I'm finding it hard to keep up with all that Sully does! He's learning so fast - and growing even faster.
He's now making it all night without a potty break - HUGE!
We've been working on retrieving items, loose leash walking, grooming, coming when called, name recognition, eating/spending time in the kennel, meeting new people with our paws on the floor, NOT chewing human flesh, and the ever popular - eliminating outside. It is amazing to see the little light bulb go on in his head when he recognizes that his behavior gets a reward, so he repeats it. It started with simply clicking the clicker, then giving him a treat. It didn't take long before he'd hear the click, then look expectantly toward me for the treat. Then, I'd wait until he gave me eye contact. Click. Treat. Then, I say his name. Click. Treat. Step toward me on leash? Click. Treat. Follow me walking backward? Click. Treat.
I have to say, I was leery of this "all positive reinforcement" style of training. I truly thought there should be a big contrast between the positive (vocal praise) and negative (vocal reprimand, correction) Now, I'm seeing that just the positive is incredibly effective!
And there is no doubt Sully is a bird dog. I had him out in the yard and decided to let him crawl around on some rocks in our side yard. He started sniffing and digging between two of the rocks like crazy. I thought he must have caught a whiff of one of the billion chipmunks I've seen hiding in there. He was determined to get at whatever it was! Well - a bird had fallen down amongst the rocks. Barry grabbed it before Sully could - it was a little chipping sparrow. Sully went nuts! Barry tossed it into a nearby garbage can, and Sully had to be picked up and taken away - he was pretty sure he could chew it out of the garbage can, or at least dig under it. His little heart was hammering! So, if this service dog thing doesn't work out, I think we have a prize Chipping Sparrow Retriever on our hands.
Or circus dog. See photo.
Peanut butter doesn't agree with him. Loves it. Tummy doesn't love it. It will be saved for later - I think Sully would jump through flaming hoops for it. Or be shot out of a canon. Or ride an elephant. Or wear a tu-tu. Okay, maybe not a tu-tu. A guy's got to draw the line somewhere. Even in the circus.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Sully the prom accessory
Saturday was prom for St. Louis Park. Our son Joseph asked that Sully come along for pictures. Turns out, Joseph's group wasn't the only one that went to the Peace Gardens for pictures. I'm fairly certain every high school in the metro area had prom Saturday, and they all had pictures taken at the Peace Gardens.
One of our homework assignments this week was to meet 15 new people. Not only did Sully meet 15 new people, they were all in formal attire! Hey, when we do homework, we don't mess around.
Sully posed with the kids, socialized with every other dog in attendance and ate plenty of grass, wood chips and sticks. We took him for a nice, long walk and he passed out early.
Sunday was the Wag, Walk and Run fundraiser for Helping Paws. I woke up a little after 3 am when Joseph got home from prom. I stayed awake until my alarm went off at 4:30, and was helping set up in Eden Prairie by 6. (Well, just a tad after 6. Got lost - once again - in Eden Prairie. I could create another blog about my dislike for driving in Eden Prairie. Just sayin'.) The event was so well organized, there were more people helping than we actually needed! A good problem to have. I was able to head out a bit earlier than expected, so I dashed home and got Sully. Since we had already completed this week's "meet 15 people" homework, I figure we'd rack up major extra credit points.
Today, we had another play date with Cassie. It was a bit more low-key today, what with the temp hovering around 95ยบ and humidity at 70%. They both discovered that dirt, when you dig it, is nice and cool. Cassie digs in a cute, petite little motions. Barely gets her paws dirty. Sully was spraying dirt out behind him and coating himself liberally within seconds. My attempts to re-direct the attention of two determined puppies was probably very entertaining for the neighbors.
After supper, Sully played in the front yard with some ice cubes and his first tennis ball. Now he's passed out by an air-conditioning vent. I'd say a pretty successful day, for a puppy.
One of our homework assignments this week was to meet 15 new people. Not only did Sully meet 15 new people, they were all in formal attire! Hey, when we do homework, we don't mess around.
Sully posed with the kids, socialized with every other dog in attendance and ate plenty of grass, wood chips and sticks. We took him for a nice, long walk and he passed out early.
Sunday was the Wag, Walk and Run fundraiser for Helping Paws. I woke up a little after 3 am when Joseph got home from prom. I stayed awake until my alarm went off at 4:30, and was helping set up in Eden Prairie by 6. (Well, just a tad after 6. Got lost - once again - in Eden Prairie. I could create another blog about my dislike for driving in Eden Prairie. Just sayin'.) The event was so well organized, there were more people helping than we actually needed! A good problem to have. I was able to head out a bit earlier than expected, so I dashed home and got Sully. Since we had already completed this week's "meet 15 people" homework, I figure we'd rack up major extra credit points.
