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Puppy In Training Progress Report

March 31, 2008 By 6 Comments

As you all know I’m raising a Pure-Bred Black Labrador Retriever named Stetson to be a Guide Dog for the non-profit organization Guide Dogs of America. One of my duties as a Guide Dog puppy raiser is to fill out a puppy raising monthly progress report. I’ve been wanting to share the information I send back to Guide Dogs of America every month ever since I started raising Stetson and finally…today….I’m going to share Stetson’s March, 2008!

If you’re interested in raising a guide dog puppy for Guide Dogs of America you can visit the GDA puppy raising section of their website by going to the following link: http://www.guidedogsofamerica.org/raising.html.

Here’s a picture of Stetson when I first brought him home from Guide Dogs of America. I wrote Stetson’s first monthly progress report shortly after this picture.

Guide Dogs Of America Puppy Monthly Progress Report

Little Stetson

Guide Dogs of America

Puppy Raising Program

Monthly Progress Report

Puppy Name: Stetson
Breed: BLR
Weight: 65 lbs
Feeding Amount/# of times per day: 3 cups/1 time a day
Sex: M F Intact/Neutered
DOB: 12/21/2006
Puppy Raiser: Colby Morita

For the month/year of: March, 2008

I. Health
Describe GDA puppy health concerns and or Medical Care the GDA puppy has received since the last progress report (indicate names of medications and treatment). Describe any health problems.
Stetson had a respiratory infection a couple weeks ago. He was sneezing and had a runny nose, but his energy level was the same. It didn’t seem to affect him too much. The vet prescribed Doxycycline for 10 days.

Stetson just got back from the puppy sitter and I noticed a rash on his chin and also looks like he may have been nibbling on some of the fur on his foot. I’m going to check with the puppy sitter to see if he was having some anxiety issues.

II. House Manners
Please enter an N (never observed), S (sometimes observed), or A (always observed) next to the following areas. IS THE PUPPY………..
__N__Having trouble being quiet while you Are not near by
__S__Chewing inappropriately
__N__Protective/territorial barking
__N__Noisy when being crated
__N__Jumping/climbing on furniture
__S__Having trouble being able to
__S__Stealing food/garbage/on counters
__S__Urinate and defecate on leash on command
Please describe any areas of difficulty so we may offer support:
Good reports from Stetson’s puppy sitter. They said his house manners were very good. Of course he does still get excited to see new people at the house. He does sniff around the house more than I’d like, but he’s a good listener when I tell him “No Sniff!”

III. Social Manners
Please enter an N (never observed), S (sometimes observed), or A (always observed) next to the following areas. (It is understood that the age of a puppy would effect how they score on certain topics below).
IS THE PUPPY………………
_S__Gentle with interactions w/children
_N__Overly shy/fearful
_S__Accepting grooming
_A__Overly excitable with greetings
_S__Accepting nail trimming
_N__Protecting food or toys
_A__Accepting hands-on restraint
_S__Mouthing/snapping/biting
_S__Accepting tie down
_N__Having travel sickness
_N__Urinary marking
_S__Experiencing excessive energy
_N__Growling (circle; fearful, assertive play)
_N__Sexual mounting
Please describe any areas of difficulty so we may offer support:
Stetson’s very excited to go to new places, but once he’s been there for a few minutes he calms down.

IV. DOG INTERACTION
Please describe any concerning behavior while the puppy is in the presence of dogs, such as: high dog distraction, lunging, barking, growling, hackling or shying away submissively urninating
We work on Stetson’s dog interaction every time we visit our friend’s dogs. Stetson gets excited to see the other dogs, but will listen to my commands and remain in a sit-stay until I release him. He does hackle when he plays with other dogs, but he’s not angry they just always go up when he plays.

V. OUTDOORS
Please describe any concerning behavior observed while the puppy is outdoors, such as: digging, barking, fence fighting, small animal/cat, bird distraction or chasing.
He still loves to sniff in the outdoors. He does observe other animals (non-dog) when we are out on a walk, but has never chased one. He does occasionally lunge when he see’s other dogs.

