Yesterday, Reilly went to work with me.
It was his first visit on a school day, although a non-teaching day for me. At this stage all I expect of him there is the socialization to a rather hectic environment. This is far more than going to a pet shop or a grocery store. Lots of people; lots of distractions. Getting him to remember the commands he's familiar with in such a busy place is enough of a chore for him right now.
He accompanied me to two meetings (in the department, with a maximum of four people) and a walk across campus to take his shot records to the disability office. He enjoyed the elevator, was interested in the fact that some doors open when I push a button, and was a bit confounded by the fact that his water bowl is currently being kept in the bathroom. He did a nice job of ignoring people in the hallways, although I'm making it a strong point not to take him out when classes are changing. He met several colleagues in the department, and allowed them to approach for petting. So far, he's doing everything I could ask of him at this point. I'm keeping contacts to a small limit, as he doesn't need to go on overload, either. I sent an email to the department the day before, outlining what his purpose is there, what they should expect of him behavior-wise, and what we expect of them. I told them they could participate in his training by simply ignoring his presence, but if they wished to meet him, they could, within my "rules of engagement". Out of 25 people in the department, and hundreds of students, I had seven request an introduction, and those were spaced out during the day. All but one person was very respectful of what was going on. One person, in a meeting, kept calling him to her "to see if he would". The first time, Reilly was in a down-stay, and broke it for her. I simply put him back in his down-stay. The second time, I told her to quit. Grrrrr.
Reilly and I spend the larger part of the day in my office, so I could get some grading and prep work done. He sat on the blanket I provided for him out of the way, then chose to do as he does at home and lie on my feet. I'll move the blanket next time. He won't fit there for long, so he might as well get the comfort of it while he can. I had several people come by my office for one thing or another, and Reilly simply slept through their visits. That's good. He didn't wake up until my last appointment of the day, which was at 2:15. Then he started getting a little antsy. I figured he wanted a drink, but he had to wait until my student left before we could go get one. I'll have to work on logistics and his sleep schedule a lot. If I have an appointment, I should wake him, water and potty him before the appointment, and not have those worries during. Even for a short, fifteen minute appointment, such as this was.
Problems from the day, aside from the irritating colleague (and I'm sure she simply misunderstood the guidelines for interaction, rather than was being intentionally irritating), were his reluctance to go potty where and when I wanted him to, his lack of continuous access to water, and my realization that I leave my office far more often than I thought!
Since his water is in the bathroom, I did combine my trips there with his watering trips, so didn't have to run back and forth so much. He didn't drink as much as he does at home, but I think it was more because he wanted to explore the bathroom than anything else. And his lowered water intake was part of the reason he didn't pee as often as asked. I'm sure both will change as he gets more comfortable there. My office is carpeted, which is one reason why I am reluctant to keep water in the office. He's not a big drooler, but he does have serious waterfall mouth when drinking. In the bathroom, I can towel off the floor (I brought a stack of doggy towels in) and wipe his mouth before we leave. The other problem with water in my office is that I can't carry a bowl of water that far. I can use a jug in my drink sling to bring it to the office, but dumping a bowl of drooled-in water to refresh it would be very difficult. I may try getting a plastic mat for a bowl, and two jugs plus a funnel, to see if I can pour dirty water into a second jug. I can carry jugs, and I can carry the empty bowl, as I knit carry bags with shoulder straps for such things. I would like him to be able to drink as he likes. If that doesn't work though, we'll stick to the bathroom. The disability office has informed me that if I can't deal with his water, they will assign someone to come give him fresh water several times a day. Likewise, if I can't clean up his poo, they will get that taken care of as well. And if I become unable to walk him and don't have a volunteer I trust, they will assign someone for that, too. I do not want to resort to any of these until I actually need them, but it's wonderfully nice to know they are there!
Once he seems as if he's adjusted to the new environment, I'll start taking him outside for command practice similar to what I do in the park now, on a long-line. That should be fun. The quad is plenty big, and most people stick to the sidewalks, so I'll have a larger space than at the park, actually. We hold graduations on the quad!
Also, once he gets used to it there, we'll start working on tasks that will be needed there...and elsewhere. The buttons for opening doors are something he can learn to use. And it's a great place to work on opening doors with a rope; there are all types of door handles for me to sort out how to attach a rope-and-hook to. And he can start on retrieving things I drop, too.