Today, we had another play date with Cassie. It was a bit more low-key today, what with the temp hovering around 95ยบ and humidity at 70%. They both discovered that dirt, when you dig it, is nice and cool. Cassie digs in a cute, petite little motions. Barely gets her paws dirty. Sully was spraying dirt out behind him and coating himself liberally within seconds. My attempts to re-direct the attention of two determined puppies was probably very entertaining for the neighbors.
After supper, Sully played in the front yard with some ice cubes and his first tennis ball. Now he's passed out by an air-conditioning vent. I'd say a pretty successful day, for a puppy.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Sully and Cassie's Play Date
Thursday's play date was a total success. When we arrived, Sully could see Cassie through the glass door. He whined, and did his best to open the door by digging at it, squeaking his paws on the glass. When we went in, he was excited to see her, but was more excited about one of the stuffed animals in her kennel.
It was kind of like herding squirrels getting the two of them outside at the same time. Once outside, they quickly checked out the yard, and did some pretty serious wrasslin'. Once again, Cassie took it to Sully, big time. He did, finally, get some licks in - but I think Cassie let him.
They took turns knocking the water bowl over.
After they had thoroughly searched every inch of the yard, they flopped down in the grass, tongues flapping. I figured they would both sleep well all afternoon. I was right.
That evening, Sully had charged his batteries enough during his 3 hour nap to take a long walk (3 blocks) to Grandpa Wally's house. We visited for about an hour, during which time Sully took another nap. I carried him about a block, and then he decided he wanted to walk the rest of the way home.
He slept from midnight until 6 am. Needless to say, he has more long walks and play dates in his future!
It was kind of like herding squirrels getting the two of them outside at the same time. Once outside, they quickly checked out the yard, and did some pretty serious wrasslin'. Once again, Cassie took it to Sully, big time. He did, finally, get some licks in - but I think Cassie let him.
They took turns knocking the water bowl over.
After they had thoroughly searched every inch of the yard, they flopped down in the grass, tongues flapping. I figured they would both sleep well all afternoon. I was right.
That evening, Sully had charged his batteries enough during his 3 hour nap to take a long walk (3 blocks) to Grandpa Wally's house. We visited for about an hour, during which time Sully took another nap. I carried him about a block, and then he decided he wanted to walk the rest of the way home.
He slept from midnight until 6 am. Needless to say, he has more long walks and play dates in his future!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Day Seven
Well, after deciding on Sully, we found out there was a slight problem. There was going to be a Sally in his class. That would get confusing! So, we called him Henry. Then, we found out that the family that was going to use the name Sally got a boy puppy! The name Sully was still available! At this point, the puppy really doesn't seem to mind. So, unless something drastic happens, he'll be Sully from now on!
He has been meeting all kinds of people, going different places - even a trip to Wolfe park for the ice cream social and a concert! He found a shady spot during the concert and zonked out. Not a jazz fan, apparently.
He has met all of the neighbors. The mailman is now his buddy.
Our first puppy class was last night. We learned about clicker training, grooming, the beginnings of retrieving and recall, among other things. Sounds like everyone is dealing with puppy needle teeth and early morning potty trips, just like we are. At the end of class, the puppies got to be released and play together. I hate to say it, but one of Sully's sisters pounded lumps into him. And she was little! Don't bring it up with him. He's a bit sensitive about it...
Sully also went to the vet yesterday. Got to stand on the scale, be on an exam table, play with the vet, and fall asleep on the floor.
Today, we have a play date with Cassie, one of his class mates. She's a puppy from Faith's litter and is just a little peanut! She, too pounds lumps into Sully. Again, don't bring it up. I mean, really - she's got to be the smallest one. Totally has Sully's number.
Another great day outside! We will definitely be taking a nice long walk today! (Relatively speaking. 3 blocks is HUGE when your legs are 3" long!) And maybe we'll sleep all night!
He has been meeting all kinds of people, going different places - even a trip to Wolfe park for the ice cream social and a concert! He found a shady spot during the concert and zonked out. Not a jazz fan, apparently.
He has met all of the neighbors. The mailman is now his buddy.
Our first puppy class was last night. We learned about clicker training, grooming, the beginnings of retrieving and recall, among other things. Sounds like everyone is dealing with puppy needle teeth and early morning potty trips, just like we are. At the end of class, the puppies got to be released and play together. I hate to say it, but one of Sully's sisters pounded lumps into him. And she was little! Don't bring it up with him. He's a bit sensitive about it...
Sully also went to the vet yesterday. Got to stand on the scale, be on an exam table, play with the vet, and fall asleep on the floor.
Today, we have a play date with Cassie, one of his class mates. She's a puppy from Faith's litter and is just a little peanut! She, too pounds lumps into Sully. Again, don't bring it up. I mean, really - she's got to be the smallest one. Totally has Sully's number.
