Monday, February 16, 2009

PADGET ADOPTED...

Actually, she has been adopted since early February, and she goes to her new home on the 20th. I've just been falling behind in my blogging, along with everything else.

This is Padget and Rodeo during their playdate, practicing their lion-killing skills on each other.

Padget has turned into a sweet little pup with just a touch of mischief built in - for example, she will lay and wait quietly while supper is being prepared (sweet). But she has a invisble wiggle that lets her inch forward, so by the time supper is ready she's not nearly so far away as when it was started (mischievious).

This blog may soon split into two, as we are considering fostering a cat/some kittens as well. So CatSpot will join DogSpot. Pandemonium!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

SELF-CRATE TRAINING

At bed time last night, Padget was in the crate, so we just closed the door and she slept there. No accidents, so we can now put the puppy-pen away! As with everything, Padget learns in her own time and on her own terms. Beagle, I say!

She's walking around now with a squeaky toy, wagging her tail. And Ginny (Padget's large toy) is taking a well-earned nap!

Monday, February 2, 2009

TRANSITIONAL PHASE


Half-in, half-out... and still fast asleep. Didn't I tell you? She's just a contented li'l dog.

MUSIC TO THE EYES!

Here is evidence of what a little trooper Padget is.

I've had this crate beside my desk for the past week. A couple of times, Padget has gone in just for a few seconds. But look at her now! I just turned around and there she was. She's been in there for about 20 minutes and, since this picture was taken, has fallen fast asleep!

Another A+ for Padget!

PADGET: Picture of Contentment

If you're looking for an adopta-doggy, these are all the things you should know about Padget.

Furniture: In spite of her short legs, Padget can get onto the couch by herself (for some reason all our dogs turn into couch potatoes. It must be the snuggle factor!) She has even learned to curl herself up into a little chair-size ball, because sometimes the couch is full.

House training: Padget has a perfect record since we abandoned the crate idea. In fact, she has full run of the house all day, and goes to the door on her own to be let out. All that holding back in the early days has paid off -- on the weekend, we slept until after 9, and so did Padget!

Sit, down and stay: Padget knows what these words mean, but you still need patience between the command and the action, because she likes to ponder things. She always seems to be trying to figure out if there's any way around it. Once laying down, though, she stays well and can get through five minutes of meal preparation without moving.

Heel: Padget is great on the leash - even while out walking in the off-leash area, she heels when asked, without pulling. We've tested her a few times by letting go of the leash and she stays close to the pack.

Socialization: We've been taking Padget out to the dog park where she can meet lots of different dogs. Even though she uses the border collie snap when she's nervous, she's not aggressive at all. The big dogs just barge right in to sniff her out, so she's quickly learning to do the same.

Toys: For the most part, Ginny is Padget's toy, but she finally come in last night with a squeaky toy from the yard. She didn't even jump when it squeaked, so I think she's cured!

Generally, Padget is a sweet, low-maintenance, non-clingy pup who is content doing whatever she happens to be doing at the time. She'll be a great little buddy for the family who adopts her!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

This morning, Padget went for a "big dog" walk with Iggy, Ginny and Rodeo. It only took Padget one human and three dogs to realize that no one was out hunting for dogs named Padget. After that, she and Rodeo both had a great time sniffing dog-butts and surfing for attention from the humans.

And here is more good news: I've kept a crate beside me (a bigger one this time) and Padget has gone in on her own over the past couple of days - just to have a sniff. Today, she even flopped down in it for a few seconds. So we may also be on the way back to crate training - without the stinky bits this time!