Yesterday I took 15 minutes getting into the car when it was time to leave in the morning. Why? Because I didn't want to.
I don't like my gentle leader so even when bribed with cheese I take as long as I possibly can to get it put on, even if it means I drool over cheese and food for ten minutes. Why? Because I don't want to wear it.
I also drool over cheese for a minimum of ten minutes every time I am told "kennel" and have to go into my crate. Why? Because I don't want to get locked up.
I will chase a toy but not bring it back. Why? Because I don't want to.
I don't perform basic commands that I already know. Why? Because I don't want to (This includes: "down," "sit [from both a standing position and down position]," and "stand [from a sitting position.]")
There are just a lot of things I don't want to do lately. Why? Because I just don't want to!
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Westin is officially a teenager. Don't get me wrong, he's still lovable and he listens fairly well, and he really is a great dog, but we are struggling when it comes to training. I know he knows how to do many of these things and he just looks at me like I am crazy for asking him to do something. It takes a lot of coaxing and patience, and he eventually does what I'm trying to get him to do, but it takes a lot longer than it should. Hopefully this phase passes and I just need to remember that I control the situation and he has to listen to me. Most of it is funny to look back on but in the moment it's like, "Really, Westin? You're going to do this right now?" and he's like "Yep. Yes I am."...he's an adolescent and he's developed an attitude. He's a little defiant and is just trying to see what he can get away with. I am not too concerned with it, and he eventually caves in to treats/cheese, I just have to wait patiently. He's still a puppy and can't control that aspect of things haha :)
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
Shopping!
I am SO glad to be here. Why? Because I am NOT in a car. We drove ALL THE WAY to Manchester today. We took two cars but there is only one of me so I only got to ride in one of them. But on the way home, we were all in the same car! I wonder where the other one went.
It wasn't a whole day in the car though. We went to a bookstore and I walked in the aisles and sat down and had a nice relaxing trip to the bookstore. We also went to the mall! I was mostly good. Did you know that the middle of the mall has toys? They play by themselves on the floor and I REALLY REALLY wanted one. There is one with a furry tail and I wish I could have it. I started to pull toward them and when I was told "leave it" I stopped pulling but I also just stopped moving. I couldn't take my eyes off of them. I heard a faint "Westin, let's go" in the background but I couldn't turn my ears on because my eyes were too busy. Then I heard it again and started moving slowly but man, I wanted that toy.
Then later, we had to walk by them AGAIN. NOT FAIR. That is just torture to my little puppy brain. But I knew better this time and I kept walking and only glanced at them out of the corner of my eye. I tried to be a good pup.
It wasn't a whole day in the car though. We went to a bookstore and I walked in the aisles and sat down and had a nice relaxing trip to the bookstore. We also went to the mall! I was mostly good. Did you know that the middle of the mall has toys? They play by themselves on the floor and I REALLY REALLY wanted one. There is one with a furry tail and I wish I could have it. I started to pull toward them and when I was told "leave it" I stopped pulling but I also just stopped moving. I couldn't take my eyes off of them. I heard a faint "Westin, let's go" in the background but I couldn't turn my ears on because my eyes were too busy. Then I heard it again and started moving slowly but man, I wanted that toy.
Then later, we had to walk by them AGAIN. NOT FAIR. That is just torture to my little puppy brain. But I knew better this time and I kept walking and only glanced at them out of the corner of my eye. I tried to be a good pup.
Here I am being on my best behavior in a clothing store!
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Westin had a long day, but he was very good. He was moving in the car a lot, from sitting to laying down to sitting next to one window then moving to the other. At one point, about an hour in, he poked his head into the front seat as if to say, "Are we there yet? I want to be OUT!" He pretty much told you about his whole day, he wanted to walk quickly today and not stay at the pace I was at, but other than that we didn't have any issues. :)
Party Time!
I have EXCITING NEWS!
