Hi, this is Buster, the white-colored, brown spotted dog. Mister Tom spends time teaching me and Eddie stuff. He taught both me and Eddie how to do a “down-stay” in the kitchen while we wait for our food bowl. Mister Tom puts the food bowl on the floor but we have to wait in our down-stay until Mister Tom releases us. Mister Tom taught me how to get my retractable lead and bring it to him when it is time to go OUTSIDE. He has not taught Eddie how to do this yet. And, when we go OUTSIDE, we have to wait in a “sit-stay” at the open door until Mister Tom releases us. We know that “house” means it is time to go back inside. Mister Tom taught both me and Eddie how to give “kisses.” If you ask us for a “kiss” we will lick your face. I know how to give a “paw” when you ask or if you say “high-five” I will do that too. Mister Tom is still teaching Eddie how to give “paw” when he asks. These are the kinds of tricks we know. However, we spend a lot of time learning obedience stuff. Almost every day we do some obedience practice. We get to leap over jumps or retrieve dumbbells. We do spend a lot of time practicing our heeling. At least when we do our heeling, Mister Tom talks to us all the time. Both Eddie and I like practicing our obedience exercises so we collaborated on the following poem.

TRAINING TIME (Copyright 2013 by Buster J. Brown and Captain Eddie)

A rustling of treat bags,
And a jingle of collars.
It’s time for our workout,
No time to dawdle!

Hurry you laggard,
I can’t wait.
I’m ready to go,
Don’t procrastinate.

As we get started,
I pay full attention.
Over eager perhaps,
You might say I’m smitten.

Simple exercises first,
More difficult follow.
We work through ‘em all,
As a team, not a solo.

When we are finished,
His persistence has paid.
I’ve refined my performance,
And am showered with praise.