Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Wooooah it's been a while!
It has been a while, I'm very sorry. I haven't done nothing - I've been quite busy. I've had 4 puppies since they were 3 weeks old so photos and video galore to come!
In the mean time, here's some quality breed advocates. I'll post more on them later!
And a passed out pile of the puppies!!
Friday, August 17, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Deja's Website Update
Everything you needed to know and more:
I love kids so much that I let them climb on me and pull on
my ears without a worry! I’m just as
good with young puppies. Check out my
foster mom’s blog to see photos and video of me playing with these little
monsters. I can get a little protective
of the puppies and kids around other dogs.
I’m playful and love to play chase by the river or rough-house with other dogs at the park. I love to run and run at the park or with my foster mom on roller blades. She is teaching me “gee” “haw” and “easy” when I pull so that if you want to go skijoring with me, I’ll be good at it!
My foster mom says: Deja is a dream to have. Despite her high energy at the park, she is SUPER chill in the house. She is good loose in the house – I leave her all day while I’m at work and she doesn’t even knock over the puppy’s x-pen. She is food motivated and learned the “downstay” quickly. She is great with other dogs. She is still very much a Husky X (she even sleeps curled up in a ball with her nose tucked under her tail) so breed knowledge is preferred. If you want an instant best friend and an outdoor buddy please fill out an adoption form and come meet her!
My name is Deja and I’m a big suck! I loooooove belly rubs. My sister Karma and I are owner surrenders
because due to unforeseen circumstances she couldn't provide me with everything
I needed.
I’m playful and love to play chase by the river or rough-house with other dogs at the park. I love to run and run at the park or with my foster mom on roller blades. She is teaching me “gee” “haw” and “easy” when I pull so that if you want to go skijoring with me, I’ll be good at it!
I am learning obedience.
I have a pretty good recall at the park and can walk nicely on leash
with some correction. I am a husky cross
after all so you have to combat my strong will with food. I’ve learned to “leave it” when treats are on
my paw until I’m told to “take it” and I know that when I’m in a “downstay” I
can’t get up to “peanut butter” or “jam” – just when you tell me to “go play”.
My foster mom says: Deja is a dream to have. Despite her high energy at the park, she is SUPER chill in the house. She is good loose in the house – I leave her all day while I’m at work and she doesn’t even knock over the puppy’s x-pen. She is food motivated and learned the “downstay” quickly. She is great with other dogs. She is still very much a Husky X (she even sleeps curled up in a ball with her nose tucked under her tail) so breed knowledge is preferred. If you want an instant best friend and an outdoor buddy please fill out an adoption form and come meet her!
Deja stays?
Deja knows how to stay! We are working on "proofing" a downstay right now. She will stay down in the house if I dance or call out things and won't get up until told to "go play".
At the park we have made even furth leaps and bounds. A FRIEND (not even me) had her at the park in a downstay. I joined them late, and did my usual call-the-dog-not-the-people method of finding them. I could see her, my friend could hear me calling Deja so I'm sure Deja could hear me. Deja didn't budge. My friend yelled back at me - "try now" and sure enough Deja came barreling over once she was released from the downstay.
We are struggling to add distance to the command but I'll post updates if we can manage it!
At the park we have made even furth leaps and bounds. A FRIEND (not even me) had her at the park in a downstay. I joined them late, and did my usual call-the-dog-not-the-people method of finding them. I could see her, my friend could hear me calling Deja so I'm sure Deja could hear me. Deja didn't budge. My friend yelled back at me - "try now" and sure enough Deja came barreling over once she was released from the downstay.
We are struggling to add distance to the command but I'll post updates if we can manage it!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Canada day long weekend - puppy party!
Note: Photos and video to come.
Stardust is a sweet little munchkin, and I was joking with a friend earlier about her not being the brightest. “She’s pretty” my friend said. Too true. She’s also smarter than I give her credit for. She was hungry the other night (and I was waiting for the visiting dogs to leave before feeding her) so she walked to the bathroom (where the food is kept) and started pawing. She watched Deja eat straight out of the bag once, and I’m sure she was planning on doing the same.
She continues to miss Nova at night but is doing really well otherwise. She is friendly with strange dogs in the house and shares her toys. We had two guests this weekend who were suuuper shy and so after greeting them politely, she wandered off to play with her toys in the corner, and give them space. She roughhoused with Deja but didn’t bug the shy new dogs.
I got a little irritated with the pawing at the door so I picked her up and sat on the floor with her in my lap and the nail clippers in hand. Usually I grab treats, and have help but she didn’t even squirm. She let me hold her paws and clip with no protestation. I did both front paws before letting her go. That had to be the single easiest nail clipping EVER.
Update: Nighttime sleeping has finally been sorted yay! She sleeps quietly through the night. We had ZERO disturbances last night, not even an early morning “I’m hungry and impatient”
Stardust is a sweet little munchkin, and I was joking with a friend earlier about her not being the brightest. “She’s pretty” my friend said. Too true. She’s also smarter than I give her credit for. She was hungry the other night (and I was waiting for the visiting dogs to leave before feeding her) so she walked to the bathroom (where the food is kept) and started pawing. She watched Deja eat straight out of the bag once, and I’m sure she was planning on doing the same.