Yesterday morning, we went downtown for some errands and you'll NEVER GUESS who I saw! I'll tell you! I SAW CAMDEN! You know, my friend Camden that lives at Dot's and I play with almost every day? YEAH! HIM! He was outside of my favorite store (WinniPaw) selling raffle tickets to benefit A.C.T.S.! If you enter, you have a chance to win Red Sox Tickets! Oh Boy! That was a great day. I want to go back and see if Camden is still there. He's great.
We also had a party yesterday! There were lots of people and lots of kids and lots of food! I was really hot and tired from our trip in town so I took a nap while people were here, and then I went outside and visited them and I knew better than to try to eat their food or jump on them. I practiced all of my manners and let them compliment me on my looks all day. It was a good time.
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Westin was a good boy downtown. It was outrageously hot outside, and all of the stores had their doors open so it was hot inside, too. He laid down every chance he got which wasn't a problem because most of our shopping was in Hallmark looking for cards, which took a while - especially since I got approached by a few curious people who asked about puppy raising, ACTS, and what service dogs do. He was pretty well-behaved. We ran into a few struggles outside of WinniPaw. Camden was there, which got them both excited but not out of control. I just told him "easy" and tugged on his leash, and he was alright. The second time after we left Hallmark, there were multiple dogs outside and it was a little busy. Westin wanted to play with them all. I had to tell him to "leave it" (particularly a dog smaller than my cat), offended its owner because she goes "oh so now he's an 'it'.."and continue on down the sidewalk. (Hey, I can't please everyone, sometimes you just need to focus on the goal). Well, we got to the car and Westin didn't want to leave because his friends were all back at WinniPaw. So I bribed him with a treat to get in the car/forget that he just saw about 6 other dogs, and go on our merry way to Harvest Market for milk, bread, and his all-time favorite, cheese. There were not any further arguments and we had a great time.
The party was a good learning experience for Westin. He only tried to sniff the food table once and was told "leave it" and listened. He practiced his "under" for going under the table and laying down at my feet- it was the perfect opportunity/set up for what we would experience in a restaurant, with other tables of people eating and other busy things going on. He did well and just fell asleep. Since we were home, I didn't have him in a harness or vest, but because we were outside in my non-fenced in backyard, I felt like it was safest to have a leash on him just in case he saw something he wanted to chase, or I needed to give him a slight tug away from a dropped hamburger.
We have either made progress or fell backwards as far as the gentle leader goes. He doesn't try to take it off anymore, but he turns his head or backs away from me when I try to put it on him, which is not the desired response.
Yesterday morning, we went downtown for some errands and you'll NEVER GUESS who I saw! I'll tell you! I SAW CAMDEN! You know, my friend Camden that lives at Dot's and I play with almost every day? YEAH! HIM! He was outside of my favorite store (WinniPaw) selling raffle tickets to benefit A.C.T.S.! If you enter, you have a chance to win Red Sox Tickets! Oh Boy! That was a great day. I want to go back and see if Camden is still there. He's great.
We also had a party yesterday! There were lots of people and lots of kids and lots of food! I was really hot and tired from our trip in town so I took a nap while people were here, and then I went outside and visited them and I knew better than to try to eat their food or jump on them. I practiced all of my manners and let them compliment me on my looks all day. It was a good time.
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Westin was a good boy downtown. It was outrageously hot outside, and all of the stores had their doors open so it was hot inside, too. He laid down every chance he got which wasn't a problem because most of our shopping was in Hallmark looking for cards, which took a while - especially since I got approached by a few curious people who asked about puppy raising, ACTS, and what service dogs do. He was pretty well-behaved. We ran into a few struggles outside of WinniPaw. Camden was there, which got them both excited but not out of control. I just told him "easy" and tugged on his leash, and he was alright. The second time after we left Hallmark, there were multiple dogs outside and it was a little busy. Westin wanted to play with them all. I had to tell him to "leave it" (particularly a dog smaller than my cat), offended its owner because she goes "oh so now he's an 'it'.."and continue on down the sidewalk. (Hey, I can't please everyone, sometimes you just need to focus on the goal). Well, we got to the car and Westin didn't want to leave because his friends were all back at WinniPaw. So I bribed him with a treat to get in the car/forget that he just saw about 6 other dogs, and go on our merry way to Harvest Market for milk, bread, and his all-time favorite, cheese. There were not any further arguments and we had a great time.