I do need a good chew toy for him there. I didn't think about that until we got there, so I snagged the toy I keep in the car, but he didn't want it. I need something he'll love, but that doesn't smell. The cow hooves smell, according to Chris. I'll have him check the bully stick. Reilly tried to swallow one end-on when we weren't home, and threw it up, so has not had one since. However, in my office he can't get more than five feet from me, so I can keep him from doing that again. He'll be able to enjoy them safely...if they don't smell. (I miss not being able to smell....)
A colleague who posts news on our department website took photos of Reilly and me so she can post an article outlining to students how they should react to Reilly. I'll snag one when she sends them to me and post it here.
Meg and Reilly
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
He's sooo smart!
I've been babysitting a friend's Lady Gouldian finches for a few days. She picked them up Saturday evening. She was also picking up a rocking chair I can no longer sit in. Once she got her things organized she went to turn her truck around and back up to the door to make loading easier. I had put the dogs out while the birds were being transferred to a transport cage, so I told her to hang on and let me get Reilly, as he's not the least bit car smart.
She was already outside, and I just leaned out the door to call Reilly. Margie did as most people do, and also called him. She was closer, had bent over and was making happy noises. He headed toward her. Then I said, "Reilly! Ignore her and Come!" and he swerved around her and came to me. He cut his eyes back toward her, as he was really wanting that promised petting, but he bypassed her. We were both impressed. He got a big doggie cookie for that one, and after she moved the truck he was let back out to get her petting. Win-win for Reilly!
Margie is also the Art professor who is going to take a photo of the two of us. In fact, she invited me to one of her photography classes as an assignment for her students. This'll be fun for us, good practice in a new situation for Reilly, and also fun for the students.
I wore my brace on Monday, and was getting accustomed to the new balance with it...and the damn thing quit working again. I'm about ready to throw it out the window, in the trash, under a train...I can not trust it. Grrrrrr.....maybe it would be a good teething toy for Reilly. I have another appointment with them on November 2. After that, I'm giving up.
Meg and Reilly
She was already outside, and I just leaned out the door to call Reilly. Margie did as most people do, and also called him. She was closer, had bent over and was making happy noises. He headed toward her. Then I said, "Reilly! Ignore her and Come!" and he swerved around her and came to me. He cut his eyes back toward her, as he was really wanting that promised petting, but he bypassed her. We were both impressed. He got a big doggie cookie for that one, and after she moved the truck he was let back out to get her petting. Win-win for Reilly!
Margie is also the Art professor who is going to take a photo of the two of us. In fact, she invited me to one of her photography classes as an assignment for her students. This'll be fun for us, good practice in a new situation for Reilly, and also fun for the students.
I wore my brace on Monday, and was getting accustomed to the new balance with it...and the damn thing quit working again. I'm about ready to throw it out the window, in the trash, under a train...I can not trust it. Grrrrrr.....maybe it would be a good teething toy for Reilly. I have another appointment with them on November 2. After that, I'm giving up.
Meg and Reilly
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Just thinking out loud...
I wanted to point out that I put a "Contact" tab up at the top, and made an email address just for Reilly, as so many people have told me they can't comment on this page. If you choose to email us, let me know if you mind if I put your comments in the blog or if you'd rather I didn't.
Also, I never came back and mentioned how I solved the treat bag issue. A belt pack did work fairly well. The best, though...a pullover hoodie with a pocket on the front. I could reach into that from either side, with either hand, and didn't have to unzip or open anything. It obviously won't work well for warm weather, but I'll devise something by then.
And....drum roll please....I think my leg brace is finally fixed! I was asked to attend an orthotics conference three hours from here yesterday. Since I have no classes on Friday this semester, I went. Of course the dang thing was working properly when I got there. But three of the big shots from the company, the wonderful woman who fits and works with my brace locally, Katrina, and her boss were all there to see what they could figure out. They came up with a plan to make another adjustment, in such a way that I can fine-tune it myself. And potentially there may be something in my stance that is part of it. But between fixing the mechanism and fixing my stance, I think it's going to be okay! That means that I can probably go back to using one stick all the time instead of two. I can only use one with Reilly anyway, so it would be easier for me not to have to switch back and forth, and still be stable (which I'm not on one stick right now.) Additionally, the CEO of the company told us about an research article done by Mayo on IBM people and when accessories for walking may need to become wheels. Katrina is going to look that article up for us. He said basically once you're less than 40% of "normal" then wheels may be a better option. Except for a small percentage of stubborn people like me, where the mental and emotional impact of being non-active may be worse than the alternatives.
