Cat Training...

No I don't mean training the cats -- boy do I wish... I'm working with Herkimer on leaving the cats alone.

This is going to be harder than it sounds because he is really gets all worked up, especially when a cat enters this side of the house.  That would be on this side of the gate, which is Herkimer's side vs. the other side which is the cat's side.  Of course anyone with any experience with cat's knows that they not only ignore all sense of boundaries - they relish the chance to push or just ignore them completely!!!

Dexter is our big challenge - but he actually is working out to be our opportunity for training.  Dexter adopted us the previous winter when he got stuck on our porch in-between the 2 big snowstorms we got.  The deep snow coupled with the snow from the roof blocked off any exit from the porch - so we fed him, kept him warm and naturally grew attached to him.  Being an outside cat, he decided to stay around - so we eventually had him neutered (hubby calls it 'Brain Removal Surgery) and let him move in.  Dexter still likes being outside, and every day (once or twice) he comes to the kitchen door to be let out.  He used to come to the same door to be let back in, but with the dogs (we've been fostering at least one dog since December) he now goes to the front door and knocks.... yes knocks on the door.  Quite insistently, I must add.

This is Dexter:

Despite the fact that Dexter is not real amused at being a doggie chase toy, he still insists on being let out from the kitchen door (which is on Herkimer's side).  And as soon as Herkimer here's the telltale ka-thunk of Dexter jumping the gate, Herk runs to find him and Dexter runs to find a hiding spot.  Either Dexter is better at blending in than I can tell or Herkimer isn't that great at locating him...  but if/when Herk spots Dexter it's chaos!  Poor Herkimer's nose has been beaten up so many times, you'd think he would have gotten the idea -- but NOOOOOO...

So Dexter makes it to either the dining room table or the cat-tree, where he may or may not be found -- then to the table and frog tank next to the door - where is almost definitely seen.

With the help of Aja, my trainer and a borrowed E-Collar, this pattern has made it helpful to set up a training action.  It does go a bit off if I don't quite move fast enough when Dexter jumps the gate and Herk finds him right away.  But mostly (so far) we have it down.  As soon as Herkimer moves to look or go toward Dexter I call "HEIR" (come) and unless he immediately turns toward me, I give him a zap (it is not set high - don't worry, just enough for him to feel it, not cause a shriek or yelp).  So far, we are pretty successful at getting him to follow the command and he comes to me right away.   I've also used the 'nick' button (a nano-second of zap) with the "Leave it" command if he alerts to the cats either through the gate or he has just seen Dexter in the kitchen.  He has that one almost down.  His attention to "Leave it" at all times has now improved ten-fold.  (I only use the E-collar when working/dealing with the cats).

There has been one time, so far, that I was able to get Herkimer into a Sitz(sit) and he stayed focused on me (or at least didn't budge from his sit) while Dexter walked by and went outside.  That only happened once, but we always have good days and bad days during training and I've only been at it formally with the E-Collar for less than a week.  I did also get Herkimer to follow me back and forth in front of the dining room table, with Dexter on it, while using the Heir command.  That was impressive.

I see improvements everyday (and a few back steps) - but there is no doubt this is the path to correcting the "Cat Issue".  Since it also seems to strengthen the Leave It command, and seems to make the Heir command better too - that's a nice plus during our other training.  Time will tell.

I just know that it will be SOOO nice to be able to (one day) remove that gate and let Herkimer have access to the living room.  He gets so upset when we sit in there to watch TV, sit in the massage chair or read, and he can't!  But I do need to give the cats some chance of having time with us as well.  The two other cats (who grew up with dogs) are totally peeved at this new dog thing and won't even show their faces anymore on the Herkimer side.  They used to sneak down at night, when Herk is in his kennel and snuggle with me on the bed, but they don't anymore... (pout).

Here is a picture of Herkimer sporting his new borrowed E-Collar:

And here is a picture of Herkimer being... well a puppy!

And We Have Progress... sorta!

Welllll, Mr. Sir Herkimer escaped his kennel today and pooped on the bed... AGAIN, today! Argh!

He did however, almost make up for it in obedience class tonight -- it would have taken him walking on water to actually make up for the poop on the bed ;).  We've been practicing the heel (foos) all week and making splendid progress, so tonight Aja showed me the next step which instead of leading Herk into the proper position with a treat, you get him to sit(sitz) directly in front of you and step into him, making him move around into Foos position.  Good Ol' Herk got it right away!  I even got him to do the little butt flip thing that Aja's dog does -- a few times... I was sooooo excited.  He excelled at the extended stay during a sitz and down (plotz).  And did really well while I greeted a person (Aja of course), while Herkimer remained in the Foos position.  The second round she pet him and the third she touched his ears and feet - all the while him maintaining the Foos position.  WOO HOO!!  I was so proud.

