Ohh... I found it!
Grrrrr...
Here I come to save the dayyyyy!
Bring Back, Bring Back, Bring Back... pant...
Flippage!
MINE! Namm Namm Namm
Time to shake the snow off...
Monday, December 27, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas!!
Rufus and the rest of the Schwartz Family would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!
Rufus was enjoying a bit of the Winter Wonderland that we were receiving this morning -- snow flurries, and decided to show his holiday cheer.
We then proceeded to enjoy the beauty of the day and play 'Bring Back' with Rufus' favorite toy. All was great fun until what to our wondering eyes should we behold???? ...but Rufus squatting directly over his favorite toy, that he had dropped to do his business..... well... he did his business - ON his favorite toy!
Funny, he didn't want to 'Bring it Back' -- and we didn't exactly ask him to either! Boy do I hope the local pet store has a sale after Christmas on dog toys! (Big Eye-Roll)
Fortunately, we do have one back-up 'Bring Back' toy left. Never fear, he will still be able to play his favorite playtime game.
So, a Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Christmas Eve!
Not a creature was stirring except maybe a Rufus! We gave him his Chrismas present early, a LARGE monkey knot on the end of looped rope. It really sounded like a great gift idea -- something he could sink his teeth into without shredding it in his nomal toy destroying 5.6 nano seconds.
As it has turned out - I don't think he will ever be able to shred it -- it is the really large monkey knot and he can't quite get his mouth around it... However, he can and does love to grab the looped rope end and shake his head back and forth ---- and then let go! Um, a flying knot of corded rope is HEAVY and really hurts when it catches you unaware on the hip bone! (Not to mention, leaves an ugly purple bruise!)
He thinks this is great fun, and repeats it, well.... repeatedly! We are working on getting him to play with it mostly in the kitchen where there is a nice sized open space. Fortunately, he doesn't seem to care where we let him toss it around, so that part is working.
I do wish someone could explain to me how he can whip that sucker back and forth and NOT konk himself in the head and knock himself out. So far the only injuries are to us and an occasional item that gets knocked over. It is also nice that he has such a great treat drive, that when necessary, I can distract him with a treat filled kong -- so we have time to treat our bruises.
Rufus is such a love. He will happily try to climb into your lap and give you a hug (and kiss) if he catches you sitting on the floor, all 80+ pounds of him! And he seems especially excited if you are trying to wrap presents and there is wrapping paper and boxes sitting on the floor near you. It adds to the excitement of showing you how much he loves you if he has to, um.... remove, all the obstacles that you must have placed in his way to make it more fun!
On the training front, he has proven himself the super smart dog that he is and now we all can take him out for fetch (or as we call it, "Bring Back") enjoyably. He has learned that it's just as fun to Bring Back the toy and gently drop it at our feet as it was to run us down and try to grab it back out of our hands before we could throw it again. He is a cute adorable puppy in an 80 lb. body, and he is learning the difference. With the exception of the monkey ball toy, he has also brought his new lessons of 'gentle playing' inside as well as outside. So despite my true stories of a gallumping Rufus, he does actually play nice in the house with us.
He unfortunately hasn't figured out that our cat's do not understand that the huge lumbering dog just wants to be friends and play - the toned down playtime has not yet extended to the cats, which needless to say has not endeared him to them... At least we have been able to determine he is not trying to eat them, just play with them. We now just have to figure out how to get him to be more gentle -- and of course at this point, I think the cats will be needing therapy to get over the shock of Rufus bounding after them with great abandon! (When he manages to sneak past the gate).
This Christmas holiday has definitely been made better by the fostering of Rufus! He has brought laughter and love into our house. A little extra work too, but you never get anything for free - and the rewards of watching him learn new things is, well.... WOW! What more can I say!
As it has turned out - I don't think he will ever be able to shred it -- it is the really large monkey knot and he can't quite get his mouth around it... However, he can and does love to grab the looped rope end and shake his head back and forth ---- and then let go! Um, a flying knot of corded rope is HEAVY and really hurts when it catches you unaware on the hip bone! (Not to mention, leaves an ugly purple bruise!)
He thinks this is great fun, and repeats it, well.... repeatedly! We are working on getting him to play with it mostly in the kitchen where there is a nice sized open space. Fortunately, he doesn't seem to care where we let him toss it around, so that part is working.