So, I'll be getting used to wearing my brace, and seeing how my balance adjusts. I wore it home yesterday, and Reilly didn't even blink at the contraption. Yay, Reilly!
All for now...
Meg and Reilly
Also, I never came back and mentioned how I solved the treat bag issue. A belt pack did work fairly well. The best, though...a pullover hoodie with a pocket on the front. I could reach into that from either side, with either hand, and didn't have to unzip or open anything. It obviously won't work well for warm weather, but I'll devise something by then.
And....drum roll please....I think my leg brace is finally fixed! I was asked to attend an orthotics conference three hours from here yesterday. Since I have no classes on Friday this semester, I went. Of course the dang thing was working properly when I got there. But three of the big shots from the company, the wonderful woman who fits and works with my brace locally, Katrina, and her boss were all there to see what they could figure out. They came up with a plan to make another adjustment, in such a way that I can fine-tune it myself. And potentially there may be something in my stance that is part of it. But between fixing the mechanism and fixing my stance, I think it's going to be okay! That means that I can probably go back to using one stick all the time instead of two. I can only use one with Reilly anyway, so it would be easier for me not to have to switch back and forth, and still be stable (which I'm not on one stick right now.) Additionally, the CEO of the company told us about an research article done by Mayo on IBM people and when accessories for walking may need to become wheels. Katrina is going to look that article up for us. He said basically once you're less than 40% of "normal" then wheels may be a better option. Except for a small percentage of stubborn people like me, where the mental and emotional impact of being non-active may be worse than the alternatives.
So, I'll be getting used to wearing my brace, and seeing how my balance adjusts. I wore it home yesterday, and Reilly didn't even blink at the contraption. Yay, Reilly!
All for now...
Meg and Reilly
The Graduate!
Last Tuesday, Reilly graduated from the beginner obedience class. Yay, Reilly! They set up an obstacle course for all the doggies, and he did well at all the stations. I'm still planning on sending him back through this beginner course before we go on to the next one, as the next one here is the CGC. He would graduate with his CGC at 7 months old, which I think is too young. So, the beginner class will reinforce the things he's learned already, and I can continue to work on adapting some things to work/task related tasks. He does need more work on his attention to me, so I planned to redo the class for that alone. That should come with more time with him. Now that he's got some basic manners under his belt, I'll be trying him at work on my non-teaching days. He needs practice learning to let people come into his space instead of his puppy-self rushing towards people. I know at least one of my students is terrified of dogs. She overheard a conversation between me and another student about Reilly's training, and just the thought of a dog coming to class scared her. I assured her that he would not be coming to class this semester, and would be taught not to approach people but to allow people to approach him instead. She was relieved to hear that. It does remind me not to have him start coming to class in the middle of the semester. He'll need to start at the beginning of the semester, to allow students who don't want to be in a room with a dog to have time to switch sections. Or at least I need to announce it at the beginning of a semester that he may be coming in at some point during the semester. I am not allowed to have an announcement posted on the class lists, but I can post my own announcement on my Blackboard sites for students to access, and put a sign on my office door to that effect. He'll probably be able to to start coming full time by next fall semester, although he still won't be mature enough to start counterbalance work then. He should be opening doors and retrieving items for me, though. That will be lovely in itself, but the balance work will be wonderful!
The obedience class instructor fitted Reilly with a pinch collar last night, too. He's started pulling on our park walks. He was unhappy with the collar, but walked out to the car like a gentleman. We'll try it at the park Friday morning and see how he does. He's a smart pup; I'm betting one or two walks will make the point with him and we'll be able to give it up quickly. It's a training tool; not a life plan. I've never liked them and don't intend to use it long, but he must learn not to pull before it becomes a bad habit to break.
He's also finally figuring out how to get in the car by himself...mostly. He's been able to get his front end up there for some time. It's the back end that's been the problem. Jake went through the same thing. I've started grabbing a back foot and telling him "foot" just as I do when I want to wipe off wet feet. He picks it up, but now I'm placing it up on the car step. Then touch the other hind foot and do the same. He's lifting himself in, and is so tickled with himself! I got a good tail-smack in the face from it the other day...but it was well worth it!
