Patience

       On Nov. 23rd, 2009 I adopted a dog named Patience. She is a seven year old Dachshund/Spaniel mix with a few minor issues. I'm going to be posting weekly updates on the training methods I use to bring Patience and I to an understanding of how things are going to be in my home. I hope these methods and observations may be of use to others.

I live in an apartment and one of the first things to become clear is that Patience is used to having access to a yard. She loves to go out, but has had very little leash training, indicating  that she is used to being outdoors and making her own behavioral choices. The apartment complex has a fenced yard but it is surfaced with gravel which apparently doesn't meet the approval of prissy miss Patience. I will be persuading her that it is okay to pee on rocks.

It also became clear quickly that any edible object on the floor "belongs" to Patience. This is another area where I will become the evil tyrant that unfairly obstructs prima-donna Patience's whims.

Patience is obviously used to taking humans for walks and expects us to go where she wishes, stop when she wishes, get moving again at the speed and in the direction she wishes, and all the while silently and compliantly loving her for it. This too her tyrannical new owner will oppose. Oh, the hardships and disappointments miss Patience is about to encounter. How ever will she survive the trauma? I'll keep you posted weekly, so stay tuned.