Dan and I took Oso to a park that has a designated Doggy Beach. The sign in the back ground has detailed instructions on how to clean up after your dog. ie: turn bag inside out like a glove, clean up the dog waste, turn bag back around, tie a knot in the top and throw in the bin. I am serious – “Poo Pick Up for Dummies”.
Oso chased after a dog he wanted to play with today and freaked it out. He rolled the dog over and it cried. We were embarresed but no one was injured. I did not think he would chase after the couple with the baby in the stroller but he did because he really wanted to play. He was not interested in the couple or the baby only the dog.
Doggy Beach
I love water
Biting the water
Swiming
That is so funny! That sign must be intended for the same people who need to hear the stewardess explain how to fasten their seat belts. Did the couple with the dog and the baby get annoyed, or did they understand that Oso is just a puppy who wants to play? That water has to still be very cold! I can see that it doesn’t matter a bit to Oso, who appears to be having a great time!
Dutch is the same way with dogs, Kelli. We had house guests all weekend, including our son and daughter-in-law with their 6-month old Great Dane puppy. It was a 3-ring circus with Beaumont, Dutch, and Dakota playing all weekend. The dogs just love playing together, although some of the sounds Dutch was making when tugging for his toys sounded like he was going to kill for it! Scary snarly deep growly sounds that I couldn’t believe were coming out of my baby! I think I’ll add a post showing some of the action.
I agree equal to how to buckle and unbuckle your seat belt. Please a video of the dogs playing would be fun!
That is just what I was thinking – “Poo Pick up for Dummies” could have been the title.
The couple was very understanding considering it was the second time Oso chased after them to play with their dog – a small grey terrier. They said that their dog plays with and adult German Shepherd but he was having no part of Oso.
We are taking Oso to puppy classes this Tuesday so I hope he can get some play time in.
I would love to see some of the action of Dutch playing and I wish I could hear the growling too. Oso is starting to be more protective and has had some pretty deep barking lately too but nothing snarly.
I can’t wait to start puppy classes with Dutch! We have to wait because he only received his vaccination this past Friday. I’ll bet Oso is going to be in the top of his class, considering the head start he’s had with all your training. Of the 3 D’s, the biggest challenge, I’ve found with Dutch, is the addition of distraction, as opposed to duration and distance. This crazy weekend provided plenty of distraction challenges to his compliance, and he was finally working through it. Perhaps my treats were better, but I was really impressed with his “command performance!” When I was “fussing” with him around the house, with the aromatic home made dehydrated liver, heart, and sardine treats, Dutch never left my side during the off-leash heeling. The funny thing was, my son’s Great Dane puppy, Dakota, was heeling in lock-step on my right side! Dakota’s remarkable heeling is partly due to the fact that he lives in Manhattan, where proper canine etiquette is “de rigueur.”
By the way, those scary snarly deep growly sounds had everyone rolling in laughter because Dutch is so young. Can you imagine the reaction to those sounds when our dogs are as big as Gavin? Our sweeties will give us licks, love, loyalty, and, even their lives if you are ever in danger.
It’s awesome that you’re getting him into a heel off-leash so young. Carole did this with Batty, and just getting that muscle memory developed was so valuable. I bet Dakota read your body language as “time to heel” — that’s a great thing!
Oh yes, when our dogs start tipping the scales, people are going to respond very differently to their vocalizing. Even now, some people will move to the other side of the street with their dogs when they see Batman approaching (even though he walks nicely on leash and does not bark or growl at dogs). They take one look, and don’t want to tangle with him! I tell Batman not to worry, they’re not trying to avoid him, they’re just jealous of his awesomeness, and can’t bear to share the sidewalk with him.
Battie is totally awesome, and deserves the respect from all of Gotham City! He is our fearless leader, compassionate yet ready to mete out justice should circumstances require.
It is the early pictures of Battie in the field, heeling off-leash with his upturned face watching for every signal that I found so inspiring. As I work with Dutch, and he emulates Batman, I am filled with pride, and melt with love. Our AT dogs are rock solid. As great as each day is, tomorrow is even better. Thank God for Julie. She understands the importance of placing these very special dogs with people who will enable them to reach their potential, while enjoying life in loving homes. She has too much of herself, heart and soul, invested in each and every litter, to do anything less.
Thank you so much Beverly, I am very touched by what you said.
Bev, do you have a recipe for dehydrated liver treats?
Hi Kelli! I have the easiest method of making dehydrated liver, or beef heart, or sardine/liver treats ever!!! Dutch has been switched to a lower protein diet with strict ingredients to eliminate potential allergens that may have contributed to his skin itching, and that early yeast infection he had. For that reason, I just use protein sources to make his treats.
Beef or calf liver, or beef heart treats: Buy the sliced fresh or frozen liver or heart. Partially thaw it in refrigerator. It’s easier to slice if it’s semi-frozen. Cut into 1/2″ x 1/2″ cubes. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper, and lay the cubes on the paper in a singe layer, allowing a little space between them so they don’t touch. Place the trays in the oven, preheated to 190 degrees using Convection Bake. After 3 – 4 hours, you can turn off oven, leaving them in there to further dry out and cool. They will be totally dry little black bits. I store them in the freezer in zip lock bags, and each morning take out a cup full to add to my pockets. Because they’re totally dehydrated, they don’t stain clothing, and stay fresh all day. Dutch LOVES them, and will work with wild-eyed enthusiasm for these!
I have another easy recipe, which is a take-off on the liver snap recipe from Karen. I had to eliminate the rice and other flours, because Dutch doesn’t do well with grains:
Buy a can of sardines in water, and a couple pkgs of liver.
Blend sardines and liver in blender until smooth.
This looks disgusting, like a frog in a blender.
Pour the thick slurry onto parchment paper lined cookie sheets,
and spread mixture evenly. You want it to be around 1/4 inch thick. Again, place the trays in the warm oven at 190 degrees, Convection Bake. Check each hour. When almost dry but not stiff yet, remove from oven. You want it to be soft but not brittle, so you can cut the semi-dry sheet into squares. This is so easy. Spread the pieces directly on the cookie sheets and return to the oven to dehydrate for another hour or so. The pieces will look like chocolate squares, so be sure your guests know that they are doggie treats. They look like yummy chocolate squares, and will be eaten by your guests if you don’t warn them!
LOL, too funny about the sign. People often need things spelled out for them, but that’s a bit much!
Re: Puppy acting-up at inopportune times: I’ve been there. The best (worst) was when Batman barked at an 8-year-old grandma pushing her walker to the mailroom in the lobby of our building. Gave her quite a fright. I told Carole, I think he wanted the tennis balls at the bottom of the walker.
I meant “80-year-old grandma” — had she been an 8-year-old grandma; now, that WOULD be something to bark about!
LOL – Dan and I are reading the blog together and both laughing.
LOL
All the AT dogs seem to love the water.
Oso is having a super time playing in, and biting, the water!
That Oso knows how to enjoy life!
Oso is having a great time! Thank you for sharing his fun with us.