VI. TRAINING
What training tools are you currently using?
_Y__flat collar _n/a__other, please describe ___________________________
_Y__chain/training collar
Please mark an I next to behaviors you have introduced/working on, M next to behaviors you have Mastered and P next to behaviors you are having problems with teaching.
_M__Dogs Name
_I__Come when called
_M__Sit
_M__Down
_I__Stand
_I__Stay
_I__Walking on a loose leash
_M__Kennel/Crate
_M__Not jumping up
_I__Grooming
_I__Calm greetings
_I__Laying calmly at feet or desk
_I__Toileting on leash
_I__Appropriate play
_M__Quiet
_M__Rolling on back(cradling)

Most of the commands I have an “I” next to Stetson is probably about 80-90%, but has not mastered. The behaviors I changed to mastered I’d say Stetson is 95% or better.

VII. SOCIAL EXPOSURES
Please mark if your puppy has experienced the following and how many times over the last month. It is understood that the age of the puppy would affect the score on the following.
_0__Elevators solid/glass (circle)
_20_Restaurant
_0__Bus travel
_20_Automatic Doors
_0__Airplane travel
_1__Shopping mall
_3__Supermarket
_0__Fair/Carnival or theme park
_2__Doctors office

Please share any special accomplishments/award you and the GDA puppy have received in the past:
Stetson finished his third basic obedience class this past month

VIII. TEMPERAMENT
Common temperament traits interfering with a dog’s placement as a guide dog include but are not limited to: distractibility, fearfulness, anxiety, aggression and high chase/prey drive.
Please describe any concerns about the GDA puppy’s temperament:
I notice he can be distracted by the scent in the air or sometimes by other animals (usually dogs) out on walks.

Common temperament traits positively influencing a dog’s success as a guide dog include (but are not limited to):willingness, confidence, calmness, attentiveness and adaptability.
Please describe the GDA puppy’s positive temperament traits:
We’re still working on trying to keep Stetson calm. Stetson seems to be losing some of his puppy excitability and becoming a calmer dog.

What obedience classes have you completed?
Stetson completed his third basic obedience class this past month. We started another basic obedience class a couple weeks ago.

Would you like to speak with someone in the puppy department about any puppy issues? Yes No
Reviewed by _____________ Follow up needed yes no Date_____________

What Do You Think?

That’s it! We fill these forms out once a month and send them back to the Guide Dogs of America Puppy Program Manager. If you want to see Stetson’s 10 month evaluation take a look at this article I wrote several months back:Guide Dogs Of America Puppy Evaluation

What do you think? Are you involved with another guide dog program? Do you fill out a monthly progress report?

Filed Under: Working Dog Tagged With: ,

Commands Not To Use With Your Dogs Name

March 27, 2008 By 3 Comments

There aren’t many of them, but there are a couple commands not to use with your dogs name.

It was not long ago that I was reading my guide dog puppy manual for the first time. Our group leader Tammy came to visit Linus and I at my townhouse for both a home inspection and an interview to make sure I and my home would be suitable to raise a guide dog puppy.

One of the lessons that I learned early on was when to use your puppy’s name and when not to use it. This is one thing that has been hammered in to me throughout Stetson’s training. In a matter of fact just last Tuesday at Stetson’s guide dog training class we were asked “When should we not use our puppy’s name?”

When Should I Use My Dogs Name?Dog Commands

We are taught to use our dogs name every time we issue a command. A few examples are:

  • Stetson Sit
  • Stetson Down
  • Stetson Stand

Before guide dogs I would only issue the command and not use the name. However, I quickly became accustomed to using my puppy’s name then give a command. This led to a small problem. It became difficult not to use Stetson’s name when I was giving a command that I was not supposed to use with his name.

Commands Not To Use With Your Dogs Name

The two commands not to use with your dogs name are “Stay” and “No“. It’s also important not to use your puppies name negatively. When your puppy hears his name it should always be in a positive manner. You’ve probably done it before (I know I have)…your puppy does something wrong and you say: “Stttteetttttsssooon!” in a negative tone. That’s a big no, no.

Why is this not a good thing? Well, you always want your puppy to associate happy things with his name. That way when you say his name he will not get worried or upset. Instead he will be happy and pleased to hear his name.

Why can’t we use his name with the command “stay”? Your puppies name is pretty much synonymous with the command “Come“. When you say your puppies name they should come to you. That’s the opposite of stay. So, if your puppy thinks his name also means come then if you issue the command “Stetson, Stay” he will get confused and not know whether he should stay or come.