The party was a good learning experience for Westin. He only tried to sniff the food table once and was told "leave it" and listened. He practiced his "under" for going under the table and laying down at my feet- it was the perfect opportunity/set up for what we would experience in a restaurant, with other tables of people eating and other busy things going on. He did well and just fell asleep. Since we were home, I didn't have him in a harness or vest, but because we were outside in my non-fenced in backyard, I felt like it was safest to have a leash on him just in case he saw something he wanted to chase, or I needed to give him a slight tug away from a dropped hamburger.
We have either made progress or fell backwards as far as the gentle leader goes. He doesn't try to take it off anymore, but he turns his head or backs away from me when I try to put it on him, which is not the desired response.
Friday, May 25, 2012
I am NOT a happy puppy today. I was left alone ALL DAY. All I wanted was to play with my toys and the other puppies and I would have even worked nicely on commands if I had some company. I probably slept all day but I would have been happier with someone else around. Luckily Allie is home now and can take me outside to play and practice with me.
I got a new NylaBone! That was a GREAT surprise! It might have been because I was going to be alone all day but I was VERY HAPPY. I also got cheese today, I LOVE CHEESE!
Likes: Outside, NylaBones, Cheese
Dislikes: Being alone, my crate, my gentle leader
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Westin has been wearing his gentle leader at mealtime to get used to it. He is getting better with it but he definitely doesn't like it. Since I've had him, he's gotten it off twice. He leaves it alone better now, I still have to tell him to "leave it" but definitely not as often. I leave it on for as long as possible, trying to get him to play or focus on other things while it's on. I take it off when I have to tell him to "leave it" as often as it feels constant. When it is all he can focus on, I take it off because he is still a learning puppy and doesn't have the patience yet.
He is still not willingly going into his crate. I bribe him with cheese (his favorite treat!) and even that is dwindling... I toss it in and say "kennel" and he stands at the door and drools, takes a step in then backs up, and repeats. I try to encourage him and it takes probably 5 minutes of tossing the cheese back in before he makes any serious movements.
I think he did alright being alone today. I came home for lunch and took him outside to run and potty and play. My dad came in around 2:30 really quickly and he said Westin didn't whine when he was going through the house. I was happy to hear that! I left him in his crate today, because we have not finished clearing out the mudroom, but I think after this weekend he will be able to have the room to himself. We don't quite trust him around small items yet, he has proven to be a "chewer" and I don't know what he would/wouldn't get into!
Westin has been doing great with his training. He did "watch me" very well today. He did, however, bring me the remote today. I dropped it and he picked it up off of the floor! I told him "give" in a very happy voice and praised him when he gave it it me, but then he picked it up off of the table all by himself again! and again, I told him to "give" in a very happy voice. This was not something he was supposed to or prompted to do, but it definitely can't be discouraged because he is going to have to do this more often. I tried to get him to pick up other things but he wasn't having any of it!
I got a new NylaBone! That was a GREAT surprise! It might have been because I was going to be alone all day but I was VERY HAPPY. I also got cheese today, I LOVE CHEESE!
Likes: Outside, NylaBones, Cheese
Dislikes: Being alone, my crate, my gentle leader
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Westin has been wearing his gentle leader at mealtime to get used to it. He is getting better with it but he definitely doesn't like it. Since I've had him, he's gotten it off twice. He leaves it alone better now, I still have to tell him to "leave it" but definitely not as often. I leave it on for as long as possible, trying to get him to play or focus on other things while it's on. I take it off when I have to tell him to "leave it" as often as it feels constant. When it is all he can focus on, I take it off because he is still a learning puppy and doesn't have the patience yet.
