Apparently 'Angus' Is Short For Mischevious

Lu and I are currently in the process of a bathroom renovation. We've gotten some Small Black Dog help along the way, usually followed by entreaties to "Drop That" or "Could You Please Move" and the like. After one work day I exited to find this in the living room.

Uh oh. That can't be good. Further exploration revealed to extent of the crime.

And the culprit.

He pled insanity and threw himself on the mercy of the court. A criminal mastermind he ain't.

Six

Something Fun

I don't know if I saw this somewhere and simply forgot or invented it out of my own sheer genius but either way, Angus is so very happy I did.

It's hot here. Not Texas hot but it's been in the low 100's and it's most unpleasant. Especially if you're wearing a black fur coat. What to do?

It turns out that young Angus loves ice cubes. He'll happily chase it around the kitchen floor until he captures it and devours it in an orgy of slobbery puppy happiness. Still, it's just frozen water. Can't we improve on that? Why yes, I think we can.

Enter what else but bacon. Bacon makes everything better right? Right. So why not ice cubes for a puppy? I filled a couple of cubes on the tray with fresh water and sprinkled in chopped up bacon bits.

Here is the result

And here is the reaction

Is that? Could it be? It is! Oh joy!!

Angus's Wonderful Bacon Ice Cubes. Get 'em wherever cuteness is sold.

Life just doesn't get any better than this.

Six

Angus And Water

I still haven't gotten Angus back out to the lake. He's got a small eye infection that I don't want to exacerbate so probably not until next week. It's been hotter than a well diggers ass though so liquid coolant was still called for. Taking a page from Brigid and Barkley we bought a small wading pool.

He was hesitant at first. I think the fishies on the bottom were throwing him off but soon enough he was happily splashing around.

I tossed in some toys so he'd have something to chase around but I think he was mostly just interested in cooling off. And drinking the pretty dirty pool water. I couldn't get a picture of it but he'll grab one of his impromptu chew toys, bring it to the pool and toss it in. Must make it taste better. Doggie Tea I expect. Puppies.

You're looking at a very happy puppy. Please note the Duck trainer in the water with him. Loves the thing.

We took him to the vet on Wednesday and he's 18.2 pounds. That's over 11 pounds in 4 weeks. He's progressing nicely and is happy and healthy. I'll have another post up on Wednesday detailing whether or not we met the challenge I set for his pre-school training.

Have a great weekend everyone and if it's hot where you live just take a page from Angus' book and go for a nice soak. It'll do you wonders and it carries the coveted Angus Recommendation. 4 Paws up!

Six

I Am Such An Idiot

Lu and I took the dogs to Sand Hollow Reservoir yesterday. It was Angus' first time in a body of water larger than his bowl. I was apprehensive. I wanted to take it slowly. Give him a chance to literally get his feet wet without scaring him.

Riiiight.

He took to the water like a duck. He ambled along the shore and shallow water until we got to the secret swimming hole then he just jumped in and started swimming. He followed big sister on water retrieves. He followed me and Lu swimming around and even did some water retrieves himself. He had an absolute blast. Water over the head? No problem. At one point we swam out to some rocks and he was diving, full out diving, off the rocks for a retrieve. I was in awe of the little guy and happy as a clam. All my concerns about him and water evaporated in splash of puppy joy. He only went head up butt down a couple of times but once he got the hang of things never had troubles again.

But why am I an idiot you ask? Yep, I forgot the camera. First time in the water.  First time swimming. First water retrieves. And Otto the Moron Boy forgot the means of preserving it for posterity.

We'll be going back out tomorrow and this time I'm going to strap the camera to my ass with duct tape. Pictures when we get back.

Six

Interlude

This is a very small sampling of Angus' impromptu chew toys, the discovery of which is usually followed by the following words and phrases;

What's in your mouth?
Is that a...?
Oh Lord.
Give me that!
Nononononononono!
Don't eat him.....No. Screw it, he's half gone now you might as well finish him off.
Don't you run from me.
Come back here and spit that out!
I do not want to know.
Where did you get that?
Drop that. Drop it. Drop it.
Don't bring that over here.
Aw geez, It's covered in doggy spit.
I don't want to see that.
Let me see that.
What in God's name is that!?
Is it?
It is!
Ewwww.
Aaaiiieee!!

Puppies. They're so cute.

When they're asleep.

Six

Progress

I said that by the time Angus was 12 weeks old he'd at least know SIT, COME, DOWN and STAY by voice, hand and whistle. He's actually a bit smarter than I anticipated and is progressing very nicely. Remember, at the time of this post he's 8 1/2 weeks old.

I started Angus on treats. Some trainers do and some don't. With retrievers treats are fine because by the time we progress into actual retrieving that will completely take the place of everything else.

