Episode #19: THE INEVITABLE

Bonnie

Staffordshire Terrior

Color: white with brown spots

Red Nose

Expected size: about 70-80 lbs

Current weight: 50 lbs

Clyde

Staffordshire Terrior

Color: Lilac

Red Nose

Expected size: about 80 lbs

Current Weight 60 lbs

I knew the pups were strong enough to pull me down, so, as you know, I usually take them out one at a time to avoid the “beached whale” effect. But one night this week, evidently throwing my good judgement out the window, I decided that Bonnie and Clyde look bored. I hooked them up and took them out. They both peed and we headed toward the back of the yard.

I have learned that if I keep them close, I can control them better if they pull but before I had the chance to reign them in, Bonnie laser focused in on something just beyond the fence line. Clyde met her shortly after and focused as well. I got there to see a cute little basset hound and its owner (an older gentleman) coming up the path. Bonnie and Clyde were at high alert, they wanted to play with the new potential friend. But even excited, they obeyed the “easy” command and stayed where they were by me. (proud moment…but wait)

As the dog got closer, I could tell that the pups were getting more and more anxious. Finally, no amount of “easy” could contain them. They pulled toward the dog (who was also pulling his owner). They never reached the dog. Know why? Because even these pups are not strong enough yet to pull my ENTIRE body mass even one centimeter. That’s right, they pulled me straight to the ground with a thud. I held on to the leashes as I lay on my belly. They waited for the dog to get far enough away to lose interest, then turned to me…

I was on the ground, in their territory!!! I was puppy mauled. I laughed out loud as they pounced and wrestled me. After a couple of minutes, I forced my way to a sit position, untangled Clyde from the leash, caught my breath, then called it a night!

They broke command, disobeyed, pull me to the ground, got all tangled in their leashes; but I still ended the moment laughing hysterically. These pups have already got it figured out!

(no pics--- obviously!!!)

TRUCK LOVE

As you know, I walk them separately as much as I’m able. Clyde has shown that he already is loving the truck and the wind in his face out the window). Now, when I walk them, every time we go out and down the driveway, he stops longingly at the truck. He smells it and sits down beside it, waiting on me to open the door so that he can climb in. SMH

I CAN TELL TIME

I can now see their internal clocks at work. They know the time-of-day Bradley gets off work and the time Moxie and Penny come over. They now have the daily ritual of looking out the window.

Bonnie stopping everything to watch lightening bugs.

The pups have been doing great. They give signals, even though they're hard to catch. Clyde has been through our bathroom trash a couple of times this week, but nothing too bad.

We cut ALL human food and most dog treats out of their diet. We are trying to learn the foods that upset their systems. So far, the only food item that we can add back in is tuna (in small amounts).

EASY COMMAND

Describe

I say “easy” or I snap my fingers and point at them. When first giving this command, knowing that they don't know what it means, I had to follow it with the physical restrint that was approriate. It is a never ending command that they constantly need to be reminded of.

Reason

When I need them to have less vigor at whatever they are doing, I give the command “easy.” Less pull, slow er walking pace, staying calm through distraction, excitement jumping when people enter; intensity of the bite, calmer play; “easy” works on all of it.

Progress

Over time, they have learned what it means (along with the all familiar “ah ah.” They are still working on it but I am impressed with the sheer volume of ways I can use this command and they understand it. One day, they will be a good as Moxie.

Bonnie noticed some dirt in the bottom of their water bowl (because they eat dirt like it’s a buffet outside). She stuck her whole nose in to reach the bottom. As she stirred the water, the dirt moved; but she was determined. She kept in up for several minutes, coming up for air when she needed. But in the process of this whole cute (but extremely messy) moment, she learned to blow bubbles in the water. She emptied a huge bowl of water onto the floor, but it was such a cute moment, I didn’t get upset at all. This picture doesn’t quite catch the angle to show her newfound skill. I’ll try to catch it on video (if I can) and put it on Facebook at “The tails of Bonnie and Clyde.”

I’ve started taking them on walks separately. I took Bonnie first (Clyde didn’t seem to be interested). Bonnie did great on her walk, we made good stride on her training. Just when I thought we were making head way, I come home to see Clyde standing at the back door in a puddle of pee. I know it was separation anxiety but why Clyde…just why?

PENNY TURNED FOUR

Happy Birthday, Penny!