We took him to the pet store Thursday evening, as we needed more food. I didn't use the pinch collar... and this is the first time he's gotten terribly excited while out and pulled me all over. Friday morning on our park walk I used the collar, and he walked by my side like a gentleman. Chris had taken Murphy, and he pulled Chris allover! We'll likely try a pinch collar on him, too. Jake has no need of one; he's a gentleman through and through.
I contacted the other members of a committee I'm on at work and asked if they had a problem with Reilly attending meetings (since they are invariably on my non-teaching days.) Since Reilly does have full access rights in this state I don't need to ask, but I think courtesy goes a long way. Not only do they not mind, they were quite pleased to be part of his training. I'm glad that everyone we've encountered so far has been positive about this. It'll make Reilly's training so much easier.
The first day or two he goes in we'll just work on office manners and what's expected of him there. Then we'll introduce door opening with the type of doors we have. I was thinking about him before class the other day, and realized that the classroom floors are awfully slick. That could make it difficult for him to get up, and be bad for his joints. I'll need to see about a rug with backing that we can put in the rooms I teach, so he has a safe...and more comfortable... place to lie down and get up from. I could carry a rug with me, but it would be easier to leave one in each room. I'll have to see about that.
Meg and Reilly
The obedience class instructor fitted Reilly with a pinch collar last night, too. He's started pulling on our park walks. He was unhappy with the collar, but walked out to the car like a gentleman. We'll try it at the park Friday morning and see how he does. He's a smart pup; I'm betting one or two walks will make the point with him and we'll be able to give it up quickly. It's a training tool; not a life plan. I've never liked them and don't intend to use it long, but he must learn not to pull before it becomes a bad habit to break.
He's also finally figuring out how to get in the car by himself...mostly. He's been able to get his front end up there for some time. It's the back end that's been the problem. Jake went through the same thing. I've started grabbing a back foot and telling him "foot" just as I do when I want to wipe off wet feet. He picks it up, but now I'm placing it up on the car step. Then touch the other hind foot and do the same. He's lifting himself in, and is so tickled with himself! I got a good tail-smack in the face from it the other day...but it was well worth it!
We took him to the pet store Thursday evening, as we needed more food. I didn't use the pinch collar... and this is the first time he's gotten terribly excited while out and pulled me all over. Friday morning on our park walk I used the collar, and he walked by my side like a gentleman. Chris had taken Murphy, and he pulled Chris allover! We'll likely try a pinch collar on him, too. Jake has no need of one; he's a gentleman through and through.
I contacted the other members of a committee I'm on at work and asked if they had a problem with Reilly attending meetings (since they are invariably on my non-teaching days.) Since Reilly does have full access rights in this state I don't need to ask, but I think courtesy goes a long way. Not only do they not mind, they were quite pleased to be part of his training. I'm glad that everyone we've encountered so far has been positive about this. It'll make Reilly's training so much easier.
The first day or two he goes in we'll just work on office manners and what's expected of him there. Then we'll introduce door opening with the type of doors we have. I was thinking about him before class the other day, and realized that the classroom floors are awfully slick. That could make it difficult for him to get up, and be bad for his joints. I'll need to see about a rug with backing that we can put in the rooms I teach, so he has a safe...and more comfortable... place to lie down and get up from. I could carry a rug with me, but it would be easier to leave one in each room. I'll have to see about that.
Meg and Reilly
Saturday, October 15, 2011
What he's learning
I realized I have not spoken about what he's learning to do for some time now. Aside for saying what problems are with his teenager bit lately. Some things he's good on at home and less good out amongst distractions, which is why the classes are important. And why we do some working in the park. But here's what we're working on so far, and how he's doing:
Sit...has been excellent until this week.
Down...finally got the idea a week ago. Is pretty good, although not 100% consistent yet.
Stay...about 80% consistent, including with me leaving his sight for a minute.
Loose -leash walking...he's starting to pull. I'll be testing a Martingale collar, and if need be, a pinch collar, to get him to stop, although we'd then have to wean off whichever collar we try. I will not use one permanently; they should be for training only.
Wait...I use this at the door to the house and in the car when I open the door, as well as any other time I want him to wait. Similar to Stay, but a bit more flexible. Stay means in the position he's placed in, where Wait means he can shift position, but not leave the spot. He's about 95% on this one. 100% in the car, and not quite as good in the house. Elsewhere, I encourage him to walk through doorways with me, as he'll need to do that consistently later on.
