Relaxing

Relaxing on the sofa while Leah enjoys her dessert and watches TV

Yeah the video upload is working today.  So, the video is an example of the type of basic training I've been doing with Simon.  He is a smart, smart boy and probably belonged to someone who didn't give him any rules and let him rule the roost.  So, I've started just basic obedience with him and the first step is to get the dog to "watch me" on command.  You can see he's doing great.

We have seen some evidence of his resource guarding.   This is where the dog will grab something and not want to give it up.  He's a small and happy guy so I wouldn't say he has a high level of resource guarding but nonetheless he currently feels the need to protect some things at some times.  I have found that as I've been working with him on getting his attention and rewarding him for that I have had success is getting him to leave what he was guarding.  So, for example, tonight he grabbed some sort of yarn creation one of the girls was working on (their fault for leaving it within reach).  I had tutored the girls on my technique so when he ran behind the chair with it they went and got the treats and called him with a "watch me" command.  He dropped his item and came for the treat.  I had the same experience during the week when we were out on a walk.  With all the snow melting he found a treasure (I think it was gum of all things).  I always bring treats on my walks so I can work on impromptu training so I asked him to "watch me" and he dropped his item and got a treat.  This is the type of exercise he will benefit from.  The more someone can give him the challenge and reward that his smart and active mind craves, the less he will find the need to misbehave.  I will say that he leaves many things alone, like the books the girls leave on the floor.  Also, he's grabbed a few socks from the laundry and has given them up quickly.  So, it's not everything and if we had keept things picked up (hard with two pre-teens) I don't think we'd have seen any guarding.

I will say that he plays really well with my dogs and shares all the toys just fine.  He and my standard poodle, Missy (Fluffy Dog alum), have a great time together.  He also plays well with my mini-poodle mix, Miles (Fluffy Dog alum).  My 13-14 year old sheltie-mix, Holly, gets annoyed by him, but then most of the foster dogs annoy her.  Her interests are food, sleep, walks and belly rubs and that's about it.  You can see from the video that Simon is polite when taking treats, just like my dogs.

Miles and I did an agility trial today and I've decided to take back what I said about Simon not doing agility.  You know, there are all forms of agility, experience levels and jump heights.  The foundation of all of it is that you and the dog are working as a team.  You know that the lowest jump height (NADAC) is 4 inches?  Simon would be wonderful at that.  It would barely be a jump for him.  Really just a hop.  Plus, there are all sorts of events you can do and some exclude jumps all together.  Even if you never compete I've found that agility has made Miles a more confident and secure dog and the bond we share has grown tremendously just through the training.  So, just a thought.  But, then I am an agility junkie.

Simon continues to ring the bell to go outside.  We've found that he's starting to get on a schedule and has been very good about doing everything outside.  There have been a couple accidents but I think they're because we're still learning about his needs.  For example, we've found he regularly does #2 first thing in the morning.  So, we need to make sure he doesn't get excited to come back inside until he's done his thing.

While I type this he's napping next to Missy while my girls watch a movie.

Thanks for thinking rescue!