A shout out to Mikey. A reward for myself.

When I first picked up Mikey and put the leash on his neck he was like Hell on Wheels! He ran to the end of the length of the leash, yanked me hard, and dragged me to the car. I knew we had many steps to learn in his training but being physically able to walk him on a leash became my first priority.
Physically over the past year I have had numerous heath problems which has lead the active me to a very limited exercise lifestyle. I wasn't the only one with physical limitations. Mikey had fallen down the steps as a puppy, broken bones, pins implanted, numerous weeks of resting and healing. So our walk training became something we both needed for different reasons. I can't stress enough the importance of walking with your dog, the bonding it creates, the reinforcement of pack leader and pack, the energy it release's for the dog and some great memories you can create. Today was one of them.

Mikey and I hit a great accomplishment today. After 16 days of walking every day, we crossed over the 5 mile mark today! Now we broke it up with a rest in between, and I feel silly being so excited for slowly walking it. But that is only the beginning...........

We walked at the Big Creek Greenway conservation by our house. I chose late Sunday morning hoping for it to be busy with kids, dogs, bikes , any distraction to help desensitize Mikey. The weather had threatened rain but for now it was dark and the air was heavy. Needless to say discouraging many families that would normally fill this park. This was also the first time I had taken off my training 'prong' collar, testing Mikey with his normal collar and leash. (More on the collar in another post). It took some good tugs on a couple occasions but we soon fell in line. Cesar Milan talks a lot about a dogs energy, being the pack leader, and walking with your dog as a pack. At this moment, we got it. Mikey and I were in rhythm, step by step, breath by breath. We could have been the opening commercial for his show. We were in our 'pack zone' when out of no where a deer walked out of the path 15 feet in front of us. I stopped immediately but calmly. Mikey took his place next to me and sat (as i have been training him to do) but all the while looking intently at the deer. The deer looking at us. Mikey holding his one ear up, the other ear down, cocking his head to the side. (Yes Mikey does have Prey Drive but just not at this moment). I was amazed at how close we were, and at how at ease the deer, Mikey and I are. It was so beautiful and peaceful. Then slowly stepping out behind the deer came another and behind it came fawn. The fawn was as big as Mikey and they looked a lot like each other; the same big ears and spotted coat. The deer crossed over the path, walked even closer as they bent to eat. I stood there for what seemed like five minutes, taking in the beauty of nature. The way all three different species shared the same space, curiously eying each other with respect. The deer, the dog, myself and a stranger that had wandered up next to me.
She startled me out of the trance as she said: "I don't know what I am more in awe of, the deer or your dog" as she leans to Mikey to pet his head "I have two at home and they would have never behaved as well as your dog!" I thanked her and explained that Mikey wasn't my dog, and I am training him. "Well, I need your number!" she said. Just then a biker speed by, startled to deer and they ran off. I looked down at Mikey and I swear he was smiling up at me. He was even proud of himself!

It started to rain by then but we were so happy neither minded. By the time we finished the walk we were soaking wet! I bent down down, grabbed Mikey and rubbed him. I held him so close showering him with the praise he deserved. Thanking him for being a good boy. Thanking him for showing me that I could do it, physically and mentally. Thanking him for showing me that after 16 days it is working.

Yes today was a accomplishment. A Shout out to Mikey. A reward for myself.

Now, you know I cant end it like this. Tomorrows post will be a complete instructional one on how to properly walk him, what works and why. But for now I am going to enjoy the moment.

Becky, George and Easton, I hope you are enjoying yours as well. Have a safe and fun vacation. I hope you have access to get this post and can share the pride.

Leadership

The first step in any dog training is for the owners. Leadership is a role that you must maintain in order to have a balanced happy dog. Leadership is everyday.

Understanding the 'dog world' is important. We need to understand that they do not think or act like humans. They are pack animals that follow a leader. They do not rationalize who or why but they will always follow a strong lead.

Dogs have 3 basic needs for us, as leaders, to fulfill.