She continues to miss Nova at night but is doing really well otherwise. She is friendly with strange dogs in the house and shares her toys. We had two guests this weekend who were suuuper shy and so after greeting them politely, she wandered off to play with her toys in the corner, and give them space. She roughhoused with Deja but didn’t bug the shy new dogs.
I got a little irritated with the pawing at the door so I picked her up and sat on the floor with her in my lap and the nail clippers in hand. Usually I grab treats, and have help but she didn’t even squirm. She let me hold her paws and clip with no protestation. I did both front paws before letting her go. That had to be the single easiest nail clipping EVER.
Update: Nighttime sleeping has finally been sorted yay! She sleeps quietly through the night. We had ZERO disturbances last night, not even an early morning “I’m hungry and impatient”
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Weekend update - a ball of happy
Check out the AARCS website for new photos! Stardust is such a sweet, happy, playful puppy and was (fairly) well behaved OFF LEASH for the photo shoot. Super cute and amazing photos by Marshmallow photography.
She is growing like a weed and in the clumsy puppy stage but is a joy to have around. She is not afraid of anything (loud noises or otherwise) and will happily chew on a kong or a bone after only half an hour running around. She is a really chill dog and gets cuddly if everyone else is (ie if Deja is lying on my lap).
Deja's a lap dog BTW.
She is growing like a weed and in the clumsy puppy stage but is a joy to have around. She is not afraid of anything (loud noises or otherwise) and will happily chew on a kong or a bone after only half an hour running around. She is a really chill dog and gets cuddly if everyone else is (ie if Deja is lying on my lap).
Deja's a lap dog BTW.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Puppies, healthy cared after puppies
Hey everyone, this post isn't about my puppies, or anyone's really. It's about all future puppies and a basic standard of care.
Right now the City of Calgary is considering a ban on retail pet sales - yay! For more info on this check out ASLC (Actions Speak Louder.) I'm not going to cover this issue, they do an outstanding job of it.
What I really want to talk about is responsible breeding. Many people have a blanket issue with breeding. I think this is unfortunate. I don't. I've considered breeding - if it were serving a purpose (SAR, service dogs, healthy non-shedding family pets, the list goes on). Not all breeders breed for the same reason I would ever consider it right for me, but there are still many that I think fall under the umbrella and would like to outline what I think a responsible breeder is.
I will probably try and create a permanent page with this info.
Why do you want a pure bred dog? Is it a certain temperament/behavior pattern? Is it a certain look? Is it for allergy reasons (I <3 bouviers)?
Find a dog/dogs that match this. Make sure you learn about the breed's tendencies, life span (yes, I have a 14.5 year old bouvier, there are exceptions), and typical health problems. With Dachshunds, you WILL have to deal with teeth and back problems. Would I tell you to not get one? Probably, because I don't like small dogs, but if you know what you're getting into, then why not?
Step 2, finding a breeder. This is where it all goes to pieces.
1. A GOOD breeder will ALWAYS take the dog back so it is never a burden on the system. This is item number 1. This is a non-negotiable item. The rest of the things I'm going to list aren't really in any order but this is key key key.
A good breeder will have done breed appropriate testing. For labs, the list includes hips, elbows, eyes, prcd PRA, EIC, CNM, and more. This is where your research is important.
How are the puppies raised? In home? Lots of exposure to all the crazy things they will see in life? Does the breeder know what ENS (early neurological stimulation) is and use it? Can you meet the parents?
Are dew claws removed? Do you care? Do tails and ears get docked? Do you care? This isn't about what's right and wrong, it's about making up your own mind about what matters.
Do they ask you questions about your home and lifestyle to make sure the puppy is a good fit for your life?
Does the puppy come on a non-breeding contract. This is sooo sooo sooo sooo sooo important. My two "favorite" breeders have "non-breeding contracts" that are reversible if you meet all their standards for health testing, etc.
Will they answer all your questions openly?
Do they strive to better the breed? How are they involved in the dog world? Personal opinion, show titles mean jack. Obedience and field trials/sport trials show what the dogs are truly made of. Make up your own mind about what you value, but I'd rather see a line of hunting/agility titles in labs than anything else.
Will they take the dog back, under any circumstances?
If they don't meet these standards, then don't get a dog from that breeder. There are plenty of others. Also think about why you want a purebred dog. There are many fantastic pups and dogs at rescues through no fault of their own. I have two such fantastic fosters right now, and have had many others.
Right now the City of Calgary is considering a ban on retail pet sales - yay! For more info on this check out ASLC (Actions Speak Louder.) I'm not going to cover this issue, they do an outstanding job of it.
What I really want to talk about is responsible breeding. Many people have a blanket issue with breeding. I think this is unfortunate. I don't. I've considered breeding - if it were serving a purpose (SAR, service dogs, healthy non-shedding family pets, the list goes on). Not all breeders breed for the same reason I would ever consider it right for me, but there are still many that I think fall under the umbrella and would like to outline what I think a responsible breeder is.
I will probably try and create a permanent page with this info.
Why do you want a pure bred dog? Is it a certain temperament/behavior pattern? Is it a certain look? Is it for allergy reasons (I <3 bouviers)?
Find a dog/dogs that match this. Make sure you learn about the breed's tendencies, life span (yes, I have a 14.5 year old bouvier, there are exceptions), and typical health problems. With Dachshunds, you WILL have to deal with teeth and back problems. Would I tell you to not get one? Probably, because I don't like small dogs, but if you know what you're getting into, then why not?
