Hello everyone – I’m back! 
My human, Hsin-Yi, came back yesterday from her seminars in Auckland with a very special, wise human called Dr Ian Dunbar, who is one of the most famous dog trainers and veterinary behaviourists in the world.
Hsin-Yi was very excited because although she has been good friends with Dr Dunbar for a while (ever since she asked him some questions for an article she was writing), she had never met him in person.
She went specially to listen to Dr Dunbar speak all about training us doggies and why we behave the way we do around humans and other dogs…
(For great information, training tips, free training videos and more, check out Dr Dunbar’s website: Dog Star Daily)
Dr Dunbar tells lots of jokes and makes everyone laugh a lot and always tells stories to explain what he talking about – and everyone loved listening to him.
He was so generous with his time and even after speaking all day, he would sit with all the people in the bar for hours afterwards , answering their questions…
And Hsin-Yi felt very honoured because Dr Dunbar invited her to dinner with some of his close friends…
…and they had a great time showing Dr Dunbar all the yummy NZ foods and wines – like the famous NZ green-lipped mussels! 
Hsin-Yi learnt TONS of interesting things and picked up LOTS of training tips on how to be a better trainer and help me understand what she wants from me…so now she is very excited about trying lots of new things with me!
It’s a bit hard for me to explain the things Dr Dunbar said so Hsin-Yi says she will do a separate post herself soon to tell you all the things she learnt at the seminars.
Hsin-Yi also had a great time because she was staying with my dancing buddy (and Pairs Routine partner!) – Bodie the Border Terrier!
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Bodie lives with another Border Terrier called Mrs Magoo…
Bodie (L) and Mrs Magoo (R)
…and a big, fluffy cat called Ashley.
Ashely was a bit grumpy because she likes the room that Hsin-Yi was using and didn’t like somebody else moving in there! She would miaow very loudly in the middle of the night to complain and her miaows sounded EXACTLY like someone crying “Nooooo-ooooh! Nooooo-oooooh!” 
Bodie taught Hsin-Yi some very good habits while she was staying with him – like how to be tidy and neat and not leave anything lying around on tables or any bags or suitcases open because otherwise a little terrier nose would soon be sneaking in and stealing something…and you can NEVER catch a naughty terrier!
Naughty? Me?!
Come and get me!
Gotcha!
Border Terriers are Hsin-Yi’s favourite terrier breed – of course, she loves giant doggies best but if she ever got a small dog, it might be a Border Terrier! (Her other favourite is the Pug – all the wrinkles and jowls in miniature!) But I don’t think she could cope with living with a terrier after living with a dopey, placid, calm, quiet doggie like me!
Hsin-Yi didn’t see a lot of Bodie, though, because he went off with his human to the NZ doggie dancing camp (NZ Paws N Music National Camp 2010) which was at the same time as her conference – you can read all about it on Bodie’s blog and my friend, Cinnamon the Beagle’s blog, who went too.
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So what have I been doing while Hsin-Yi’s been having all this fun back in Auckland? Well, I’ve been having lots of fun too – staying with my new pet-sitter, Kylie, whose family owns the Puppy Shack, a really cool pet store:
My humans were trying to find a nice kennel for me here in Brisbane and they went to visit so many but most of them had the doggies staying alone inside ‘runs’ with hard floors and it looked like little jails and made my humans feel very sad. They were not like my kennel back in Auckland where dogs of similar sizes could run around together in a room, during the day – like doggie daycare.
So my humans decided to try and find something different and they were so happy to find the Puppy Shack because this means I can go and stay in a home environment, which is much nicer than kennels.