Exercise: Exercise is always first. Dog's are energy. They need to release that energy. It is important for us to know our dogs and find the right routine to fit them. This also depends on breed, age, personality. I always say "A tired dog is a good dog." It's so true. You will know if you dog is not getting enough exercise by his actions: anxiety, digging, barking, excitability are all common examples. Mikey is full of boundless energy, partly due to being a puppy and also because of his breed. He is a working dog, and he needs a job! We are now up to 2-3 miles a day walking. He loves his walk but they are not enough! You will need to have a very active lifestyle with him for awhile! I am going to try to work with Mikey on swimming, obstacle course and treadmill.

Discipline: This goes 2nd, but also just as important. Discipline is exercise for the mind! Dogs need to have rules, boundaries and limitations set for them. You, the leader, need to establish them and be consistent with them. Mikey is very intelligent and if you let him slide once, he knows he is in control and you will loose the leadership position. Example: I have made 'sit' a rule. Mikey needs to sit to get anything! By setting the limitations you also gain his respect!

Affection: AFTER exercise and discipline you can give love as a gift. In the animal world, dogs earn love, they have to do something to get it. It sounds simple, right? But isn't. I hear people say that's the reason I got a dog, to love him. Then I say, love your dog by fulfilling his needs and he will fulfill yours. Mikey is so full of love. He wants to please, he is begging you to exercise him, discipline him and LOVE LOVE LOVE him! In that order. ALWAYS.

Exercise Discipline Affection = Happy well balanced Mikey!

Yes, it really boils down to just that! Easy, right?

P.S. The picture is of Mikey and Cookie Dough, his girlfriend! :)

Mike's Routine

Daily Routine: as of August 21st

6:00 a.m. Mikey is very rambunctious in the morning! I let him out to "go potty" while I get my morning cup of coffee. We both have our priorities! I spend a good 15 minutes playing with Mikey.
I take this time to get some good interaction with him while trying to slowly start the day. We usually play tug with the rubber rope, or fetch with his favorite rubber ball. Once he has most of his energy out, I use that time to give him some love. I make him sit and I rub and massage him all over. Sometimes he will lay down and let me stretch him, other times I concentrate on a good ear rub. During this time he must remain calm or I stop. This morning process can take 10 - 25 depending on the time you have.

I leave the toys laid out in the room and go about my morning activities. Mikey does follow me around a lot. I usually let him unless he gets directly under my feet. Mostly he will lay quietly, or play with a toy by himself.

Morning training time: I take another 10-15 minutes to train Mikey. We work mainly on come, sit, stay (with me walking farther away or longer). I want him to 'work' before he gets breakfast.

Morning Breakfast: I will write another blog on food in more detail.

Morning exercise: (between 8-10 a.m.)
I walk Mikey every morning. So far it has only been in my subdivision. I walk him on a hilly 1 mile route. He is tired by the time we get back.

Mid-Morning-Afternoon: Usually he is tired and will follow me to a room, or pick a spot on the steps and take a nap! If he starts to get rambunctious then I put another set of toys out or play with him. But sometimes he just needs his crate with a bone full of peanut butter! Giving him a treat and putting him the crate can give you a break. While you may want to put him in his crate when he isn't listening (or chewed a shoe), whatever the reason, do it with a smile on your face! (Just eliminate the peanut butter bone so your not rewarding the bad behavior). But never use the crate as punishment. A dog feels like his crate is his personal space, his den, his comfort safe spot. Even though he may have been put there for being "bad", don't let his crate become a "bad" place.

Evening Exercise: Mikey, as a puppy, needs 2 exercise times a day at least. A tired dog is a good dog! My favorite quote and so true. Right now we use this time for: walking him another mile, puppy play at the neighbors, running free with Moxie in the school field, or anything that is a high energy exercise. We will work together on what will work best with your routine: walk, run, biking......etc.

Dinner: Again after he has exercised and worked for it!

Evening hours: We spend the evening usually outside or watching television. Mikey is with us but usually plays alone or sits right on our feet looking for love. When he is calm we give it to him. Mike usually has a late night energy burst. I am jealous. We spend another 10-15 minutes with play together time: fetch or tug.

Bedtime: "Mikey night-night". We put him in his crate between 8:30-9:30. He goes right in, but does cry for a few minutes. However, he is silent all night long, sleeping or not.