He is still not willingly going into his crate. I bribe him with cheese (his favorite treat!) and even that is dwindling... I toss it in and say "kennel" and he stands at the door and drools, takes a step in then backs up, and repeats. I try to encourage him and it takes probably 5 minutes of tossing the cheese back in before he makes any serious movements.
I think he did alright being alone today. I came home for lunch and took him outside to run and potty and play. My dad came in around 2:30 really quickly and he said Westin didn't whine when he was going through the house. I was happy to hear that! I left him in his crate today, because we have not finished clearing out the mudroom, but I think after this weekend he will be able to have the room to himself. We don't quite trust him around small items yet, he has proven to be a "chewer" and I don't know what he would/wouldn't get into!
Westin has been doing great with his training. He did "watch me" very well today. He did, however, bring me the remote today. I dropped it and he picked it up off of the floor! I told him "give" in a very happy voice and praised him when he gave it it me, but then he picked it up off of the table all by himself again! and again, I told him to "give" in a very happy voice. This was not something he was supposed to or prompted to do, but it definitely can't be discouraged because he is going to have to do this more often. I tried to get him to pick up other things but he wasn't having any of it!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Finally, time to catch up!
Hi!
I have SO MUCH to tell you. Yesterday, we went to Wal-Mart! FOR ME! I got a new chewing bone and a new brush and um, oh well thats all but YAY! I may have overheard something about another trip to WinniPaw this weekend but I am trying to avoid getting my hopes up.
I was a good boy in Wal Mart. I really really was. As we went through the aisles, I minded my manners and walked right along Allie and the shopping cart. I got looks from people and kept hearing how good-looking I am (as if I didn't know already!) and that I'm being good. Well what did they expect? This one time though, Allie did NOT know what she was doing. We were in an aisle then I hear "stop" and she made me sit. Then she's looking around and putting things in the cart and I am sitting there, bored. And then I hear her say "let's go." but you know what? I didn't want to go anymore. I had finally gotten comfortable and I was practicing my stops. She should really just make up her mind. Did she want to stop, or go? I don't like this mind game thing.
Tonight, we had our family dinner at Allie's Grandparents' house. There was Bonnie, the dog I met earlier this week, and Timmy, the 3-legged toy poodle. I was told to leave him alone. It made me sad. I wanted to play with him! But we had fun and I like Bonnie and she shares her toys with me! She even shared a bone with me. Isn't that nice?
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Our wal-mart trip went very well. Westin did not want to move that one time, but other than that he was great. He followed when told, he turned right/left and waited patiently in line, and he walked nicely even when I changed pace.
Westin isn't having any major issues at the moment. He is happy and playful, and when we practice his commands he does very well. He waits patiently for his food and plays the give/take/fetch game decently. He gets bored of it quickly, but he does it well for the time that it lasts. Heel is the command we need to practice the most right now. He does it okay on a leash, but forgets that he needs to walk at my pace. He is AMAZING at it in his vest, but without it he doesn't pay as much attention to me.
Tomorrow is Westin's first day alone. I am nervous, but it will be good for him and I am glad I get to see how he will handle it. It will be followed by a 3-day weekend, which I'm looking forward to having so I can spend time working with him.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Puppy Class!
I didn't post yesterday but you didn't miss much! From Monday through Thursday I go back over to my old house and play with Phoenix, Callie, and Camden! ALL DAY LONG! We play and play and have so much fun and then I come home and I am tired. And we play more and I chew my bone and I eat dinner and we go outside.
Tuesdays are great! Do you know why? I figured it out today. I get picked up from playing with the other pups and I go to my new house and we go outside more and I maybe I try to play with a kitty or a toy and then we get back in the car and we go back to my old house! But when we get back there are LOTS of puppies! We are in Basic Obedience class. And we all sit in the barn, sometimes quietly and nicely and sometimes not, and then we practice lots of commands and get LOTS OF TREATS! I really wanted to meet all the other puppies today, though. I wish they would have let me play. I've been through this class already so I don't think I need it again. I like the puppies though, I have so many friends.