I do wish someone could explain to me how he can whip that sucker back and forth and NOT konk himself in the head and knock himself out. So far the only injuries are to us and an occasional item that gets knocked over. It is also nice that he has such a great treat drive, that when necessary, I can distract him with a treat filled kong -- so we have time to treat our bruises.
Rufus is such a love. He will happily try to climb into your lap and give you a hug (and kiss) if he catches you sitting on the floor, all 80+ pounds of him! And he seems especially excited if you are trying to wrap presents and there is wrapping paper and boxes sitting on the floor near you. It adds to the excitement of showing you how much he loves you if he has to, um.... remove, all the obstacles that you must have placed in his way to make it more fun!
On the training front, he has proven himself the super smart dog that he is and now we all can take him out for fetch (or as we call it, "Bring Back") enjoyably. He has learned that it's just as fun to Bring Back the toy and gently drop it at our feet as it was to run us down and try to grab it back out of our hands before we could throw it again. He is a cute adorable puppy in an 80 lb. body, and he is learning the difference. With the exception of the monkey ball toy, he has also brought his new lessons of 'gentle playing' inside as well as outside. So despite my true stories of a gallumping Rufus, he does actually play nice in the house with us.
He unfortunately hasn't figured out that our cat's do not understand that the huge lumbering dog just wants to be friends and play - the toned down playtime has not yet extended to the cats, which needless to say has not endeared him to them... At least we have been able to determine he is not trying to eat them, just play with them. We now just have to figure out how to get him to be more gentle -- and of course at this point, I think the cats will be needing therapy to get over the shock of Rufus bounding after them with great abandon! (When he manages to sneak past the gate).
This Christmas holiday has definitely been made better by the fostering of Rufus! He has brought laughter and love into our house. A little extra work too, but you never get anything for free - and the rewards of watching him learn new things is, well.... WOW! What more can I say!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Who IS this Dog???
I am so Super-Duper AMAZED at the huge difference that 1-visit made with Aja Harris (Mutt Magic Training Services - yes, a shameless plug!)!!
Wow - we were making progress with Rufus in the everyday leash training, sit, down and I finally managed him to want to follow the 'drop it' command when we were playing. However, we had a ton of grabbing for the toy (by both of us), barking and jumping around when I tried to either get the toy or prepare to throw it. With me usually on the losing end! The extreme barking part is also a BIG no-no, especially at our 6:30am walk/playtime. Rufus also has this very loud, deep bark!! Yikes~~
I showed Aja what Rufus and I do, and then she showed me what I should be doing --- now we are having much safer (for me) and quieter play times. We are still at a spot where we take longer between throws, but after 2 times of the 'new and revised' commands - he understands what he is supposed to do. I think we'd have it down completely if he wanted the 'proper way' every time. This dog is really smart!!
(Actually, if I could explain it properly - and had a few hundred pages, I would explain AGAIN how much smarter Rufus is then I am. He immediately found one little loop hole in the process, so he could gain a little bark without breaking rules... I'm rolling my eyes here).
I have always known professional training assistance is vital, and for my purposes with a Mobility dog - even more so. But I have been around dogs for 20 years and have learned lots of tricks -- but in 10 minutes Aja showed me just how much I didn't know. And not just for the tough stuff.
So, excitedly, I am sharing that Rufus and I are enjoying our playtimes so much more. And those lessons, and corrections carry over into the inside, daily stuff. By keeping myself as boss, even on the playing field - it further instills that I am the boss at all times. (All Rufus had to do was ask my husband, and he would have told him THAT!)
Sheesh - I just realized, I am probably the most excited about what Rufus and I have been doing for the last 2 days but this is the most serious post I've made. Sorry --- just picture me wiggling with excitement, and Rufus and I doing the happy dance.
--------- there, that should have helped!!! :)
Wow - we were making progress with Rufus in the everyday leash training, sit, down and I finally managed him to want to follow the 'drop it' command when we were playing. However, we had a ton of grabbing for the toy (by both of us), barking and jumping around when I tried to either get the toy or prepare to throw it. With me usually on the losing end! The extreme barking part is also a BIG no-no, especially at our 6:30am walk/playtime. Rufus also has this very loud, deep bark!! Yikes~~
I showed Aja what Rufus and I do, and then she showed me what I should be doing --- now we are having much safer (for me) and quieter play times. We are still at a spot where we take longer between throws, but after 2 times of the 'new and revised' commands - he understands what he is supposed to do. I think we'd have it down completely if he wanted the 'proper way' every time. This dog is really smart!!