Never forget one of the most important part of his daily routine: Mikey must be made to sit for everything. Sometimes this can take awhile.........but consistency is the name of the game!

P.S. The picture is of Mikey, in his Dog Training coat, at the park today.

Socialization

Socialization is one of the most important thing you can do for your dog! Socialize. Socialize. Socialize.
The more balanced and well rounded your dog is, how calm he stays in different situations, can all be linked to how socialized the dog is.
Socialize him with all his senses: Site, smell and sound. Sounds are very important. I have been opening Mikey up to a lot by just walking around the block. One thing that seems to be a common factor of fear for dogs are wheels. All Wheels, bike, cars, skateboard, etc. The kids down from our house were all out in the street riding all kinds of wheeled toys that made all kinds of loud noises. I purposly took Mikey for a walk, back and forth of that house at least 5 times! He was 'skiddish' at first, especially when they rode close by. We sat there until he was calm then I had the children give him his "Mikey good boy" treats. Now the Garbage truck? Well, that's gonna take more time. I have walked him in the sun, the rain, a windy day and at night. We encounter a lot and he does not seem to mind the other dogs, the barking, the stray cat, a random squirrel or bird. Another great sense to expose your dog to is the air! One of the best treats you can do is take Mikey with you on short trips, roll the window down a few and let him hold that nose out the window. A dogs dream.
Socalizing your dog with people is also just as important. Tall people, short people, people of all race and ethenicity, all ages- espically the young and old! Every one smells differnt and sounds differnt. Every person reacts differnt as well. Some dog lovers will run over to grab your dog and squeeze him tight, some people are very afraid of dogs and show it. The more people he sees the more open and calm he will be around them. Most strangers when they meet a dog will go to 'pat' them on the head , often catching him off guard. Let me tell you, Mikey is like a magnet. Everyone wants to touch him! By the time I am done with him he will be the most touched dog! :)
Socializing him with other dogs is also very important. Same as the above, there are different breeds, size, smells, age of other dogs. Socialzing with other dogs is a great source of play and good exercise for the dogs! Being able to take your dog with you anywhere is a huge bonus: other peoples homes, vacations, parks, any social outing. Mikey is learning how to play with other dogs. I took him over to a friends house today for his first Puppy Party! We meet outside to do the proper meet and greet, once all was well, we let them loose in her fenced yard. He was so darn excited!!!! He did try to hump a few times, he did try to nip her hind end, but they worked it out nicely! They ran and ran until they both passed out in a plie in the shade. I missed these moments with the camera darn it! But it was Awesome! Mikey was wet, dirty, happy and tired!

Toys and Playtime

Mikey is just like a toddler. Seriously, my floor sometimes brings back many memories of toys scatters all over the place.
A big part of Mikey's routine will be play time. I am trying to figure out what works best at what times. So far here is what I have learned.

Rope: I know you must be aware of his love for the rope! He can shred that thing like it's nothing! Bad part is he swallows it. Take it from me, a trip to the Vets to get it out is not what you want! I use the rope to play with him, not to leave him with it alone. We play tug-a-war. This is a great interaction game if it is played right. Here is what I follow: We pull it back and forth all over the place, but stop the second it starts to get out of hand. By that I mean, he is starting to growl, moving his teeth farther and farther up the rope to your fingers or start of aggressive play. Always be the winner. You decide when to stop and tell him to "release" and take the rope back. I keep it on a shelf out of his chewing-eating ways!

Rubber Toys: He LOVES my rubber toys! I have a pic of his 2 favorites. The Blue spiked ball is good because you can toss it and it bounces in all different directions. This keeps in on his toes and can be done in a smaller safe place. He loves the rubber-rope-curly toy (the one he is laying on in the pic). We play that together or he swings it all around with his mouth by himself! So funny to watch. All these toys in the photo are pretty much self destructible. VERY Important for Mikey. He is a chewer, but most of that is his 'puppy' stage.

Bones: I am a huge fan of real bones. Cow femur bones to be exact. You can get them at most grocery stores, or ask your butcher. Mikey love's to chew on them for hours! This treat is given to him when I put him in his crate. It helps with separation anxiety, occupies him, cleans his teeth and freshens his breath. Bonus! One bone last about a month. After he chews it clean, I still use them as treats. (fill with peanut butter, freeze them). I take it out of crate when I let him out so he wont have access to it all day. Just for crate time.

