Dog Talk

Friday we had the prisoner dog Diamonds CGC test. He failed spectacularly. OK it isn't a pass or fail test per say but he, and his handler, were not having a great day. They did do the recall and the sit stay pretty well. He also was good for the grooming portion and heeling without the crowd. In trouble shooting the event all I can surmise is that the crowd of women was to much for him. It caused his over stimulation, or at least contributed to it. To be fair the dog is around mostly men that are all dressed alike night and day. We apparently need to practice the test conditions as well during our training. (having the female crowd there with a strange dog) He was very excited about the dog too but that is something we do practice as much as possible. I bring my dogs and any dogs I have here for training or fostering. (Maybe I should take a new dog every time from the shelter.) I also think that not being able to practice some of the stuff in public normal settings puts us at a bit of a disadvantage. I also think his lack of exercise that day didn't help. It has been horrificly cold here lately and I think the handlers didn't give him enough running time outside before hand as well. He is extremely high energy. The dog can keep warm with his running but the handlers have to be outside in the cold, not a fun task.

After the test he settled down just fine (of course) and had a playtime with the dog brought for the test. He also showed off all of his tricks (high five, beg, sit pretty, crawl and roll over) and showed how far he has come. He didn't jump up on anyone or mouth anyone for attention. When I picked him out of the shelter he was a crazy dog. Jumping and mouthing and circling endlessly around me. He was in obvious need of basic training. Since he doesn't have a home lined up yet he will stay with the handlers so they can keep working him. Taking him back to the shelter to wait would only set him back quite a bit in his behavior. Nobody wants that.

I am bummed he didn't pass because I did think he would ace it. However he has come a LONG way in his training and for that I am very happy and proud. The handlers are doing very well with him. I am losing my primary handler soon. (he is getting released for time served) He is an excellent handler and picks things up very quickly. I am sorry we are losing him. He has been excellent for the program.

I heard from Rudys new mom that he is doing great. She even sent pics of him playing with his big sister Shango. I think it was a wonderful match for both of them. It is always great to hear positive updates onmy former students.

Dash the foster frenchie pup is doing very well. His skin is looking very good with only one bad spot left. It is in a nose fold under the eye so it might not be mange but could be a yeast infection instead. We will go for a recheck to get it looked at to be sure. He is a real sweet dog with a bit of a mischievous streak. I caught him standing on my coffee table yesterday after I had left the room for a few minutes. It was funny but I still made him get off. Yesterday was also bath day. I think his coat is slowly getting softer. He certainly smells better than he did. He loves to cuddle with us on the couch. He has also gotten very comfortable with my two and plays full force with them now. I think Missy likes having another small dog around to play with. She is usually quite reserved with other dogs. I guess this bodes well for our next dog. (certain to be a pug)

Enjoy your day! Tail wags.

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