In a single bound...

It has been a long evening. My darling puppy can now apparently jump into tall trash cans in a single bound. Fortunately I've replaced my main kitchen trash can with one you have to step in a lever in order to open the lid. However tonight I was in the process of cleaning vegetables after my recent shopping spree and used my old one for convenience. Not such a bright idea. Ms. Sadie was very curious about all those carrot peelings flying into the trash can, attempting to catch them with her mouth, which I consistently discouraged. I don't want her getting into the habit of peering into the trash can. But because she was making me laugh, I realized my attempts to discipline her weren't working. Thus, I moved the trash can on top of some boxes. As I finished carrots and moved onto celery, I put the trash can back on the floor. Sadie was playing with her toys and I hoped she would ignore the trash. Ha Ha. Suddenly I heard a THUMP, turned and, like a SWOOSH of a basketball sailing through the hoop, that little stinker had jumped into the trash can without even making it rock. She was laying in a bed of carrot peelings, celery chunks and torn grocery sacks. *sigh* She thought it was great fun. I was trying not to laugh while attempting to tell her "no" in a firm voice. And so the evening continued... I'm afraid of what's going to happen tonight. I gave her a piece of carrot which she eventually ate, a piece of celery which she liked, and unfortunately she grabbed a piece of raw green pepper that had fallen on the floor. I really hope that doesn't cause her stomach upset. PLEASE, if the gods & goddesses are merciful, let any sickness wait until morning!!

We've actually had several differences of opinion in the last hour. I was cleaning up the basement, which is an acceptable emergency potty area (especially when the wind chill is below zero), when she apparently took exception to the cleaning of the poo...and left me a gift on the living room floor. I didn't find it until a few minutes ago. AND, after we took the trash out for morning pickup, I walked her to the end of the block and back....without my coat on. I thought I was being generous, but apparently having a walk with ample opportunity to potty wasn't enough and she decided to potty on the rug once we got inside. This time my "NO" really rang out and she ran under the couch. She knew she was in BIG TROUBLE. I counted to ten, picked up the leash, and back outside we went for "potty" time. I've decided I'm going to have to modify my training methods once again. She will only get a treat immediately following a potty session. I don't mean once we get inside - I carry the treats with me outside so she gets an immediate reward and I hope helps her connect the two. She's a very smart dog, and I'm afraid that she will eventually learn to fake pottying just get a treat. She's definitely capable of the trick!

Well, it's getting late, and I'm beat! At least I have the ingredients for beef stew all ready to go into the crock pot first thing in the morning. I just wonder whether or not I'll be here (freezing rain is expected tonight) tomorrow being tempted by the enticing aromas....or if I'll be 40 miles away slaving away at my desk.