If there’s a Joon there must be a Benny, so I thought I’d start the Benny & Joon saga. I adopted Benny a week ago yesterday though I have to admit that it wasn’t until Monday or Tuesday of this week that I was convinced I’d keep him. I’m not as web/blog savvy as Averill, so bear with me. Benny (new name Tuck, but that’s not nearly so fun as Benny & Joon) is an 18 mo. old Tibetan spaniel
Read moreReceived shipment of Clean Run toys. Nice rabbit tug with two handles, thought Joon might like it. Anyway, our big session today consisted of working her on leash using handfuls of Red Barn applied as appropriate for desired behaviors. Clicker too, just for the heck of it. She was AMAZING. Leaving her to wander and explore is obviously a loser at this time. Far more rewarding than she finds me – for now. But with the leash and frequent clicks
Read moreThe little darling has been here now a fortnight. Boy, what a mix of wild and crazy and submissive and worm-like she is (not to mention bitchy and sweet) – a study in contradictions! We’ve been blessed with some lovely weather for November (except for two days of solid rain last week, but we won’t count them): sunny days in the 60s with cool (well, cold) nights. For the most part I cannot use crappy weather as an excuse not
Read moreJoon has now been with us for a week. I’ve spent my time with her largely evaluating “how she works” (or not), or better said, what makes her work and what doesn’t. All who meet her agree that she’s extremely sweet. She loves to jump up on everyone, very gently, for hugs and pats. And she’s so gentle about it that no one complains, but is suckered into the hugs and pats. In a group of people she’s constantly trying
Read moreEstablish short- and long-term goals. Write ’em down! Break the goals down into behaviors to teach the dog. Train these behaviors, recording all steps, whether successful or not. Both successes and setbacks provide very good information. Review goals regularly. They’re not set in stone! It’s probable that new mini-behaviors will need to be added in order to progress. Be diligent and honest in your record-keeping.
Read moreLONG-TERM GOALS For Joon to be a stable, happy dog with plenty to keep her occupied physically and mentally, interactive with other dogs and humans, comfortable in her own skin. For her to be a successful agility competitor to the level of her handler’s competence. SHORT-TERM GOALS (OH MY!) {Goals to be achieved are in black; goals felt to be achieved in green; and additional goals are in red.} Housebroken. Learn name. [11/26/06] Gain confidence. Play with me – tug,
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