Tuesday, March 1, 2011

TOBY REPORTS ON MAXMOM'S TRAINING

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!
TOBY here...

Woof!
Hello there, sweet hooligans!
They're telling me it’s a dog’s life!
That’s a good thing, right?

My life at the moment is filled with so many interesting things, and I’m getting to take Maxmom to lots of new places as part of her training programme. Unfortunately I can’t always show you the photos, because Maxmom doesn’t have too many hands,
(and I don't know how to work the 'flashy beast'),
but I can report on what’s happening - you will just have to picture some of my news in your minds.

As you know, I am busy being trained up for the role of ‘SANDY’ in the Broadwag production of ‘ANNIE’. There are 4 scenes where I appear and each one has a specific behaviour which I have to learn. Maxmom has taught me the ‘AWAY!’ command already and this is serving me very well, because a number of my scenes use some form of this command.

“TOBY, AWAY!”
she says, and I know that I must go and sit on that little blue mat to wait for my next instruction. It’s quite fun actually.

---xXx---

And then there's my crate training...

Just when I was becoming comfortable with the crate which Maxmom brought for me to try out...
(remember this one?)...

... she went out and bought me my own brand-new blue canvas one.

How cool is this!
It’s a lot easier to carry around and last night my humans took it with us to the practice session. It was all fun and games UNTIL I got zipped in! I had no way of getting out and in the beginning I wasn’t too impressed. But hey, I’ll do anything for treats! And guess what...I found some hidden amongst the bedding.

So I suppose it’s all good.

Last night, I again got to be with the wonderful children who are in the cast of 'ANNIE'.
There was no romping around madly in amongst their legs this week because my special “Boss” trainer was there to check out my progress.
(I had to be on my best behaviour!)
 I tried really hard to put my best paw forward for Ms Shannon! She is a really cool trainer! Take a look, this is her picture:

Her name is SHANNON MCKAY.

and she is the owner of


here in Johannesburg, South Africa. 

Ms Shannon deserves a medal for the effort she's making to train my Maxmom for me.

(Thank you, Ms Shannon for trying to train Maxmom!)

There is just one thing that confuses me:
Does anyone perhaps know why humans don’t get food treats when they are training?

Well, there was no hooligan stuff from me last night – I just showed them my sweet self. I did all my moves perfectly!
But it is indeed Maxmom who needs some training in the art of relaxing!!!
Why is it that human beings have to LEARN to relax? Us doggies have no problem with relaxing at all! ...

I must say, those ‘orphans’ in the production, look very happy to me. They’re pretty smart with their own behaviour and I think they like me. Annie seems to like me lots – I even get to run to her in one of the scenes. She then gives me biscuits to enjoy while she sings me a song. I heard her sing something about ‘Tomorrow’.
Do you think she wants to get to see me again, ‘tomorrow’?

In fact ALL the children in the cast are really cool. They come to pat me at every practice session and last night they even clapped for me when I got my moves right. Geesh, perhaps Maxmom should enrol me in their school too. I think it’s a cool place to learn and I’d love to be a student there!

So can you all join me in giving a “BARK OUT LOUD!” for the cast of “ANNIE” at the
“HOERSKOOL RANDBURG”.

Thank you for welcoming me so nicely! I love you guys!
Woof!

Tomorrow, I am going to look at the main theatre at the University of Johannesburg, where the production will be held in May this year. Maxmom did an internet search and came up upon a blog which talks about this university’s theatre. It’s got this photo there, but you can click on the image to read more about it.

Me on that stage!? BOL!

Anyway, I am going there tomorrow to see if there are any things that may scare Maxmom which I can help her with.  More lessons to learn?
Let's go, Maxmom!

Sending lotsalicks to you all!


21 comments:

Jake of Florida said...

What a thoughtful boy you are, helping train Maxmom. Believe us, humans do need training!!!

Wirey love,

Jake and Just Harry

MySpecialDoggies said...

You're such a great trainer Toby! Neeli is reading your blog for some tips for me too.

Woofs
Nadine & Neeli
Angel doggie Apples (1994-2010)

Amber-Mae said...

Great job with training Maxmom. You doing a good job so far, Toby! Will the cast be singing all the Annie songs? My mom's favourite is 'Maybe'. She thinks that song is really beautiful! She used to watch the 1982 Annie movie many, many, many times till the CD was became all crapped up. It used to be one of her favourite movies.

I however, have not watched it before so I'm watching it on YouTube right now. Looks like a great movie so far! Anyway, keep up with the training buddy & be sure to take videos of you acting during the live show.

