Break Time

This post has nothing to do with resting, but everything to do with relieving.  One of the  basic functions of dogs, and one of the most frustrating issues of the owner of the untrained dog, is eliminating.  We call this "taking a break."  However, with consistency and attention, you can equip your dog with the skills to eliminate on command.

Meal Time:  By keeping meal times consistent, you establish routine and predictability in your dog.  We feed our dogs every morning after their initial "break".  We feed them the same amount every meal.  Normally, they wolf their food down in minutes; any uneaten kibble is removed from the crate and not offered again until dinner (or for training purposes).

"Good break, puppy!"

Break Time:  After we've finished our breakfast, we have someone on duty to take the dogs out for another "break".  Generally, this is about an hour after feeding. This has allowed the dogs to consume and digest their meal.  The person on duty leads the pups over to the "Break Area" and says, "Take a break."  Because we have done this every single time since we moved here three months ago, the dogs know that this is where they eliminate and they are ready to perform.  We just count seven "poops" until we know that everyone is finished, and then we take them up to the kennel for their morning session.

Every time we transition the dogs from crate to kennel, kennel to crate, or take them for a training session, we visit the "Break Area" for them to do their business.  This establishes routine and quickly forms a habit for them.

This week I took a young pup to town to be my shopping buddy.  At this point our pups are just over four months old.  He looked so handsome with his black coat gleaming under his red "Service Dog in Training" vest.  Between stores I told him to "break" in a designated place.  I was so proud of him when he immediately began doing his thing.  Confidently, I entered the store, assured that he wouldn't be doing anything naughty once inside.

Dogs instinctively like to keep their "den" clean.  We rarely have messy crates (I can only remember cleaning two since we've been here), and when they do have an accident it's either because of a sick dog or a handler that waited too long.

Training in public

Canines are creatures of habit and will eliminate in the same area, even without being trained.  Their sensitive snouts can smell things that we can't, and will find the odors associated with elimination.  That's why it's imperative to clean any messes in the house immediately and thoroughly, because they will return to that spot and do it again.

And finally, when you do take your dog into public, be prepared.  We always have little doggie bags tucked away in our service vests for public breaks.  This is just being responsible and respectful of others.

Well, it's been an hour since the dogs were fed, so it's time to go "take a break"!

Socializing at a Family Fun Day

Pups' Day Out

Whew!! It is always an adventure training and socializing puppies. Yesterday we had grocery shopping to do, so we decided to let a couple puppies tag along.  However,  that is not as easy said as done.  Our goal was to leave around two pm, but, by the time we finished all of our studies, chores, and were ready to leave, it was three-thirty! 

Finally, in the van with four boys, two puppies, Bailey, Mom and I, we were on the road.  Stopping at the post office, Mom let Wyatt, the two puppies and I off.  We then walked about a block across a beautiful park to the library. The puppies did fabulous.

Cocoa and Bailey

Then we went to Albertsons, and while the others and Bailey went shopping, I showed the pups around Subway. The outside that is.  They are not quite ready to go in. From there, we made our way to Walmart, were the others, again, went inside, and I socialized the pups in the  parking lot.  They did very well around the barking dogs you always encounter in a Walmart parking lot. You'll notice there are no pictures of the dogs in the parking lot-- that's because everyone else was shopping and I haven't figured out how to be a photographer and dog handler at once!

Lucky

It was a full afternoon for Cocoa and Lucky. However, they learned a lot, and are well on their way to becoming solid companions for their kids.

A tuckered Lucky

Bailey

 Lucky

On place in the van

Cocoa

Cocoa

We've had a Photographer!

We have had a photographer that would like to start pet photography business.  She asked if she could come up and take pictures of our pups.  We, of course, couldn't pass up such a great opportunity,  so here are just a few of the shots she took. 

We will be adding more in the future.  Hope you enjoy them!!!

Tioga is off to Colorado to serve...

Sometimes things don't turn out the way you think they will.  This has been the case for our sweet Tioga.  When we acquired her last October, we intended to use her as part of our breeding stock.  We loved her solid, cheerful disposition, and she brought such delight to our team.

As we do with all of our breeding stock dogs, we had her genetically tested to ensure that she would not have any genetic issues with her eyes or hips.  Imagine our sadness when Tioga's results came back showing that she was "affected" with PRA-- bottom line, Tioga may eventually go blind.  With this information, we could not use her to breed nor could we in good conscience place her as a medical service dog.  So what to do with the precious creature?  As lovable and solid as she is, we really desired for her to "work", and not be re-purposed as a pet.

We started thinking about therapy dogs.  It seemed that this would be the perfect new job for Tioga, since their jobs are not to provide medical support, but comfort and emotional support.

Tioga has now left us to go and serve someone for the rest of her life.  Today Tioga arrives in Colorado to meet her new master, Amy, who serves others in the name of Christ using therapy dogs for Canines for Christ.  This wonderful creature will be greatly missed around our home base, however, it is great to know that she is on her way to serve and change another life for the better.

Tioga is a "bomb proof" dog.  We have dropped a pan near her sleeping black head and she barely acknowledged it.  Yet, as soon as you say her name she will jump up from a deep sleep, ready to assist you in any way you might need her.  Tioga is a great dog that will bring MUCH joy and peace to many in her new role as a four-legged ambassador for Christ in Colorado.