Sphinx the puppy has been with me for 3 days and my best description of his personality is a cross between Marmaduke and Gilligan from "Gilligan's Island", clumsy and sweet and not yet getting everything right... I love the "little" guy, he's super snugglie and he loves everybody and every critter!
Notes on Sphinx:
1. You just won't find a sweeter dog! he's all wiggling good nature! not a mean bone in his giant body.
2. Super friendly with other dogs, also super friendly/too excited with cats. He LOVES my cat but has not yet learned her subtle social cues (hissing swatting), he's excited to see her but doesn't know how big he is, when he is calm she does come and sit on the same couch/sleep on the same bed. She's not afraid just teaching him boundaries, in a few days I'm thinking they won't have to be in separate rooms when I'm out! He loved to snuggle Lauries kitty which we have photo evidence of in the last post!
3. Loves to play fetch and ball, I gave him a big stick and he proudly carried it all the way home ;)
4. Great off leash, stays in orbit, comes when called, most of his exercise with me has been at the dog run!
5. Not food aggressive at all, and will reluctantly give up his bone (he'll sometimes make a grab to get it back but it's more playful than aggressive, "hey that's mine!"). I've been giving him cookies when I take his bone away so now he's not quite so worried about it and gives it up more and more easily!
6. House trained? I'm not totally sure yet?! He had 2 accidents in my place so far, and one was my fault. he was home alone and loose for 5 hours yesterday and he held it, today he'll be home for 8 hours and we'll see how he does (I'm not sure he's had to hold it for that long yet in the other places he's stayed, I put down newspaper in the bathroom.). I can say that he usually pees right away when he goes outside so he IS trying to hold it! He had no accidents at Laurie's and was taken out every 4 hours with the rest of the dogs.
7. Quiet in the house, I don't think I've ever heard him bark inside? We've been practicing with the crate while I'm home and he does whine a little for a bit, nothing ear splitting just pathetic little whimpers, usually ended with a few firm "NO"s. He likes the crate and is happy to hang out in there with his bones he's just happier with option to come and go! also heard a few little growls when he heard something he didn't like outside the apartment, will probably be a good watchdog!
8. Training? not overly trained yet, knows sit, comes when called, stay is a little shaky but he's getting there. Trying to teach him "up" so he's allowed to jump up sometimes. He's eager to please and very food/affection motivated so training shouldn't be tough at all!
What needs a little work:
1. Pulling on the leash! He's strong and I'm not very big so I have a little trouble walking him! If you are really consistent with him (turning around and walking the other way when he pulls, praising him when he stays close etc... calling him back to you when he gets too far ahead ect...). This will take some time and consistency but when you keep on him he does get it! There, his worst flaw is out of the way! and it's not even that bad, he pulls but at least isn't a crazy maniac!
This Ian Dunbar podcast is what I've been trying to implement to correct the leash pulling.
http://www.dogstardaily.com/radio/109-pulling-leash
2. Jumping! I'm 5' and when he jumps on me we're face to face! When I'm in the kitchen and I look to the right there are 2 big feet on the counter and a doggie face asking what he can do to help?? He's a big dog and he wants to be up where the people are, say hi face to face! It's actually very cute so I'm trying to teach him to do it only on request, and of course to learn down as well, sometimes you want a doggie hug but strangers my not want a surprise face to face doggie encounter!
3. Those BIG OLD FEET! There is no doubt in my mind that he is part boxer, those feet are constantly in play! He uses them to get your attention, to get the cats attention, playing with other dogs! These weapons need to be channeled into many great tricks! I have already gotten swatted in the face quite a few times and it's time he put those feet to more appropriate good use!
4. He's a little mouthy! He uses his mouth to get your attention and some while playing! Grabs a glove, a sleeve, your hand... If you give a convincing enough "puppy yip" you will see the most horrified and apologetic face ever and there will be lots of kisses to make it up to you! This should be easy to get rid of!
That's all I know so far, the good is very very good and the bad is pretty minor and totally fixable, a small price of admission to pay for a great puppy who will no doubt turn into an excellent dog!