(Actually, if I could explain it properly - and had a few hundred pages, I would explain AGAIN how much smarter Rufus is then I am. He immediately found one little loop hole in the process, so he could gain a little bark without breaking rules... I'm rolling my eyes here).
I have always known professional training assistance is vital, and for my purposes with a Mobility dog - even more so. But I have been around dogs for 20 years and have learned lots of tricks -- but in 10 minutes Aja showed me just how much I didn't know. And not just for the tough stuff.
So, excitedly, I am sharing that Rufus and I are enjoying our playtimes so much more. And those lessons, and corrections carry over into the inside, daily stuff. By keeping myself as boss, even on the playing field - it further instills that I am the boss at all times. (All Rufus had to do was ask my husband, and he would have told him THAT!)
Sheesh - I just realized, I am probably the most excited about what Rufus and I have been doing for the last 2 days but this is the most serious post I've made. Sorry --- just picture me wiggling with excitement, and Rufus and I doing the happy dance.
--------- there, that should have helped!!! :)
Monday, December 13, 2010
BRRRRRRR!!!!
Yikes - it is COLD outside! I think Rufus has wanted to go outside proportionately according to the drop in degrees of temperature. In other words, the colder it has gotten outside the more often he asks to go out!
I've got the mastering of layers down pat - and I think I earned a speed record of layering and un-layering this morning at his usual 6:30 am wake up playtime! UGH!
Although, we are also learning that to ask to go out to potty (which is a different and obvious set of actions by Rufus) -- and NOT needing to actually go, will get Rufus a time out. He gets a certain amount of time for his potty duty (depending on whether he is acting like he might need to go, once outside, or he is looking for a twig to toss in the air). If he is tossing a twig, we go back inside and have kennel time.
We did this 5 times yesterday, and only 2 today (as in # of times he DIDN'T have to go - not actual potty breaks). Progress!!
Now he still asked to out for his playtime today about 150 times, and despite the adorable, pleading look in his eyes and the toy hanging from his mouth, we stuck to three. We tossed the toy only until he started losing interest. Normally we may stay out to coax another 100 or so tosses - but my fingers were numb. Last I checked it was about 20ºf.
I even brushed about a pound of loose fur off of him in hopes he would find it chillier with less excess fur.... NOPE! But at least the dust black bears are now more like the size of dust raccoons.
I'm asking Santa for an Arctic Parka, battery-operated heated socks and a Nanook of the North hat!
I've got the mastering of layers down pat - and I think I earned a speed record of layering and un-layering this morning at his usual 6:30 am wake up playtime! UGH!
Although, we are also learning that to ask to go out to potty (which is a different and obvious set of actions by Rufus) -- and NOT needing to actually go, will get Rufus a time out. He gets a certain amount of time for his potty duty (depending on whether he is acting like he might need to go, once outside, or he is looking for a twig to toss in the air). If he is tossing a twig, we go back inside and have kennel time.
We did this 5 times yesterday, and only 2 today (as in # of times he DIDN'T have to go - not actual potty breaks). Progress!!
Now he still asked to out for his playtime today about 150 times, and despite the adorable, pleading look in his eyes and the toy hanging from his mouth, we stuck to three. We tossed the toy only until he started losing interest. Normally we may stay out to coax another 100 or so tosses - but my fingers were numb. Last I checked it was about 20ºf.
I even brushed about a pound of loose fur off of him in hopes he would find it chillier with less excess fur.... NOPE! But at least the dust black bears are now more like the size of dust raccoons.
I'm asking Santa for an Arctic Parka, battery-operated heated socks and a Nanook of the North hat!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
One More Thing for Tonight!
I did it! I got Rufus to look at me in a way that was not so adoring... actually it was like a, "Are you CRAZY?", look.
We just finished up another play in the mud and muck moment (it's been raining for a few days here), and Rufus did not understand (in the LEAST) why I felt the need to wipe off his paws!! If he could roll his eyes he would have done it ~~ a lot.