Are there any commands you don’t use with your dogs name?

Filed Under: Dog Training Tips Tagged With: ,

Puppy Adoption – Abigail The Australian Shepherd

March 26, 2008 By 1 Comment

I notice I profile quiet a few Australian Shepherds and Aussie mixes on my website. I think I have a soft spot in my heart for the breed because my shelter puppy Linus is an Australian Shepherd mix (even though he looks like a Labrador Retriever with a curly tail).Anyhow, as most of you know I like to profile dogs and puppies from the Cuddly Canines website. Cuddly Canines is the rescue I volunteer as a foster from time to time. Unfortunately, since I’ve been raising Stetson my Guide Dog puppy in training I haven’t been able to volunteer much time to Cuddly Canines. That’s one of the reasons I like to profile their available dogs here on the Puppy In Training website.

I will keep these posts on my blog, so by the time you read this article Abigail may have already been adopted. Please check out the Cuddly Canines

Abigail The Australian Shepherd

Abigail the aussie

 

Unfortunately, the Cuddly Canines website doesn’t have much information on Abigail yet.

Here’s the short description they have posted:

2 year old, 57 pound beautiful Aussie gal!

Are you interested in adopting?

If you are interested in adopting Abigail please visit the Cuddly Canines website. If you happen to adopt Abigail please remember, it’s never too early or too late to start her on her training. If you are interested in puppy adoption or fostering here are a few other articles you might enjoy:

Puppy Adoption And Fostering
Dedicated To My Dog Linus

Of course, Abigail is not the only dog being fostered by Cuddly Canines. Please visit their website to see the most current pictures of all their dogs and puppies.

I’d love to hear what you have to say about this article. Is puppy adoption in your future? Do you want to try puppy fostering? If so, please visit the Cuddly Canines website.

Filed Under: Dog Adoptions Tagged With: , ,

Guide Dogs Of America Bowl-A-Thon

March 25, 2008 By 1 Comment

Guide Dogs of America has several fundraisers throughout the year and for the past couple months I’ve been selling raffle tickets to help raise money for GDA.

From the GDA website: Join us (Guide Dogs of America) April 13th, 2008 for the GDA Foundation “Annual Bowl-A-Thon” in Canoga Park, CA

We’re having a Bowl-A-Thon to benefit GDA on our 60th anniversary! Join bowlers and puppies-in-training for lunch and a fun filled afternoon! Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

WHAT:
A Bowl-A-Thon to benefit GDA on our 60th anniversary!

Bowling DogWHERE:
Canoga Park Bowl
20122 Vanowen St.
Canoga Park, CA, 91306
(818) 340-5190.

WHEN:
Sunday, April 13, 2008
12pm Sign In
1pm Bowling Begins
1:30pm Lunch

AVAILABLE OPTIONS:

*Lane Sponsor- $200*

* 3ft by 10ft advertisement banner (which will hang over your lane for the week leading up to the bowl-a-thon).

* 2 bowling spots
* 2 free lunches
* Opportunity to include and advertisement (business card, pen, etc…) to our raffle/silent auction goodie bag.

*Bowl-A-Thon Bowler- $25*

* 1 bowling spot
* 1 lunch
* Bring in over $150 in bowling sponsors and you bowl for free!

*Lunch Only- $15*

* Join bowlers and puppies-in-training for lunch and watch the fun filled afternoon.

Bowling

If you’re interested in purchasing raffle tickets please contact me. Each ticket is $5 and you can get a bundle of 5 raffle tickets for $20. Unfortunately, I won’t be at the GDA Foundation Bowl-A-Thon…it’s my grandma’s 90th birthday. However, there will be plenty of other puppy raisers at the event including several from the Orange County group.

I hope some of you can make this event. There’s more information on the GDA website at http://www.guidedogsofamerica.org/bowlathon.html.

Filed Under: Dog Events

Dog Tags Keeping You Up At Night? Try The Pet Tag Silencer

March 24, 2008 By 2 Comments

I’m not a light sleeper and in general my dog’s collar tags do not keep me up at night. Occasionally I’ll hear the jingle of tags in the middle of the night, but I have no problem falling back asleep.

