Agility Training - New Skill Added

I am still working on my pole jumps. I first practiced jumping the poles with a leash attached. I then progressed to pole jumping without a leash. I can do it well, and I'm working to improve consistency. I know to jump when I hear "jump". I still have practice to do, as I sometimes lose focus. 

Here I am jumping with my lease attached and my Master guiding me.

Here I am jumping on my own at my Master's command.

I still continue to practice my jumps, but a new skill has been added. 

I am learning what a tunnel is. It kind of scares me, and I am very cautious. I felt confident enough to go into the tunnel to retrieve my ball. Some training experts say that you should not trick the dog into going in with a snack or toy, as the dog will demand it, but my master had no idea what else to do. I am slowly learning to go into the tunnel and run through, but only to get my ball. The tunnel is still a work in progress. I am learning a new word, "tunnel".

See me at the entrance of the tunnel? I can do it. I can do it. 

 

I am doing it. Stay tuned as I share more of my progress and let you know what I am learning next.

 

Agility Training in Progress - Update from Pistol Pete

Bar Jumping has been my work in progress. I can jump a bar at 4 inches, no problem. I have done it once at 8 inches, but that is more of a challenge, so I need to work on it more. Remember, I am just a little guy. My goal is to jump 8 inches without hesitation. 

I get a treat when I jump the bar, and my Master cheers. Sometimes I show off to the neighbor dogs watching. 

My Master says I still have work to do. We usually work on it for about 10 minutes a day. Doesn't sound like much, but I get distracted and would rather chase a squirrel or bark at the neighbor's dog. After the 10 minutes, we go back to playing ball. 

My Master is teaching me the word "jump" and also following her hand signals. When she says jump and points at the bar, I jump. Sometimes I go around the bar because I didn't get a good running start. Like I said, I am still working on it. We are just doing this for fun and exercise, but the sky is the limit. 

Next month, I am going to learn how to run through a tunnel. Eventually, the goal is to have a whole obstacle course. My Master likes working me like a drill sergeant. Not really, but she takes it more seriously than I do. I would rather chase a squirrel or play ball. And that is what I get to do daily.

There are a lot of squirrels at the park, and each day I go "hunting" for them. It is the schnauzer blood in me. My ancestors hunted for small mammals, like rats. I prefer the squirrels. 

There is this one squirrel that comes to my yard to eat the acorns from the trees. He teases me. I watch him from the window. Sometimes, the door opens, and my Master says, "GO GET THEM." I run the squirrel up the tree. What fun. He sits in the tree, chirping at me. I chirp back. What would I do if I caught a squirrel? I just like chasing them.

Mission accomplished. 

Well, until next time. Just wanted to update on my progress in agility training.  

Pistol Pete reports....signing off.

"New Year, New Goals, Happy 2026"

 

Happy New Year! For 2026, I am going to learn new skills. I am an athlete (my Master says so), so I am going to put my energy to use while I am still young. I am going to learn canine agility skills in 2026.

My Master says, "There has got to be more activities to do than just chase a ball." 

Right? I am going to find out if my trainer (Master) and I have what it takes.

I have to warn you, my trainer is not a professional. I guess she has a goal to learn new skills too..."dog agility training." We are working and learning beside one another. This could be a challenge for both of us.

My trainer (Master) bought a book on Amazon about dog agility (See Reference at the bottom). We are beginners, so she found a book that appears to be written for beginners. Neither one of us has done agility training, but it looks fun to try.  

My goal as an athletic dog (my Master thinks I am athletic) is to learn obedience, plus have a little fun and exercise. I do not plan to be competitive, but the sky is the limit, so it could happen. 

First Goal

My first goals to master: sit, come, stay.

I am off to a great start. I know how to "sit" and "come" and am really good at "stay", as long as I am not distracted. I will get a refresher lesson on these words, as sometimes I do not want to follow commands.

I can be stubborn and won't always follow commands until they are repeated more than once, and a treat is involved.

Second Goal

After mastering my first goal, I will learn more advanced terms to reach my ultimate goal of completing an agility course. A course is the long-term goal; let's focus on the short-term goals for now, such as mastering basic commands.

My trainer (Master) says that once I've mastered my basic terms in my first goal, I can be introduced to more advanced terms. Commands such as "wait" and "focus". I sort of know the terms, as I hear them often, but now I will listen to and follow them more often in practice.