We were both covered in mud and muck (go figure) and I thought it prudent to wipe his paws with a towel to help keep down the amount of mud and muck we tracked all over the place. Hey, every little bit helps. He was very cooperative, he just thought I was NUTS.
I so wished I could have captured that look on film (well digital image anyway) - it was priceless.
Okay - just wanted to share in another fun moment with Rufus... :)
We just finished up another play in the mud and muck moment (it's been raining for a few days here), and Rufus did not understand (in the LEAST) why I felt the need to wipe off his paws!! If he could roll his eyes he would have done it ~~ a lot.
We were both covered in mud and muck (go figure) and I thought it prudent to wipe his paws with a towel to help keep down the amount of mud and muck we tracked all over the place. Hey, every little bit helps. He was very cooperative, he just thought I was NUTS.
I so wished I could have captured that look on film (well digital image anyway) - it was priceless.
Okay - just wanted to share in another fun moment with Rufus... :)
And So it Goes...
As Rufus lay's at my feet snoring that adorable little snore of his, I'm pondering a nap myself... and it's only 12 noon!
Baby steps - but we are actually making even more noticeable progress (however, I can't WAIT until the professional trainer can meet me later this week in person - instead of over the phone advice). Any furry little object still obsesses Rufus, no matter how delicious the treats I have in my hand are... roll-eyes. But today I focused on 'Drop It' while we are playing fetch. After suffering too many accidental bruises from Rufus and his exited actions with his toys (with Rufus being a solid 80 lbs, it's easy for it to happen) - I figured I needed a safer method of playing. As in Scouts - Fun with a Purpose!
It took him three (and I mean exactly three) throws and retrieves before he understood Drop It. As I banged my head on the side of the deck for not thinking of this before...ugh, he happily brings the toy back and drops it at my feet! This dog is apparently smarted than me.
Now the sit and/or lay down WITHOUT barking for the next throw will take a bit more time, he definitely is starting to understand. I just think he likes barking for his toys. He will sit or sit then lay down depending on my command, but I have to wait out the excitable barking. He really hates it when I fold my arms (with toy completely out of reach and or hidden) and ignore him. As soon as he stops, I give him the command (sit or lay down). If he barks we go back to the ignore part. No toy was thrown until he was quiet --- can I just say that our play time was REALLY long today?
I do have another quality to add to Rufus' long list of amazing qualities.... he is also a KLUTZ. LOL, I am the only person who could fall in love with a dog (that I'm hoping will make the grade to be a service dog-- to help me with balance) that is also a klutz like me! The first time he tripped over the marble transition strip that covers the flooring between my bedroom and bathroom (and is only maybe 1/2" high) - I went into hysterical giggles. My laughter was apparently very contagious for Rufus and he immediately joined me. I did refer to my klutziness right? At the time I was leaning against the bed, not actually sitting on it and when Rufus came over and excitedly put his paws on my legs - we both went down. That got me laughing even harder, which didn't help my situation. I'm laughing so hard, I've got tears running down my face and Rufus was happily licking them all off. I think I even snorted a few times. It took about 5 minutes for both of us to calm down, but a fun time was had by all.
... even my husband, who was standing in the bathroom at the time and did nothing but watch the show! Sheesh!
Oh, and just so you know I'm not making a judgement on that one action, Rufus tripped into his kennel that night (and a few other times) and the wood floors are a slippery challenge to him on many occasions.... (we've added a bunch of throw rugs around to help).
I have to give a big THANK YOU to The All Shepherd Rescue group for all their help, answering ALL my questions for this past week as I go through a Foster to Adopt program with Rufus to make sure he really is the perfect fit. I have gone from 'oh no Rufus will not work' to 'Oh My Gosh this is the PERFECT dog', probably 3 times a day (I might be exaggerating that just a bit). The organizers of All Shepherd Rescue are so totally committed to making sure their dogs find the perfect match and get the best care -- and they have been a huge help to me. And Aja Harris from MuttMagic Dog Training has been so helpful in getting me through the little things (properly) so I can make sure I'm only helping Rufus and not getting a quick fix to an issue. Even despite her massively booked schedule, she still manages to answer my calls and questions.
