This week we were able to drive the full hour without any barking! Soon after we started our drive we stopped for Holli's "break", which seems to relax her quite a bit. While she did do some whining, to go the entire time without barking is a step in the right direction!

“Maybe this is kind of cliche, but animals, well, dogs, are what I do for a living. One reason I like spending time with them so much is they seem to think people are really good. They live with us, and obey our rules, most of which make no sense to them. And the main reason they do it is because they like us. When I watch them, sometimes I'm so blow away by how enthusiastic they are about everything we do that I have to go out and buy them something squeaky or chewy. Just because I love proving to them that it's not a mistake to see the world as a great benevolent place. I hope one day to react to something with as much pure ecstasy as I see in Chuck's face every time I throw the ball. Sometimes he looks so happy, it reminds me of the way blind people smile way too big because they can't see themselves.” 
― Merrill Markoe, Walking in Circles Before Lying Down

Began basic obedience today with Emily, a sweet 6-month old Beagle with great big ears! She is very eager to learn and catches on quickly.

Grady is a very energetic 7 month old Golden Retriever. He needs to learn a solid recall, so we worked on the building blocks needed for that - name recognition and a good Leave It. He also gives only subtle cues for when he has to go out so we taught him how to ring a bell. I'm really looking forward to working with him and his family in the coming weeks.

“Over the years I've come to appreciate how animals enter our lives prepared to teach and far from being burdened by an inability to speak they have many different ways to communicate. It is up to us to listen more than hear, to look into more than past.” 
― Nick Trout, Love Is the Best Medicine: What Two Dogs Taught One Veterinarian about Hope, Humility, and Everyday Miracles

Finished Tucker's basic obedience today. He has come a long way from when we started. With consistent reinforcement of good behavior, along with patience, Tucker will be an amazing member of the family for many years to come.