We went to Lowes, a big box store, today. The plan was to take Joli Rouge and his training bag to the back of the store so that we could work on sits, downs, hand touches. I didn't take the bag but did take dog, clicker, treats in. I decided, after walking most of the way to the door, that I could have parked closer and right next to clean snow (to "rinse" his paws). So, I abandoned my poor dog at a tree and went back to move the truck. 🙄 Joli Rouge did great, aside from not wanting to be close to the friendly store employees. He even climbed onto an unstable lumber cart voluntarily. 😃 After, we went to the local dog park for a stretch and some recall practice. It was darkish and hard to see him. The only problem with the recall was that my ability to whistle is inconsistent. I should always carry a plastic whistle with me. 😒

Comment which one you would rather have and then post another for the next person. Labrador or Golden Retriever?

Do you have any goals for 2026? Or, maybe it's more like a bucket-list... just stuff you'd like to do. What comes to mind?

First weekend of 2026. So are we discussing Stranger Things? I lost my car keys this morning. We looked for them for two hours before admitting defeat. I had to call out a locksmith which was very expensive 🤦‍♂️

A friend suggested that, on New Year’s Eve, we all create a Bingo Card of our goals/plans/predictions for 2026. Since most of my ambitions involve the dogs, I’m considering making one for each dog. So, I was wondering, what would be on your Training Bingo Cards? Here are a few of my initial ideas for Amigo: - Create a proper strength/conditioning plan - Win an obedience show - Train something totally new And Kairo: - Build motivation and drive - Learn to ignore the birds - Train heelwork properly Each of the goals will have different levels of difficulty - some easy, medium and hard. Maybe you can help with gathering ideas!