Come...Yesterday was the first time ever that he did not respond to this. Usually he comes running no matter what, but he sat in the park on a Sit/Stay, and when called ignored me. I had to go get him and enforce it. Silly teenager isms.
Not for you (leave it)...I can't stand "leave it". We use "Not for you" (shades of Hooch). Today I sat in a chair in front of him and dropped a handful of treats, while telling him Not for you. He didn't touch any of them, but let me pick them up one at a time, in front of him. Didn't even drool. A week ago I couldn't even have come close to that.
Watch me....just not happening, no matter what. Must work on it more.
Touch...Started with nose to palm touching. I'm expanding that to touching whatever the laser pointer is on. He's wanting to touch the hand with the pointer, but is getting better at recognizing what I want, as I'm getting better at holding that out of his sight. Maybe 30% on this, but we haven't been doing it long at all. It was planned, but I hadn't been able to pick up a laser until a week ago.
So, we're getting there. Still need to work, particularly on Watch Me. Another round through the beginners class won't hurt. He's going to be a big boy, and even if he doesn't work out for Service, he'll need excellent manners.
Meg and Reilly
Sit...has been excellent until this week.
Down...finally got the idea a week ago. Is pretty good, although not 100% consistent yet.
Stay...about 80% consistent, including with me leaving his sight for a minute.
Loose -leash walking...he's starting to pull. I'll be testing a Martingale collar, and if need be, a pinch collar, to get him to stop, although we'd then have to wean off whichever collar we try. I will not use one permanently; they should be for training only.
Wait...I use this at the door to the house and in the car when I open the door, as well as any other time I want him to wait. Similar to Stay, but a bit more flexible. Stay means in the position he's placed in, where Wait means he can shift position, but not leave the spot. He's about 95% on this one. 100% in the car, and not quite as good in the house. Elsewhere, I encourage him to walk through doorways with me, as he'll need to do that consistently later on.
Come...Yesterday was the first time ever that he did not respond to this. Usually he comes running no matter what, but he sat in the park on a Sit/Stay, and when called ignored me. I had to go get him and enforce it. Silly teenager isms.
Not for you (leave it)...I can't stand "leave it". We use "Not for you" (shades of Hooch). Today I sat in a chair in front of him and dropped a handful of treats, while telling him Not for you. He didn't touch any of them, but let me pick them up one at a time, in front of him. Didn't even drool. A week ago I couldn't even have come close to that.
Watch me....just not happening, no matter what. Must work on it more.
Touch...Started with nose to palm touching. I'm expanding that to touching whatever the laser pointer is on. He's wanting to touch the hand with the pointer, but is getting better at recognizing what I want, as I'm getting better at holding that out of his sight. Maybe 30% on this, but we haven't been doing it long at all. It was planned, but I hadn't been able to pick up a laser until a week ago.
So, we're getting there. Still need to work, particularly on Watch Me. Another round through the beginners class won't hurt. He's going to be a big boy, and even if he doesn't work out for Service, he'll need excellent manners.
Meg and Reilly
Friday, October 14, 2011
Guilt and pictures
I'm finding myself not posting because I feel guilty that I have no pictures. Taking pictures is hard for me to do. I need to enlist others for that. So I've decided that as of today I'm not feeling guilty, nor am I avoiding writing just because I don't always have pictures. It is what it is. I do have one or two today, as my sis visited me over part of fall break and took some this morning as we walked in the park.
So, what have I not said? We have one more day of puppy class. I had intended on having him go directly to the next class, which is the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) class, but he's really not ready. I'm going to repeat the beginner class with him. Many things he does well; others not. He's weakest on focusing his attention on me, so we'll work on that more.
I asked if we could take the obedience competition classes, even though I can't compete. I've seen competitions; handlers have running and things to do...or so I thought. The instructor I asked told me I could compete. There are people with canes, walkers and wheelchairs doing competition obedience! So I'm going to look into doing that. That will help increase both Reilly's working understanding and my ability to help him learn. Certainly can't hurt! But first, he has to learn to look at me!
He's going through a beginning teenage stage starting this week, too. He's refusing to do the commands he had learned so well, like a basic sit. On the other hand, he's finally learned to "down" on command without a lure. And I can leave him on a sit-stay on a long-line at the park, and he'll stay while I walk circles around him. Teenage perversity!
