Lacey's "delicate condition"

I was reminded today of how the phrase "delicate condition" has been used to reflect a female's bodily state that was not to be too explicitly discussed in polite society -- often involving pregnancy, but not always. Recognizing that we have talked on this blog so much about Lacey's bowel and urinary status and how tedious (and possibly odious) that may be to the reader, we will now simply refer to it as her "delicate condition".

Lacey's delicate condition is still in flux. Yesterday Momma and Poppa had to be away from the house for several hours so it was not unexpected that there would be some policing to do upon our return. But more importantly there was no opportunity to reinforce the desired behavior. So last night and today we are doing our best to reinforce (reward) desired behaviors and minimize opportunity for bad outcomes.

There is puppy obedience training locally available starting on Jan 28. We can't sign up for class until Jan 21. (The class is through a program managed by the City of Brentwood, so city residents have priority and were able to sign up starting Jan 14. We hope there will still be openings on Jan 21 when non-residents can join.) The class takes puppies 10 to 18 weeks old. Since Lacey turns 10 weeks old tomorrow this is a good time to start. It also gives us some expectation that behavioral progress thus far has not been so much laxness on our part as much as Lacey being still a little too young to have the necessary attention span.

Fortunately Lacey has such a sweet disposition that her misdeeds are merely misdemeanors and not felonies. And, of course, the presence of the leash regulates her potential for mischief making. She is off-leash only in the penned kitchen, her sleeping crate, and the occasional laundry room stint when we both have to be gone. We let her explore the rest of the house only under our guidance to prevent disaster either to her or by her.

After successful obedience training she will be getting more freedom in the house. That is something I am sure both we and Lacey are looking forward to.