This is good. This is good.

My parents have talked about this show, The Dog Whisperer, they watch on the Discovery Channel for awhile now. But, I never got a chance to watch it until over Christmas where I have access to more channels then just what comes in through my $9.99 antenna. It left me very intrigued and Jerod and I even rented a few episodes from Hastings one night. That left us hooked and now Jerod DVR's every episode he can. In a way, it reminds me of that show Supernanny. There are problem children/dogs and then the expert is asked to come in to cure these problem children/dogs of their wild and disobedient ways. But, as if the parents/owners don't expect it, this "expert" comes in and starts training THEM instead of the assumed problem children/dogs. It's always the same premise. You have to be the boss. Stop babying them and give them discipline for their own good and stop feeling sorry for them. It's YOU that is the problem, not THEM.

I've had to change my tactics since Honey has moved in. Akita's have more potential for taking control of you then the typical breed, so both Jerod and I have stepped it up in showing her that we're the boss. Little did I know that it would teach me that Cache has been the pack leader of my house for some time. He's not agressive about it, but in small subtle ways, he has been dominant over me. He goes through the doorways first, he expects food anytime and anywhere, he expects a walk when I put on my tennis shoes, he expects a treat when he sits. I had no idea that those small things were showing me that he runs the house. Hmmm. Who knew??

So, Honey and Cesar (the Dog Whisperer) have changed the dynamic in my house. I've been strict with Honey making her be submissive (and believe me, she is testing me!), but at the same time, I have been allowing Cache to keep the Alpha Dog status by treating him as I always have. It's confusing to them both, and that is why there has been fighting. Honey is the natural leader, but I have been trying to force Cache into leadership without really realizing it, and therefore confusing the natural pack order that they would've set a long time ago if I hadn't unintentionally interfered.

Since I've started realizing this and started treating Cache differently, the dynamic in the house is starting to change. I really noticed it this last weekend when there was this calm and relaxed feeling throughout the house. Cache and Honey are getting along. Cache submits, and Honey keeps him in check (without being a bully about it). Honey gets fed first (after her pack leaders, of course), gets affection first and Cache calmly waits his turn. HE wasn't the one with the problem with the pack order, it was ME. And now, he is becoming a much happier and CALMER dog.

I'm not saying it's all fixed. For example, I now have one of these on my wish list. And I wouldn't mind a copy of this. But, I'm working on it. It's harder work being a dog owner then I realized. You always have to be the leader and LOOK like a leader. Maybe one of these would help me achieve that look, huh?

Random Updating

I've had some requests to update the blog, so I finally felt enough guilt to do it. The reason it's been quiet for awhile is because I seriously don't have anything exciting to talk about. The end-of-summer lull has been very uneventful and it seems like the only thing I do is sleep, work, eat, watch a little TV, repeat as necessary. Not that I'm complaining!! :D I like it quiet. But, now that the fall is about to start in full force, I should have more to write about. Here's a few things I'm looking forward to.

A Schedule: I'm a very goal/task oriented person and it will be good again to have a schedule. The spontaneity of summer annoys my inner control-freak after a while.

Membership transition to Harvest: Being between churches has been hard because I always have this guilt on Sunday morning when I attend one church, while I'm actually a member somewhere else. It will feel good to go where I OFFICIALLY belong.

Studies at Harvest: Already, Jerod and I have signed up for so many events and studies that are going on at Harvest. It will feel so good to get plugged in finally.

The Fall TV Schedule: I'm also a little stressed about this. I like too many shows, and I don't want to spend my whole life in front of the TV. But, thanks to Jerod and DVR, it will be a lot more convenient for me to get my Lost/Grey's Anatomy/Desperate Housewives/Survivor/Idol fix in. Yeah, I know. I'm pathetic.

Tutoring at JLC: I dread this typically, but I'm always happy I do it. It is a great and humbling experience, and I love to connect to another person and try to be an encouragment to them.

Jerod: (I put him last, not because he's least important, but because I'm trying to maintain my tough-girl facade by trying to make you believe that I'm not totally smitten with the guy.) Sometimes I think we spend too much time together, but he really is my best friend and I'm so excited to see what the future holds. I'm also extremely excited for our discipleship study we are planning and to see how God grows us both individually and as a couple.

Ok, that's it for now. I hope it satisfies you for a bit. Hopefully, life will get a little more exciting soon. :)