Step 2, finding a breeder. This is where it all goes to pieces.
1. A GOOD breeder will ALWAYS take the dog back so it is never a burden on the system. This is item number 1. This is a non-negotiable item. The rest of the things I'm going to list aren't really in any order but this is key key key.
A good breeder will have done breed appropriate testing. For labs, the list includes hips, elbows, eyes, prcd PRA, EIC, CNM, and more. This is where your research is important.
How are the puppies raised? In home? Lots of exposure to all the crazy things they will see in life? Does the breeder know what ENS (early neurological stimulation) is and use it? Can you meet the parents?
Are dew claws removed? Do you care? Do tails and ears get docked? Do you care? This isn't about what's right and wrong, it's about making up your own mind about what matters.
Do they ask you questions about your home and lifestyle to make sure the puppy is a good fit for your life?
Does the puppy come on a non-breeding contract. This is sooo sooo sooo sooo sooo important. My two "favorite" breeders have "non-breeding contracts" that are reversible if you meet all their standards for health testing, etc.
Will they answer all your questions openly?
Do they strive to better the breed? How are they involved in the dog world? Personal opinion, show titles mean jack. Obedience and field trials/sport trials show what the dogs are truly made of. Make up your own mind about what you value, but I'd rather see a line of hunting/agility titles in labs than anything else.
Will they take the dog back, under any circumstances?
If they don't meet these standards, then don't get a dog from that breeder. There are plenty of others. Also think about why you want a purebred dog. There are many fantastic pups and dogs at rescues through no fault of their own. I have two such fantastic fosters right now, and have had many others.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
June 5th: Super happy walking time.
I’m going to throw this out there, nobody hate on me: I HATE walking dogs. (Sidenote: this is why I’m so good at training a recall.)
I bought a JacTrac last summer. It fixed problem 1 – walking dogs. Now with 3 fosters, it no longer fixes problem 1 or problem 2. I only have 2 extensions/leashes for the JacTrac so I have to walk at least 1 dog. Problem 2 – they pull. The little ones aren’t bad but Deja is a BEAST (70lb husky? Yes.) so it’s a challenge. Trying to train 3 dogs individually to each walk nicely on leash and still exercise them and feed myself (and work and sleep)? I don’t have that kind of time, who are we kidding.
Luckily the lovely lady at the dog park that I was chatting with had some suggestions. I got a leash splitter. Stardust and Nova can now walk on the same leash and will teach each other not to pull, yay! Problem 1 solved. Problem 2: I got 2 more front pull harnesses.
Walking was a dream. I had 3 dogs, hands free, with limited pulling. Deja will still needs correction, but as we walk she progresses quickly. We will see how this goes over the next week and switch back to her martingale eventually.
I bought a JacTrac last summer. It fixed problem 1 – walking dogs. Now with 3 fosters, it no longer fixes problem 1 or problem 2. I only have 2 extensions/leashes for the JacTrac so I have to walk at least 1 dog. Problem 2 – they pull. The little ones aren’t bad but Deja is a BEAST (70lb husky? Yes.) so it’s a challenge. Trying to train 3 dogs individually to each walk nicely on leash and still exercise them and feed myself (and work and sleep)? I don’t have that kind of time, who are we kidding.
Luckily the lovely lady at the dog park that I was chatting with had some suggestions. I got a leash splitter. Stardust and Nova can now walk on the same leash and will teach each other not to pull, yay! Problem 1 solved. Problem 2: I got 2 more front pull harnesses.
Walking was a dream. I had 3 dogs, hands free, with limited pulling. Deja will still needs correction, but as we walk she progresses quickly. We will see how this goes over the next week and switch back to her martingale eventually.
Monday May 28: Kicking Around
So many things to post about, but I'll start with Monday night Soccer. Deja came the week before, but this time I brought Stardust.
It was her first car ride buckled in to the front seat. She has only been in the car in her crate with Cosmic from the ASNTF clinic, and two vet trips (first shots, and spay) because we walked to the vet for her second set.
She sat nicely in the front seat, didn't try to chew her seat belt or climb out the slightly cracked window. She seemed scared at first, but after we stopped to get treats at Urban Dog Market she was fine. Those pepperoni sticks are tasty though, so how can you not get distracted and forget to be scared?
At soccer, there were lots of scary people but she let some pet her when they sat with her on the grass. She got to eat her dinner at the park, and even got a bully stick too! At half time I untied her from the fence and we played "chase". She likes to run after me and is good at coming when called.
It was her first car ride buckled in to the front seat. She has only been in the car in her crate with Cosmic from the ASNTF clinic, and two vet trips (first shots, and spay) because we walked to the vet for her second set.
She sat nicely in the front seat, didn't try to chew her seat belt or climb out the slightly cracked window. She seemed scared at first, but after we stopped to get treats at Urban Dog Market she was fine. Those pepperoni sticks are tasty though, so how can you not get distracted and forget to be scared?
At soccer, there were lots of scary people but she let some pet her when they sat with her on the grass. She got to eat her dinner at the park, and even got a bully stick too! At half time I untied her from the fence and we played "chase". She likes to run after me and is good at coming when called.
Some weekend in May: Walking around
Parks, parks, parks.
