Divit Test

Woof Woof!!


Well, this week has been fun with everyone. They tell me that once I passed the "cow" test, I was ready for a little people test. So I got introduced to Mindy's Pup, Jacob. I put up with hair and ear pulling, eye lid lifting, firm petting and they told me I was so good putting up with that abuse. Hah, they think a little of that could hurt after surviving a "Slick Playtime".

Then they wanted to see if I liked to be pet and brushed by someone a little older so out came Mike's Pup Evan. We walked and played and I even sat when he said "Divuuutt, sayet". Babytalk is a little hard to understand but I got the idea. I was good and rolled to all positions so he could brush me.

Then, he thought it would be a good idea if we checked to see if the kennel was big enough for two. Dad wasn't fast enough to get the picture of Evan laying down with his head on my side, but did take this one. Conclusion, I like kids and my tail was not a lethal weapon.

The next day, Slick and I went to the Jet Room at the Madison Airport and watched the planes taxi and stuff. Slick really liked watching "da Planes"

After the Jetroom (no food again) we went to Mounds East to set up the OccuPaws booth. We got to meet lots of people who thought we were really good dogs and everything. One woman said we were so good, she went back to the counter and bought 2 doggie bones and gave one to Slick and one to me....wheee food!! But Mom and Dad said we would have to wait til we got home to have them. :-(

Finally, time to go home and Mom said one more test for me - sitting in the front seat. Slick said it was easy but I got sorta had no room and got stuck!!!

Well all for now,

Divit

Two 4 Two

OccuPaws launched a "first of its kind" program a few months back called "Children's Visual Companion Dogs". Because of your support, OccuPaws was able to train and place two dogs with two very special boys. Tyler and Tanner Ward are visually impaired and they are the first two children to receive an OccuPaws Children's Visual Companion Dog.


Moby was placed with Tanner, and Bodie was trained for Tyler. These two dogs have made significant changes in the boys' mobility and independence. They have both proven to be priceless additions to the Ward Family.

Smarter?

We were walking through the park with some other "dog walkers". One of the topics of conversation was how smart Cinder seems. People see her and think she is so smart and well behaved. They often ask how she compares to our first two puppies, Buddy and Echo. It's so hard to compare how each puppy was at her age.

I am noncommittal in assessing which dog is more intelligent because most people are responding to the level of training, not intelligence. I do know that Cinder's puppy raisers are more intelligent than Buddy or Echo's. So Cinder is probably better trained than Buddy or Echo were at this age.


At our Beloit training class, we interacted with the seven newborns, who have started living outdoors now. We were checking their temperament. And we saw our favorite yellow lab, Echo. His formal training started a few days ago, so he was able to put on a very simple demonstration. He pranced up and down the street with his trainer. He looks like a proud high school graduate in his new harness.


Training disappears if not reinforced, intelligence is forever. Training is always on display, intelligence may be hidden behind a poor trainer.

New Bed

Cinder has been sleeping in our bedroom since she arrived. This week her crate was moved into the office to see how adaptable she is. No issues, but the pictures might have helped her feel comfortable. She has gained a greater afinity for the crate and will now enter it on her own. She has also been eating in different rooms.

We experienced our first thunderstorm last night. Cinder, like her sister, is sensitive to noise. As we took a potty break and short walk, our black dog was startled by the first crack of thunder. Her initial reaction was to move toward the house. She rebounded well as I stood in the rain, trying to make in a non-event. I stayed up later than usual to observe her and be there to reassure her that she was fine. This afternoon, Lisa observed more bewilderment than fear during the afternoon storm.


"First you learn a new language, profanity; and second you learn not to discipline your dogs when you're mad, and that's most of the time when you're training dogs." - Lou Schultz, trainer of Alaskan Huskies

Cows?

Cinder made her inaugural trip to the famous Madison Farmers Market. It took us one hour to complete each lap around the square today, due to the many stops to potty, meet people, and view cows. Yes, COWS. There was a special treat today, cows on the capitol concourse.

She was initially a little cautious approaching the large creatures. And apparently a tad disinterested

At the parade a few weeks ago the most scary creature was McGruff the crime dog. Our extra lucky day, in addition to the real cows there was a black and white costumed cow to make friends with. It took two attempts for Cinder to make friends with the black and white cow. She found the many children and adults, wanting to pet her much more agreeable.

Cinder preferred the brown and white cows as her caution toward the giants eventually turned to mutual interest.