There was even a smidgeon of progress on his, ahem... doggie eating behavior... when we arrived, I verbally warned the other couple to gather their dog and as soon as Herkimer put his head into the room he started to alert and bark.  I immediately put him in a Plotz and rolled him over into a neutral, submissive side position - held him for a second or two and then we were able to make a large loop around the other dog with Herkimer focusing on me (most of the time!).  And during the class loose leash work, he was simply in a Plotz or I had him with his back to the crowd and looking at me the whole time.  That was pretty impressive.  Aja still had to walk him out after class, but it was easier for her to get him under control this time.  I really can NOT believe how much progress we have made in 2 group lessons.  Amazing!!

All of the dogs have made amazing progress - Herkimer is not the only smart one~  just the most handsome (in my opinion).

Herkimer and the cats are still having issues... I borrowed an E-Collar from a friend and Aja gave me some instructions, Herkimer picked up the process very quickly - we are not anywhere near corrected yet, but every bit helps.  Although I think I'd prefer to put the E-Collar on the one cat as he really is instigating the trouble.  He sashays his butt across the front yard, just out of Herkimer's reach and I then can't get Herk to focus on the potty business.  UGH!  Dexter (the cat) will also jump over the gate and then back over the gate -- like a ping-pong ball.  Bleepidy, Bleeping Cats!  Grrrrrrrrrr...

Okay, dinner is on the table... so gotta go! :)

First Obedience Class

Wellll.... Sir Herkimer, was more like a poo-poo head Herkimer when greeting the other dogs tonight.  He growled and lunged and just made a situation!  ACK!  What happened to that sweet pup that Greta played with and happily met a few friends dogs????  Apparently, he has settled in and decided he is not sure about other dogs anymore.  Good Grief!

BUT, that is okey dokey - isn't that what lessons are for???  Other then walking in and passing the other dogs, Herkimer worked beautifully.  We practiced our sit (sitz), down (plotz), come (heir), look - and he did wonderfully, even with the distraction of the other dogs!  But during the walking on loose leashes, Aja had Herkimer in a plotz/stay and I held his leash with my foot and grabbed his scruff whenever he tried to alert to the other dogs when they came near.  Practice and patience...  We are learning heel (foos), which is actually more of a getting into position command first -- unfortunately it also takes.. um... coordination.  Something I'm not sure I ever had...  But despite the obstacles Herkimer had to overcome with my lack of grace, he did pretty good.  His worst command is look, and you need that one for Foos - so that will occupy most of our homework practice this week.

I had borrowed a ramp to get Herkimer into my truck, as he doesn't like getting into the car - and he is FAR to heavy to pick-up.  But he will climb the ramp just fine, which my back appreciates!  After class he went outside and jumped right on in the back.  Not one ounce of hesitation -- hmmm... was he done with obedience class??  I'm thinking so!

He is currently laying under the table near my feet, snoring away.  I think we wore him out!  YEAH

Oh, and here is a picture of Sir Herkimer - with his ears UP...

Such a handsome devil... and yes he will grow into those ears! :)

It's Been an Interesting Week

It started with a kennel escape... a HUGE poop on the bed and Herkimer hanging out in the son's bedroom, after I'm sure he scared the bejesus out of the cats!  What a mess!  Then he managed to slide the tray of the kennel out of the bottom - AFTER he pooped in it! Oh, poop everywhere...  My son had to take him out and hose him down ~~ peew, and I spent an entire day scrubbing and mopping floors.  Aren't dogs fun??

I was obviously thrilled that his obedience classes started this week, until I learned that the first week is orientation... without dogs!  Oh well, we had fun talking about him anyway.

He has actually learned wait and is getting pretty good at it.  I asked the trainer how important the sit and down positioning really is... does he have to sit perfectly erect and lay down with his legs back -- 'cause Herkimer is a more casual guy.  He sits beautifully (but lopsided), and his down (or plotz) is fantastic - but it's probably more a plops.  :)  He does know drop it and leave it; and as directed at him when he is fixating on the cats ~ he will turn around - but then go right back to the stare down.  Herk currently has a big lump on his right cheek from one cat (it's been cleaned and dressed), but that has not slowed his obsessive desire to chase them.  He doesn't do anything when he catches them, but bark and get wholloped by them.  Who knows what goes on in their heads.