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I am going through basic obedience with Westin because I have never done it before, and I have a lot to learn. The practice is good for him, and it helps him get used to listening to me. I learn a lot of exercises to do with him at home. Some of them are especially important for Westin as a future service dog, such as "stand" and "watch me." We have a lot of homework to do! Westin is having a hard time right now with "stay" - not because he doesn't stay in one spot, but if I leave him in a sitting position and tell him to "stay," he lays down! He isn't supposed to do that... He is also having a hard time with his crate. He never had at issues over at Dot's house, but Dot and I think that this might be his way of testing me. We don't want him to dislike it, so we have been coaxing him into it with treats. Good thing Westin is motivated by food! His favorite is cheese :)
Westin met Nana and Grampa's dog, Bonnie, last night. They got along great! Aunt Julia was also there with her 3-legged toy poodle, but Westin didn't really realize that he was alive. Westin also took one of Bonnie's toys and held it in his mouth the entire time we were there! Good thing he gives when he is asked, or that could have been a real struggle.
Tuesdays are great! Do you know why? I figured it out today. I get picked up from playing with the other pups and I go to my new house and we go outside more and I maybe I try to play with a kitty or a toy and then we get back in the car and we go back to my old house! But when we get back there are LOTS of puppies! We are in Basic Obedience class. And we all sit in the barn, sometimes quietly and nicely and sometimes not, and then we practice lots of commands and get LOTS OF TREATS! I really wanted to meet all the other puppies today, though. I wish they would have let me play. I've been through this class already so I don't think I need it again. I like the puppies though, I have so many friends.
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I am going through basic obedience with Westin because I have never done it before, and I have a lot to learn. The practice is good for him, and it helps him get used to listening to me. I learn a lot of exercises to do with him at home. Some of them are especially important for Westin as a future service dog, such as "stand" and "watch me." We have a lot of homework to do! Westin is having a hard time right now with "stay" - not because he doesn't stay in one spot, but if I leave him in a sitting position and tell him to "stay," he lays down! He isn't supposed to do that... He is also having a hard time with his crate. He never had at issues over at Dot's house, but Dot and I think that this might be his way of testing me. We don't want him to dislike it, so we have been coaxing him into it with treats. Good thing Westin is motivated by food! His favorite is cheese :)
Westin met Nana and Grampa's dog, Bonnie, last night. They got along great! Aunt Julia was also there with her 3-legged toy poodle, but Westin didn't really realize that he was alive. Westin also took one of Bonnie's toys and held it in his mouth the entire time we were there! Good thing he gives when he is asked, or that could have been a real struggle.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
A Busy Day!
My nose is TIRED. Do you want to know why? Well it's because we went for a walk today. And I did SUCH A GOOD JOB at smelling and sniffing everything I could see with my super-duper smell-sniffer I've got here. I can promise you I did so good that I don't think I missed ONE tree. Or flower. Or plant. Or blade of grass. Or rock or grain of sand or pebble. I smelled it ALL. I now know what that entire walking path smells like! Impressive, right? Oh I am so proud of myself. That was a great walk. I hope I get to go back and smell more.
OH speaking of smelling things. I did a cool thing today, Allie laughed at me. There are these fluff balls on the end of stems... hold on let me use the Google thing to find a photo...
OH speaking of smelling things. I did a cool thing today, Allie laughed at me. There are these fluff balls on the end of stems... hold on let me use the Google thing to find a photo...
THESE! Yes these are the ones.
Okay, SO. I was sniffing and smelling and I smelled one of these and some of the fluff got into my nose, and then I sneezed (sneezing is the opposite of sniffing) and the fluff went EVERYWHERE! It was all over my face and the grass. I tried to sniff some more but there wasn't any left on the stem, so I moved along to the next one.