Another great day outside! We will definitely be taking a nice long walk today! (Relatively speaking. 3 blocks is HUGE when your legs are 3" long!) And maybe we'll sleep all night!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
The name game
Well, we've been struggling a bit with a name for the puppy. At first, his litter name, Finnegan, seemed like a good one. Then, I thought of a perfect name - Sully! Short for Sullivan. But, alas - there is a Sally in his class, and it would be too confusing. Today, he's Henry. It works for him, and he's been responding to it pretty well. Hopefully, this is it! The poor dog's name changes on an hourly basis!
We had another good night last night. He went to sleep with not a lot of fussing. He woke at 4:30 or so, and went right away when we went outside. The best part was that he fell back to sleep with just a couple of whimpers. He whined at 5:30 - I took him out and then thought I'd see what would happen if he went back in his kennel. He whined and cried briefly, and then fell back to sleep! Hooray! Of course, I was awake at that point. I decided to be proactive and wake HIM up at 6, before he started to fuss.
He scarfed his kibble and then pooped in the RUN!! Whoo-hoo! He has been reluctant to go anywhere but on grass. Since he needs to be able to relieve himself on multiple surfaces, on and off leash, this was a big step!
Today, I'll be purchasing some gates. Henry is becoming very curious about his surroundings and finds chair legs tasty. So far, I've been able to keep him away from the piano, but it is very tempting to him. If he were to chomp on that, I think his name would be changed again...to something much less appropriate.
Well, I have a few moments while he power naps. Better shower and get dressed while I have the time!
We had another good night last night. He went to sleep with not a lot of fussing. He woke at 4:30 or so, and went right away when we went outside. The best part was that he fell back to sleep with just a couple of whimpers. He whined at 5:30 - I took him out and then thought I'd see what would happen if he went back in his kennel. He whined and cried briefly, and then fell back to sleep! Hooray! Of course, I was awake at that point. I decided to be proactive and wake HIM up at 6, before he started to fuss.
He scarfed his kibble and then pooped in the RUN!! Whoo-hoo! He has been reluctant to go anywhere but on grass. Since he needs to be able to relieve himself on multiple surfaces, on and off leash, this was a big step!
Today, I'll be purchasing some gates. Henry is becoming very curious about his surroundings and finds chair legs tasty. So far, I've been able to keep him away from the piano, but it is very tempting to him. If he were to chomp on that, I think his name would be changed again...to something much less appropriate.
Well, I have a few moments while he power naps. Better shower and get dressed while I have the time!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Finally!
Finally, Puppy Day arrived! We went to the Helping Paws center and waited patiently (not!) outside. When we went in, there were 2 large pens, one for Cheer's litter and one for Faith's. We all gathered around the pens, and watched the puppies cavort. When everyone had assembled, Eileen started pairing puppies with families. First from Faith's litter, then Cheer's - back and forth.
Finally, she said "male, left hip - goes to the Novaks!" (each puppy had an identifying mark) We were told his "litter name" was Finnegan. He is the 2nd largest of the litter, and is unbelievably handsome!
After group photos, we loaded into the car to bring him home. You'll notice there aren't any photos of his car ride and very first moments home...I'm afraid we made a tactical error and decided to make the short drive without a potty break first. Ahem. Let's just say he had a quick bath when we got home - THEN a photo session!
The first night went really well. He got to meet LOTS of new friends, and then he pretty much passed out. He woke at 11:30 when Barry came to bed, and cried for less than 10 minutes. He conked back out until 4 am. I took him out in the yard, thinking it would be a quick tinkle and back to bed. Oh! But dewy grass is so fun to roll in! He didn't Think it was at ALL funny that he had to go back into the kennel. After hollering for another 10 minutes, he wore himself out and slept until 5:45. Not bad for a first night!
Finally, she said "male, left hip - goes to the Novaks!" (each puppy had an identifying mark) We were told his "litter name" was Finnegan. He is the 2nd largest of the litter, and is unbelievably handsome!
After group photos, we loaded into the car to bring him home. You'll notice there aren't any photos of his car ride and very first moments home...I'm afraid we made a tactical error and decided to make the short drive without a potty break first. Ahem. Let's just say he had a quick bath when we got home - THEN a photo session!
The first night went really well. He got to meet LOTS of new friends, and then he pretty much passed out. He woke at 11:30 when Barry came to bed, and cried for less than 10 minutes. He conked back out until 4 am. I took him out in the yard, thinking it would be a quick tinkle and back to bed. Oh! But dewy grass is so fun to roll in! He didn't Think it was at ALL funny that he had to go back into the kennel. After hollering for another 10 minutes, he wore himself out and slept until 5:45. Not bad for a first night!
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