Me and my dog family

This is me and my brother Alex, a miniature schnauzer and Ethyl, a mixed terrier. Alex is five years old and the boss. Ethyl is around four (we think) and she lets me push her around. She looks old but she's not. Mom and Dad saved her from going to the pound. It would have been her second time. She has been here around five months and she is really a sweet little girl. Of course the name Ethyl is kinda crazy but that was her name so she kept it.

Mom was just going to dogsit her for the neighbor but once she was here and cleaned up she never went back to that house. She was mainly living in the basement there because she didn't get along with the large dog that lived there. She loves it outside and enjoys chasing squirrels. In fact, she is fascinated by them.

Alex likes to chase squirrels too. It's a great pastime. I'm not really interested in them yet but I'm sure I will be in the future.

Ciao for now, Nicki

First Class

This is my teacher, Kathy, and my Mom. I'm already alot to hold.

In our first class we were introduced to:

Gotcha: Grab the dog's collar, say "Gotcha" and give a treat.

Sit: Use treat in hand and make the "sit" hand motion. When dog sits immediately give treat.

Watch Me: With treat in hand, let the dog see the treat and tell her to "watch me". Bring the treat towards your nose and as soon as the dog even glances at your eyes give the treat. As the dog gets used to this, hold the treat off to the side by your shoulder. The dog will eventually glance at you longer and longer. As this happens put the treat in your other hand without her seeing you and when she looks at you give the treat.

Take It: With a treat in the palm of your hand, show the treat and then close your hand into a fist. Let the dog sniff, paw, or lick your fist but do not give the treat until the dog loses interest (even for a moment). Then quickly open your hand and say "Take It" and give the treat. Eventually, you will be able to offer the treat with an open palm and the dog won't take it until you say "Take It".

"Release Word"--Whatever word you pick; which is then used to release or to tell the dog that the requested behavior is finished. If your word is "ok", then after the sit, gotcha, or watch me command is accomplished and the treat is given, tell her "ok". That lets her know she is finished.

"Jumping Up"--Turn your body to the side and bump or lean into the dog. They will get the idea.

"Barking"--Firmly say "no bark" or "quiet" whatever you pick and if she isn't listening try a spray bottle filled with water or a can with coins, something to distract her from the behavior that she won't appreciate. Don't let the dog see the bottle or can if possible.

Hint: Don't let your dog play with other dogs when on leash. It is a bad habit to get into. The dog needs to know when it is acceptable to visit with other dogs.

Whew! That was alot to learn and we have to practice it all everyday. The above is just my Mom's writing from what she gleaned from the class. We really like Kathy and are so happy that Petsmart adovcates humane teaching. No chrome choke collars or pinch collars or harsh methods. Of course my Mom wouldn't have taken me there if they did use those methods.

I love class because I'm getting lots of treats and there is alot going on what with people and dogs walking about shopping. Plus Mom bought me a new toy (Dad said we have enough toys, but we still get them). Lots of toys and bones mean I won't be so interested in chewing up good shoes or furniture or paper.

Today is beautiful out so all of us were outside since early this morning. Mom raked the yard and I didn't even get in her way too much. The temperature here today is probably going to be a record high for this time of year so we are going to enjoy it while we can. So I can't be blogging all day, we are going outside!!
Ciao, Nicki

This is me and my classmate Princess on our first day of puppy class. It was good because there was only the two of us we got lots of attention.

 
 

First Day of School

Yesterday, November 1, 2005 I had my first puppy class. I was the star of the class. Of course there were only two of us and the other girl IS only about 10 weeks old. I'm 15 weeks now and Mom has been working with me so I had a headstart. I'm still very smart and the teacher said we both did very well.

I'm still confined to my crate at times because I'm not totally potty trained although I'm getting better everyday.

We have been busy around here. Everyday we all go for a walk and then because the weather is still nice we get to stay outside a large portion of the day.

Alex, my brother, (he's five and a miniature schnauzer) is fun to play with since I am learning some manners. He doesn't tolerate indiscrimate biting and lets me know about it. Ethyl, my sister, is even more fun because she let's me get away with more rough play. Mom frowns on that and is teaching me that that behavior isn't nice. Ethyl is too nice for her own good.

I've had a little trim and shortly will be getting my first real haircut. There are lots of pictures of me and my family but Mom hasn't figured out how to put up the link. Until then this website is where our albums are: http://community.webshots.com/user/llmufich. You'll have to copy and paste for now.
Ciao for now, Nicki