They just need to drop me off at the store and then Kylie takes me to her home which is on a farm, with lots of space to run around in…and best of all, she has a Great Dane too! He is called Harley and he is a gorgeous, sweet boy:
Harley
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Me and Harley were best friends immediately…
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…although Hsin-Yi was horrified to hear that I took over Harley’s bed and made him sleep on my futon :
Well! That wasn’t me being rude! That was just Harley being a gentleman…(OK, I might have been a bit bossy…but hey, everyone knows us girl dogs are always The Boss, right? )
Anyway, I had a FANTASTIC time and we played together lots and Harley was really happy too to have a giant friend to play with ‘coz all the other doggies who usually go to stay are always smaller than him.
* Hsin-Yi says: Big thank you to Kylie & Puppy Shack for getting these photos of Honey and Harley for the blog!
My humans actually arranged for me to have an overnight “trial stay” a few weeks before, to see if I was happy staying with Kylie and if me and Harley would get along. Also, so that I would know they would come back to get me so it was not scary. First they took me to the Puppy Shack just for a visit and to meet Kylie and get lots of treats & cuddles. Then they took me back for the overnight trial stay, and then finally for this long stay.
This is the secret for helping us doggies cope with new things and not get stressy. My humans always make sure that they socialise me with anything new in a positive way and slowly, so that I can get used to things in my own time. I know a lot of doggies who never go to kennels until they are 5yrs old or something and then suddenly, they have to leave their home for the first time and go to a strange place and it is a big shock: they get very scared and stressy and stop eating and cry all the time…
But my humans took me to stay in kennels overnight when I was still just a 4 month old puppy, even though they were not going away. This was because they knew they might have to go away and leave me when I got bigger and so they wanted to prepare me and socialise me, so that I would get used to the experience. So I have always been very happy and relaxed in kennels. And then when we moved here to Brisbane, Hsin-Yi knew she would have to go back to Auckland for this seminar soon (and Paul works until very late and is on-call on the weekend, so I would be alone at home for too long) - so she made sure that I went to stay with Kylie early on just for a short time, so that I would not have any problems when it came to the ‘real thing’.
It is just a little bit of extra planning but if our humans can try to prepare us for new experiences and to always think about socialising us to new things all the time (even after we are no longer puppies) – we will become much calmer, confident doggies who learn to cope with strange new things with no problems!
Still, it’s good to be back home…!
Home Sweet Home...
Yes Honey, that is a great thing that your family gets you used to things slowly…makes it much easier on you I am sure.
My parents are going to Japan this fall for my Uncle’s wedding celebration and my Mom says she should get me used to it before they go too just like you. I will probably have to stay in the kennel with the lady I did doggie classes with (need to do more) and part of the time I may get to sleep over at my friend’s house so maybe I should have a trial sleepover there too. Glad you had fun with Harley…that is so funny about Harley’s bed. 
Sounds like your human had a great time too.
Kisses,
Nala
Helloooooooooow Honey
(I’ve just discovered how to howl, thought you might enjoy a wee bit of my music)
Well, it sure sounds like everyone had a great time on their wee trips, (except maybe Paul who must have had to be at home alone) and it must have been great for you to meet new friends and for Hsin-Yi to catch up with old ones. A doggie-sitter is a great idea. Once again, I think you are very lucky to have such a smart human who cares so much for your well-being
Lickity lick
Pepper
Your vacation at the Puppy Shack and the farm with Harley sounded great! You’re so lucky that you got to go somewhere nice like that! Glad that Hsin-Yi had such a good time with Dr. Dunbar. He looks like a very nice person from the pictures and I’m sure he knows tons of stuff about dog training -- we’ll be interested to see what new stuff you learn Honey!
Looks like Hsin-Yi had a great time with Ian. He has terrific info and is a lot of fun. Our Barbara serves on the APDT Board with him. So glad to hear that you had a good time while Hsin-Yi was at the seminar. She did the same thing with you about getting you used to going to the kennel when you were little as we did. It is so important to have good experiences.
Your friends,
Niamh & Ambrose
that was a great post Honey and we loved seeing you meet another dane!
Hi Honey,
Sounds like you are adapting well to your new home and new friends and I bet you were happy when you got to go back home with your mom and dad.