Showing posts with label DOG TRAINING. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DOG TRAINING. Show all posts
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
An admirer already? we're not surprised;)
Young Sphinx has already impressed a few folks! I was gonna post these tomorrow but why wait, let's show his admirers even more of his sweetness (he's so freaking cute in the second one your hearts gonna pop!)!
Not bone possessive! he'd raaather not give it up but who would?
I counted my fingers afterwards and they were all there.
He knows sit, he's learning stay, and he's got cute down pat.
(Did you see him biting his lip, and catch those sweet puppy dog eyes at the end?)
Monday, December 27, 2010
Oooo I love this guy!
The great Ian Dunbar explains it all from the pups POV. Please watch!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOW0IKO_zfM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3Q_9X63KlE&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTkYvn1HjrI&playnext=1&list=PLA2FE055157C024D5&index=43
on shelter dogs, really interesting/sad, please watch!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYKglba7o_8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOW0IKO_zfM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3Q_9X63KlE&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTkYvn1HjrI&playnext=1&list=PLA2FE055157C024D5&index=43
on shelter dogs, really interesting/sad, please watch!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYKglba7o_8&feature=related
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Notes on Edwina.
NOTES
1. Shows no aggression whatsoever, to man nor beast (although I wouldn't leave her alone with a squirrel)!
2. Her greatest wish is to play with Josie the cat! Her first waking thought is where is Josie? what is she doing and what does her butt smell like today? Josie is a pretty good sport but Edwina's earsplitting conversation and indelicate manhandling are still a little off putting, I'm giving it a week before they can be safely left alone together and I come home to find them cuddling.
3. If she could tell Santa what she wanted for Christmas it would be a squirrel of her own.
4. Walks really well on the leash, if she's pulling you can be sure there is a squirrel somewhere that she has spotted, or a dog she wants to meet.
5. Plays well with others, at the moment she's in quarantine with kennel cough but before we found out about that she was happily meeting and greeting every dog and person we met. And if a male dog tries to get fresh (she is in heat) she primly sits down and eliminates the opportunity.
6. Takes food from your hand like she was handling baby mice, she is soooo gentle, you feel no teeth at all and she has no food aggression.
7. Comfortable and well behaved on car rides, just goes to sleep in the back seat.
8. She's not obvious about her affection but she is always nearby, sitting by your feet, laying down outside the bathroom door if you're inside, she is usually close by or watching. And the last 2 days I have found her head suspiciously within petting/scrunching distance and I've gotten a few unsolicited kisses ;)
STRATEGY
My dog training skills are pretty paltry, I've read some, seen the dog whisperer, listened to people with well trained dogs. Lulu was decently trained, she would sit and come and stay (for a little while anyway), she knew a few gimmicky tricks, dancing, rubbing her face with her front paws like a mouse, she liked to ham it up! The difference between Lulu and Edwina is that she was equally motivated by approval and food, clapping or treats either was a good enough reason to do what was requested! I haven't figured out what Edwina wants yet... she likes food but I haven't found anything that she's crazy about, she likes me but doesn't worship me...? So at the moment I'm a little stumped on how to motivate her.
This is what I'm focusing on now...
1. Lots of sitting, she knows this one so we're milking it! she has to sit for food, before we will open a door, and when she's getting the leash put on, and she sits if she is annoying the cat too much. I'm not a believer in overly dominating a dog but I would like to be her "pack leader", she should understand her food comes from me and that she's not in charge.
2. Trying to keep her calm around the cat, she REALLY REALLY wants to play with the cat, and when I say play I mean play, not kill and eat the cat. She barks, she whines, she bounces, she gets up in her face and pushes her around with her nose. Thinking if we can teach her to be gentler the cat will let her get closer and tolerate her better. Right now the cat is hopping from desktop to table top to couch top, she's not afraid just avoiding the harassment. Luckily Josie is sticking up for herself and not hiding and Edwina has been swatted/hissed at and is slowly learning some manners.