We go to the offleash park. Everybody listens really well (*cough* except the husky sometimes *cough*). The pup-pup-pup-pup-puppies come when called even if the big dog is heading off another direction.
We took a massive trek with Momma J down to the river and OH BOY was it fun. Deja played chase through all the trails with a pretty pointer. The pups tried to keep up but alas they couldn't, so the started watching which way she was running, and cut her off at the pass. What smart puppies.
We go to the offleash park. Everybody listens really well (*cough* except the husky sometimes *cough*). The pup-pup-pup-pup-puppies come when called even if the big dog is heading off another direction.
We took a massive trek with Momma J down to the river and OH BOY was it fun. Deja played chase through all the trails with a pretty pointer. The pups tried to keep up but alas they couldn't, so the started watching which way she was running, and cut her off at the pass. What smart puppies.
Monday, May 28, 2012
May 28 Update: Progress, progress
I am happy. We have made huge strides since the addition of Deja to the house.
Crate training is well underway. Stardust and Nova are each staying in their own crate at night. I hear some vocal protest but not much and I think it coincides more with needing to go out to the washroom as opposed to complaining about being in the crate. Nova will walk right in, Stardust still needs to be picked up or coerced in with food sometimes.
THEY WALK ON LEASHES! They also have a good recall at the park. It will take time for them to relearn these skills with a new home, but it will be easy with the right methods (lots of food, praise, and good timing).
They are teething right now and get watched like hawks in the house. They like to eat ice cubes.
Stardust comes to me for things and will put up with pets from me. Nova still cowers and is a bit shy, but is super friendly at the park when other dogs are around and will let kids (or anyone else) pet her.
They have not yet learned to ask to go out and will have accidents in the house, but if we are in the yard and I ask them to "go pee" they will do their business outside.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
May 15 - Wowza
We have come so incredibly far since Saturday.
The girls got their second set of vaccinations. Stardust weighs 31 lbs (23@her spay) and Nova weighs 32 lbs (21@her spay).
The girls met my landlords again tonight. After letting themselves be "man-handled" (with wary looks) Nova came running over to ME! Yes, that's right, she came to me.
Tonight I was chilling on the dog bed and since everyone was picking on Stardust, I grabbed her and put her in my lap and shooed away the other two. She stayed put. She looked a little concerned but that was about it. I did the same thing with Nova when she came over to harass Stardust. So this evening, I've had both puppies in my lap multiple times, laying down, getting pets. They aren't so cool when I'm standing up and coming for them but the will come over of their own accord if I'm sitting. I'm giving Deja credit (she of course doesn't need to be dragged to sit with me - she will gladly come lay next to me or on me - all 70lbs - the vet was super nice and let me weigh Deja too!).
Just a bit about Deja: She was an owner surrender, through no fault of her own. She doesn't really like being in the crate but has put up with it while I'm at work during the day. She gets REALLY excited to see me when I get home. At night she sleeps on the dog bed in my room and if she gets up and I tell her to go lay down, she will go back to it. She seems to think the couch is a better place to lay down than the floor but I've been curbing that, and she seems to really like the dog bed if I bring it into the living room. She is SUPER gentle when playing with the puppies but a bit rough when she wants to play with me. She has a really strong prey drive and pulls on the leash a bit if there is another dog or a critter to chase or she wants something but is getting a bit better. This will take work. I have been rollerblading with a front pull harness and she has been doing pretty well with correction on the move. She has adapted to the way I do things really quickly (like straddling her and hanging on to her harness when it's narrow passing). She responds REALLY quickly to her name if she is being harassed by the puppies (we pull the old bait and switch, I'll try and get it on video, it's rather awesome). Not sure what else to say. Yes she could use some work, but I adore her and she has done wonders in only a few short days for Stardust and Nova.
Monday: the day of soccer and the puppy angel
I took everyone out to the park before soccer. The puppies ran after Deja. Nova needs to work on her manners (she accidentally ticked off a dog with her ~lack of~ puppy manners).
I went to soccer. I came home to find that MommaJ had bathed everyone and cleaned up all their muddy paw prints and more. The bath apparently didn't set them back because we worked on food manners again,
AND - NOVA CAME AND PUT HER HEAD ON THE COUCH NEXT TO ME AND LET ME PET HER!!!!!
Sunday after the whateverth day of May.
So, hi. What a day. Foster Momma J and I took Deja and the little ones out to a park nearby where there was a big open field and no other dogs and ran around with Deja. The little ones followed her, pulling on their leashes. No problems AT ALL (except for really not knowing how to walk on the leash).
Here are some photos for the day. Sunday morning, waking up with Deja (who slept on the dog bed in my room).
Puppy play time.
"Food Manners" (One of my favorite exercises with dogs. I did this with Sparky, Maalek and Maggie, and Momma J did this with Tillie, Jasmine and Zorro and it was an amazing tool. It turns out the Deja likes to gobble her food and I could see potential food aggression issues with this trio so it's great to be able to curb it before it starts. For one of the MOST FANTASTIC video tutorials on this, check out kikopup on youtube. I LOVE LOVE LOVE her videos. I have been separating them to eat so that Deja doesn't kill a puppy and Stardust gets a turn.)
Roller blading with Deja after dinner. She needs some leash work. You can tell she's a sled dog - the breed-typical prey drive, and pulling is there.