He's finally sleeping through the night. And doing it mastiff style like the other Boys. When we humans get up, we head straight for the bathroom. When they get up, reluctantly and slowly, they want breakfast. I practically have to throw them out; particularly Murphy. Reilly has joined that crowd. I quit penning him in the mudroom at night now as he's not going to potty during the night. So now I have three mastiffs sleeping in my room. In my bed when Chris is gone. We still need a bigger bed.
We took Reilly in for a weight today at the vet. He stepped onto the scale like it was an everyday thing. Tipped the scales at 76.2 pounds. He's gaining about five pounds a week, more or less, but he's not fat at all.
I've also got him stepping into the bathtub on his own for his bath, which is very helpful. And he's getting his front end into the car by himself. I still have to help his back end up, but we're working on that too. Getting out is fun, as is getting off the bed. He's learned "otter" and slides off or out, so he has far less impact. In class they set up a 8" hurdle for them to jump. At Reilly's height, all he was going to do was step over it. Then they upped it to 16". Now, Reilly doesn't need to be jumping. He doesn't need the impact. However, I know my Reilly. He has absolutely no intention of jumping at this point in his life. That would take far more energy than he's willing to expend. So he made a good attempt at walking over the 16" hurdle, tripping over his big feet in the process. And the instructor sighed...and put him back at 8" so he didn't hurt himself. I watched the other pups jump, and cringed at the impact, but none of them are giant breeds. They're all small dogs or gun dogs. Different growth rates and stresses on those.
So, here are some of the pics that Linda took this morning (Thanks Sis!) Yeah, I'm still prednisone-plump. I'm working on it, okay?
He's getting big, isn't he? And more beautiful every day, even if he is being a bit of a teenager this week!
Meg and Reilly
So, what have I not said? We have one more day of puppy class. I had intended on having him go directly to the next class, which is the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) class, but he's really not ready. I'm going to repeat the beginner class with him. Many things he does well; others not. He's weakest on focusing his attention on me, so we'll work on that more.
I asked if we could take the obedience competition classes, even though I can't compete. I've seen competitions; handlers have running and things to do...or so I thought. The instructor I asked told me I could compete. There are people with canes, walkers and wheelchairs doing competition obedience! So I'm going to look into doing that. That will help increase both Reilly's working understanding and my ability to help him learn. Certainly can't hurt! But first, he has to learn to look at me!
He's going through a beginning teenage stage starting this week, too. He's refusing to do the commands he had learned so well, like a basic sit. On the other hand, he's finally learned to "down" on command without a lure. And I can leave him on a sit-stay on a long-line at the park, and he'll stay while I walk circles around him. Teenage perversity!
He's finally sleeping through the night. And doing it mastiff style like the other Boys. When we humans get up, we head straight for the bathroom. When they get up, reluctantly and slowly, they want breakfast. I practically have to throw them out; particularly Murphy. Reilly has joined that crowd. I quit penning him in the mudroom at night now as he's not going to potty during the night. So now I have three mastiffs sleeping in my room. In my bed when Chris is gone. We still need a bigger bed.
We took Reilly in for a weight today at the vet. He stepped onto the scale like it was an everyday thing. Tipped the scales at 76.2 pounds. He's gaining about five pounds a week, more or less, but he's not fat at all.
I've also got him stepping into the bathtub on his own for his bath, which is very helpful. And he's getting his front end into the car by himself. I still have to help his back end up, but we're working on that too. Getting out is fun, as is getting off the bed. He's learned "otter" and slides off or out, so he has far less impact. In class they set up a 8" hurdle for them to jump. At Reilly's height, all he was going to do was step over it. Then they upped it to 16". Now, Reilly doesn't need to be jumping. He doesn't need the impact. However, I know my Reilly. He has absolutely no intention of jumping at this point in his life. That would take far more energy than he's willing to expend. So he made a good attempt at walking over the 16" hurdle, tripping over his big feet in the process. And the instructor sighed...and put him back at 8" so he didn't hurt himself. I watched the other pups jump, and cringed at the impact, but none of them are giant breeds. They're all small dogs or gun dogs. Different growth rates and stresses on those.
So, here are some of the pics that Linda took this morning (Thanks Sis!) Yeah, I'm still prednisone-plump. I'm working on it, okay?
He's getting big, isn't he? And more beautiful every day, even if he is being a bit of a teenager this week!