3. Preventing separation anxiety! She's becoming fond of me and wants to be close by, and gets upset if she locked in the other room (which I do sometimes to give Josie a break and the birds a chance to fly around, as well as when I'm not home). She does whine and bark a little if she's excluded but I'm trying to do it regularly so she becomes ok with it. The last thing anyone wants is a dog who is upset/whining/barking all day. I had success with Lulu by ignoring her for a few minutes when I came home, and not making a fuss of her before leaving, my comings and goings were not a big deal to her. Hoping that will work with Edie too.
That's all I've got so far, I've got to say that Edwina is pretty good already, she's really calm in the house, easy to walk and doesn't start any trouble with other dogs, also appears to be housebroken (lots of accidents the first 2 days but nothing since!). She's a pleasure to have her around and I hope if you're looking to adopt you would consider meeting her!
1. Shows no aggression whatsoever, to man nor beast (although I wouldn't leave her alone with a squirrel)!
3. If she could tell Santa what she wanted for Christmas it would be a squirrel of her own.
4. Walks really well on the leash, if she's pulling you can be sure there is a squirrel somewhere that she has spotted, or a dog she wants to meet.
5. Plays well with others, at the moment she's in quarantine with kennel cough but before we found out about that she was happily meeting and greeting every dog and person we met. And if a male dog tries to get fresh (she is in heat) she primly sits down and eliminates the opportunity.
6. Takes food from your hand like she was handling baby mice, she is soooo gentle, you feel no teeth at all and she has no food aggression.
7. Comfortable and well behaved on car rides, just goes to sleep in the back seat.
8. She's not obvious about her affection but she is always nearby, sitting by your feet, laying down outside the bathroom door if you're inside, she is usually close by or watching. And the last 2 days I have found her head suspiciously within petting/scrunching distance and I've gotten a few unsolicited kisses ;)
STRATEGY
My dog training skills are pretty paltry, I've read some, seen the dog whisperer, listened to people with well trained dogs. Lulu was decently trained, she would sit and come and stay (for a little while anyway), she knew a few gimmicky tricks, dancing, rubbing her face with her front paws like a mouse, she liked to ham it up! The difference between Lulu and Edwina is that she was equally motivated by approval and food, clapping or treats either was a good enough reason to do what was requested! I haven't figured out what Edwina wants yet... she likes food but I haven't found anything that she's crazy about, she likes me but doesn't worship me...? So at the moment I'm a little stumped on how to motivate her.
This is what I'm focusing on now...
1. Lots of sitting, she knows this one so we're milking it! she has to sit for food, before we will open a door, and when she's getting the leash put on, and she sits if she is annoying the cat too much. I'm not a believer in overly dominating a dog but I would like to be her "pack leader", she should understand her food comes from me and that she's not in charge.
2. Trying to keep her calm around the cat, she REALLY REALLY wants to play with the cat, and when I say play I mean play, not kill and eat the cat. She barks, she whines, she bounces, she gets up in her face and pushes her around with her nose. Thinking if we can teach her to be gentler the cat will let her get closer and tolerate her better. Right now the cat is hopping from desktop to table top to couch top, she's not afraid just avoiding the harassment. Luckily Josie is sticking up for herself and not hiding and Edwina has been swatted/hissed at and is slowly learning some manners.
3. Preventing separation anxiety! She's becoming fond of me and wants to be close by, and gets upset if she locked in the other room (which I do sometimes to give Josie a break and the birds a chance to fly around, as well as when I'm not home). She does whine and bark a little if she's excluded but I'm trying to do it regularly so she becomes ok with it. The last thing anyone wants is a dog who is upset/whining/barking all day. I had success with Lulu by ignoring her for a few minutes when I came home, and not making a fuss of her before leaving, my comings and goings were not a big deal to her. Hoping that will work with Edie too.
That's all I've got so far, I've got to say that Edwina is pretty good already, she's really calm in the house, easy to walk and doesn't start any trouble with other dogs, also appears to be housebroken (lots of accidents the first 2 days but nothing since!). She's a pleasure to have her around and I hope if you're looking to adopt you would consider meeting her!
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