Today I went to visit my Mother for Mothers Day and decided to bring Syrus along to meet my nieces and nephews. While visiting I was able to see first hand the difference between a dog with zero obedience training and Syrus with four weeks worth. The difference was incredible and I can’t express how proud I was of Syrus when he responded to practically every command I gave him during our visit.

Post from: Walt in PA

Shooting The Breeze: Dog Training Progression

No related posts.

Another dog training week has come and gone, but this time the weather was actually pleasant! After an orientation with snow flurries, a week of rain and mud, and a thunderstorm which canceled a class, I was loosing hope in actually having a nice night to train the pup. After a ridiculously hot April day reaching 91 degrees, temperatures dropped towards the evening and made for a nice night.

Week three of training started off like any other week, I arrived early with Syrus and we took a walk to allow him to take in all of the smells in the grass. As time passed, more dogs arrived and Syrus was hardly vocal at all and seemed to be getting used to being around other dogs.

We worked on longer heeling patterns as well as Sit, Down, and Stay. Syrus did very well with everything except heeling while walking. I am struggling with getting him to pay attention to me and not sniffing the grass as we walk along. This makes it extremely difficult to change direction as we walk without him hitting the end of the leash and being forced to move back into the heel position.

Post from: Walt in PA

Shooting The Breeze: Dog Training Week 3

No related posts.

Just a few minutes before writing this post, I walked through my front door with Syrus. Our first Dog Training class was complete and I couldn’t be happier with the little guy. We had a couple of stressful moments but in the end it exceeded my expectations.

Just like kid on his first day if high school, I had a couple of butterflies in my stomach as we approached zero-hour. After the reaction Syrus gave other dogs during his first vet visit, I didn’t have high hopes for him behaving during class.

An hour before class was to start, I packed up our stuff and my wife and I headed out to class. We got there about a half-hour early so that Syrus could get comfortable with the field and do all his sniffing and investigating before class started. We were one of the first people to arrive so we have a large portion of the field to walk Syrus in.

As more people showed up, things began getting a little closer and Syrus was becoming more vocal and excited with the other dogs. On a few occasions he thrashed his body around and made a horrible howling/barking/screaming sort of noise but was easy to get under control.

When the trainer arrived we all needed to get closer together so that we could hear him speak. Before getting into the group, Syrus seemed to have an issue with this very large dog that was being walked near us. This dogs name was Thor and he looked to be some sort of Saint Bernard mix (read: 100+ pounds heavier than Syrus).

When it was time to get together, Syrus and Thor were about 8 feet apart. This immediately sent Syrus into one of his barking/shreaking frenzies. Out of courtesy, I pulled Syrus aside and set myself apart from the group. I moved far enough away that Syrus was no longer reactive (~20 feet). The trainer thanked me for being courteous but asked that I move back to where I was initially. He explained that Syrus was part of the group and that he would have to get used to being in such close quarters with another animal.

When the class got underway, Syrus paid little attention to Thor and was hardly vocal at all. He would occasionally whine and throw out a random bark but was otherwise very relaxed. We worked on learning the heel position and getting the dog to move into it. We also did a little work on walking with our dogs and getting them to pay attention to where we stopped and having them move into the heel position from there.

After the class was complete the trainer complimented us on all of our dogs. He went on to say that the first class went better than he expected. All of the dogs responded very well to treats and there wasn’t a single incident where a dog acted out and became difficult to control.

While waiting for the trainer after class, I spoke briefly with his assistant. She complimented me on Syrus’ attention. It seems that while my eyes were on the Trainer, while he talked, Syrus repeatedly looked up at me for direction. I didn’t realize he was doing it and was thrilled to hear about it.

With week one in the books, and some homework to work on, I’m excited to get started with week two. I’m sure Syrus will become more relaxed as we progress and things will get even easier as we go.

Post from: Walt in PA

First Dog Traininig Class in the Books

No related posts.

This post comes a little later than usual. After a long day of yard work yesterday, and an unexpected visit, I just didn’t feel like writing up something before calling it a night. The topic I wanted to touch on was Dog Training Classes.

I’m not sure if I mentioned it before, but Syrus is scheduled to attend his very first formal obedience training class tonight. This class consists of about 10 other dogs and two instructors. They are essentially training us how to train our dogs.

At orientation day last week (without dogs), we were informed that it is an hour long session that is held outdoors (rain or shine). Classes run for 8 weeks and are supposed to teach us how to train our dogs to follow standard commands, such as, Sit, Stay, Down, Heel, and how to properly walk on a leash.

I spoke with my designated instructor last night (there are about 10 spread between 5 groups). He seems like a very capable guy with impressive dogs (pair of Golden Retrievers). After informing him of Syrus’ potential dog aggressive streak, he did not seem concerned at all.

I’ll have my wife bring along her camera as well as my Flip Mino and try and put together an update of the first class tomorrow. Wish us luck!

Post from: Walt in PA

Training Starts Tonight

No related posts.

It seems that this toy didn’t stand a chance against a dog that is hard on toys. On Saturday night I looked over at Syrus and saw him on the floor with a small ball in his mouth. Upon closer inspection I found it to be the same ball that was inside the Kong Wubba Toy.

A very short distance from where he was laying I found the mutilated Kong Wubba. Its a shame because I thought that this toy was a winner, guess I’ll have to go back to looking for something a little more durable. He sure did love it while it lasted though.

Post from: Walt in PA

R.I.P. Kong Wubba

No related posts.

Last week I made an entry on how I made a Flirt Pole for Syrus. Whenever the weather is nice, and my lawn isn’t muddy from rain, I take Syrus out for a good 15 minute session with his Flirt Pole. Surprisingly enough, this short session is generally jam-packed with lots of sprinting and diving. This short session tires him out and leaves him panting and ready for a big drink of water.

After a drink and a short break, Syrus is ready to go for another round. Sometime I’ll give it another go and sometimes I’ll skip a second session. I do this so that we always end the session on my terms and without him getting bored. Structuring play in this way seems to keep him much more responsive and obedient when I give him the occasional command to sit or come to me.

Post from: Walt in PA

Syrus and his Flirt Pole

No related posts.

Being so impressed with the durability of the Kong Classic, I picked up a Kong Air Dog for Syrus to pounce on outside in the yard. With the very first toss of this tennis ball material covered stick, Syrus went tearing off after it. Within a few minutes, the once squeaking toy, no longer squeaked. Within three days of moderate use, Syrus had the outer skin ripped off of it on one end.

Hoping that this was just a fluke, I picked up another Air Dog. This one squeaked for a couple of days, then went silent. Just like the first, Syrus had the skin torn off in spots within just a few days. With $20.00 invested in two destroyed toys, I did some research on the more rugged toys. The single toy that kept popping up, after the Kong Classic, was a toy called a “Wubba” by Kong dog toys.

This toy is made up of three parts. There is a small ball on the top with a larger squeaking ball below it. Below the balls are a series of straps. The idea is that the pooch can chew on the balls as well as pin it down and tug on the straps.

Having to make a Petsmart run for food, I made a point to pick up a Wubba. I brought it home and handed it to Syrus. At first he had no idea to do with it and carried it into his crate and gently placed it on his bed. I pulled it from the crate and tossed it for him. Syrus ran off to retrieve it, then carefully placed it into his crate once again.

I gave it a little time then sat down with it on the floor. Syrus gently began mouthing it before getting the idea that he could rough it up like his other toys. Before you know it, he was pouncing all over it and generally abusing it. He put a few holes in the straps but otherwise this toy is in great shape compared to his others.

Below is a quick video of Syrus playing with his new toy. Lets hope that this one outlasts his previos toys.

Post from: Walt in PA

Syrus and the Kong Wubba

No related posts.

After a few minutes he is all finished and we head back into the house for a couple of minutes. Once I finish up doing anything that needs done (sorting mail, setting something aside for dinner, etc.), we head right back outside so that the puppy can stretch and burn off some of that energy that built up from simply chewing on a toy while my wife and I were working. A couple of tosses of a toy, some serious sniffing around, and about an hour and a half, we head back inside. The pooch gets fed while I start getting ready for dinner (or while my wife makes dinner).

Once everyone is fed, we head back outside for a business break before taking a walk around the neighborhood. This is the longest part of the day, as Syrus has his nose to the ground sniffing far more often than he has his head up paying attention. There are frequent stops while he tries to inspect a bush or fire hydrant, then we get back to walking again. A mile to mile and a half walk can quickly turn into a hour and half session due to our frequent stops.

From the discussion I had with the kennel coordinator, it seems Syrus and a few other dogs were driven to a park and let loose. I get the impression that they were not taken out for structured walks, thus my pooch has no idea how to walk with me on a lease without sniffing and inspecting anything and everything in sight.

Fortunately, this may come to an end soon enough. Not making any ground teaching Syrus on my own, I’ve signed us up for a Basic Obedience Class at a local Dog Training club. In April I will be attending an orientation (without Syrus) to get briefed on how the class will function. For seven weeks after that, we train for an hour, one day per week in group of twelve to thirteen dogs. Once the weekly training comes to a close, all dog in attendance should be able to Sit, Down, Come, Stay, and Heel.

In addition to formal instruction, we become club members and are given discounts to other programs as well as access to the grounds for additional training on our own. While I don’t expect this class to work miracles, I am looking forward to the things that my wife and I will learn along the way with our new family member.

Post from: Walt in PA

Working with Syrus

No related posts.

photo credit: nanoprobe67

Here is Pennsylvania the weather has been making a gradual change over to the warmer side of the thermometer. Since getting our puppy Syrus, I’ve been spending alot of time outside over the past three days. Sometimes my time is spent tossing an air dog toy, walking the pooch, or the dastardly deed of picking up poop from my yard.

I have found new enjoyment in smoking a cigar outside. When the weather was cooler, I didn’t enjoy the random outdoor cigar. I’m finding it very nice to be able to walk down the street with a cigar in one hand and a leash in the other. Before you know it, it will be about time to dust of the grill.

While out and about, I’ve been sticking to cigars that I get alot of enjoyment out of and avoiding those typical yard-gars. I’ve been gravitated to the Oliva Connecticut Reserve, CAO LX2, and the Camacho Corojo Maduro.

Post from: Walt in PA

Spring Is Growing Nearer

No related posts.

On Saturday I posted that my wife and I had plans on going to a kennel and visiting out potential new family member. After an hour in the car, we arrived a little earlier than expected. We went inside and hung out looking at photos and reading pamphlets until the Kennel Coordinator arrived.

After meeting the Kennel Coordinator, we headed out to a separate building. It seemed that the animals in this building were those that were being introduced to potential owners. We were taken through the building and into the back yard. At this point Syrus was set loose and he tore out after us. Full up puppy energy he leaped into the air and hit me in the chest, falling to the ground in a licking and tail wagging frenzy.

Once the puppy was finished greeting me, it was my wifes turn. She got the same treatment without the leap featuring twenty-five feet of added momentum. Once the greeting was finished he ran off for a lap around the yard before coming back.

At this point we got to talking with the Kennel Coordinator about the puppy. It seems that this animal is fearless and extremely friendly. He has a tendency to mouth your hands, but he is gentle when he does it (that has since changed). We were told that he is approximately six to eight months old and is expected to only get about an inch taller. It is believed that he is German Shepherd Dog with a variety of other mixes.

I wanted a dog that was at least twice his size, but my wife and I took a liking to him. We decided that he was the dog for us. All the necessary forms were signed, a donation was made, and we were on our way home.

We spent the remainder of the day going for a walk and playing in our yard. We learned alot about him and definitely see where we are going to have to work with him to improve some things. In his first day home, he learned how to sit and how to patiently wait for me to throw his toy (now if I could only teach him to let it go).

Post from: Walt in PA

Syrus’ First Day Home

No related posts.

photo credit: glassblower

For those of you that have been following my personal blog for the past couple of weeks, you are probably reading this post and thinking “Please not another puppy post…”. Well that is just what this is. In just a few short hours I’ll be making the drive out to a kennel in another county to visit my potential new pet.

As you are probably aware by now, my wife and I have decided to adopt a dog from an animal shelter. It has been a long and exhaustive search for information and the right adoption agency. The humane society in my county seemed great, but the vast majority of animals were Pitt bulls. With a potential problem with my home owners insurance company over this breed, we opted to avoid the breed.

As we widened our search, we found an agency based out of Chester County that seemed to have a number of breeds available in all shapes and sizes. The availability of puppies were slim, but one dog (approximate age of 6-8 months) caught our eye. I filled out an adoption application and received word that my references were contacted the day it was received.

Shorty after getting word from my references, I received an email from the agency asking me to come visit the kennel and meet the dog we were interested in. I’m unsure of how the process works exactly, so I don’t know if we will need to visit the kennel then pick up the dog at a later date (if things work out) or if I’ll be bringing a new pet home with me.

Post from: Walt in PA

Today is the big day

No related posts.

photo credit: fugzu

Last week I shared with you the progress that my wife and I have made in adopting a dog. Since then I have managed to get a clearer picture of what my home owners insurance guidelines are. Below is the email I received stating that the “no-no breeds” can not be the primary breed of the animal (which is how I came to understand it).

To further clarify:

Our underwriting guidelines dictate that we may not accept new risks
with a dog that is predominantly any of these breeds: Akita, American
Staffordshire Terrier (Pitt Bull), Chow, Presa Canario, Rottweiler,
Shar-pei, Wolf Hybrid. We may also not accept risks for any dog on the
premises that has a previous bite history or displays vicious or
dangerous tendencies.

If we may be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact
us.

Sincerely,

Customer Service

Over the weekend I explained the situation to a friend of mine that seemed a bit puzzled. He asked me a question that made a lot of sense. “Do you plan on having your dog bite anyone?” When I followed up his question with the word “No” and a puzzled look on my face, he then asked why I was worried about what my insurance company deems as potentially dangerous.

His thought is that this is going to be my dog and if properly trained, the insurance company will never need to be involved, so why concern myself with their policies at any stage of the game? While I understand where he is coming from with this train of though, I’d prefer to keep myself covered in the event of an accident.

Of the breeds listed by my insurance company, the only one I had given any thought to was a Rottweiler, so I’m not overly concerned with having a problem with my home owners insurance, now that I have come to understand that my dog can not exceed 51% of the above listed breeds.

Since last week I have been up to my eyeballs in articles and video. I have read a slew of information on the basics of dog training and how to properly care for a new pet. While this information is widely available for free on the Internet, I’m finding that much of it contradicts many other articles. The video I have found on YouTube can be the same way.

As a result, I’m going to need to swing into my local Barnes & Noble to pick up a book or two written by a professional. I think that should give me a better base to start with. Not knowing for sure what breed we will come home with has made researching difficult. Each breed has different traits and energy levels which makes preparing difficult.

My wife and I submitted an application for adoption to a shelter that is out of county. Of the available pets listed, there were two that grabbed our attention. Reading up on the FAQ of this organization, I can expect to hear back from them in a few days and potentially get an appointment to come down and visit with the animals. If all goes well when meeting the animal (they take to us well), my next update will be loaded with pictures of our new family member.

In the event that the animals are adopted before my wife and I can get a chance to meet them, or they don’t take to us, we will be right back to searching once again. Wish us luck!

Post from: Walt in PA

Another Puppy Update

No related posts.

photo credit: Zevotron

I wanted to give everyone a little followup after I made mention that my wife and I wanted to adopt a puppy. In order to gain a little more information in regards to the adoption process itself, I fired off an email to my local Humane Society.

After a few days of waiting, I received an email from the Kennel/Rescue Coordinator apologizing for the delay. it seems she was on vacation and emailed me as soon as she returned. The woman I exchanged emails with was very nice and provided me with all of the information I would need. Turns out that it is as simple as visiting the Humane Society with some documentation.

Unfortunately, the Humane Society occasionally receives puppies. They have several young adults (ages 6 months to 1 year), which seems like it may be better for my wife and I. With our new family member needing to spend roughly six hours alone while we both work, the bladder control of an older dog may be to our benefit.

While we had our hopes on getting a puppy, I think we will be just as happy with a young adult. We may visit the Humane Society as early as next week to take a look at what is available and to get the paperwork taken care of ahead of time.

The most frustrating step thus far came today. I was speaking with my father and he informed me that I should contact my home owners insurance company and find out if there are any restricted breeds. I made the call this afternoon and have more questions now than I did before the call.

The person I spoke with rambled off seven “no-no breeds” from a sheet he had in the office but was unable to clarify. Those breeds included Rottweiler, Pitt Bull, Akita, Wolf Hybrid, and two others which are eluding me at the moment. Not having a clue what a wolf hybrid was, I asked the gentleman on the phone if it included something such as a Siberian Husky. His response was that he did not know, he was only reading from the form in the office.

He went on to say that if I would have had one of those breeds at the time I bought the house, the policy would not have been written. Now that it has, I’m told that it would not be void due to these potentially dangerous breeds, but they would not cover any accidents with the dog.

Knowing that this person was unable to help me, I sent an email via the company website for clarification on the breeds. Living near a fairly large city in Pennsylvania, it is extremely difficult to adopt a dog that is not of mixed breed. As a result, I need to know what percentage of said dangerous breed can be in my potential dog before it becomes a problem. Majority of the dogs here are Pitt Bull mixes, which could cause a potential problem. Even though my wife and I were not planning on adopting any of the above mentioned breeds, there is a chance that our dog could have a bit of the breed in them.

On a more positive note, I’ve been checking out all the information I can on training dogs. I came across Dog Whisperer today on television and am amazed by the work that Cesar Millan does with dogs. There was some sort of marathon on today which made for an unproductive day outside of searching out information on dogs.

Not much in terms of a story, or a point really, just wanted to share a little of my dog experience along the way.

Can you recommend a source of information
on dogs and dog training?

Post from: Walt in PA

Puppy Update

No related posts.