I went to the store today. I walked right along Allie and the cart and we shopped to buy things for dinner. It didn't look like my usual dinner though, so I wasn't interested. I just wanted to be a nice boy and shop. Some people stopped to ask about me but they kept saying they knew they shouldn't talk to me or pet me. Normally, I would be sad, but I didn't feel like caring today. I was just focused on the shopping. We had things to do, these people don't seem to understand efficiency. OH but I did get complimented a lot. A few times on my good looks (not to toot my own horn, but I knew that already) and twice on my behavior. They kept saying I was being so good, but um, that's kind of my job so I know I'm really good at it. In the check out line, it took a really long time and I was tired, so I laid down for a little rest. I was annoyed when I had to get up because I had just gotten comfy! But at least I got to lay down in the car. It was a long, busy day and I was over it.
So I've had a long day and I see my bone over there and I want to go lay down and chew it. Bye!
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We had quite the day today. We went for a walk on the Bridge Falls path in Wolfeboro. Westin was great on the leash but he wasn't lying - he really smelled EVERYTHING. He wasn't interested in the people we passed, just the plants/trees/grass/dirt and anything else in his path. We went home for a bit but then we went back out to go to the store after an hour or two. Westin was so well behaved. We practiced commands like "stop" "left/right turn" and "follow" which are all great grocery store commands. He did well with all of them, and I was impressed. He got complimented on his behavior, which I can't take credit for - he didn't learn it from me! I'm looking forward to our first class on Tuesday - it won't be Westin's first, but it will be mine! I wonder how much he can teach me..
It was a HOT day today and we are both exhausted, but Westin was such a good boy and he didn't seem to mind the heat as much as I did, I brought water for both of us and I think I wanted it more than he did. I didn't take a picture today :( I completely spaced it with everything else that was going on, but I will work on it! Sorry guys :(
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Our First Day
Hey Guys! Westin Here!
Oh boy oh boy this place is great. Today I found two cats! TWO! Every time I want to get close to them I get really really excited and I jump on the floor and get ready to play but then I hear the command "easy" and it is so so SO hard for me to listen but I try really really hard to be nice. I just want to play! I hope the cats want to play with me, too. I think we would be great friends! Their food tastes good, but I am told to "leave it" ... but I only want a taste! Can't I just have a little? Please please please?
Oh THIS BACKYARD IS HUGE! There are flowers and trees and SO MUCH SPACE. Oh you threw the ball? Let me go see where it landed. But I won't pick it up because that would be silly of me, because I know you'd just throw it again. You try this "fetch" command and I laugh. I may be called a golden retriever but I promise it's just a joke. I'm just golden (In my looks and personality) hahaha! Jokes on you!
Earlier today we got to check out my new bedroom. Its pink. I don't like it. I got to bring my toys in there but I really just wanted to go find the cats. I was not impressed with this new pink room. I found a place to lay down but it didn't last long. It made me antsy, and I just kept moving from place to place.
One time, they turned on the TV and I got surprised. Then I sniffed it, and I think the people in it should come out and play with me. Why didn't he pet me? He just looked at me instead. Rude. I left him there to go get a toy instead.
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Wow! It has been quite the day for Westin and I. As soon as we left Dot's house this morning, we took a quick trip into town for some treats. On our short visit to WinniPaw, we talked to a few kids about what a service dog is, which began with their dad explaining that they couldn't pet him, which I didn't argue with at all! Westin was curious but sat nicely on the sidewalk even though he would rather have received the attention. In WinniPaw, Westin was SO EXCITED TO BE THERE! There were treats and toys and treats and toys and more treats and more toys and he wanted them all! We practiced "Leave it" quite a bit, and Westin kept doing all the things he thought would get him what he wanted. He didn't quite figure out that he only gets treats when he is told to do things, but at least he behaved for our first outing. He loved the car, and did very riding in the backseat.