So why do I need the Quiet Spot Pet Tag Silencer? One reason…the jingle of pet tags is annoying! I’m trying to watch a movie…jingle, jingle, jingle…I’m trying to read a book…jingle, jingle, jingle…I’m trying to write to my blog…jingle, jingle, jingle. The Pet Tag Silencer saves the day and puts an end to all that jingling.

Discovering The Pet Tag Silencer

Quiet Spot Pet Tag SilencerI first saw the Pet Tag Silencer on one of our fellow guide dog puppy’s in training. Darla was the puppy’s name and she’s actually a breeder in the guide dog program. I spoke with her caretaker, Mark who gave the Pet Tag Silencer the thumbs up. Lucky for me our group sells this product at our group meetings, so last month I picked up a Pet Tag Silencer for Stetson (he wears 5 different tags) to see if we liked the product.

The Pet Silencer Tag Review

I’m very pleased with the Pet Tag Silencer as it has completely shutdown all Pet Tag Silencerof Stetson’s tag noise. The little pouch is made of neoprene (feels like wetsuit material) and is said to last for 2-4 years. Some of the added benefits of no tag noise are mentioned on the itzadog website here are a few I appreciate:

  • Tag noise attracts unwanted attention from other dogs – the Pet Tag Silencer puts an end to that noise.
  • Keeps the information from wearing out on your tags (Linus already wore out his first set of tags).
  • Assistance dogs can better blend into public places without tag noise.
  • It’s easy to install.

Guide Dogs For The Blind

One final point I found on the it itzadog website was that they are partnered with Guide Dogs For The Blind. Straight from the itzadog website:

As a part of this new partnership, Itzadog will donate a Quiet Spot Pet Tag Silencer to every Guide Dogs for the Blind Guide Dog upon graduation and placement with their new partner. Among the many benefits of using Quiet Spot, perhaps the most important to assistance dogs is the ability to remain unnoticed and unmolested by loose and potentially aggressive dogs. “By not attracting any unwanted attention from other dogs, an assistance dog can remain focused on their job,” stated Itzadog founder Scott Schaible. “The main reason dogs bark and charge the fence when you walk with your dog is because they HEAR the jingling tags,” he continued.

According to Guide Dogs for the Blind, there has been an increase in the number of attacks upon guide dogs in recent history. When a loose dog attacks an assistance dog, in addition to being a very traumatic experience for everyone involved, the assistance dog oftentimes is unable to resume official guide responsibilities and must be retired. Quiet Spot helps assistance dogs to blend in and go unnoticed by potentially aggressive dogs as well as humans who don’t realize that they should not pet or distract a working dog.

I currently puppy raise for Guide Dogs of America, but I think it’s great that Itzadog has this partnership with Guide Dogs For the Blind.

Stetson wearing his Quiet Spot Pet Tag Silencer
We went with the black tag to match the color of Stetson’s coat.

Stetson With His Pet Tag Silencer

If you’re interested in this product you can purchase it by clicking on any of the Pet Tag Silencer links. However, the cheapest price I’ve seen online is $7.99 plus tax and shipping. I purchased my Pet Tag Silencer through our Orange County Guide Dog group and it only cost $5.00. If you’re local to Orange County and interested in a Pet Tag Silencer then let me know and I’ll do my best to get you one through our Guide Dog group. Or just come visit us at our next Orange County Guide Dogs of America meeting in Anaheim, CA. Our meeting information is posted on the OCGDA website.

Do you have problems with pet tag noise? Do you own a Quiet Spot Pet Tag Silencer? I’d love to hear about your experiences.

Filed Under: Dog Products Tagged With: , ,

Puppy Adopotion Event

March 21, 2008 By 1 Comment

Cuddly Canines is having an adoption event this Sunday, March 29th at the Muttropolis in Newport, CA. I try to highlight at least one dog or litter of puppies from the Cuddly Canines website here on my blog every week.

If you haven’t read some of my other posts, I’ve worked as a volunteer foster parent for Cuddly Canines and have had the pleasure of taking care of both litters of puppies and full grown dogs. If you have the chance I highly recommend you visiting Cuddly Canines during this adoption day.