First up was reinforcing his name. I use it whenever possible without overdoing it. I keep all our training sessions limited to just a few minutes. Anything more and I run the risk of convincing him he can ignore me without consequences because there are no consequences for failure or refusal at this stage. I call his name when he's active and involved without being actively occupied with something puppy. He now regularly acknowledges his name when he's called. Ok, it's now time to move on.

At this age Angus, and most puppies, are gastricly motivated. As soon as he figured out treats and that I could and would dispense them for certain behaviors the training took off at light speed. He sat at the breakfast table practically immediately. He has such a good disposition anyway that he just naturally sat while watching me. It was very simple to stand so he'd follow. I then called COME and sat again. He came running and as he sat I commanded SIT. As soon as his butt hit the floor I gave him a treat and praise. Within 2 or 3 repetitions he reliably came and sat on command.

That's all well and good but how about when we're away from the table? On to the next phase. I started springing COME and SIT on him at times when he was doing other things. At first he got a quizzical look on his face when I commanded COME. You could see his little gears turning. Then he'd light up and come running. As he got to me I commanded SIT. When he sat I took out a treat and gave him play and praise. At the same time I introduced hand commands and the whistle. The Hand command for COME is clapping and for SIT it's a pointed finger.
Take a look at how interested Angus is. That's a focused puppy.

This is our training whistle and he loves it. The whistle seems to really speak to dogs and Angus responded the first time he heard it. He came running and Daddy rewarded him with lots of love and play. There will come a time when as soon as he sees the whistle, dummies or leash he'll lose his mind with joy. Pavlov was short sighted.

Ok, let's set up the training. It takes place in the living room, where he's spent the most time and is very comfortable. It's filled with familiar things and smells that give him comfort and security. The training is limited to what I know he understands and there's no pressure or consequences. It's just fun and Angus picks up on that immediately. We're keeping the training light and happy with lots of treats and love.

 COME

And SIT

Both done for a treat and sets the stage for a learning session. He's active, interested and feeling no pressure.

Let's try it with hand commands. COME is clapping hands. Note I am no longer bent over and offering a treat.

And SIT. You can see the pointed finger and his butt heading for the floor. No oral commands were given.

What a good dog! Time for some love.

Now for the whistle.
COME is a rolling trill. It's loud and a happy sound. Angus really responds.

COME

And SIT. SIT is one sharp short blast.

I move away and have him follow, re-set and do it once more to be sure it's all set in his mind. Note that Angus is still sitting as I move off. We haven't worked STAY to any degree yet but he's showing good signs of understanding what to do.

COME. Look at his ears. He's responding with enthusiasm and happiness. This is all a big game and one he gets rewarded for doing well.



SIT. You can see my hand at my mouth trilling the SIT command. He sat with alacrity.

And we're done. I keep his training time very short, a minute or two only. It keeps his interest and enthusiasm up and trends to alleviate balking or refusing so there won't be any bad habits to break him of later. This way we can play and have fun while learning at the same time, the true purpose of preschool. Distances are limited to a few feet mostly because it is massively easy to distract a puppy at this age. "Yea, the whistle. Oh look at that leaf. Is it a Fun Thing? Do I need to attack it. I think I do. Joy!!"

Angus responds to love and affection. He feels secure and is developing both a strong bond and a deep trust in me. Both are critical for his long term development and happiness. He's never happier than when he's in Daddy's lap. This is impossible for a puppy who is getting inconsistent messages or too much training or discipline at such a young age. Puppyhood is a time for play, fun and learning to learn.

And now it's time for a nap.

We're starting on STAY and DOWN but both are a bit harder than SIT and COME. Angus has done DOWN a couple of times with some help but not reliably and we haven't tried STAY in training yet. Both will come but only as Angus seems ready to progress. Angus drives all the training at this point. When he's off he's off and I don't even try to force the issue. For now I am overjoyed with him, how smart he is and how eager he is to learn and perform. This little puppy will come and sit on voice, hand and whistle command.

Have I mentioned he's only 8 1/2 weeks old? What a Good Boy!!

Six

Introducing Angus To Chrisi

Chrisi is a 14 year old dog who is used to things being a certain way. She also hates a closed door and will pout whenever she sees one. That's an issue because I want to keep Angus in an area that I can monitor at all times and a missing puppy is an invitation to disaster or even tragedy. Puppies are hyperactive balls of misdirected energy and are best monitored constantly. So a gate was first up.

Yeah, it's crude but then so am I and it is temporary after all. It swings on hinges and locks at the top. This is actually the second iteration. At first it was just leaning against the wall but the little man figured out how to defeat it toot sweet. He's going to be a hand full.

Because Chrisi is elderly and Angus can be a terror on 4 tiny legs, their introduction was best done gently. When Chrisi saw first him she immediately turned tail. So far she's been avoiding him whenever she can but that's gradually improving. Both are getting used to each other so Chrisi in a little more tolerant and Angus a little less bitey.

