A wrinkle

Okay, just a few weeks to go before the big trip.  I have not done anything further to train the dogs.  I never followed through with the gentle leader, I haven't gotten Bailey a training collar, I haven't taken them to another dog park.  The reason?  I broke my foot.  It's just a fracture but I have to stay off it for 4 weeks, at least.  And I am really bad on crutches.  No, I mean REALLY bad.  My poor husband took pity on me and went to a local medical supply store and came home with a scooter.  I can rest my leg on the "bench" and roll around the house pushing off with my good leg.  At least I have some mobility.  I can go get a glass of water, do laundry (kind of), cook a simple dinner, and other limited activities around the house.  I even take it to work.  It looks a little dorky, but I don't care (?).  Some of my coworkers suggested I put a basket on the front.  I have a bicycle basket that fits there but I'm afraid I'll really look dorky.

So, it looks like we'll just have to wing it on our trip.  We'll be gone 5 months and I'm trying to convince my husband (and myself) that the dogs will get used to being around other dogs and not wigging out.  At least I'm sure Missy will be okay.  Bailey?  I'm never sure about him.  He's only two years old so maybe it's a puppy thing?  I doubt it.  Wish us luck!

Trial run

We took the dogs on a trial run to Atlanta.  We learned some things.  On our way there, we were able to open the door on the side of a road that was not well traveled and the dogs hopped out, did their business and jumped back in the car.  This was a good sign.  Once we got there, the dogs did not behave well.  They barked insistently at the owner of the VRBO we were staying at.  The owner was not impressed with them.  Then we decided to take them on a walk.  Bailey got out of his collar (we have since tightened it so that this will never happen again).  He refused to come back when called.  He had a great time running up and down the street with well manicured lawns and expensive homes.  DE eventually had to tackle him to get him back. Missy sat at my side the whole and watched the whole event, most likely embarrassed with her brother.  Good girl.  Bailey was never left off the leash again the rest of the trip.

We then learned that it was important to keep track long we leave the dogs in the car.  DE and I stopped for breakfast, keeping the dogs in the car.  It was a nice day with the windows cracked, so we weren't too worried about them.  Then we got in the car and drove 4 hours home.  No wonder Missy kept nudging me with her nose.  Bailey slept the whole way, probably too worn out from his running spree.

We also got a hammock for the back seat.  It cost $90 but it'll save the leather on the back seat and should be much more comfortable for the dogs.

Gentle Leader

I bought the Gentle Leader for the dogs this weekend.  After reading all about it, online and the directions that came with the collars, I thought I'd give it a try.  I haven't watched the video yet, though I will.  I put the collar on a dog, gave him/her treats and cooed at them, then took it off.  I did this several times, leaving the collar on for longer periods of time until I got the leash attached to Bailey's.  He trotted along beside me but as soon as I tried to turn him, he stopped dead in his tracks.  I'm sure the video will help me here.

I didn't get them to the park this weekend.  I know this is key to getting them other-dog-friendly, but I'm afraid to take Bailey.  Missy is fine, until the other dog tries to introduce himself to me, and Missy gets jealous.  But she's good when I throw the ball to her.  Bailey, on the other hand is just not friendly.

Hello!

We'll be traveling soon from Columbia, SC to San Francisco via Rapid City, Denver, San Diego (I know, it's out of the way, but we have a meeting there), and Palm Springs with our two dogs.  We've never done anything like this before and are a little nervous about it.  There are pet friendly hotels on our way but our dogs are not as other pet friendly as we would like.  We'll be working on this for the next couple of months before we go.  Any tips would be helpful!