Her greatest feat today was not touching a piece of meat that was on the ground with a single LEAVE IT.

She only got in trouble when we returned home. As we were working in the garden, she was digging a hole in middle of the backyard. We also heard a few whines when she wanted to get closer to us.

Yes Marlene, we did correct her for both infractions.

I thought this photo was especially nice - taken by Lisa. Cinder is being very attentive, you can see the focus and determination in her eyes. The piece of meat was on the ground right in front of her.

Because of the rain, Cinder was continually exposed to her nemesis - the dreaded umbrella. She hardly noticed them either because of the work we have been doing (walking with an umbrella) the last few days or because they weren't at her eye level.

Big Big Dogs

Moooooo,

We're learning a foreign language - cowspeak!!! Today we went on a trip to the capital square to the farmer's market to try and find food. We didn't find any cooked treats but we did find hamburger on the hoof...we think. Cows aren't so scarey or tough - unless they look you in the eye. Then, maybe just a little, when you're way up close and personal.



They do get a little bit strange when they snort at you, but we did pretty good I guess. Interested and curious, but not really too worked up one way or another.

What was interesting is we both caught a familar scent when we were walking around the square. Both of us remembered the scent, but just couldn't place it until a person taking pictures, said "Oh, there's some more guide dogs just like Cinder". We found out Cinder was about a block ahead of us taking in the sights.

On the way back to the car, Mom thought we looked so cute on these blowing, gratey thingies that we should sit and cool our Dairy Airs. We were not thrilled, but waited while pictures were taken.

Then with the back seat full of stuff, Slick was faster laying down and stretching out than I was. I tried and tried to find a spot to squeeze in, but finally gave up and just laid on Lumpy Ole Slick. Did you know he snores, a lot??

All for Now,

Divit and Slick

Zoorama

Zoo time

Yesterday was a fun day. First Slick took me to his favorite place to not eat. He introduced me to all his human pals so I got lots of attention.

Then guess what I (Divit) got to do yesterday? I took Slick, and my foster parents to the ZOO! There were thousands of kids, and funny looking animals with long necks and furry bodies. Slick had on a harness so the kids couldn't say hello to him so I got all the petting and attention. I must look tough cuz I heard one Mom tell her kids "Look at the two pit bulls being trained to be guard dogs". I guess Slick would beat an attacker to death with his harness.


Grrrrr - careful - Attack dogs on duty!!!

Then there were also some short things mom called "goats". The human puppies liked to feed them… but, AGAIN, no food for me! I tried some of their food but phooey, it was yucky.

Slick and I had a great time.

Then we went to pick up Slick's human cousin Jacob to babysit. The backseat was full with Slick and Jacob so Slick's Dad and I both sat in the front seat. I was just fine curled up on the floor but he kept complaining about sleepy feet....TAKE A NAP if you're sleepy!!

Sincerely,

Divit

Fear

Due to Cinder's fear of various items, we now have an umbrella sitting in our living room. She was fearful this morning, but this evening she stopped and sniffed without issue - however it wasn't moving.

She is getting so big that we had to buy her a new collar. Since we were at Farm and Fleet, we searched for new and potentially scary items. Nothing we found, even the gigantic frog, created the same fear response as yesterday.

The last puppy socialization class for marley and Cinder was this evening. The puppies' reward was getting some love from the young energetic boys, see Marley on the left.

After a relatively calm meet and greet, we let Cinder in with the four boys as they ran and climbed, continually calling "Cinder". No one was seriously injured.
All the photos of them playing are blurry; they just move too fast.

Cinder was exhausted long before the boys were and tag teamed with Marley to get a rest. The boys didn't like it when more than one dog was in the enclosure because the puppies ignored the boys, wresting and chasing each other. She slept the whole way home and only woke up long enough to eat before retiring to bed.

Pup Rally

Another OccuPaws training class tonight. This one was in Beloit at the home of the Puppy Coordinator. It was just an excuse to see the seven puppies. Here they are at their mass feeding. I think that all seven are in the picture.



After dinner, it was time for some puppy care. Each of the puppy raisers was responsible for trimming the nails of one of the puppies. It's actually much easier at this age than when they are older. We were assisted in our grooming chore by seven boys and girls who were more intrigued or grossed out by how quickly the puppies pottied after their meal - all over the floor. Thankfully Michelle brought a large supply of paper towels.

Cinder was very interested in the chubby balls of fluff. She played well with the little ones and only needed to be restrained once. She did a good job when told to LEAVE the puppy food alone, even though she hadn't had her dinner yet.