We got to my house and the first thing I did was take Westin for a walk around the yard. There is so much to explore out there, he had a great time! When it was time to go inside, Westin didn't hesitate one bit. The curious pup went right on in and started checking out everything! We practiced "Leave it" when he passed the cat food... so far his ratio is 50/50... we may need to relocate the cat dishes. Westin found his toys right away and knows already that the little bucket in the living room is for him. His toys stay there. He currently has four favorites: a bat, a bear (with no ears, courtesy of a dog I used to have), a plush motor oil can, and a hard chew toy. He lays with all four of them within reach and alternates playing with them.... but that's only when he decides he wants to stay still! There is so much that is new, he is constantly walking around sniffing things and checking them out. We have tried a few commands. I am mostly letting Westin get used to his new surroundings, but we have already started working on the basics so he knows he still has to listen to me.
Oh boy oh boy this place is great. Today I found two cats! TWO! Every time I want to get close to them I get really really excited and I jump on the floor and get ready to play but then I hear the command "easy" and it is so so SO hard for me to listen but I try really really hard to be nice. I just want to play! I hope the cats want to play with me, too. I think we would be great friends! Their food tastes good, but I am told to "leave it" ... but I only want a taste! Can't I just have a little? Please please please?
Oh THIS BACKYARD IS HUGE! There are flowers and trees and SO MUCH SPACE. Oh you threw the ball? Let me go see where it landed. But I won't pick it up because that would be silly of me, because I know you'd just throw it again. You try this "fetch" command and I laugh. I may be called a golden retriever but I promise it's just a joke. I'm just golden (In my looks and personality) hahaha! Jokes on you!
Earlier today we got to check out my new bedroom. Its pink. I don't like it. I got to bring my toys in there but I really just wanted to go find the cats. I was not impressed with this new pink room. I found a place to lay down but it didn't last long. It made me antsy, and I just kept moving from place to place.
Here I am in our room. I smiled for the camera!
One time, they turned on the TV and I got surprised. Then I sniffed it, and I think the people in it should come out and play with me. Why didn't he pet me? He just looked at me instead. Rude. I left him there to go get a toy instead.
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Wow! It has been quite the day for Westin and I. As soon as we left Dot's house this morning, we took a quick trip into town for some treats. On our short visit to WinniPaw, we talked to a few kids about what a service dog is, which began with their dad explaining that they couldn't pet him, which I didn't argue with at all! Westin was curious but sat nicely on the sidewalk even though he would rather have received the attention. In WinniPaw, Westin was SO EXCITED TO BE THERE! There were treats and toys and treats and toys and more treats and more toys and he wanted them all! We practiced "Leave it" quite a bit, and Westin kept doing all the things he thought would get him what he wanted. He didn't quite figure out that he only gets treats when he is told to do things, but at least he behaved for our first outing. He loved the car, and did very riding in the backseat.
We got to my house and the first thing I did was take Westin for a walk around the yard. There is so much to explore out there, he had a great time! When it was time to go inside, Westin didn't hesitate one bit. The curious pup went right on in and started checking out everything! We practiced "Leave it" when he passed the cat food... so far his ratio is 50/50... we may need to relocate the cat dishes. Westin found his toys right away and knows already that the little bucket in the living room is for him. His toys stay there. He currently has four favorites: a bat, a bear (with no ears, courtesy of a dog I used to have), a plush motor oil can, and a hard chew toy. He lays with all four of them within reach and alternates playing with them.... but that's only when he decides he wants to stay still! There is so much that is new, he is constantly walking around sniffing things and checking them out. We have tried a few commands. I am mostly letting Westin get used to his new surroundings, but we have already started working on the basics so he knows he still has to listen to me.
Introduction
I wanted to start this off with a description of what I am doing.
For the summer, I am fostering a puppy, or rather, a service dog-in-training. I will be taking him to classes and on outings, and I will be working with him on his commands. He belongs to A.C.T.S., Assistance Canine Training Services assistancecanine.org. His name is Westin and he is 9 1/2 months old.
For the summer, I am fostering a puppy, or rather, a service dog-in-training. I will be taking him to classes and on outings, and I will be working with him on his commands. He belongs to A.C.T.S., Assistance Canine Training Services assistancecanine.org. His name is Westin and he is 9 1/2 months old.
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