We visited Kohlhepps to view stones that would be suitable for our 300 sq ft wall faces in the 2 retaining walls for the basement walkout. We think we found a suitable type of rock (Bald Eagle Blend) but we are going to check with our landscaper, Tim Mauer with Moon Brothers, to make sure we have selected the right kind of rock. Otherwise we could have some 24 tons (16 pallets) of the stuff sitting around waiting to be used for some other purpose.
Gambol and Buddy have recuperated from their vacation, although Gambol's voice is still a bit raw and squeaky. Buddy is slowly getting the hang of "coming around" when he pulls too hard on the leash. We make him circle back to us, breaking his focus on some distant movement or smell that makes him forget what he's supposed to do on leash walks. On the early morning walk I can take 3 or 4 steps before I have to stop and have him come around. In the evening he seems to be able to take a few more. It's a long process. Both dogs have a great "tricks for treats" routine with Paul in the evening. First Buddy shakes, paw, high five right then left, touch nose to hand and ends with a short crawl. Then Gambol does the same thing but ends with a roll-over then a crawl.
Buddy can learn: he automatically goes to his kennel when we sit down to eat. He goes to bed on command, especially useful when we get up in the middle of the night. He comes back inside on his own when he gets too nervous about the view of the chickens from the deck, a huge improvement. He know how to "upstairs, all the way" when we want to sneak outside without him. He certainly knows which side of Paul's computer chair to sit on to get a piece of breakfast bagel. He knows the sound of the refrigerator opening. He also tolerates getting his nails trimmed although he doesn't like brushing much. His learning is just better done inside.