Final verdict: I'm keeping Deja. She is AMAZING with the puppies, so so so so gentle, and I love her personality. If you have some breed knowledge (aka realistic expectations about her personality) then go check her adoption page out!
Here are some photos for the day. Sunday morning, waking up with Deja (who slept on the dog bed in my room).
Puppy play time.
"Food Manners" (One of my favorite exercises with dogs. I did this with Sparky, Maalek and Maggie, and Momma J did this with Tillie, Jasmine and Zorro and it was an amazing tool. It turns out the Deja likes to gobble her food and I could see potential food aggression issues with this trio so it's great to be able to curb it before it starts. For one of the MOST FANTASTIC video tutorials on this, check out kikopup on youtube. I LOVE LOVE LOVE her videos. I have been separating them to eat so that Deja doesn't kill a puppy and Stardust gets a turn.)
Roller blading with Deja after dinner. She needs some leash work. You can tell she's a sled dog - the breed-typical prey drive, and pulling is there.
Final verdict: I'm keeping Deja. She is AMAZING with the puppies, so so so so gentle, and I love her personality. If you have some breed knowledge (aka realistic expectations about her personality) then go check her adoption page out!
Saturday May whateverth.
So I'm a little (LOT) behind on updates. I've been busy. So have the puppies.
I am no longer "captain of the starship". Don't get me wrong, Stardust and Nova are still my charges BUT we weren't making much by way of progress. They were ok with me walking around but that's about where we maxed out.
When I got the e-mail about "URGENT FOSTER HOMES NEEDED" I considered adding a dog to bring them out of their shell. After hmm-ing and hawwing, my former first officer and I decided to check out the AARCS/Pound Rescue/ARTS event at Sleep rover.
I had four options if I wanted a third dog. Bubba (Halo) and Lily were just coming back to us and Karma and Deja had needed a home for a while. After some good picking by my former first officer, we took Deja for the weekend to decide if she'd be a good fit. Check out the video!
The puppies LOVE her. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE her. OBSESSED. Deja tried telling them off, but it didn't seem to deter them so I had to give her a few breaks throughout the day and pen the pups.
We had a few tentative leash adventures since I'm impatient. The puppies weren't particularly cool with it. (photos to come)
Stardust followed Deja happily. Nova cowered a bit but met some nice people and another dog and even let the nice girl pet her when she crouched down.
So, Deja. She's awesome. Here are my feet as I read Game of Thrones (first book in A Song of Ice and Fire) on my balcony that afternoon.
Please bare with me, I have some lovely updates to come!
I am no longer "captain of the starship". Don't get me wrong, Stardust and Nova are still my charges BUT we weren't making much by way of progress. They were ok with me walking around but that's about where we maxed out.
When I got the e-mail about "URGENT FOSTER HOMES NEEDED" I considered adding a dog to bring them out of their shell. After hmm-ing and hawwing, my former first officer and I decided to check out the AARCS/Pound Rescue/ARTS event at Sleep rover.
I had four options if I wanted a third dog. Bubba (Halo) and Lily were just coming back to us and Karma and Deja had needed a home for a while. After some good picking by my former first officer, we took Deja for the weekend to decide if she'd be a good fit. Check out the video!
The puppies LOVE her. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE her. OBSESSED. Deja tried telling them off, but it didn't seem to deter them so I had to give her a few breaks throughout the day and pen the pups.
We had a few tentative leash adventures since I'm impatient. The puppies weren't particularly cool with it. (photos to come)
Stardust followed Deja happily. Nova cowered a bit but met some nice people and another dog and even let the nice girl pet her when she crouched down.
So, Deja. She's awesome. Here are my feet as I read Game of Thrones (first book in A Song of Ice and Fire) on my balcony that afternoon.
Please bare with me, I have some lovely updates to come!
Friday, May 4, 2012
PUPPIES ARE SPAYED!
Please forgive the lack of posts this week.
House training is rolling, in a good way!
When I get up in the morning, come home from work, come home from DDing, I leave the doors open to the stairs and open the pen - I don't need to corral them out anymore, they head straight out.
They aren't comfortable following me out and staying out yet so we aren't yet at working on asking to go out, but if I leave the door open, they will go outside instead of in the house. Progress is progress.
House training is rolling, in a good way!
When I get up in the morning, come home from work, come home from DDing, I leave the doors open to the stairs and open the pen - I don't need to corral them out anymore, they head straight out.
They aren't comfortable following me out and staying out yet so we aren't yet at working on asking to go out, but if I leave the door open, they will go outside instead of in the house. Progress is progress.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Star Date: 19
Captain's Log. Star Date: 19
It's been a busy couple of days for me but the puppies are doing really well. We have some important milestones.
- I have had to physically walk AROUND the puppies once. They did not budge when I walked up.
- The crates have been going in the pen at night so we can work our way to crate training the pups.
- I have relocated the pen so it opens into the hall/stairwell. Puppies have been going directly outside in the morning/after work.
- This morning, there was only a giant (2 puppy?) pool of pee ONLY.
- After work, there was only ONE poop.
