has a lot of energy (and feelings), I’ve also started trying to line up playdates with other small dogs. We had one playdate last week with a dog from his rescue network. It went pretty well, though I suspect Stan may be a little on the “too enthusiastic” side for her. We’re going to try again next week and see how they do with a second meeting.

We also met an adorable little dog at the dog park that he absolutely loved playing with. I was supposed to meet her again last week, but the weather didn’t cooperate. I’m planning to try the same time again this week and see if we run into them. Note to self: next time, just exchange numbers instead of trusting my luck!

So that’s life here at the moment: one cat recovering from dental extractions, another waiting for his own date with the toothbrush and scaler, a tiny dog learning that teeters are fun and focus is hard, and me trying to keep everyone’s teeth, brains, and bodies busy and healthy.

Soon, Hector has her six month check up, so I’ll be sure to update after that.

If you’ve dealt with cat dentals or have tips for improving Stanley’s focus, I’d love to hear them in the comments.

Stanley’s Rabies Shot, Kennel Stay, and Agility News

Travel always makes me a little nervous when it comes to pet care, but I’m happy to report that everything went really smoothly this time around.

Stan had his rabies shot before my trip, and he did absolutely fine with it. No reaction at all, and he bounced right back to his usual goofy self.

He also had a long kennel stay – eight days while I was away. I’m so thankful we made it back in time to pick him up before the kennel closed that last night, so he didn’t have to spend an extra night there. He came home happy and relaxed, which is always such a relief. I don’t love leaving him for that long, but I really do like this kennel. The dogs are in playgroups with other dogs all day long, which I’m sure Stanley loves.

Loved seeing this little one hanging in the yard yesterday!

Now that we’re back, I’m excited to start a new round of agility classes with him on Thursday night. We also just got approved to join the New England Agility Club! I’m looking forward to getting to know this new group and expanding my agility knowledge – who knows, maybe Stan and I will even compete someday.

The rest of the crew did great while I was gone, too. I found a wonderful new pet sitter to check on the house and the pets, and she and her team were fantastic. Everything looked great, and all the pets were happy when we got home. She sent daily updates and remembered all the little details I asked about – replacing the dragon’s bulb when it burned out, refilling the dry cat food, emptying the bottoms of the automatic litter boxes, and more. Very professional and detail-oriented, and I’m so glad to have her in our pet-care toolbox now.

Traveling always reminds me how important it is to have a pet-care setup you really trust, whether that’s a kennel, a sitter, or a mix of both.

How about you?

What do you do with your pets when you travel – kennel, in-home sitter, trusted friend or family, something else?

How do you decide when a kennel stay is “too long” for your pet?

Do you have any tips for making travel less stressful for nervous pet parents (like me)?

I’d love to hear what works for you and your furry (or scaly!) family members.

Stanley’s Agility Joy (And a Few Training Bumps)

Stanley and I have been trying a little bit of everything lately: manners and obedience, some scent work, and now agility. Agility is, by far, the clear favorite. He lights up as soon as we pull into the parking lot, and even though he’s still distracted and wiggly, we can now get through a small course off leash.

We technically finished this round of classes last night. There is one more class on the schedule, but we’ll have to miss it because I’ll be traveling. I’m already counting the days until we can start again at the end of April.

What Stanley Loves (And Doesn’t) On Course
Stanley has strong opinions about obstacles. Tunnels are pure joy — he charges through them with his tail up like he’s on a mission. The balance board? Not his favorite, but he’ll tolerate it if there are good cookies involved.

Last night, for the first time, he decided he really did not like the A‑frame. He slipped a couple of times on the way down, and I’m pretty sure his slightly-long claws aren’t helping with traction. He has a vet appointment on Monday, so I’ll make sure we get those nails trimmed and then reintroduce the A‑frame slowly, with lots of encouragement.

