Christmas 2004

Last year, Harry had to stay home alone while his family went out for parties. Why? Harry was not yet 100% reliable to tell when he needs to go out for pee. He was also not yet used to small children and other animals like cats. But this year, he was invited to many Christmas and Hanukkah parties. Now Harry is absolutely positively reliable to tell when he needs to go. He can also play with small children and cats without too excited. This was the time everybody appreciated how his master trained Harry. Harry's training will be continued even further next year!

Snow

Harry does not mind the cold weather at all. He likes to dive in the snow. Then he crawls as if he were swimming in the water. After playing in the snow for a while, Harry's face sports a stylish white moustache.

Predator

Harry found a strange big bird he has never seen at the terrace. Harry asked "What are you doing here?" The bird answered "I am looking for a small cute animal like you." Harry then asked "Why?" The bird quietly answered "Because I am hungry." Harry could not understand what the bird meant, so he left there. He was a very good boy. He never opens the window for a stranger.

Towel My Love

Harry loves cotton towels. Especially when they just come out of a dryer. A dog's intelligence is sometimes measured by covering the dog in a big towel and measuring the time the dog takes to get out. But Harry would probably not get out of the towel at all. Although Harry is still a very intelligent dog.

Veterinarian

Dr. K always has a big smile on his face. Harry meets Dr. K only once a year for rabies vaccination. Harry does not receive other vaccines. Because he is not a young puppy any more. Instead he has titre tests for diseases like distemper and parvo. Harry is always good and quiet in Dr. K's office.

Microchip 2

Harry finally had his microchip implanted. It was not as painful as he expected. It was just like an ordinary vaccination. The whole procedure took only 10 seconds. Harry's microchip can be read by his own scanner clearly. He is very happy to have the microchip. He cannot wait for his next vacation overseas.

Microchip 1

Harry needs a 15 digit ISO microchip to get his Euro Pet Passport. Then he can travel to Europe without difficult paperwork. He also needs the microchip to enter rabies-free countries without quarantine. But in the US, it is impossible to buy the 15 digit ISO microchip. So Harry had to wait for a long time for his special microchip and his special scanner to be imported. The microchip is small enough even for Harry; 12mm long and 2mm wide. It came in the needle of a disposable injector.

Contact

Harry loves agility. He is extremely fast and focused. But he has a little problem when it comes to contact objects. He tends to miss Dogwalk's contact zone in trials. When he gets really excited, he even misses A-Frame or Seesaw's contact. Harry himself does not know how it happens. This is the greatest mystery to him. Because he always does perfectly well with the contact during practice.

Best Friend

Harry's best friend is Yuki. Yuki is a pretty westie girl. They go to a dog camp and room together. They take agility lessons together. They sometimes just meet to play together. When they get tired, they curl up and sleep together. They are always happy together.

How to teach Harry to skateboard

1. Place the skateboard on a flat surface. 2. Click and treat when Harry touches the skateboard. Repeat 3 times. 3. Click and treat when Harry rides on the skateboard. Repeat 3 times. 4. Move the skateboard on a very gentle slope. 5. Gently push the skateboard down the slope. 6. Click and treat when Harry jumps on the moving skatebroad. 7. Now Harry has got the idea of skateboarding. He enjoys it! (Go to Clicker Training if you are not familiar with a clicker.)

How to teach Harry to catch a frisbee

1. Wave a frisbee in front of Harry. 2. Click and treat when he touches the frisbee. Repeat 3 times. 3. Spin the frisbee vertically like a wheel on the lawn. 4. Click and treat when he chases and catches the frisbee. Repeat 3 times. 5. Toss the frisbee in front of Harry. 6. Click and treat when Harry jumps and catches the firsbee. Repeat 3 times. 7. Gradually make the distance longer. (Go to Clicker Training if you are not familiar with a clicker.)

Obedience

Harry's job is not merely being cute. He has another important job; that is being obedient. He has to sit, lie down and stay on command. He should not move until he hears "OK". Sometimes he has to practice with other dogs. Harry wants to greet and play with the other dogs so much. But he stays still and waits patiently for the "OK" command.

Ladybird

There was a costume party for dogs. Harry's best friend "Yuki" was going to be a Minnie Mouse. Another friend of his "Rosie" was going to be a Geisha in kimono. "Do I want to be a Mickey Mouse or a Samurai?" Harry thought hard what he wanted to be. Then he remembered that he always wanted to fly in the sky! So he decided to be a cute ladybird. The day before the party, Harry's master bought red and black felt and made the ladybird costume for Harry.

Sheep Herding 2

Harry thought that he was an excellent sheep dog. So did everybody else. Until one of the sheep realized that Harry was actually much smaller. One day, one clever sheep decided to fight back. "Don't you know that you are much smaller than I!", said the sheep. Harry was brave and never gave up. But in the end, his master had to come in between to solve the situation.

Sheep Herding 1

Harry learned to herd sheep in a small farm in Vermont. He had herding instinct like a border collie. He chased after the sheep and nicely gathered them in one place. Harry was very happy with his new job.

Gourmet Dog

When Harry was a baby, he ate kibbles and milk for dinner. But there are preservatives and flavourings even in the best kibbles. So he has gradually switched his diet to natural food. After all, natural food tastes much better than ready made dog food. Harry now eats all natural home made dog food every day. He also eats home made yogurt every morning. (Go to Gourmet Dog Recipes to check Harry's recipes.)

Greeting

Harry meets many dogs, small or large, in Central Park. He always greets with others by sniffing each other's bottom. You should not laugh at them, because they are serious! Dogs can tell other's age, health and many more from the smell. It is the most important part of dog's etiquette.

Door Bell

There is a bell hanging on the front door. Harry has learned to ring the bell when he needs to go out. He does not ring the bell when he wants to go for a walk. He rings the bell only when he really needs to go out for a pee. Harry never barks to get attention. When he needs attention, he simply rings the bell somehow apologetically.

New Collar

Harry always wanted a fancy collar like the ones his friends have. He thought the gentle leader was only for a baby. But his master always said, "Not until you learn to walk in a heel position!" On his first birthday, his master gave him a present. It was a lovely blackwatch plaid collar with a maching lead. Harry looked very happy and chic with his new collar.

Pink Nose

Harry's nose colour has also a little changed. When he joined his new family, he had a jet black nose. His nose started turning pink after six months. Harry wondered if his nose would turn completely pink. But it did not. Now he likes his striped nose. He thinks that makes him even more special.

Blue Coat

All new born Yorkies are black in colour. As they grow up, their coat colour gets lighter and turns blue. Althought the colour is called blue, it is more like steel grey. No one knew if Harry's coat colour was going to change. Because he is not a mere Yorkie, but a Yorkiepoo! Harry was a wire-haired black dog when he was a baby. He is now very proud of his silky blue and tan coat.

Talking Tails Home
Copyright © 2003-2011 Talking Tails. All Rights Reserved.