- I had to clean an exorbitant amount of poop out of the yard.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Star Date: 15
Captain's log. Star date: 15
Today has been amazing. It started with a fantastic session with Blinking Cow Photography who is doing photos for the AARCS website of the girls. The Captain had the patience of a saint waiting for Stardust and Nova to come out of their shells. She did an amazing job! No bows, no flowers, just Stardust being her playful and happy go lucky self and Nova being her curious, calculating, reserved self, with the occasional peek into her super puppy playful side.
When I came back from running errands, (don't ask how or why) I put the dog bed in the pen and joined the pups. With a little coercing (food) I managed to get the girls on the bed with me. Nova stayed half on the bed and we played a game of "chew the captain's hand," which she took breaks from if I softly squealed. She let me touch her almost anywhere (I didn't try anywhere, but she didn't move at all for the places I did try). Of course I got barked at when I crawled out, but it's a start.
PS THERE ARE TINY BLADES OF GRASS IN MY SOD BOX, WHOOOHOOO!
I have washed all of the puppy toys - hard toys in dish soap with a rinse, soft toys in laundry detergent with several "spin/rinse cycles". The title of this photo is: Sometimes the puppies pee in the house and then drag their toys through it.
Today has been amazing. It started with a fantastic session with Blinking Cow Photography who is doing photos for the AARCS website of the girls. The Captain had the patience of a saint waiting for Stardust and Nova to come out of their shells. She did an amazing job! No bows, no flowers, just Stardust being her playful and happy go lucky self and Nova being her curious, calculating, reserved self, with the occasional peek into her super puppy playful side.
When I came back from running errands, (don't ask how or why) I put the dog bed in the pen and joined the pups. With a little coercing (food) I managed to get the girls on the bed with me. Nova stayed half on the bed and we played a game of "chew the captain's hand," which she took breaks from if I softly squealed. She let me touch her almost anywhere (I didn't try anywhere, but she didn't move at all for the places I did try). Of course I got barked at when I crawled out, but it's a start.
PS THERE ARE TINY BLADES OF GRASS IN MY SOD BOX, WHOOOHOOO!
I have washed all of the puppy toys - hard toys in dish soap with a rinse, soft toys in laundry detergent with several "spin/rinse cycles". The title of this photo is: Sometimes the puppies pee in the house and then drag their toys through it.
Star Date: 13
Captain's Log. Star Date: 13
A photographer is coming to take photos of the puppies for the AARCS website since their spay is soon and they will be going up for adoption!!! In honor of that, here are some photos for the day.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Star date: 11
Captain's Log. Star date: 11
We have made absolutely outstanding progress over the past two days. Both the first officer and I have done many successful trades of food for allowing us to pet them.
I can usually manage to pet Nova's head prior to giving her food but she will duck as I do it. Stardust has a lot of "thumper" spots, although she is finding it hard to balance on 3 legs when her 4th gets going.
The puppies usually scatter when we walk around so I spent a good half an hour first standing, then stepping back and forth, then two steps, shuffling etc before giving puppies food. The video is about 20 minutes in. Notice how they will also come towards me?! Yippeeeeee!!!!!!!
After all the food, I headed down the stairs to the ship yard. It didn't take much coercing at all to get them to follow me. Stardust did all of her business in the shipyard (yay!!!!!!!) and Nova did half of hers.
Their personalities are really starting to come out. I'll share more later, but Nova is SMART. Tooooo smart. It took ages to get her in the pen for the evening.
We have made absolutely outstanding progress over the past two days. Both the first officer and I have done many successful trades of food for allowing us to pet them.
I can usually manage to pet Nova's head prior to giving her food but she will duck as I do it. Stardust has a lot of "thumper" spots, although she is finding it hard to balance on 3 legs when her 4th gets going.
The puppies usually scatter when we walk around so I spent a good half an hour first standing, then stepping back and forth, then two steps, shuffling etc before giving puppies food. The video is about 20 minutes in. Notice how they will also come towards me?! Yippeeeeee!!!!!!!
After all the food, I headed down the stairs to the ship yard. It didn't take much coercing at all to get them to follow me. Stardust did all of her business in the shipyard (yay!!!!!!!) and Nova did half of hers.
Their personalities are really starting to come out. I'll share more later, but Nova is SMART. Tooooo smart. It took ages to get her in the pen for the evening.
Star date: 10
Captain's Log. Star Date: 10
We have made great progress today. Feeding the puppies we have worked on enticing them with food, beginning to pet them and then removing the food. This has gotten way easier now that we have found the "sweet spot" for pets. They will most of the time wait for you to finish and give them the food after, as opposed to back away.
We were joined by a crew member from another ship for a few hours. Nova parked her out of the control room, down the stairs, and out into the shipyard. It took cookies to get the crew back into the control room so we headed out onto the upper deck where I brushed her and waited for Nova to settle down. Stardust barked a bit, but only really when Nova got going hard. I managed to quarantine Nova in the kitchen and Stardust came out to sniff the crew's butt.
After that ordeal, the new crew member and I went to the park to let the puppies settle and give us a break. It was also nice to throw the chuckit (since I haven't had a dog since Maalek that really loved it).
Once I dropped the visiting crew member back at her own ship, we worked on more pets and even coming to see people (two paws on my legs for food) with another Officer.
There was quite the showdown over the pink kong. Apparently it is waaaay better than the blue one. I wish I could have got it on video, my appologies everyone.
We are not yet dedicating ourselves to doing all business in the ship yard. I am working on getting Nova and Stardust to follow me down the stairs. Until then, we are just happy for the respite from cleaning the control room.