Becky Andrews said...

Sweet, Toby. Cricket trains me each day too. Your trainer sounds amazing! Love from Cricket.

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

That's a HUGE theatre, Toby! You're going to be such a star!!!

Your trainer does look lovely.

Woofs,
Tommy

Homer said...

Toby my darlin',

I haven't been checking your blog for a while, I'm sorry. I've been rather busy lately!

You know something Toby, you don't look like a hooligan to me. You look like a sweet angel, especially with that expressive eyes of yours!

Love you,

Homer

Amy & the house of cats said...

Wow Toby we are so behind and there is so much going on there! We think it is so cool you are going to be in a play! And we think that new crate looks pretty cool - we love the color!! It sounds like you are so busy - that is so fun for you we bet!

The Heartbeats said...

Toby, your crate needs a star with your name on it- don't you agree?

Wiggles,
Calhoun

WFT Nobby said...

Hey Toby pal,
Thanks for the update. Sounds like you're coming on a storm. As for MaxMom, I suggest you send her over here for training. I'm sure my agility instructor Gordon could sort her out. Between you and me, I think even Gail is a teeny weeny bit scared of him, and she's not normally the type to be easily intimidated (she and I have that in common...)
Toodle pip!
Bertie.
PS Just to give you advance notice that I am resuming my 'Bertie Boffin' canine science series tomorrow. I do hope you have time to participate!

rottrover said...

Sweet toby, you are such a good boy to teach Maxmom to relax! It's one of the most imortant jobs we dogs do!!

-Gizmo, Bart and Ruby

Brandon - The dog with a blog said...

Trust me, humans can be soo hard to train sometimes... there is always something new for them to learn.

Your crate is furry cool, you sure look wonderful in it!

Keep up the great work with your training :)

Rudy

Two French Bulldogs said...

Oh Toby we are so excited for you. Would you please fly Ms Shannon here so she could train stubborn Lily. We see you like your new bed too. Awesome
Benny & Lily

Mrs. JP said...

Hey, I agree with the other post that your cool new kennel needs a star and your name on it. After all, it is technically your dressing room. Awww, we are so proud of you and Toby. Yes, MaxMom we do have to learn to relax....why is that? We have nothing to fear because God is on our side! But, I do understand, I'd be a wreck...LOL

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

sweet Toby you are doing so well both in your training and training your mum. I would so love to be at that production to see you in your role. How the children must love to have you among them. Your new blue cube is brilliant and so easy to transport around, I am gladf you found treats. Thank you so much for your sweet words to my mum. We so appreciate them and I am looking after her.. Hugs GJ xx

Sierra Rose said...

Wow Toby! We haven't been around for a bit, and my gosh! You are doing fabulous! Your new crate looks very familiar...I had one quite similar...until my hoomans left me in it to go in to a PARTY....the nerve :) Well...mind you, there ARE ways of pawing out of that crate..just mentioning it...and laughing about it...
Will have to stop by more often, you have a lot going on my friend!

Sweet hugs,
Sierra Rose

Huskee and Hershey said...

Oh wow Toby, you are gonna be famous!! Can I claim some bragging rights since we are friends??

Hmm.. as to why humans don't get food treats when they are training, I think it's because usually the moms claim that they have to watch their figure or something... go figure that out!.. Let us know how your mom's training goes!!

Suka said...

hey Toby,

You sure are one busy pup! Such a social calendar! I think you need a personal dog-ssistant! ;->

That is a pawsome blue crate, and I am happy you adjusted to it so quickly. You are right, treats help!

Your trainer, Shannon, looks so nice. I bet it is fun for you and your mom to train with her. I think your mom should get treats too!

And here is my loud "Woof" to the cast of "Annie" at Hoerskool Randburg! They sound like a pawsome cast, especially for treating you so lovingly and kindly. But how could they not? You are an amazing pup!

Suka

Rob said...

I knew you would have loads of fun doing all this work cos that's what dogs like to do - right. I like your new crate, just the sort of place for an actor to have.

LailaSmith01 said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Tweedles -- that's me said...

Hi Toby
I love your blue crate,,, and I know how exciting it is to find treats that are hidden.
I think Maxmom needs treats too..
Maybe you can share some of yours with here..
You are so beautiful Toby
love
tweedles

Unknown said...

Wow, Toby - you've sure been a busy pup! But it sounds like your MaxMom is progressing nicely with her training...keep up the good work! :-)

Slobbers,
Honey the Great Dane