Ending the Year

Our visiting family all left today. It was sad to see them go, since the visit was so great, yet it is also good for life to settle down for GB and Ellie. We did more training today and will do more tomorrow. I will get the hot dogs out and remind Ellie that GB is her job, even if I am her handler. I am working on boundaries with Ellie- such has cat food and litter boxes are off limits. I am also trying to keep Joseph out of it as much as possible- he scares Ellie. Men, in general, bring out the reserved side of Ellie.

Our First Visit to Church

Ellie went to church with us for the first time today. All the loud clapping scared her. When there wasn't any clapping, she was well behaved. Training with my sister's dog, Waddles, visiting is difficult. Ellie really doesn't like her, and at a year old Waddles is still a puppy, constantly jumping and wanting to play. Ellie still  occasionally bares her teeth at Waddles and our stern  NO only works for a while.  Ellie is still all cuddles. I no longer need a leash when I take her out to potty. We are still getting use to each other.

Christmas Day

Ellie's first Christmas was a mixed bag. Between cat food and Waddles' food, she has been eating on and off all day. As a result, she had an accident in the house for the first time in days. Ellie enjoyed running circles in the yard with Waddles and cuddling with me in front of the fire.

Christmas Eve

GB and Ellie are waiting for cousins, dinner, then FINALLY decorating the Christmas Tree. TV distracts them briefly.

 

Trying to keep the excitement of the day from being overwhelming.

Cuddles

After Ellie went out this morning, we put her in the crate and cuddled GB in our bed for twenty minutes. She had a more intact day today, so putting a morning cuddle back her routine may help. Ellie went with us to Deisings for lunch today. Ellie was a well mannered lady and drew lots of complements. Ellie and I continue to work on stay and are starting to work an 100% successful emergency recall. Ellie knows 3 x as many commands as I do.