We have made great progress today. Feeding the puppies we have worked on enticing them with food, beginning to pet them and then removing the food. This has gotten way easier now that we have found the "sweet spot" for pets. They will most of the time wait for you to finish and give them the food after, as opposed to back away.
We were joined by a crew member from another ship for a few hours. Nova parked her out of the control room, down the stairs, and out into the shipyard. It took cookies to get the crew back into the control room so we headed out onto the upper deck where I brushed her and waited for Nova to settle down. Stardust barked a bit, but only really when Nova got going hard. I managed to quarantine Nova in the kitchen and Stardust came out to sniff the crew's butt.
After that ordeal, the new crew member and I went to the park to let the puppies settle and give us a break. It was also nice to throw the chuckit (since I haven't had a dog since Maalek that really loved it).
Once I dropped the visiting crew member back at her own ship, we worked on more pets and even coming to see people (two paws on my legs for food) with another Officer.
There was quite the showdown over the pink kong. Apparently it is waaaay better than the blue one. I wish I could have got it on video, my appologies everyone.
We are not yet dedicating ourselves to doing all business in the ship yard. I am working on getting Nova and Stardust to follow me down the stairs. Until then, we are just happy for the respite from cleaning the control room.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Star Date: 9
Captain's log. Star Date: 9
We are working on getting the pups to the shipyard so next we can learn about doing our business in the shipyard ALL the time. They put up with lots of pets this morning for breakfast but have been tired and lazy for the rest of the day. The first officer bought the puppies these tasty alligator treats which they are 'maowing' down. They also played with their new toys, a koala and an elephant that the first office also bought them. They even squeak!
Friday, April 20, 2012
Star Date: 7
Crew's Log. Star date:7
There is something weird going on, on this ship. We were captured 7 days ago and were confused by the large aliens that took us. We were so terrified that it took a few days to realize that it was in fact nice and warm where we are. Clean bedding is fantastic and between the chicken and kibble, there is not much to complain about except maybe how we get food. Lately, we have had to scavenge down these things called "stairs" to the ship yard in order to find food.
Our concerns now are as follows. The first officer has gone mad. She shows up in these things called "sunglasses" sometimes, and "coveralls" and likes to wave her hands in the air we heard mention of a thing called a "hat" which is apparently yet to come. The Captain is no better. She insisted on spending an hour whacking our noses and heads before giving us food. We were a little cautious at first but now we will only shy away a little, and tolerate her insanity since its really only a little tap and we know the food is coming. She tried touching our paws a few times too, and since we really don't mind it, it was nice.
I (Nova) scavenged for food on the "stairs" and ended up in the ship yard, so I did my business. I was hand fed lots of kibble after that and the captain made a huge fuss, calling me "good puppy" and all that.
The captain decided to show us the "toy basket" back in the control room. There were so many neat things to pull out and play with. See the photos below for the result.
*CONTEST* How many toys are in the photo below (with both puppies, the dog bed, pen, etc). Leave a comment!**
Star Date: 6
Captain's Log. Star date: 6.
Puppies are eating their breakfast off of the stairs but have yet to venture outside. Nova feels the need to bark at me excessively. I got them to the ship yard that evening by leaving a few pieces of kibble on each stair as I backed down. The first officer had already thrown chicken down the stairs and got them out once this evening. Both will wait until I let them out of their pen before going to the bathroom in the morning and after work. Progress!
Puppies are eating their breakfast off of the stairs but have yet to venture outside. Nova feels the need to bark at me excessively. I got them to the ship yard that evening by leaving a few pieces of kibble on each stair as I backed down. The first officer had already thrown chicken down the stairs and got them out once this evening. Both will wait until I let them out of their pen before going to the bathroom in the morning and after work. Progress!
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Star Date: 5
Captain's Log. Star Date: 5
The First Officer can tentatively pet Stardust. Nova is a little leery. The First Officer plays with the puppies while I cook and clean. After our meal, the puppies were coerced down the stairs for the first time, with chicken and much patience. I could hear Nova barking in the yard while Stardust whined from the top. Soon, both pups were running up and down the stairs *cathunk*cathunk*. It is well past my bed time. I know this because both puppies slept, and are now playing on the dog bed.
The First Officer can tentatively pet Stardust. Nova is a little leery. The First Officer plays with the puppies while I cook and clean. After our meal, the puppies were coerced down the stairs for the first time, with chicken and much patience. I could hear Nova barking in the yard while Stardust whined from the top. Soon, both pups were running up and down the stairs *cathunk*cathunk*. It is well past my bed time. I know this because both puppies slept, and are now playing on the dog bed.
Star Date: 4 - Regular Report
Captain's Log. Star date: 4 - Regular Report
Stardust and Nova were taken to sick bay for a regular check. Both have a clean bill of health. Many photos were taken of the evening play session as well as video.
Stardust and Nova were taken to sick bay for a regular check. Both have a clean bill of health. Many photos were taken of the evening play session as well as video.
Star Date: 4 - Special Report
Captains Log. Star date: 4 - Special Report
I am very sad to report that this morning we lost Cosmic to adenovirus. Rest in peace sweet puppy. Hopefully you enjoyed your few days in my home with your own bed and as much food and water as you wanted.