The Zoomies Heard ’Round the Ring
The best moment from class last night might be one I wish I had on video. We were practicing having the dogs stay while handlers moved ahead to start the course. Stanley’s version of this was… creative.

He tried so hard to stay with me, and after a few attempts, he just couldn’t contain himself. He got the zoomies, took off, and started sprinting the perimeter of the room. He greeted every dog, did a few jumps, dove into the tunnel, and then did more jumps on his own. He was absolutely thrilled with himself.

Everyone in class was laughing, and of course he soaked up the attention. It was one of those moments where training and pure joy collide, and even though it wasn’t what we were supposed to be doing, it reminded me why I love this sport with him.

In the meantime, we’ll be focusing on some basic manners before the next session starts: staying, waiting, and learning that sometimes we watch quietly instead of doing all the things all at once!

Big Plans: A Local Agility Club
To keep the momentum going, I’ve applied to join a local agility club, and I’m super excited about it. My current instructor is on the board and says it’s a great group of people. They get together at different locations to practice and even go to competitions together.

I love the idea of being around more like‑minded dog people and having a community that understands why we get so excited about tunnels and weave poles. I’m really looking forward to meeting new friends — for both me and Stanley.

Real Life At Home: Crates, Poops, and Other Pets
Outside of class, Stanley is still very much a work in progress. The good news is that he almost never has accidents in the house anymore. The not‑so‑good news is that he still sometimes poops in his crate. It’s become one of those habits I’m not sure I’ll ever completely break, but we’re not giving up yet. Maybe once the weather gets less frigid?

I’m also really looking forward to some warm weather and being able to work with him outside. A little sunshine, more space, and fewer winter distractions will be good for both of us.

The rest of the crew is doing well. Hector is her cranky old self, happily destroying new toys and methodically deconstructing any cardboard box that dares to enter the house. Lizard had a lovely soak in the sink today, and the cats were very entertained watching the whole process.

So that’s where we are right now: a small dog who thinks tunnels are the best thing ever, a human trying to remember that progress is never a straight line, and a house full of pets keeping life interesting while we wait for spring.

Stanley’s Cough Lingers, But Spirits Are High

Stanley Celebrating Halloween at Agility Class

Stanley’s still got a bit of a cough — even after finishing his antibiotics — but otherwise, he’s doing great. He’s eating well, playing like his usual happy self, and showing no signs that he’s feeling sick… just that persistent cough hanging on. It’s mostly in the mornings or when he gets really excited.

We went back to the vet yesterday for a chest x-ray to be safe, and thankfully, it was all good news — no pneumonia, no major issues, just some mild inflammation. The vet started him on another medication for a few days to help calm the irritation down.

Last night was a bit of a twist. I put Stanley in his crate in our bedroom like usual, but he seemed really restless — digging at his blankets, whining, just not settling. I opened the crate to check on him, and he immediately jumped out… and straight onto our bed. I figured I’d let him snuggle for a minute, but he curled up so sweetly, I didn’t have the heart to move him. He spent the night with us — and surprisingly, the cats didn’t mind at all!

Puck slept in his usual spot on Dave
Bean did his usual brief snuggle with me before heading off
Me? I had the hardest time sleeping with Stanley plastered against my belly!

Stanley is still loving agility class. Last week, he wasn’t coughing at all that day and had finished his antibiotics, so I brought him. He crushed it! He’s now confidently tackling the giant A-frame, leaping through hoops and tunnels like a pro. It’s clear how much joy that class brings him. It brings me joy to see him using his brain and his body, double win!

While Not Thrilled With the Outside Cold, He Enjoys the Extra Snuggles!

Fingers crossed this new medication clears things up completely. In the meantime, Stanley’s keeping spirits high and routines strong — one cuddle and obstacle at a time. 🐾💛

Cooler Weather, Agility Adventures, and a Healthy Flock

Life’s been busy as usual around here, and Stanley is definitely not a fan of the shift in seasons. The cooler weather has him frustrated and confused—he wants to go outside and soak up the sun, only to discover it’s cold. So he asks to go out… then immediately back in… then out again. All. Day. Long.