AARF Kasha the Dainty Great Dane
Honey I am so glad that your mommy takes such good care of you. When Boxen was young Daddy would take him to the kennel sometimes. I wasn’t here yet. When he met mommy she stopped that and started having someone come and stay with him at home. He is much more comfortable there. They would pick him up from the kennel and he would be sick because he wouldn’t eat the whole time! Can you imagine!?!
anyway we can’t wait to hear some of your mom’s training advice. Does she have any on cats? These two new kitties are keeping mom and dad up at night. UGH!
Snuggles
Bella
♬ Pup shack, baby pup shack … ♬ Oh, sorry, I was just having a B52′s moment there …
Honey you are one lucky doggie, to have such a smart mommy! Has she ever thought of doing dog training herself, she sure knows enough about it. I am taking her advice on training my naughty little Boston Terrier, it is slowly helping, but terriers are so stubborn, I had no idea!
welcome back!
we can see that you had fun!!!
Kissslobbers
El’bow & Hauwii
It sounds like Hsin-Yi and you both had a fun time while she was away.
Hsin-Yi was very smart to introduce you to Harley and get to know your new environment before she left. My parents took their young beagle to a kennel this past summer while they took off for a month long vacation. I went to go visit him and cried for him because I knew he was so unhappy!
I had to laugh about you stealing Harley’s bed! I could totally see my little dogs doing that!
I’m very much looking forward to Hsin-Yi’s post on all the things Dr. Ian Dunbar taught her!
Honey!
I’m so sorry I’ve been away for ages… John was here in vacation (he’s been assigned abroad) and then work and then a huge lack of time. I’ll check out all your adventures, I am so curious!
Love
Pipa
We are lucky. Moms parents usually take care of us when they are travelling somewhere. They have also borderterrier and we get along very well.
But have to say the big farm sounded awsome place to stay. Our mom is also interested to hear about your moms training advices.
WOWOWOWOWOOOOOO!!!
Dear dear dear friends…..what a great great time you had!!!
Honey….Your vacation at the Puppy Shack and the farm with Harley sounded great! !!!!!!!
What a lucky girl you’re going in such a wonderful place!!!!!
And we’re sooooo happy for your mommy Hsin-Y!!!!!!
Sure she had such a good time with Dr. Dunbar!!!!!!!
He looks like a very nice person from the pictures and we’re sure he knows tons of stuff about dog training!!!!!!
And your mommy looks soooooooooooooooo happy!!!!!!
But our preferred photo is the one with you and your mommy at home together….we love see you sleeping on your big big bed!!!!
Would love were there with you and your beautiful mommy!!!
WE LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!
HAve a great time!!!
MUAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Wow! Hsin-Yi be very lucky to get to meet that man person. Well, so my Mum says, I doesn’t care but she busy gushing away about it. She casnot wait to see Hsin-Yi’s post all about what she learned!
Your puppy sitters place looked really pawtastic. I lucky that I will go stay with Sally if Mum ever goes away without me.
~lickies, Ludo
Wow!!! What fun you and Hsin-Yi had!! We are very happy you have another Great Dane as a friend! And that is so cool that Hsin-Yi got to meet Dr. Ian.
Wow, that looked a fantastic trip and meeting Dr Dunbar must have been very cool.
We look forward to reading about what he said there.
It looks like you had a lot of fun too, Honey. That looks a wonderful place for you to stay whilst your humans are away.
I’m glad Hsin-Yi had fun at the seminar. I can’t wait to see what she learned.
Hsin-Yi is so good at planning ahead. My mom never took me to a kennel because I always stay with her parents’ house sixty miles away when they go somewhere, but what if we moved out of state? Then I’d have to stay in a kennel and I’ve never been to one and I’d probably be scared. Maybe that’s something to work on. Thanks for bringing it up.
Anyway I’m glad you had fun at the farm.