Here are the details:

  • What:Cuddly Canines Adoption Event
  • Where: Muttropolis, Fashion Island – 865 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
  • When: Sunday, March 29th 12pm – 3pm

Audi and Mazda

Audi the black lab
Mazda the black lab

Remember these guys. These two are up for adoption for more information on their adoption status visit the Cuddly Canines website. I wrote two other articles about these little guys:

If you’re interested in a dog or puppy please visit the Cuddly Canines Adoption Event this Saturday, March 29th, 2008. I’m not too sure which puppies will be at this event, so check out the website to see what puppies and dogs are available for adoption through Cuddly Canines.

Filed Under: Dog Adoptions Tagged With: , ,

How And Where To Purchase Canine Good Citizen Tags

March 20, 2008 By 5 Comments

If you’ve been reading through this blog then you know that several weeks ago Stetson passed his Canine Good Citizen test. I already ordered his certificate and received it in the mail and also just recently received a link from our good friends Anne, Jim, and Dustin. The link goes to the ePetTags.com website who are the official collar tag sponsor for the American Kennel Club (AKC). And of course the Canine Good Citizen(CGC) program…

Here’s a picture of Stetson’s CGC Certificate and tag:

Stetson’s CGC Certificate and Tag

I duplicated and imported the second image of the tag so you could see both sides. It’s just a simple white plastic tag. You can see the CGC seal on both the tag and the bottom corner of the certificate.

Canine Good Citizen Tags

I just wanted to let you know how easy it is to order your CGC tag from ePetTags.com. Here are the step by step instructions:

  1. Go to the ePetTags.com website.
  2. Click “Canine Good Citizen” link the third item down on the left navigation bar.
  3. Choose the tag you wish to purchase and click the “add to cart” button.
  4. For some reason it took me a little while to see the “Personalize Tag” link (click this link to personalize the tag). I highlighted it in the image below.
  5. ePetTags.com
  6. Add your personal information and click the “Save Tag Information” button.
  7. Click the “Proceed to Final Secure Invoice” button.
  8. Fill out your contact and payment information and click “Confirm Entered Information“.
  9. Record your order number for your records.

I ordered Stetson the White tag…Why? because he already has a blue and a stainless colored tag. The ePetTags.com website is very easy to use and navigate, but if you have any questions please feel free to contact me in the comments area.

Here are a couple other articles about Stetson and his journey to Canine Good Citizenship:

Dog Training – AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program
Stetson Took The Canine Good Citizen Test And He…

Has your dog passed the Canine Good Citizen Test? Did you get him tags and a certificate?

Filed Under: Dog Products Tagged With: ,

Will This Ball Launcher Be The Next Hot Product For Dogs?

March 19, 2008 By 2 Comments

Take a look at this Dachshund receive tennis balls from a ball launcher. Could this be the next hot product for dogs? I know a lot of Labrador and Golden Retrievers who would love to play fetch all day with their very own ball launcher.

Unfortunately, our guide dog puppy’s would not get much use out of this product. Guide Dogs of America Puppy’s in training are not allowed to play with tennis balls or frisbees. The main reason being that as guide dogs they have a high chance of coming into contact with these dog toys and for the safety of their blind companion they must not be distracted by a tennis ball or frisbee.

Enjoy this little video on the Dachshund playing with a ball launcher:

Dachshund Plays Fetch With Ball Launcher

What are the chances that the inventor of this ball launcher can bring this product to market? Do you think we can get him/her on the show American Inventor?

I don’t know too much about Tennis ball launchers (my tennis ball launcher is my arm), but if you have any questions as usual leave me a comment.

Filed Under: Dog Products Tagged With: , ,

The Latest News on Piglet Adopted by Dachshund

March 18, 2008 By 13 Comments

If you’ve been following this blog then you’ve probably read my articles on the piglet, Pink adopted by the Dachshund, Tink. If you’ve missed out on this adorable story then take a look at my first two articles:

Dachshund Acts As Mom To Baby Piglet
UPDATED Pics and Story: Dachshund Acts As Mom To Baby Piglet

Pink is up for adoption! Check out the entire story below. If you are interested in adopting Pink you can contact MommaJ at her ad on usfreeads.com. The number of the ad is 1148556. Or if you want, you can email her at tinkandpink@msn.com.