After the puppies were feed, watered, and pottied our class began. Marlene brought out a series on interesting objects to test the dogs: umbrella, RC car, toy caterpillar, and the hair dryer. Cinder didn't want anything to do with these new objects. You can see that Deegan and the older dogs didn't mind the hair dryer. The class ended with a thirty minute rally session where we led our dogs through a series of exercises to demonstrate obedience and determine how well the puppy raisers follow direction. The dogs did well, the raisers need more practice.

Ouchie!!!!

Woof there!

It's me! Divit! Reporting from the Slick Household. I'm enjoying my time here, but most of my time is spent in the car going here and there. Breakfast - mucho petting :-) Visiting - mucho petting :-) The first night I slept all alone in the other room in the kennel, but since I didn't make a sound, last night I got to sleep with all the other dogs in the bedroom loose. I was told I was a very well mannered pup!!



Then last night I was the neutral dog in some CGC testing at Badger Kennel Club. They told my current foster Mom they needed a strange dog for the test and well, I guess I was strange enough...or was that a stranger???







Today I visited with some folks in wheelchairs. They were so friendly! My foster mom said that I did a really good job! I was not too pushy and everybody loved me!




Unfortunately, I also took a trip to the vet, where I received my 3 year rabies shot. I weigh 73 pounds. WOW! I guess I am a big boy.

Divit

Airfest

From Norma and Dan...

It was great fun!
Love to do it again, I think we did well.

Here are some pics I took.
Bye
NORMA & DAN

Walkies and burnies!

Woof! Woof!

Deegan and I got to be "neutral dogs" yesterday for a CGC Class at Badger Kennel Club. Here we are wait for our big debut!



I had a great time today. Nikki, Kurt, their kids, Dale, mom and I went to a big park along a HUGE lake. I had a chance to meet and talk with lots of people about OccuPaws. There were about 500 people on a huge walk to conquer blindness. I loved listening to the band, they were very good. There were free hotdogs, but once again,,,,no food for Dale or I.

My friend Deegan has gone to Chris' for a week or so. When dad gets home from the AirFest in Janesville, I understand I get to meet a new friend, Divit. Mom says that dad is going to be very red as he forgot his sunscreen this morning, so I should be very good tonight. Dale and I were practicing being perfect pooches.

That's all for now fellow pups!

Slick

Band Day

The day started and ended with the Oregon Marching Band. We were awakened by the rhythmic pounding of the drums from across the street. Since the band was up early, it was a good opportunity to get Cinder more accustomed to the sounds.

On the morning walk, our puppy pranced past the pod of practicing percussionists, frolicked in front of the formation of flag twirlers, and trekked through a tribe of trumpeters. She was interested, but unfazed. On the way home she even detoured closer to the drums to get a better view.

We had to make a visit to the dog's least favorite place - the grocery store. However, she didn't mind the cool floor as we compared prices and discussed puppy raising with a few of the shoppers/clerks. It turned into quite a long trip and she made it the entire time without needing a potty break. She slept most of the afternoon.

Before feeding time, we took the evening walk. Cinder met a few new dogs as we circled the park. Coming home the whole band was practicing their routine and quite a crowd had gathered to observe. Another great opportunity to acclimate her to the noise and practice meet/greets. She had a drink of water and chewed on a bone throughout the exhibition. Cinder will definitely be band-friendly before leaving our house.

Pet For A Day

Cinder has increased her potty frequency, so we increased her cranberry dosage. Since she wasn't feeling well and we had work to do around the house, she had the day off. Cinder was Pet(queen) For A Day.

While we worked, Cinder ran around the yard. She was on a thirty foot cable and could get into everything. As I pulled weeds, she would carry them away or rip them apart. She thought she was helping, but we would have got more done if we didn't have to continually stop and untangle her.

The swimming pool was also accessible. She was timid at first, fearful of the noise the cable made as it rubbed the plastic pool. With some prompting and a golf ball to dive for she turned into water dog, running around the yard, through the pool, over the plants to find Lisa, and back to the pool. Repeat, repeat, repeat.

We brought the golf ball inside to play with on the basement floor. She loves the sound as it bounces on the tile floor. She runs and drops it so it rolls and then she pushes it with her paw to keep it moving. Cinder is a smart little girl; her favorite trick tonight was walking up about five steps and pushing it down the stairs and chasing it. She did this at least ten times, so it was definitely planned.