Jackal
Can’t wait to hear what Hsin-Yi learned! That is a fabulous sleepover spot that Hsin-Yi found for you! Luckily I have a small group of fellow dog owners who will dog sit for each other. Moose woofels when I leave but as soon as I am out of sight he could not care less! I had to board him once when his knee was bad though and I did not want him around other doggies b/c he would play so I had to take him to a jail
It was an awesome place with a pool and such but he was not allowed any of the awesomeness because he was hurt poor guy. Anyway, I hope I never have to do that again!
Terriers are like kids for me, a lot of fun when they are someone else’s! They were awfully cute though and bet Hsin yi was happy to have some doggy company while she was away!
Good to see you back, Honey. All in all, it sounds like a great time was has by all. You had such a great place to stay, sounds like you actually a vacation too. We can’t wait to hear some of what Hsin-Yi learned at her conference. Mom was laughing at the cat story. When she stayed over at one of our humans sisters apartments a few years ago, our sister had a cat Felix who always slept in the room where Mom would stay. He would make lots of noises too and kept coming into the room and walking on mommy’s head. Guess kitties don’t like to have their routines disturbed:)
Woos, Phantom and Thunder
Wow, what a news-packed post! Our mom loves that Dr. Ian Dunbar guy -- she thinks he’s really smart and likes his approach MUCH better than some of the other “experts” out there. We can’t wait to hear all about it!
Ammy thinks Harley is “really cute” and was glad to hear he was such a gentleman to give you his bed. Zim and I would do that for you, too. Honest.
That little terrier dude sure is cute!
Luv,
Dave
Dennis planted an earworm…howevFUR do I get it out of my mom’s head?
Thanks fur sharing all the khool stuff in the post!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
Hi Honey!
It seems you had a great time with your new boyfriend! Your humans are really considerate of you and plan things well unlike my Mum who never plans things ahead.
I got to see the article that Hsin-Yi had written about the Hound Racing Club I belong to. Mum was so happy to see my photos in the magazine, although she hated the one of herself and me together. Please say thank you to Hsin-Yi for us!
Mum says she looks forward to the post about training tips that Hsin-Yi learnt at the conference with Dr Dunbar.
Love,
Cinnamon
Wow I am SO jealous! I can’t wait to hear about the seminar!
Ian Dunbar!!! Really! In person! Wow!
Love,
Homer
Hey Honey! Don’t feel bad for not visiting. I always know you’ll be back. I hear you had a blast at the pet sitter place. I don’t remember what I was doing before Mom took that picture. Probably something useful like digging or chasing the chickens along the fence line. Something like that.
Licks,
Jackal
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Hsin-Yi,
I’d completely forgotten that Paul works weird shifts. Right now my husband is working twelve hour shifts from 7am to 7pm and it takes him an hour to get home in the morning. He’s only getting one day off a week and I work a weird day time schedule so I’m never home when he’s home. And it never fails we never get the same days off each week. It’s really awful. It’s only for three weeks at a time though. Then he’ll be on day shift for three weeks and at least he’ll be home at night.
I’m VERY pleased with how the raw diet is going. And yes the poop is nice! It does make it soooooo much easier to clean the dog yard. If only I could get my friend’s kibble fed dog out of my yard. I wish he’d take the poor dog home.
I think it would be fantastic to live near one another!! We could keep each other motivated to work with the dogs.
And I’d definitely supply you with chickens and eggs. 
We cooked one of our Cornish rooster in the oven last night and he was soooooo good. Tasted much better than the ones from the grocery store.
Anyway I’ll stop rambling.
C
Loving the Puppy Shack … and it looks like you have made an Instant Best Friend. I am currently petsitting a very sooky mini-daschund who is missing his Dad and Mum very much. He ended up reluctantly sleeping in his bed beside me bed last night … but still bared his teeth at me after I fed him this morning!
Those little doggies are cute. It was very gallant to let your boy friend have his bed!