First introduction was with a barrier between. Can you hear the thought going through her head? "Oh Lord, what have you people done now"?

Well. he is kinda cute. I guess.

Here they are in the back yard. Not too close now. Can't scare her off.

A little closer. By the way, that's a lean to I built over part of the yard and it relates to potty training. It's very hot here and the sun is harsh. The ground, including the grass was getting so hot it was painful on his little feet and he shied away from going potty in the yard during the day. I put this up to shade the grass and I keep it nice and wet. Worked like a charm. He loves wet grass and the hesitation to go when it's hot out is gone.

So. We friends now?

A word on biting. A puppy's world is defined by their mouth. Everything goes into it. Everything. They'll chew on whatever catches their eye from sticks to bugs to toes and fingers. It's not aggression it's exploration. It's one of the prime reasons to watch them so closely. Angus has no idea what is OK to chew on and what isn't. He's depending on me to guide and protect him. It's not only my job it's my pleasure and one I take very seriously. Puppies can be hurt or killed by chewing or eating the wrong things and they seem to pick those objects with unerring certainty. He's usually very good about giving up items I take away though sometimes he really doesn't want to let that clump of unknown nastiness go. When that happens I simply grip his muzzle lightly, don't hurt him, and lightly press his flews into his teeth. He'll open right up and you can remove the offending bit with no muss and no fuss. When he goes for fingers or toes I move them away, give him a NO and then give him an approved chew toy and lots of praise. We can play as hard as he likes as long as he obeys the rules. When he doesn't I simply stop the play, give him a toy and play recommences. If he refuses then play time is over. I'm teaching him the rules without him even knowing it's happening. He's still self directed but he wants to play and learns quickly that some things stop the play and some things make for more fun. I do not hit Angus ever. Ever, ever. I want him to regard my hands as objects of joy not potential pain and I can control and direct him, even at this tender age, without a spanking. Understanding his motivations, reacting appropriately, having a training plan and being consistent and gentle are the keys here. If I hurt Angus I risk ruining the bonding process, maybe forever. If I confuse him with inconsistent direction I risk screwing up Preschool and the learning process. It's true, you never get a second chance with a puppy.

Preschool continues. He's started running with me and will sometimes come to a call and clapping hands, all gangly limbs and floppy ears. He's so cute. He's pushing his boundaries out and exploring more of the yard. He's bold and fearless and shows a real interest in people. He'll watch the kids playing across the street, eyes bright and ears up. He's met the neighbors and we encourage strangers to pet him and coo at him though he's still too physically fragile for unmonitored play with anyone but Lu or I. Accidents do happen, especially with small children. No dogs except Chrisi until after his third series of Parvo/Distemper shots at 12 weeks.

My little man.

Six

Beware

Canine Prosthetics

I've been spending a lot of time getting ready for the new puppy, some of which has been internet searches. I ran across this during my surfing.



How can something be so sad and yet so uplifting at the same time? Dogs and the people who love them. It's a beautiful thing. Spirit, it can't be measured but you know it when you see it. You can read the whole story about Naki'o and his owner, Christie Tomlinson here.

Six

He's Here!

I'm here and waiting for you

Got a call from Donna at Highland Labs about 2100 local. We have puppies!

Mom had a tri-color litter; 2 Yellows 3 Chocolate and 4 Black. There may be a 10th puppy coming (Donna would only say Mom didn't act like she was quite done yet) but as of now there is exactly one black male and he's promised to me.

It's interesting. When Trooper was born he was also the only black male. I often said we were meant to be together. That God had chosen him for me, to teach me the things I needed to learn. I hope it's an auspicious beginning to our relationship.

I need a dog. When I lost Trooper I felt lost and alone. I wondered if the hurt and pain would ever pass. In some ways it hasn't. I can feel the hot tears well up as I write about Trooper. But while the loss hasn't dimmed the pain has receded to a place where it's bearable. And now it's time to turn the page and begin a new chapter. Me and my new boy. I think Trooper would be glad for me. All he ever wanted was for me to be happy and today is a happy day.

Tonight Lu and I will celebrate. In about 3 weeks I'll head out and see him. Our first meeting. I'm going to wait to announce his name until he comes home somewhere around the first of July. Nothing spectacular, just no sense in taunting fate.

Happy birthday little man. I'll be seeing you soon.

Six

Puppy Update

It's official,. We're expecting.

I called Donna, from Highland Labs, today and she confirmed that Momma was bred successfully on March 21st. If our math is correct the new boy will be born around the third week of May. I'll go out to see the pups in June and will bring the new baby home somewhere around July 9th.

Now I get to arrange the house, buy some new toys, collars and leashes and brush up on my Richard Wolters.

I have a name picked out but won't reveal it until he comes home.

I am on Cloud Nine.

Six