Third Goal

Last but not least in basic skills, I am also going to learn how to maneuver in a particular direction. Hint...hint...this is where I get to know my "left" from my "right." This sounds difficult. This skill will be an ongoing learning experience as I gain ability and knowledge of agility equipment.

In conclusion, regarding my learning. My trainer (Master) bought a whistle with a clicker. I am learning that the "click" sound means I did good. I am also learning that the whistle is used to get my attention. This is new to me, so I am not always sure what the whistle means, but it does get me to look in my Master's direction, wondering what she is doing.

To be continued...Pistol Pete's Agility Training. New Year, New Goals. Happy 2026.

FYI: High Five... I like giving high fives a lot. One of the first skills I learned as a pup. I give high fives when I want a treat. I get treats also when I learn new skills. 

Book: Grayce, R. (2025). The complete guide to canine agility: Essential techniques to build a fast, focused, and competitive agility dog. Sanzen Publishing.

Santa's Helper

Christmas is approaching. I even have on my Christmas sweater. I am not too thrilled about it, but I will keep it on just long enough to get a picture taken.      

This has been my first full year of life. It has been a good one, and I have learned a lot. I won't rehash my whole year, but feel free to look at past reports to see what I have been up to. My favorite is going to the park.

I know it is hard to believe, but I do sometimes misbehave. Have you been all good? Where is that perfect dog 😇

I am a miniature schnauzer with a lot of energy, and it's hard for me to just sit still and be a perfect angel. I like to keep myself active. That's how I get myself into trouble because sometimes I get bored and have to entertain myself.   

I hate to relive my past mistakes this year, but I want to clear the air so Santa will take me off his naughty list. I don't have time to go over all my learning experiences, so I will touch on the top five.

1. I chewed up three rugs, but I couldn't help it; it was so much fun tearing them up. I had no idea that those were needed for human feet on cold floors.

2. I tore up my bed and three (maybe more) blankets. I lost count after three. I just wanted to keep my time occupied in my doggy house. I thought it would be Okay. It's fun. Plus, it felt good on my teeth. I now have an indestructible bed for my dog house. I had no idea that such a thing could be acquired, but yes, they can. My current bed, I can't chew up. 

3. I am great at stealing socks, but it's all in fun. I also get my exercise trying not to be caught. I always return the socks to the rightful owner. I didn't realize it would be a problem. 

4. I never mean to chase the cat, but I do not understand why she won't play. She likes me, but she sometimes prefers not to be bothered. She likes her solitude. I do not get it. 

5. I don't mean to chew and swallow acorns. I had no idea they would make me sick and are harmful to canines. Squirrels seem fine eating them. I am okay. Just a little stomach upset. This one is a grave mistake. Sure glad my Master picks them off the ground so I am not tempted to eat them.

This is where I draw the line... The cat thinks she can be in my house. 

The cat got her way. I will have to share my house. She got seniority over me; I have to watch out for those claws. 

Below is a picture of me, getting ready to help Santa. As you see, it is hard work.  I look tired.

Hint, hint....one reason I am being Santa's helper. It gets me on his good list. Helping Santa is hard work. I am worn out. I will have a gift under the tree on Christmas morning. 😉

Have you made mistakes? If so, there is time to ask for forgiveness and to be the best you can be before Christmas.

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas. It will be here sooner than we expect. 

Until next time...Have a great Holiday Season. I hope to catch a squirrel before the year's up; if that doesn't happen, I am hopeful to accomplish that goal in 2026. 

FYI: if you have a Google account, you can follow. You can also subscribe to my posts, but from what I understand, you need an RSS reader extension installed on Chrome. I am not an expert on how that works. I think if you use Google Chrome, the app can be found in the app store. All that is above my level of expertise, but I bet Google knows.

Anyway, feel free to comment on the post. You can keep your contact info secret. If you feel like just reading, that is okay too. 

Pistol Pete Reports "It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and feel like it too."

Well, we ate the turkey. It was my first real Thanksgiving where I got to share in the festivities. I wanted to try all the good tastes. If good enough for my Master, then good enough for me. Of course, I didn't get to eat all I begged for. Being a mini schnauzer with a sensitive stomach, I have to watch what I eat. I did get to taste a little turkey and pumpkin pie. It was delicious, and I wish I could have more, but it is not recommended for dogs. I wonder who made that rule. 

