So excited!!!

So, Marley has started this thing...Every time she gets excited she gets a little too excited and pees! I've gotten to the point where I have to end up watching her closely when I get home or she'll start peeing. Yesterday, I had been gone for a while and when I got home she was so excited...like usual...to see me. She was jumping up on me and acting crazy. I picked her up to calm her down and that's when I felt it...something run down my leg! She had gotten so worked up when she saw me that she had actually peed on me!! I couldn't believe it! To say the least...I was very grossed out! It wasn't that she need to go out, it was just that she had gotten worked up! I guess if I have someone in my life that gets that excited when I walk in the door to actually pee all over their self, I'm pretty blessed! lol :) Hopefully she will learn to control herself soon, because this is not my favorite trait of hers!!

What a nice day...

It's days like these that I hate to be cooped up in my apartment! It's beautiful outside! The sun is shining and it's 56 degrees outside! Marley loves going on walks. The only problem is she doesn't quite understand that I'm the leader and she must follow me. I guess that all goes back to training her. I have a problem disciplining her. I would rather spoil her than discipline her. I need to learn how to train her to walk properly. It's very important for me to teach Mar to walk by my side, not in front of me almost pulling me down the path. One way to do so is to keep treats in my pocket and to reward her for obeying. Walking is very good for Marley. This allows her and I to develop our relationship...I know that sounds funny, but it's true! It also allows her to get her exercise, which she needs. So, next time I take her on a walk, I'll be sure to post about how it goes!

New Toy

So, I got Marley a new chew toy recently. This picture shows her old rope, which was destroyed by Marley, so it had to be thrown away. I decided that I was tired of her chewing on everything that she shouldn't so, I decided to take matters into my own hands and try to solve the problem...a new chew toy seemed like the right answer!! I bought her a rubber bone...at least I think it's rubber. It is supposed to clean her teeth while she chews on it...kill two birds with one stone, why not?! As soon as I unwrapped it and gave it to her, she seemed interested. She, of course, had to smell it to make sure she liked it and then she couldn't stop chewing on it. She loves it!! If I am able to get it out of her mouth, I like to throw it across the room and watch her jump up to get it. She is constantly looking and sniffing for it if it somehow gets out of her sight. So far, it seems to be working...she hasn't chewed up anything else lately. I guess, I will find out how she did today when I get home soon!!

A part of the family...

Ever since Marley met my family, she instantly became a part of it. My little brother fell in love with her. He just can't seem to get enough of Marley. He loves to take her on walks and play catch with her. I never really knew what it meant for a dog to truly become a part of the family until now. It is all really funny, actually. My parents will call me often and most of the time they call to ask about Marley!! "How is Marley?" they ask. I love that they do that. She means as much to them as she does to me! It's great!

How many licks does it take?

So, Marley seems to have a fetish with licking...and let's just say, I'm not a fan!! I don't know many people that just loved to be licked, anyway, but it's really not my cup of tea. She licks you after she hasn't seen you in a while, she licks you after you take a shower, she licks dirty clothes, she licks the floor...she just likes to lick! I really want to make her stop! But before I do, dog trainers reccomend realizing why she does this. The first and most obvious reason why dogs lick is because that is their way of showing affection. She loves me!:) Many puppies learn this from their mother. Mother dog's lick their young. I know that she means well, but I'd like to learn how to fix it. I need to be more dominating with her and simply tell her to stop in a forceful way. If anyone has anymore thoughts on this. Let me know.

A weekend away....

This weekend I will be going away for a debate tournament. Now that I have a dog, I have to find some one to take care of her. I am blessed to have great friends who help me out when I need it. Marley does well with the people that she knows well and that she is used to. This weekend, my boyfriend gets to be in charge! Marley is used to Ryan now, so she should do well. Usually when I'm gone for a while, she is not very happy with me when I get back. In the past, she has gotten very angry with me and even left surprises for me when I got back. I have had her for a while now, so she should act much better. I am interested to hear how she does. I'll check in with Ryan and be sure to let you know how she does. Hopefully, I'll have a few fun stories to tell nextt week.

Snow Days...

Earlier this week on Monday and Tuesday, Marley and I got two days off. Since it snowed, I was out of school and did not have to go to work, either. She really enjoyed me being home since usually she has to be in her kennel when I'm gone. Mondays are usually my busy days, but this particular Monday I got to stay around the apartment instead. Marley enjoyed staying home and simply being lazy with me. Snow days usually mean that lots of cooking will take place around the apartment. My roommate and I cooked quite a bit that day. Marely wanted to be right there while we were cooking. I think she thought she might be allowed to eat some of it! We had two great days off and are now looking forward to our next snow days!