Potty Progress
Despite the weather struggles, Stanley has been doing great with potty training! We’ve had a couple of poops on the potty pad in his crate, but they weren’t surprises—they happened on days when our schedule was off and I only had time for a quick walk before leaving him alone. Overall? No random accidents in the house. I’ll take it as a win!

Dog Fitness Class: Wrapping Up
Stanley is finishing up his dog fitness class this week. It’s been fine—not amazing, but helpful. He’s learned how to:

Step onto a platform with front feet
Shift to just back feet
Back up over the platform
Sit, lie down, spin both ways, and pivot with his front feet on the board
Not groundbreaking, but a solid foundation!

Puppy Agility: A New Favorite

Now for the exciting part—we started puppy agility, and Stanley LOVES it. He was brave with the tunnels from day one, and he’s completely obsessed with the jumps. The class just started but runs for several more weeks, and I’m really excited to see how he grows with it.We even have agility jumps and weave poles set up at home now! I’m hoping indoor agility sessions will help burn off some of that endless puppy energy this winter when walks are short and the backyard is freezing.

Cat Update: Martin’s Doing Great
In other happy news, my son’s cat Martin seems to be over the hump with his urinary issues—knock on wood! Since my son added a second litter box, Martin has been consistently using it without problems. They had three boxes for a while, but the two cats were just using two of them anyway, so scaling back to two has worked well. I’m so relieved for my son—and for Martin!

Hector’s Vet Check & Diet Update
Our sweet African Grey, Hector, had her regular vet check-up last week, and I’m thrilled to report she’s doing great! She loves the vet and is such a good girl for him. She even made me laugh out loud in the car—when I put her in, she said, “We go where?” She’s never strung those words together before!

At the vet’s office, she asked “What?!” at exactly the right moment, and we all cracked up. Her weight is steady, and overall health is great. Because she’s now 32 years old, the vet wants to continue seeing her every six months to monitor her closely—birds are prey animals and often hide illness, so frequent check-ups help us stay proactive.
The vet is keeping her on her “special” diet:
Low-carb, aside from her Zupreem Fruit Blend pellets
Limited nuts
Mostly vegetables, including:
Dried veggie mixes from Texas Naturals and Avian Naturals
Mixed with frozen veggies, baby food, and canned pumpkin,(favorite!)

It’s a little extra effort, but worth it to keep her feeling her best. Both Texas Naturals and Avian Naturals have great dried veggie mixes to add some variety to Hector’s diet while still keeping food prep really simple.

The Dragon Update: Craving Variety
Our bearded dragon has been doing well overall. The other day, I caught her trying to eat a GIANT Dubia roach that was crawling in her tank. It was way too big, so I’ve ordered her a fresh batch of smaller feeders. Lately, she’s only been eating mealworms and some veggies, so I wanted to spice up her options. I’ve got Hornworms, Dubia roaches, and Calci-worms (black soldier fly larvae) on the way. Fingers crossed that a little variety gets her excited about mealtime again!

Regarding the giant Dubia in her tank… her tank is bioactive, meaning it is full of insects, isopods, springtails, meal worms, and yes some Dubia that have escaped the food dish. The insects basically live unseen, but they keep the soil healthy, the plants thriving, and the tank clean. Old veggies that the dragon doesn’t want feed the insects, it’s a great, thriving little ecosystem.

That’s the latest from our little zoo—cool weather, agility gear, chatty parrots, picky dragons, and one very confused sun-loving puppy. 🐾🦜🦎

A Quiet Summer… With a Busy Pup

Training Adventures

We’ve been focusing hard on training, and Stanley is thriving. We just started an Intro to Dog Fitness class designed to set us up for agility work. Puppy agility starts in a few weeks, and I can’t wait! So far, we’re working on:

Paws up on a step (front and back)
Sit and stand transitions
Keeping up with his ever-growing trick list: sit, down, spin, paw, crawl, up, over, leave it, touch… you name it, he wants to learn it.

He’s a busy boy, and he loves using his brain.

Boarding Win
I’m so happy to have found a boarding kennel that Stanley loves. The staff is wonderful, and the best part? He’s excited to go there — tail wagging, jumping out of the car, ready to see his friends. They offered a training package while he was boarded, so Stanley had four mini sessions during his stay. Not only did they reinforce what he knows, but they also introduced a new trick: “legs” (walking through mine). Pretty cool, right?

House Training: Progress (and Rainy Day Struggles)
House training is still a work in progress. Most days he’s doing great, but rainy days are tough. Today, he peed outside like a champ, but I had to leave for errands and knew a crate accident was coming — and sure enough. At least he used his potty pad. Later he tried something new: standing outside his crate and peeing into it. Ugh. Definitely a reminder to get him out right away after errands. Lesson learned on my part!

New Toys for a Rainy Day
Since bad weather makes for stir-crazy puppies, we stopped at the pet store. I picked up worms for the dragon, but of course Stanley scored too:
A Pupsicle toy
A couple of twisty bully chews
A slow feeder puzzle mat for his kibble

Anything to keep that busy little brain working! I’ll share reviews of these toys once we’ve had a chance to really try them out.

Bean decided to check out the Stanley pen!

Meanwhile, the Cats…

The cats are doing well, though Bean keeps me busy with his grooming struggles. He mats so easily, and I’ve been cutting them out as I find them. I’ve thought about shaving him, but I don’t think I could manage that myself — and professional cat grooming is pricey! On top of that, one of my Catlink litter boxes is acting up. It doesn’t seem to want to run automatically anymore, so I’m planning to try another calibration and reset to see if that helps. Not exactly fun, but hopefully fixable.

👉 Overall, it may have been a quiet summer, but Stanley has kept life interesting. Between training, playtime, and the occasional potty mishap, he’s growing into such a fun, smart little dog. Can’t wait to see how he does when agility starts!

Stanley Graduates… Sort Of

Manners Class: ✔️ Potty Training: 😬
Stanley wrapped up his “Manners” class like a champ — but the diploma hasn’t magically stopped the occasional surprise poop on the living room floor. Some mornings, we do the “in and out” dance over and over, only for him to sneak away and do his business where he definitely shouldn’t. It’s a good thing he’s so snuggly and cute.

Small Wins (and Nighttime Poop Hunts)
Last night, though, he ran to the door to go out during playtime. Huge win! He did his business like a pro. The only challenge? Trying to locate dog poop in the dark — basically a blindfolded Easter egg hunt, minus the chocolate.

Gut Check: Literally
I’ve noticed it sometimes takes him a while to go, and his poop has been runny (fun stuff). After two rounds of Giardia treatment, I think his tummy’s still recovering. I started him on a probiotic to help get things back in balance. Early signs are promising!

Getting spoiled with breakfast outdoors in the beautiful weather

Retail Therapy and Teething Troubles
We skipped the dog park because of rain and hit the pet store instead. Stanley proudly picked out some new chew toys. He’s still holding onto some stubborn baby teeth, so I’m hoping all the chewing helps those little guys move along before he turns into a land shark.

Dealership Dog Star
Stanley tagged along to the car dealership this morning. He handled loud garage noises, traffic, and new people like a pro — minus one overly enthusiastic nip. Still, it was a great outing, and I was proud of how well he adjusted to the chaos.

New Trick: Crawl!
We’re working on a new trick: “crawl.” It’s as ridiculous and adorable as it sounds. Stanley seems to love trick training — and I’m hoping to get him into an agility class this fall if I can find one that fits our schedule.