Meg and Reilly
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Long weekend at an end
My long weekend. I don't think Reilly really noticed. I gave an exam to three sections of lecture on Thursday, so had a lot of grading to do, on top of the grading for labs. And prep for this week coming. And clean my house, as company comes on Monday. And spend time with Reilly and work on commands. And get some specific shopping done...things I need for the dogs and for work.
So it's nearly ten pm on Sunday night. I've done most of what I needed to do. Reilly didn't get his bath, but it can wait until Wednesday. I've a few dishes left to do, but they are waiting until the morning, even though I'll be mad at myself in the morning for leaving them! I got lots of (expensive) stuffed cow hooves for The Boys. It seems to be the current favorite. The unstuffed ones are much cheaper, but they are the smaller more fragile hooves, and I want the big thick ones. I have to get a bunch of them so they don't argue over them. I've never had an argument over food in bowls or food handed from people, but chewing things can cause a ruckus. Reilly is trying to get bossy and demanding with the other dogs. Murphy will just give up whatever Reilly wants. He prefers them as toys, not chewies, so they aren't important to him. Jake, on the other hand, seriously loves his chewies. He doesn't like to share. He has always taken his to a different room to enjoy. Now Reilly gets bored with his, and wants to take Jake's...even though it's the exact same thing. And he barks at Jake. And growls. Jake growls back. Not good; this could escalate if we're not careful. We do separate Reilly when we leave, so they can't get in a conflict while we're gone.
As I typed that with Reilly at my feet under the table, Murphy went and got a hoof and brought it to Reilly. He put it in front of him, then sat back, ears pricked, to see if it was accepted. How interesting the doggies all are!
Reilly went to the park two days in a row this weekend. The first day he was great. Walked like a champ, listened to our short training sessions as we went, and was all-around a good pup. The next day...he wasn't. He pulled constantly, tried to go to everyone we passed, and wouldn't even listen to a basic command. He was like a totally different dog. I'm not sure what set him off, but I'll watch for weirdness each time we go from now on.
I'm sorry I don't have pictures. It's been an overloaded week for me, for sure. Despite company coming, I should have a bit more time for such things this week. I need pictures. Reilly is huge. He'll be five months old next week, and he's somewhere around 70 pounds. He's still not close to growing into his ears, tail and FEET, but he's developing beautiful flews and has the most wonderful face. Must. Get. Pictures.
Meg and Reilly
So it's nearly ten pm on Sunday night. I've done most of what I needed to do. Reilly didn't get his bath, but it can wait until Wednesday. I've a few dishes left to do, but they are waiting until the morning, even though I'll be mad at myself in the morning for leaving them! I got lots of (expensive) stuffed cow hooves for The Boys. It seems to be the current favorite. The unstuffed ones are much cheaper, but they are the smaller more fragile hooves, and I want the big thick ones. I have to get a bunch of them so they don't argue over them. I've never had an argument over food in bowls or food handed from people, but chewing things can cause a ruckus. Reilly is trying to get bossy and demanding with the other dogs. Murphy will just give up whatever Reilly wants. He prefers them as toys, not chewies, so they aren't important to him. Jake, on the other hand, seriously loves his chewies. He doesn't like to share. He has always taken his to a different room to enjoy. Now Reilly gets bored with his, and wants to take Jake's...even though it's the exact same thing. And he barks at Jake. And growls. Jake growls back. Not good; this could escalate if we're not careful. We do separate Reilly when we leave, so they can't get in a conflict while we're gone.
As I typed that with Reilly at my feet under the table, Murphy went and got a hoof and brought it to Reilly. He put it in front of him, then sat back, ears pricked, to see if it was accepted. How interesting the doggies all are!
Reilly went to the park two days in a row this weekend. The first day he was great. Walked like a champ, listened to our short training sessions as we went, and was all-around a good pup. The next day...he wasn't. He pulled constantly, tried to go to everyone we passed, and wouldn't even listen to a basic command. He was like a totally different dog. I'm not sure what set him off, but I'll watch for weirdness each time we go from now on.
I'm sorry I don't have pictures. It's been an overloaded week for me, for sure. Despite company coming, I should have a bit more time for such things this week. I need pictures. Reilly is huge. He'll be five months old next week, and he's somewhere around 70 pounds. He's still not close to growing into his ears, tail and FEET, but he's developing beautiful flews and has the most wonderful face. Must. Get. Pictures.
Meg and Reilly
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