Water Dog

Miles really seems to be coming out of his shell recently. I hope it is agility training that is doing it. He seems to be having more fun with the agility obstacles when we practice, which is pretty cool. Now, he is comfortable getting on the table obstacle; doing low jumps; straight tunnels; and the dog walk (which like a doggie balance beam). At tonight's class, I think we'll start to learn the teeter-totter, which should be interesting.

This weekend on our hike we came to a stream, and for the first time, Miles voluntarily got into the water. Granted, it was only up to his ankles, but he crossed the rocks back and forth on the stream and seemed intersted in exploring. This is a really fun development, and luckily we had the camera on hand to capture it. Too bad Bodie wasn't there, he would have loved it.

Pirates Game

If there is one good thing about our city's baseball team being in the middle of its 17th straight losing season it is that they can have events like "dog day at the park." Sure, they don't pack them in every night at PNC Park, which is a shame since it is a great baseball park, but at least they are trying things to bring us in. On Tuesday, we were allowed to bring Miles and watch the game from one of the club level decks.

It was great experience for Miles. I don't know how much he enjoyed the game, but I think it was great to have him interact with a lot of different dogs and people.

He met big dogs and little dogs and overall was very well behaved. Every once in a while he gets a little growly with another dog, and it happened once at the event. Additionally, he met a lot of people and he was really good with all of them.

Overall, it was a great experience and a lot of fun. Hopefully, the Pirates will be good enough next year that they can't have an event like this, but if they aren't I look forward to taking Miles again.

Agility dog

It has now been four weeks since Bodie passed away, which is very hard to believe. While we still miss him, life has taken on a new rhythm at home. Miles is getting longer walks since the pace has picked up a bit. However, he seems a little less comfortable with without his pal at the dog park.

Hopefully, Miles can find a way to learn to interact with other dogs without his teacher. In terms of learning, Miles has just started agility class which I think will be a lot of fun. I have no interest in ever having him compete in this "sport" but I am excited to teach Miles to have fun and play with the obstacles.

The first class was very successful. Miles conquered the "table" which is really just a low platform, but it is a first step. He also worked in the tunnel, which was a new experience for him. I think that having him overcome his apprehension on the obstacles is good learning for him.

Overall, I think the training will loosen Miles up a bit and make him a little less nervous.