BarkBox BBQ Bonanza
Stanley’s latest BarkBox was a big hit! This month’s BBQ theme came packed with adorable summer toys — but his absolute favorite is the burger. It’s crinkly, squeaky, and checks all his favorite boxes.

The popsicles are super cute too, and he’s been having fun with those.

The orange soda? I thought it was adorable, but Stanley apparently disagrees — that one’s been left untouched in the toy pile. Maybe he’s more of a water guy.

Rain, Rain, Go Away…
Of course, more rain is in the forecast, and Stanley isn’t thrilled. He acts like wet grass is an act of betrayal. Here’s hoping we can keep the house training on track despite soggy paws and puppy drama.

If anyone has any small dog housebreaking tips, please share! What’s your dog’s favorite toy?

Teenage Stanley: Training Frustrations, Big Wins, and Baby Steps

🎓 Training Class… Kinda?
We’re in the middle of our “teen manners” training class, and honestly… not loving it. I signed up hoping to work on practical basics like:

Down
Off
Leave it
Stay
Leash walking

Instead, the class is mostly about understanding the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence in dogs and how to redirect their energy. That’s helpful in theory, and I do see how some of it applies to Stanley, but it’s not what I was really hoping for. That said, I’m sticking with it and focusing on the parts that matter most for us.

⬇️ The Elusive “Down”
My biggest struggle? Teaching “down.”
Stanley just doesn’t lie down naturally unless he’s in a lap or curled up in his crate. Luring him with a treat doesn’t work well because he’s so small — he just stretches his head down and grabs it without dropping his body.

Definitely a work in progress, and I might check in with our trainer again to see if she has other strategies. For now, we’re just doing what we can.

🐶 Playgroup, Visitors, and… Marking?

We’ve got another series of small dog playgroup scheduled next month, and while I’m holding off on signing up for another class until fall, I’m toying with the idea of agility — I think Stanley would love it once we nail down the basics.

Last weekend, Stanley came with me to visit my dad and his two Portuguese Water Dogs. Despite the size difference, Stanley played really well, especially with the one-year-old pup. I was so proud of him!

Less exciting? He peed on a couple of dog beds and a chair while we were there. I’m guessing it was marking behavior triggered by the other dogs. Definitely something we need to work on before our next house guest moment.

He also spent a few hours at my daughter’s apartment recently when I went out for the evening. He played hard, had a blast, and eventually crashed in their laps for a nap. He did have one small accident — he peed on a towel that was on the floor — but my daughter took the blame for that one. She realized afterward that he’d been sniffing around and probably thought the towel was a potty pad. All things considered, not too bad!

🚪 A Potty Training Breakthrough!
Big news: Stanley has started going to the door and barking to go out! It feels like a huge leap forward.

This morning’s routine looked like this:

Out first thing → Pee ✅
Breakfast → Done
Then? He barked at the door, ran out, and pooped right away.
We’re finally finding our rhythm at home, and he seems to be really settling into the routine.

🐕 Big Wins (and BarkBox Joy)
Stanley continues to be obsessed with fetch and BarkBox toys — I think we’ve officially found our favorites. He’s still enjoying the Ollie food, but honestly, the frozen format is more trouble than it’s worth. The food container and scoop were nice, but I won’t keep it going.

His Embark DNA test is currently being processed, and I’m so excited to get those results back. I can’t wait to learn more about our mystery mutt!

🏡 Trusting Him Off-Leash (A Little)
Another HUGE step: I’ve started letting Stanley off-leash in our yard. So far, he runs around, does his business, and then comes straight back to the door. I don’t fully trust him yet — if something scared him, I’m afraid he’d bolt — but we’re making steady progress. Baby steps!

💬 Got Tips?
We’ve come a long way, but there’s still so much to learn. If anyone has tips for teaching “down” to a tiny dog — or managing marking in new places — I’d love to hear them. Drop a comment and let’s share the wisdom! And if you have a treat that your dog LOVES, let me know. Stanley is super picky about his treats.