He loves to play by himself. You are very lucky. He is so funny when he plays. He will go from one toy to another, all along talking to himself out loud! The noises he can make! I call all toys just "Toy's" and he is starting to recognize what that means. I keep all the toys in a basket. We put them away together, and through out the day I will say "Mikey, go get your toy" and ( some of the time) he will walk over to the basket and start pulling put toys! We will work more on that too! Having access to many toys he likes will help keep him occupied, keep him from chewing or playing with things he shouldn't. By the time he returns we will design the perfect toy basket for Mikey with all the things he loves!

Basic Commands and Hand signals

Mikey was pushed right into a new way of life, whether he wanted it or not. Coming into my home where we already use commands and hand signals could have been confusing, but not for Mikey. I believe my dogs help show him the ropes!

When giving Mikey Commands:
Always makes sure he is paying attention! I always say his name before the command, sometimes a quick 'clap' can get his attention. Combine his name, command and hand signal together. Keep it simple by just stating the command , the more words you add the harder it is for him to understand. Never say the command as a question. Speak loud, clear and firmly. After he performs the command, always reward while repeating what he did. If he does not respond after the clap and repeat of command, then make him do the command.
example:
"Mikey, Sit!" clap once to get attention (if needed) and repeat "Mikey, Sit!". If he does not respond, push him down to a sitting position, when he is sitting reward him (with praise, petting or a treat) saying "Good Sit!".

Always make your pet work for love and praise! It sounds awful, and it is actually hard to do but very important when training. I make Mikey sit for EVERYTHING!! He sits to get food, water, go outside, for love and kisses, a toy, everything! This lets him know there are rules and establishes who is the leader.

Commands with Hand Signals:
"Sit" = Hand in a firm fist.
"Stay" = Hand open in the stop position.
"Come"= Both hands placed on thighs.
"Go" = Arm out stretched with pointed finger.
I use the Go command the same as a Out command. When you don't want him hanging around under your feet, in the kitchen around your food, or any other situation you want him away.
"Off" = a clap.
I use the word Off when he is on the furniture or bed.
I also use it when he is jumping up. He likes to jump!!!! It is his way of initiating play or used as a greeting! Never let him jump on you or anyone. Turn around and ignore him until he stops or knee him in the chest when he jumps up, then command him to "Sit".
"Good Boy/Good Mikey" = Praise word. Said when he is given a reward.

Mikey responds very well with "Sit". He is working on how long he will "stay" and needs a lot of work with "Come".

Now is the time to start practicing this with Matthew as well. Consistency in the family with all the pets is the only way to make this work!

After a walk, or a training session is when I really give him the love. Use that time to pet him, massage him, tell him what a good boy he is. He loves the love and that makes him want to please more!

After mastering these commands we can start to add more. Experts claim the average dog can learns 60-100 words! And we know Mikey is NO AVERAGE DOG! :)

Mikey: Day 2

The 6 hour drive went by fast. Mikey is so well behaved in the car. He is starting to get restless and in need of some exercise! I am not worried because my two dogs will take care of that. But first, we have to do a proper introduction.
The initial meeting between dogs is important, how it goes can determine the relationship between them. It is important for every pet owner to understand this. When new animals are coming to visit, or you are going to another house, take a few minutes for an introduction. Animals are like people, and they will not instinctively like every animal. Introduce dogs on neutral territory. Outside is best, so the dog doesn't feel protective of his home and stuff. Keep both dogs on a leash. Let them observe each other from a distance. KNOW YOUR DOG! Watch your dog and look for signs, hair up on back, showing teeth, low growling noises, ears pressed back, head down with slow swishing tail.... ALL signs that your dog is not liking the situation. Redirect the dogs and try again. If there is an initial dislike that is obvious, STOP! Keep dogs on a leash together until BOTH dogs have have sniffed one anothers' butts. It sounds obnoxious, but it is how in the animal world dogs say, "You're OK." This may take some time.
Mikey is not dominant, so he was ready for both of my dogs to sniff him. However, my dogs were not ready to say "OK", and it took up to 1/2 hour for Zelda to let Mikey sniff her. Once all the butt sniffing is done, they are usually okay. Watch for your dog to imitate play, the downward bow, the soft bark, the high tail wagging, pawing in the air......that is the dog speak for "let's play!". Even though the sniffing is done, both dogs will exhibit a 'playful' sign before they set off. Mikey and Moxie played right away, Zelda does not want to play with Mikey, even 2 days later! But, Mikey knows this and respects it.
Toys, food, water can all cause a problem in a pack of dogs. Whether or not you have other animals at your home keep food and toys, food and drink away! Feed and water them separate rooms. It took 2 days, but they now drink out of the same bowl! (Remember they eat separate always!)
I got Mikey to go to his crate and, filled it with his toys, your shirts and blanket! He did cry, like a Hyena for a few minutes then slept the night away!
Tomorrow starts his "Doggy Boot Camp".........