I am very sad to report that this morning we lost Cosmic to adenovirus. Rest in peace sweet puppy. Hopefully you enjoyed your few days in my home with your own bed and as much food and water as you wanted.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Star Date: 3
Captain's Log. Star date: 3
Cosmic is being really lethargic. The girls have started coming out of their shell. I left two crates in the pen since my attempt at a sod box yesterday resulted in a puppy laying in the sod box, and poop on the floor. I woke up to puppy pee ON TOP of one crate.
Cosmic is booked in at sick bay. I come home at lunch and separate him from the girls.
First Officer stays with the girls as Cosmic and I head to sick bay. We then transfer to another facility which can provide emergency care. I leave him there, in the capable hands of the crew and return to my ship.
The first officer has been reporting that Stardust and Nova are ok with people standing and walking around, and that they have started to play. Stardust chases her tail.
Cosmic is being really lethargic. The girls have started coming out of their shell. I left two crates in the pen since my attempt at a sod box yesterday resulted in a puppy laying in the sod box, and poop on the floor. I woke up to puppy pee ON TOP of one crate.
Cosmic is booked in at sick bay. I come home at lunch and separate him from the girls.
First Officer stays with the girls as Cosmic and I head to sick bay. We then transfer to another facility which can provide emergency care. I leave him there, in the capable hands of the crew and return to my ship.
The first officer has been reporting that Stardust and Nova are ok with people standing and walking around, and that they have started to play. Stardust chases her tail.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Star Date: 2
Captains Log. Star Date: 2
Puppies need to go to the ship yard to do their business. Unfortunately they can not be coerced out, they are having none of it. Cosmic is slowest, and picked up first. He is left in the yard under the supervision of the First Officer. Nova is caught and carried out, but Stardust attempts a bite when caught. Puppies huddle in the corner instead of doing their business. I came out and convinced them that they should return to the main deck of the ship.
After the First Officer and I return from our mission to get a plastic box, dirt, starter sod/mulch, new bedding and a few toys, we began again to work with the pups. I added dirt and mulch mix to the bin as the First Officer threw chicken to the puppies and around my work area. Stardust and Nova cautiously came to grab pieces, while Cosmic slept in a crate.
That evening, another officer and I had the puppies take chicken from our hands as they tentatively put one, then two paws on us. Cosmic slept the whole time. I picked him up once and he ate one tiny piece of chicken, then curled up in another crate.
Puppies need to go to the ship yard to do their business. Unfortunately they can not be coerced out, they are having none of it. Cosmic is slowest, and picked up first. He is left in the yard under the supervision of the First Officer. Nova is caught and carried out, but Stardust attempts a bite when caught. Puppies huddle in the corner instead of doing their business. I came out and convinced them that they should return to the main deck of the ship.
After the First Officer and I return from our mission to get a plastic box, dirt, starter sod/mulch, new bedding and a few toys, we began again to work with the pups. I added dirt and mulch mix to the bin as the First Officer threw chicken to the puppies and around my work area. Stardust and Nova cautiously came to grab pieces, while Cosmic slept in a crate.
That evening, another officer and I had the puppies take chicken from our hands as they tentatively put one, then two paws on us. Cosmic slept the whole time. I picked him up once and he ate one tiny piece of chicken, then curled up in another crate.
Star Date: 1
Captains Log. Star Date: 1.
AARCS fosters from the ASNTF clinic are picked up. Puppies have just been put in the yard. Crate doors have been removed but there is no movement. Car is being parked and puppies are being left in the yard. There is still no sign of movement upon return. Doors are closed and puppies are moved inside.
Puppy crates are put in an xpen and lids removed. Puppies cower in corner together. Chicken and quiet talk are not enough to break the huddle. After backing up and tossing a few pieces of chicken in, the two skinny pups each take a bite.
The largest and fluffiest is the male. He is Cosmic. Yes we know that it is an adjective. He is mostly black but looks slightly lighter. The skinniest is female. Her ribs are showing. She is most curious but is cautious. She will peek up to look but not go anywhere. She is jet black with a tiny streak of white on her chest. The other female is black and has a brown scruff neck and head and a white dot on her chest. She is more bold and first to explore the chicken streaming into the pen. The girls are Nova and Stardust. Which shall be which? After further study lends to the jet black one being Nova, and the brown and black pup being Stardust.
AARCS fosters from the ASNTF clinic are picked up. Puppies have just been put in the yard. Crate doors have been removed but there is no movement. Car is being parked and puppies are being left in the yard. There is still no sign of movement upon return. Doors are closed and puppies are moved inside.
Puppy crates are put in an xpen and lids removed. Puppies cower in corner together. Chicken and quiet talk are not enough to break the huddle. After backing up and tossing a few pieces of chicken in, the two skinny pups each take a bite.
The largest and fluffiest is the male. He is Cosmic. Yes we know that it is an adjective. He is mostly black but looks slightly lighter. The skinniest is female. Her ribs are showing. She is most curious but is cautious. She will peek up to look but not go anywhere. She is jet black with a tiny streak of white on her chest. The other female is black and has a brown scruff neck and head and a white dot on her chest. She is more bold and first to explore the chicken streaming into the pen. The girls are Nova and Stardust. Which shall be which? After further study lends to the jet black one being Nova, and the brown and black pup being Stardust.
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