Update: Pink and Tink’s handler, Johanna has written a wonderful children’s book about Pink the Piglet and Tink the Mommy Dachshund click the image below to see more information:

Here he (Pink) is scratching on the side of the crate.

Pink Scratching Crate

Here’s the latest news straight from their caretaker Mommaj:

I just wanted to give you an update on Tink and Pink. Tink weaned Pink from her last week along with the puppies. Pink had a really hard time with it, but the puppies did great. For a few days he was really upset and I couldn’t get him to hardly eat. Then he started eating his formula really well. He also is eating the puppy food, but not very much pig food. He started nibbling on the puppy food a few weeks ago when the puppies started.

I separated the puppies into one crate and him in the other because he kept trying to nurse from the puppies. He is now doing really well and seems to be used to the daily routine. He sleeps good all night in his little doggy bed and as soon as someone gets up in the morning, he lets us know he is up too! I took him and the puppies to the vet for their 6 wk checkup and they are all doing great. They weigh between 2 and 3lbs. Pink weighed in at 2 1/2 lbs. His pig siblings now weigh about 20 to 30+lbs and are weaned from their mommy too.

Pink loves to roam around the house and explore every nook and cranny. He is very neat and only goes potty in his crate. He gets to play with the puppies every day and it is funny to see. They chase him and gang up on him. He loves it as much as they do! He does not like to be held or cuddled , but he is very sweet and smart. I am sending some cute pictures of him to show everyone. I know several people wanted to be updated on his progress.

We have made a hard decision as far as his future We are going to try to find him a great home with someone who has the time to work with him and train him. I placed an ad on usfreeads.com. The number of the ad is 1148556. Or if they want, they can email me at tinkandpink@msn.com. It makes me really sad to do so because we love him, but I think it is best for Pink. Everyone wants to know how big he will get. I really don’t know and the vet didn’t have any idea either.

Here are the latest pictures:

Pink at 4 weeks

Pink at 4 weeks

Pink at 5 weeks. He does not like baths

Pink at 5 weeks. He does not like baths

He is sleepy after his bath…

Pink Bath

Pink sniffing someone’s hand.

Pink and hand

He likes to be scratched…

Pink Scratched

What a Face!

Pinks Face

Getting a lick from his sis.

Pink and his siblings

Here are the links to my other articles following the adventures of Tink and Pink:

Dachshund Acts As Mom To Baby Piglet
UPDATED Pics and Story: Dachshund Acts As Mom To Baby Piglet

Thank you MommaJ for sharing the latest news on Pink and Tink.

Filed Under: Dog Friends Tagged With: , , , ,

Puppy Adoption – Australian Shepherd

March 17, 2008 By 2 Comments

 

If you are considering puppy adoption, I highly recommend visiting one of your local puppy/dog rescues. In past articles I’ve talked to you about the puppy/dog rescue, Cuddly Canines. I want to do my best to help place these puppies by profiling each puppy, litter of puppies, and dogs on this blog.

***Note this dog may already be adopted as I will keep this information in my archive. Please check the Cuddly Canines website for the most recent puppies up for adoption.

Anna the Australian Shepherd

Anna The Australian Shepherd

Anna

Lovely Anna is a 3 year old Blue Merle Australian Shepherd who has a heart to match her beauty. This is one of the sweetest gals we have ever met……….and extremely well-behaved. A true lady! She is beautiful from head to toe, inside & out. Weighing in at only 40 pounds, she is a wonderful size….not too big, not too small. She gets along good with other dogs & basically ignores the kitty cats.

Anna is in La Habra Heights

Are you interested in adopting?

If you are interested in adopting Anna please visit the Cuddly Canines website. If you happen to adopt Anna please remember, it’s never too early or too late to start her on her training. If you are interested in puppy adoption or fostering here are a few other articles you might enjoy:

Puppy Adoption And Fostering
Dedicated To My Dog Linus

Of course, Anna is not the only dog being fostered by Cuddly Canines. Please visit their website to see the most current pictures of all their dogs and puppies.

I’d love to hear what you have to say about this article. Is puppy adoption in your future? Do you want to try puppy fostering? If so, please visit the Cuddly Canines website.

Filed Under: Dog Adoptions
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