Ole and his ear-do

Yesterday , took all 4 dogs (GiGi is still with us), to Dusty Rhodes park for a little R&R. We went really early as I didn't want to take them there when there were a lot of dogs, rough dogs in particular. We stayed about 20 minutes which was plenty of time for them to run and chase and sniff. They enjoyed it immensely and were all ready for a nap afterwards. From there we went home to do a few chores and then headed over to one of the local parks in University City to meet with Donna and Ginger to practice box work and scent drills. We needed to get our homework done. Donna and I put out about 12 or so boxes and gave each dog 3 turns at finding scent in the boxes. Then wedid 3 box searches for Ole who had more fun than anyone else...he loves his nosework! Next I hid a single Q-Tip in a crack in the bark of a very large tree about 12" from the ground. Ginger had never searched for a single Q-tip before and kept wanting to mark the tree. Apparently it is a popular tree with all the local male dogs that frequent that park. Donna didn't let her mark and eventually Ginger found her find. so we gave her two more tree finds for practice and she had less trouble. Elmo and Shelly were already use to finding single Q-tips of scent so had no problem with their finds. We then put a canister with hot dog pieces in it on the grass next to a box amongst all the other boxes and Ole found it in just a few passes. Nothing seems to interfere with his concentration when he does his scent work.
Dorie called from New York to check up on GiGi. GiGi got to hear her voice on the phone but didn't seem to like the phone very much. They will be back early next week to pick up their girl GiGi.

We had class in La Jolla last night and Elmo and Shelly came along to assist. Elmo demonstrated emergency handling techniques for when approached by a threatening dog and Shelly helped with stays and leash work. Ole and GiGi stayed home and kept Abner company.

Today, Dusty Rhodes Park was closed for maintenance so i took the pack to Fiesta Island for a good off leash run, all except GiGi who has that kind of poodle coat that attracts all manner of stickers and foxtails . I kept her on leash and stayed on the wider dirt paths that had no for tails. She didn't have as much fun as she would have off leash but then I didn't spend 2 hours afterwards picking burrs and foxtails out of her coat and skin.

Next we went to my studio where i settled them down and spent some time working on a large 60x 48 art collage that i am doing for a lady that recently bought one of my dog paintings. This piece is based on a large poster with a European village design on it.

We then went home and did dreaded housework and car cleaning. At 2:00 I packed everyone up dropped GiGi off with Abner who was working at one of the apartments and then picked up Donna and Ginger and we drove to Tustin for our weekly nosework class. We had a great time at class, all our dogs did very well and Ole of course was in 7th heaven. Everyone commented on Ole's newest" eardo". Currently his left ear stands straight up while his right ear either does the comb over treatment or flops to the side..very charming.

When we got home Abner said that GiGi did not like riding in his old beat up work van! Not too surprising as she is used to the finer things in life...Mercedes and other fancy cars for her rides!