You guys have pretty much mentioned everything already:
That Caleb is actualy,gasp trained. People can't get over what he does and doesn't do, and I constantly hear about how their dogs would never do/not do that.
Caleb has over inside 100 toys (haven't counted to outside toys in awhile).
That Caleb has food allergies/sensitivies. I get a lot of "OMG- what do you feed him if he can't have beef and grains?"
He gets sardines and raw eggs once a week.
I make training treats for him.
I give him veggies and fruit.
The area behind the seat of my truck is set up for Caleb (Ford Ranger with extended cab)- memory foam topped with a saddle blanket, a non splash water dish and a couple of chews. And along the training lines there- even tho he's capable, he doesn't jump into the front seat or jump out of the truck when I open the doors.
I groom Caleb myself. I mean, how hard is it to brush, bathe, do ears, nails and paw hair on a Lab? I even thought about clipping my grandmother's Poodle when we had her, but I was nervous about using the clippers.
I look at everything with a "how can I use that for training" mentality. Especially now that we're doing Nosework- I'm always looking at things to put hides in.
ETA- Something else that blows a lot of casual dog owners away- I don't rush to the vet for every little thing. Between having grown up on a farm, working for my vet awhile ago, and reading, I'm able to take care of most things myself. That's not to say Caleb doesn't go in for more than his annuals, just that he doesn't go for every little scrape, bump or bruise. I was the same way with the boys when they were growing up.
Was she staring at you while you examined Merlin's stool? :rofl1:
