I have to say, that I am so proud of "big baby", Harley! We took some vacation time and were lucky enough to have our pet sitter, who Harley already knew from the day care center, come to our home and stay with the three dogs. Therefore, with very little change in Harleys schedule, she was able to continue his doggie manners training, keep his daily routine, and even take him to his day care sessions to continue with doggie daycare lessons . I called every day to see how things were going and I was elated when she told me that she was extremely impressed at how much progress Harley had made. Her comments included how he interacted with my dogs at home---listening, commands, manners, how comfortable he seemed now playing with my dogs as well as the dogs in general at daycare, and just an overall total 100% improvement! She had seen him, first hand, a few days after we took him into our home so It was nice to hear how she thought his attitude and behavior had improved immensely---he has come full circle.
On occasion, you still see momentary "flashbacks" but he "catches" himself or I will say "Excuse me?" or "oops!" and he automatically switches behavior. Oh, and there are times when he acts as if he hasn't heard you! But whose dog (or kids or husband!) hasn't done that at least one time or another? He is being the best boy now and really trying to please---of course, always in training mode---but he is still only a 9 month old puppy, always learning, and always needing to be reinforced--- not just with treats, but verbal and physical reinforcement too. He is just a big love!
Now for what he has learned the past 3 weeks---
(1) He has learned to stay with Tootsie in her "place" at dinner time until the bowls are prepared and placed on the floor. Only when he is released with an "OK" can he come to eat. When he finishes, he must wait at his dish and not explore the other dog dishes while they eat. He usually finishes and looks up at me and waits--- he will then get a couple of small "spreads" of cream cheese on the side of his bowl till everyone is finished---. Good boy Harley!
(2) He has also learned the "Treats on Feet" game---place treats on front paws, "wait" and "watch", but can't eat them until told!
(3) I allowed him to sleep out of the crate for about a week but felt he was not comfortable---so I went back to having him sleep in his crate. Today though, after I took him out early this morning, he laid down and went back to sleep so nicely outside of the crate with my pups --so I may try it again soon!
(4) I am allowing Harley up on the furniture now, since he would see my guys there and would sometimes "sneak" -- in the past though, being a "bad boy" when up there! Now that he is listening and behaving so nicely with both dogs and adults, it is time to give him some more freedom!
(4) He no longer counter surfs or gets into trouble when I am working in the kitchen. He either takes a nap on the small throw rug in the kitchen, naps in the livingroom with my dogs, plays with them or entertains himself with the toys---and this is very comical! He is very vocal---Growling, howling, crying, and making every noise possible as if he is talking to the toy----then rolling on his back, throwing it in the air using every contortion imaginable just enjoying his play toy. Then, of course, one of my dogs decides to join in the fun and toy play becomes tug or just general playtime!
(5) He has learned that only gentle play is allowed in the small area in the living room and he cannot be a "lunatic"-- he has finally learned when "enough is enough"--Thankfully!
(6) Play outside? Awesome! Andddd--no more tasting every plant, bush, or blade of grass! He also drinks right from the hose now and loves it---as soon as he sees me spraying, he is waiting for his drink!
(7) He has learned ALOT and that "nothing in life comes free!" --- I can honestly say that he is now an enjoyable dog to be with ---still working on a couple of those past issues in daycare and at home but he is coming along so beautifully!
He will still need adoptive parents to be home part of the time and dedicated to his training using positive reinforcement. He may be a big boy, but he is still only a 9 month old mischievious puppy and needs guidance.
With all his advances, I know he will make a beautiful transition to his forever home!
I have to say, that I am so proud of "big baby", Harley! We took some vacation time and were lucky enough to have our pet sitter, who Harley already knew from the day care center, come to our home and stay with the three dogs. Therefore, with very little change in Harleys schedule, she was able to continue his doggie manners training, keep his daily routine, and even take him to his day care sessions to continue with doggie daycare lessons . I called every day to see how things were going and I was elated when she told me that she was extremely impressed at how much progress Harley had made. Her comments included how he interacted with my dogs at home---listening, commands, manners, how comfortable he seemed now playing with my dogs as well as the dogs in general at daycare, and just an overall total 100% improvement! She had seen him, first hand, a few days after we took him into our home so It was nice to hear how she thought his attitude and behavior had improved immensely---he has come full circle.
On occasion, you still see momentary "flashbacks" but he "catches" himself or I will say "Excuse me?" or "oops!" and he automatically switches behavior. Oh, and there are times when he acts as if he hasn't heard you! But whose dog (or kids or husband!) hasn't done that at least one time or another? He is being the best boy now and really trying to please---of course, always in training mode---but he is still only a 9 month old puppy, always learning, and always needing to be reinforced--- not just with treats, but verbal and physical reinforcement too. He is just a big love!
Now for what he has learned the past 3 weeks---
(1) He has learned to stay with Tootsie in her "place" at dinner time until the bowls are prepared and placed on the floor. Only when he is released with an "OK" can he come to eat. When he finishes, he must wait at his dish and not explore the other dog dishes while they eat. He usually finishes and looks up at me and waits--- he will then get a couple of small "spreads" of cream cheese on the side of his bowl till everyone is finished---. Good boy Harley!
(2) He has also learned the "Treats on Feet" game---place treats on front paws, "wait" and "watch", but can't eat them until told!
(3) I allowed him to sleep out of the crate for about a week but felt he was not comfortable---so I went back to having him sleep in his crate. Today though, after I took him out early this morning, he laid down and went back to sleep so nicely outside of the crate with my pups --so I may try it again soon!
(4) I am allowing Harley up on the furniture now, since he would see my guys there and would sometimes "sneak" -- in the past though, being a "bad boy" when up there! Now that he is listening and behaving so nicely with both dogs and adults, it is time to give him some more freedom!
(4) He no longer counter surfs or gets into trouble when I am working in the kitchen. He either takes a nap on the small throw rug in the kitchen, naps in the livingroom with my dogs, plays with them or entertains himself with the toys---and this is very comical! He is very vocal---Growling, howling, crying, and making every noise possible as if he is talking to the toy----then rolling on his back, throwing it in the air using every contortion imaginable just enjoying his play toy. Then, of course, one of my dogs decides to join in the fun and toy play becomes tug or just general playtime!
(5) He has learned that only gentle play is allowed in the small area in the living room and he cannot be a "lunatic"-- he has finally learned when "enough is enough"--Thankfully!
(6) Play outside? Awesome! Andddd--no more tasting every plant, bush, or blade of grass! He also drinks right from the hose now and loves it---as soon as he sees me spraying, he is waiting for his drink!
(7) He has learned ALOT and that "nothing in life comes free!" --- I can honestly say that he is now an enjoyable dog to be with ---still working on a couple of those past issues in daycare and at home but he is coming along so beautifully!
He will still need adoptive parents to be home part of the time and dedicated to his training using positive reinforcement. He may be a big boy, but he is still only a 9 month old mischievious puppy and needs guidance.
With all his advances, I know he will make a beautiful transition to his forever home!