I'm getting a few estimates for fencing in our side yard, it would benefit Rufus greatly to have a solid barrier (not just the invisible fence) until I can trust that he has truly gotten over the desire to chase small furry critters. None of my previous dogs had that prey drive, and the invisible fence was extremely effective and secure. My internal intuition says Rufus is so not ready for that type of containment. So all activities with Rufus are done on leash - either a short leash and choke collar - or for play time a 30' lead and a flat collar. The fenced area will be a better training/play area for whatever comes our way. (just hope it can be done at a reasonable rate!)
As you can see we are learning and playing and having a grand ol' time!
Baby steps - but we are actually making even more noticeable progress (however, I can't WAIT until the professional trainer can meet me later this week in person - instead of over the phone advice). Any furry little object still obsesses Rufus, no matter how delicious the treats I have in my hand are... roll-eyes. But today I focused on 'Drop It' while we are playing fetch. After suffering too many accidental bruises from Rufus and his exited actions with his toys (with Rufus being a solid 80 lbs, it's easy for it to happen) - I figured I needed a safer method of playing. As in Scouts - Fun with a Purpose!
It took him three (and I mean exactly three) throws and retrieves before he understood Drop It. As I banged my head on the side of the deck for not thinking of this before...ugh, he happily brings the toy back and drops it at my feet! This dog is apparently smarted than me.
Now the sit and/or lay down WITHOUT barking for the next throw will take a bit more time, he definitely is starting to understand. I just think he likes barking for his toys. He will sit or sit then lay down depending on my command, but I have to wait out the excitable barking. He really hates it when I fold my arms (with toy completely out of reach and or hidden) and ignore him. As soon as he stops, I give him the command (sit or lay down). If he barks we go back to the ignore part. No toy was thrown until he was quiet --- can I just say that our play time was REALLY long today?
I do have another quality to add to Rufus' long list of amazing qualities.... he is also a KLUTZ. LOL, I am the only person who could fall in love with a dog (that I'm hoping will make the grade to be a service dog-- to help me with balance) that is also a klutz like me! The first time he tripped over the marble transition strip that covers the flooring between my bedroom and bathroom (and is only maybe 1/2" high) - I went into hysterical giggles. My laughter was apparently very contagious for Rufus and he immediately joined me. I did refer to my klutziness right? At the time I was leaning against the bed, not actually sitting on it and when Rufus came over and excitedly put his paws on my legs - we both went down. That got me laughing even harder, which didn't help my situation. I'm laughing so hard, I've got tears running down my face and Rufus was happily licking them all off. I think I even snorted a few times. It took about 5 minutes for both of us to calm down, but a fun time was had by all.
... even my husband, who was standing in the bathroom at the time and did nothing but watch the show! Sheesh!
Oh, and just so you know I'm not making a judgement on that one action, Rufus tripped into his kennel that night (and a few other times) and the wood floors are a slippery challenge to him on many occasions.... (we've added a bunch of throw rugs around to help).
I have to give a big THANK YOU to The All Shepherd Rescue group for all their help, answering ALL my questions for this past week as I go through a Foster to Adopt program with Rufus to make sure he really is the perfect fit. I have gone from 'oh no Rufus will not work' to 'Oh My Gosh this is the PERFECT dog', probably 3 times a day (I might be exaggerating that just a bit). The organizers of All Shepherd Rescue are so totally committed to making sure their dogs find the perfect match and get the best care -- and they have been a huge help to me. And Aja Harris from MuttMagic Dog Training has been so helpful in getting me through the little things (properly) so I can make sure I'm only helping Rufus and not getting a quick fix to an issue. Even despite her massively booked schedule, she still manages to answer my calls and questions.
I'm getting a few estimates for fencing in our side yard, it would benefit Rufus greatly to have a solid barrier (not just the invisible fence) until I can trust that he has truly gotten over the desire to chase small furry critters. None of my previous dogs had that prey drive, and the invisible fence was extremely effective and secure. My internal intuition says Rufus is so not ready for that type of containment. So all activities with Rufus are done on leash - either a short leash and choke collar - or for play time a 30' lead and a flat collar. The fenced area will be a better training/play area for whatever comes our way. (just hope it can be done at a reasonable rate!)
As you can see we are learning and playing and having a grand ol' time!
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