A Note from Karen:

Here's the latest photo of Eddie.

He's added to his repertoire of tricks. Besides shake he will spin in either direction on command. He is so smart and learns so quickly.

My favorite command he knows is wait. It is awesome to be able to open the back of the SUV and not have a Labrador burst out like a jack in the box!

Eddie starts intermediate obedience class on the 21st. Maybe he will be the "doggie push ups" champion once again.

Eddie is fearless, trusting and so loving. Thanks for raising such a great pup!

KP

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So if you're wondering what Doggie Push Ups are (like I was), they are a set of sits and downs in quick repetition.  Eddie was the "winner" with 15 sets in 30 seconds!  He's a rock star puppy in my book.

-Rachelle

Finn On Contacts-Woo Hoo and Rachelle Learns Something Too!

I've only done this 4 or 5 times with him - I'm only using kibble, but think I will start using higher value treats for the better contacts. 


Funny story:  A couple of nights ago, I realized we had tried the elevated plank only in the living room, so I thought we'd try a new location.  It was the dining room, just a few feet away, but still a little bit different environment.  Because it was on a hardwood floor, I took the rug from the front door and placed in under the end of the contact.  It stuck out about a foot and 1/2 on either side of the board.  Finn approached the board and promptly laid down on the rug next to it...hmm, that's odd.  I waited him out and he seemed confused.  More waiting...then he took the end position and received his click, treat and release.  Now usually he will hop right back onto the plank, but not this time...he laid down again and looked at me as if to say, "Where's the treat?".  So, by now I'm really confused and thinking, "Gosh, I thought he knew this better.  Does moving to a new location make such a difference?  How? Why?  And why the heck isn't he doing better?"...yes, all those thoughts ran through my head in about 5 seconds or so.  Ok, back on the board, click, treat, release and end of session.  


I then put the plank away and pick up the mat to place back in front of the door when the virtual light bulb goes off in my head (DUH moment approaching folks!).  About 5 or 6 weeks ago, I used the mat in the middle of the living room floor.  When Finn would go to the mat and lie down I would click and treat.  He caught on to that one VERY quickly.  And, it obviously stuck - good dog; too bad about the handler!  Well, at least I figured it out and will be careful about my props in the future.  Enjoy your dogs - they are smarter than we realize.

Just Hanging Out

Finn (L) and Zoe (R)  Yes, he is taller than his mama!

Update 02-29-12 It's LEAP DAY!!!

Hey all:
Just heard from Karen last night about Eddie...sounds like he is a real cuddle bug and doing well.  He gets to attend daycare a couple days a week at a great facility and has just passed his first obedience class - YAY!  Sounds like they are on the right track.


So, it seems all the puppies have completed at least one class with one exception ... that is Finn (and me)!  Well, we will start one on Thursday, so we'll see how it goes.  Below is a recent photo of Eddie.  I do have some photos of Finn I will try to get up later today as well.  Finn has also learned (learning) the end position of a plank.  Perhaps I'll remember to set up the video camera one of these days and see if I can get some footage.  Check out the puppy page for other updates!

Mr. Handsome Pants - Eddie

Simba Update

Hooray! I received an update on Simba today - Email and photo below.  Hoping to hear from all the other puppy families soon (hint, hint).


"Rachelle,
Simba has started obedience classes and is doing very good.  We laughed the other night because we told him it was bedtime and and ran and got his blanket out of his kennel and got on our bed as if to say "I'm a big boy and can sleep here tonight"!  Funny guy!  We are so in love with him he is awesome!"

Play Time

One of the last videos taken before Eddie flew off to his new home.

They're almost as tall as their mama!

For Karen

A couple of videos of "Eddie" - Taken Christmas Day.

This boy is flying home on Friday...he's such a good pupper

and I know he'll make a wonderful companion for Karen.

Ready or Not , There He Goes ~ To Portland that Is!

I'm heading off to Madison later today to purchase a new airline approved crate for Jag.  He's soon to be flying off to his new home in Portland, OR come January 13th.  Yes, it is on a Friday, but we don't believe in all that "Friday the 13th Stuff" here.  Good things are in the works for this awesome guy, I can feel it.  Admittedly though, I am a little sad to see him go, but I know it's for the best.  He is a really great dog with tons of potential.


Initially,I thought he was going to be "just" a companion dog for his new human mom, Karen.  I am so excited to learn that she has already signed up for an obedience class with him and is also considering the world of agility.  I hope she follows through with it.  It would be great to know that several of the Nitro x Zoe pups are out there competing in various sports.  Speaking of Nitro, Karen has already had a pup from him.  It was sad to learn she recently lost him, but hopefully she can find comfort and new beginnings with another one of his little boys.  


Portland is a great dog-friendly city with many dog parks and opportunities for fun!  It sounds like Karen is getting well prepared for her new puppy, who will now be called Eddie.  


I wish them all the best, as I do with all of the pups' new families; and, all the best to each of you as we start a brand new year in 2012!!!


P.S.  He will still be cheering for the Badgers today vs. the Ducks ;0)