Observations of Mikey's Behavior:
Ears: He is very expressive with his ears! (I love them!) He holds them way back when he is startled, fearful, uneasy, during thunderstorms, and in new situations. This is an easy warning sign showing he is uncomfortable. He holds his ears tall and proud when he is initiating play, being curious, listening, and when excited!

Neck: The hair between his shoulders puffs up when: Threatened, sign of anger, fear, dominance. He displayed this over a bone. I was there, and able to stop before it got out of hand. (more on toys later)

Play Activity: he does try to 'hump' during play with the dogs. This is not sexual. It is a form of dominance. He tried to hump, but my dogs barked back and he stopped! Good to note and look for when in a larger group of dogs. This also may stop once he learns how to properly play. Mikey also tries to 'nip' the hind end of Moxie when running off leash. He is a herding dog and comes by that naturally. However, again, he needs to learn that it is not proper play. Moxie showed him that, they scuffled a bit, then ran off together. Not sure if he learned his lesson yet, will follow up on later.

I do not want to end this on a negative note because he is a wonderful dog. This is a learning situation for all. He is very intelligent and wants to please.

Mikey: Day 1

My first impression of Mike was: Energy (he is full of it), strength, curiosity, intelligence and good looks! I was right on ALL accounts.

It will be a two day trip from Michigan to Alpharetta, Georgia. He had a hard time jumping into the Honda Pilot partly due to a fully packed car, a clumsy-weak- collarbone and shoulder injury and fear of going to some unknown place without his family.

He did adjust quickly. We stopped for his first break at Luna Pier, Michigan. He was so excited to get out of the car and wanted to run! His collar and leash need to be larger for his strength, so I was forced to start the leash training. He was not happy when I had to 'reel' him in. Again, he adjusted quickly. We walked all the way down to the end of the Pier and back. I am amazed at his calmness around other people. Mikey does not appear to have a dominant bone in his body.

I walked him to a grassy spot and said, "Mikey, go potty." and He DID. I swear, poop and pee! (did I mention how handsome he is too?). It can't be this easy, right?

In the car he paced for a few minutes then laid down for most of the ride. He wanted to sleep badly but he wouldn't let himself, he was still to curious and on guard to just 'let go".

The night in the hotel was interesting. I did not take his crate because I had one at home, so he slept on my bed, the floor, the bed, the floor, then barf on bed, then.....it was hard on all of us. We all wanted to be in our own bed, at our own home!

Today was really all about bonding. I spent some time with Mikey in the backseat rubbing him. Letting him smell me, settling his fears, creating calmness. I touched him on his ears, eyes, mouth, neck, back, tails, paws, chest.....looking for reactions, but he accepted it all. Mikey is a little 'mouthy'. He wants to play and thinks that 'nipping' is how to go about it. I said "NO" firmly and pulled my hand away. I ignored him until he stopped nipping and sat calmly looking at me. He does stop when corrected (which is fantastic) but he forgets just as fast! He will need more work on this.

He likes to eat grass, sticks, plants, pebbles......I will need to be very careful watching what goes in his mouth (like a toddler). He did not eat or drink much, which is natural for the first 48 hours due to the change.

Mikey is incredibly loving and wants to please whoever he is with.

I am anxious to get home and start Mike in a routine.