Dog Training & Roasted Cauliflower

I adopted Henry in mid-August from a rescue organization after longing for a dog of my own for years. I finally felt I was at a point in my life where I could handle the responsibilities of taking care of a dog: I was living sans-roommates, I worked only a few miles from my home which meant I could come home on lunch breaks, and monetarily, I felt I could handle the food, vet and training costs. What I didn't take into account is that adorable, little Henry would have some major behavioral issues.

Taking him out for walks has become quite the adventure. I have been embarrassed, scared-beyond-belief and almost brought to tears because of this guy. He barks and pulls and jumps and whines. I've tried the dog-whisperer "be the pack leader" and make your dog walk right next to you way of walking, which only makes him freak out more. I've taken along spray bottles on walks to spritz him when he yelps. And I've had one old curmudgeon neighbor tell me that I should get Henry a shock collar (the gem stated this while making a strangling motion).

I'm typing all of this while he is quietly napping beside me; he really is a sweet dog.

Needless to say, he needs to be better trained. Within the first few weeks of adopting him I had him at a trainer where I was being taught how to walk and train him, but it just wasn't working and the trainer didn't really seem to care. Finally, just yesterday, after Henry embarrassed me with his incessant barking and taunting of other dogs at an indoor doggie playgroup, we had an appointment with a dog trainer who cared and really knew her stuff. We spent an hour talking and training and going over things with Henry. He's nowhere near saved, but now I have the humane tools to make him a less embarrassing dog -- I hope.

We went on a walk this morning, it went well until he saw a little dog across the street, and all hell broke loose: barking loudly and pulling really hard. But, I'm looking on the bright side -- three quarters of the walk he was well behaved.

Much like Henry, cauliflowers have a bad reputation; I don't know anyone who would name the vegetable as a favorite, but with the right amount of love and just a few additions, it turns into a sweet and savory delight. Seriously, I had a hard time not eating the whole thing after it was roasted.



Simple Roasted Cauliflower

One head of cauliflower
3/4 tablespoon salt
3/4 tablespoon pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil

Preheat oven to 375.

Rid the cauliflower of it's green and break into chunks. Place in a roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place into the oven and roast for about forty-five minutes, or until the cauliflower is slightly crispy with dark edges.

So about that picture up top; I let Henry eat the piece of cauliflower he's licking the photo, but only after he sat like a good dog. He's learning!