Turkey coma... yes, it is true, turkey makes me sleepy, or is it food in general? Don't be concerned by my appearance. I always take a nap after lunch. I didn't overeat to harm myself, but it pooped me out. To keep my lean schnauzer self, I went outside and played ball a couple of times to burn off the excess calories. It was good times.😋🏈

After lunch, a nap, and playing ball, I got to watch a little football. I only caught a glimpse of it....The Cowboys won, right? I was more interested in playing with my alligator toy. Anyway...

It was a good Thanksgiving, and now let Christmas celebrations begin. The lights are up, the cookies are being baked, and there is a sense of cheer in the air. Plus...

It finally feels like winter, too. ❄

Some humans do not like the cold. My Master always bundles up when we go outside in the cold. 🧥 Looks as if a significant snowfall might be on the way, but there is always that one neighbor who might be confused about what to wear. If you know what I mean. 

It happened... reminded me of an "Everybody Loves Raymond" episode when Frank goes outside in his drawers to pick up the newspaper, and the neighbors complain. You've got to watch it, old show but still just as entertaining. 

Yes, it occurred here in my neighborhood. It was really cold that morning, really...? Each of their own, but I am sure glad my Master bundles up and puts on pants when we go outside; I got a repetition to hold on to. That explains those dogs 😀 ... love your neighbors, they say...

On a serious note. I hope everyone has a great Christmas season. Remember the reason for the season, but have a little fun too 😇. Peace and Kindness to all.

Pistol Pete Reports "Wait We Haven't Eaten Our Turkey"

Does it seem like Christmas begins earlier and earlier each year? Once Halloween is completed, Christmas begins. How did this happen? Was it because retail stores started early, selling merchandise, or was it people just wanting the spirit of Christmas early?

Look closely, you see Bunny the cat and me playing under the Christmas tree. What fun, but it could be disastrous.

Around my house, we put up the Christmas lights before Thanksgiving. It may be because it sets a certain cheer in our hearts. This is my first year to experience such excitement. Last year, I was still too young with my canine mom to know about holidays.  

Anyway....

If you ask the public when Christmas should begin, you get different views. Some people actually get upset when they see Christmas before Thanksgiving. Others don't care.  Some even celebrate Christmas year-round.

I notice in the neighborhood that some have lights up while others still have their fall decorations out, and some even still have their Halloween decorations out. Now that is a little strange, but if that is their cup of tea, well, okay then.

I like Christmas early as it brings a sense of peace and comfort in our lives. Now, if it could snow, that would be an extra bonus. I have never experienced snow in my life, but I hear it can bring the Christmas spirit even more so.

POV: You can do what you want. Whatever makes you happy. Why can't Thanksgiving and giving thanks be celebrated when the Christmas lights are up? If you wish to wait till after you eat turkey, that's okay too. You could have the Holidays year-round if that gives you cheer. If you still have Halloween decorations out, I don't know what to say.

Bottom line, I want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season.

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble, Happy Thanksgiving!

Merry Christmas. May peace find you.

Enjoy the Holiday Season. Have your turkey, give thanks to God, and why not have the lights up, if that makes you happy? If you want to wait until after Thanksgiving to put up the Christmas lights and tree, well, that's okay too. Just don't get upset with others if they don't do what you think they should. Either way does not harm me, and if it makes you happy, why not? Life is too short to sweat the small stuff. 

Petey Reports on Bunny the Cat

My feline sister, Bunny, is under the weather. I don't know what is wrong. She voices as if she is in agony. My mom said she is not eating much. She is a decade older than I am. She is very tolerant of my juvenile behavior. I try to get her to play with me, but she doesn't seem to want to. 

My mom took Bunny to the doctor, and she was examined. The blood work showed good results. What could be wrong with her harsh voice and lack of energy? She sounds terrible. She meows a lot and doesn't sound good. I tried to help her feel better by letting her play with my toys. She wasn't interested.

Being a schnauzer, I am not only concerned but also very noisy as I want to know what is going on. When my mom talked to the vet, I was right there at her feet, trying to hear the conversation. When she takes care of Bunny, I want to help. 

As we wait to see if Bunny gets better before any other tests are performed, I try to give her space and let her relax, looking out the window. She watches for birds and seems to find peace. 

Stay Tuned....What do you think is going on with Bunny the cat?