[Mackenzie’s Admin]

Thursday was another big day for Roo. He got to show off to someone who never thought we would be able to do the things we have done with these dogs. I walked Roo into the kitchen to get his shots and have blood drawn for heart worm testing. He had to be given somnething to calm down but I was there with him, cuddling him to keep him calmer. After he was thru Alaree had to carry him back to his run. Roo and his brothers have come a long way from when I first met them 3 1/2 years ago. I think his most favorite thing is taking a walk. Even if its snowing. He likes that better than being in the kitchen barking the whole time.

[Mackenzie’s Admin]

I want to talk more about his training today. He is so focused on the secondary reinforcer; treat; that I wanted him to move more to it being a pet. To initiate that I stared going through a series of traing prior to reinforcing with a treat. I used the reward marker after each step the then at the end of the series a treat.

His series went like this; sit, sit pretty, down, rollover and then stay. He then was leased with the release command; ok; tols to come then sit. Then the treat.

He did wonderfully with this and we ran through the series six or seven times. After this process we continued with his touch b-mod.

[Mackenzie’s Admin]

He did very well today meeting a couple of new people. We went for a walk. He pulls a little on his lead but learns very quickly.

I found it interesting that once we returned to his run and I was petting him calmly. I volunteer came up to the run and he became very agitated, spinning, barking and growling. Once the volunteer exited the area he became calm once again.

This behavior reminds me that we have quite a bit of work to do and that we need to proceed slowly in interactions with others. Even though a dog may make several steps forward they can still take a step backwards and that true conditioning takes a very long time.

[Mackenzie’s Admin]

Oh I so agree with you. Sprocket loves to go in the family room and sniff around and disappears under the couches. He then likes to poke his head and and say boo. Then when he is ready, he comes over lays in my lap on his back and says RUB ME PLEASE. I could just squeeze him to death he is so darn cute.

[Mackenzie’s Admin]

Remmy, you make one charming reindeer! Add a red nose & you can lead Santa’s sleigh! Be pawsitively good (as I know you will) ’cause Santa Paws is watching! Hope he brings you extra hugs & cuddles!

[Mackenzie’s Admin]

I love my big Rocket Man. I had a little break through with him a little while back while he was getting a bath. I feed him several times a week and clean his pen but nothing connected us like this one bath. While he was getting a bath Jenna muzzled him because he is a little sensitive in some areas. At one point he Jenna was rubbing his hindquarters and he started to low growl so Jenna stopped. I started to rub his hindquarters and he was fine with it. Then while Jenna was rinsing him he snuggled his big head right on my chest and licked my hand. Jenna informed that he did very good this bath and seemed to be calmer for me than for anyone else that has helped bathe him. I had no idea how he really felt about me until then, now we’re best of buddies.

[Mackenzie’s Admin]

Dig deep, real deep and stay level headed even in the face of frustration. Eventually one will win and the sake of both of you, I hope its you.

[Mackenzie’s Admin]

I’m so happy for Tess!! Tess really stole Sue’s heart when she first met her as a Volunteer, and Tess was drawn immediately to Sue’s gentle loving ways with her. It’s like Tess could sense that Sue not only loves all dogs, but especially had a huge heart for tenderhearted Herding-breed dogs like Tess. What a happy ending / new beginning for Tess and her family!

[Mackenzie’s Admin]

Well it definitely sounds like you and Ava have crossed paths for a reason. It’s so neat to recognize all the blessings you are both gaining through this relationship. Ava is so lucky to have friends like you that are committed to not giving up on her, even when things get tough and bumpy along the way. She’s such a happy-go-lucky energetic Puppy but she doesn’t know her own strength, or how to expel all her energy & excitement in a well-mannered way. Ava is exceptionally smart and has SO much potential, she is a GREAT girl and will continue to develop into the best behaved companion that she truly does desire to be (that’s all she wants to is to please us!). Keep up the great work and dedication Nicole. The rewards from your hard work are making a life-changing impact in Ava’s life!

[Mackenzie’s Admin]

I am so happy that you’re working with her, and I think that she’s going to do awesome for you!! She’ll definately feel the pit bull love vibes that naturally emanate form you.

[Mackenzie’s Admin]

He is a very silly boy!! One of my favorite things to watch him do it play with his milk crate in the play yard. He throws it all around and has such an amazingly fun time with it. To make things even better it is such an inexpensive toy that he cant eat. That makes it even better!! He gets so much exercise out there with his milk crate, unlike when he goes for a walk and wants to lay down every 10 feet of so. Again, what a silly boy!!

[Mackenzie’s Admin]

I have been taking Roo in the kitchen now. Where he thrills us with his constant barking. The first time we went in there Alaree brought Sport in too. Sport was so quiet, but Roo never stops barking. He wasn’t to thrilled with 3 of us being in there getting food around for everyone. Today, the 14th I had Roo in the kitchen while I got food around. He still insists on telling Dawn and I exactly how he feels about being in the kitchen.

[Mackenzie’s Admin]

Quincy has been doing very well with his behavior. Yesterday was time for a Wellness check and a shot. He had issues when we checked his ears, mouth, bottom of his feet so we only did a minimal check. He also had issue when giving his shot so there was a need to muzzle him for this.

On a good note once unmuzzled and again working on his touch he responded as notted in prior portions of this log.

He has his roll over down pat and is a very smart boy.

[Mackenzie’s Admin]

awww!! Remmy you are one handsome fella. Absolutely Adorable!

[Mackenzie’s Admin]

Alice found curled up into a tiny ball snuggled in Rusty’s small pillow bed (Rusty is a little Yorkshire Terrier!).

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