He made a big hit at the vet this week.  We had a general check up and meet the vet visit - which turned up a UTI, so I'm glad I went.  Anyway, everyone just adored him and was amazed at his size and calmness.  He has turned into a noble looking handsome devil now that his ears have decided to stand straight up.  You may now call him... Sir Herkimer, if you please.  The general consensus is he is Shepherd/Dane mix.  (although, a few votes for Mastif) - either way...BIG and beautiful.

He is currently laying at my feet trying to sleep, but he has rested his head on a new squeeky toy snake and every time he starts to drift off totally, he presses the squeeker and wakes himself up.  I'm curious to see how long it takes him to move his head off the toy -- it's been 20 minutes at least.  Such a goof!!

I have to upload updated pictures, I thought I already did - but I can't find them...  I wonder what it's like to be organized ?!?!?

And Finally....

He has arrived!!  In all his hugeness... Herkimer!  Yes that is what we named him, as we are in process of adopting this lug of a dog.  I'll leave the explanation of his name for a little bit - so if you want you can guess... I'll give a hint - it's a strange but funny (and I must admit, good) B-Movie reference, although very appropriate.

To update on "Her Cuteness", she was adopted this past Saturday - and it was a lovely fit!  She will be pampered and loved as she should.  Now I have the dubious job of un-training some of her cuteness' less wonderful behaviors that Herkimer picked up...  I'm hoping he at least instilled some of his on her  :o

Isn't he just darling?... and yes he still needs to grow into those ears and FEET!  We have him estimated at approximately 6 1/2 months (based on the trainers evaluation) and he weighed in at 61lbs last night! WOW!

We will be starting basic obedience training next week.  Although I need to buy a new leash before class starts - Her Cuteness ate my REALLY nice leather lead, and Herkimer finished off the two remaining leashes, including the double leash he is wearing in this picture.  Right now we are taking him out on our 20 foot training lead.  Gah!  A kazillion chew toys and he prefers the leads - oh and my socks, um... shoes, hubbies long pants (don't get THAT one).

I've been taking him for walks, and his natural position when we go out is almost right at the proper heel position.  He doesn't pull or even get ahead of me.  (doing the happy dance)  Our usual walk is down the backroad (wooded) that I live off and up to the main road which is 3/10th of a mile away.  He takes everything in, but so far, doesn't take too much interest in all the sounds.  Of course we haven't come across a squirrel yet...  When we get close to the road and all the noise, his ears swivel in all directions and he gets excited.  Right now we just stop at the road, he goes in a sit and we watch the traffic.  He is a bit nervous about the traffic running by, so I pet and snuggle with him.  We take in about 5 minutes and head back.  Eventually we'll head up that road (it has a huge shoulder), but not until I'm sure he won't panic with all those cars.  Introduce him gently.  Besides, by the time we get back (and if you do the math, it's only 6/10th of a mile) - I don't want him to 'heel' I want him to PULL.  I'm SOOOO out of shape, and he is bouncing around like, come on Mom lets do it again....  (so I've enlisted my son to help with extra walkings....)

I think the obedience classes will be fantastic for both of us.  And by the time we are done, we can test for the Maryland Canine Good Citizen test.  That is the required certification you need for therapy dogs, there isn't one technically for service dogs - but it will be a good thing to have.

I really can't believe how much he is growing! His ears are probably going to be erect, the right ear is always up and the left is trying to decide.  I secretly hope we have some ear floppage - it is soo cute, but when both ears are up he looks totally different.  My son called him noble -- so maybe we'll have to call him Sir Herkimer if they do stay up.

This is a recent picture of the me and my buddy -- and that finicky left ear.  How can you now love that face!!  His previous foster said he was German Shepherd/Mastif mix -- whoo boy!  I was thinking maybe Dane, but either way... he will be BIG.  I may actually be able to ride him...

Taking him to restaurants could be interesting... Yes, can we have a table for 6?  3 for my family, and 3 for Herkimer!!  I can't wait until we start training.  And I need to order a Service Dog in Training Vest, so we can really start going out on the town!  We take him out somewhere at least a couple times a week, mostly hubby or my son will keep him outside the stores because he still is young.  But we go to my husbands Mom's every Wednesday for dinner and she just loves him.  We do have to work on the elevator - he is terrified of it!  But we have weekly visits and the more we go, the better he will get.

So work in progress... stay tuned, I'll keep this up to date as we move through the training.  (with pictures)