Walk Training

This week I have my sister and niece visiting me from Ohio.  First, they always enjoy seeing Ollie and how he's progressing through his senior years.  This visit is the first time they're meeting the new member of our family, Ralphie.  As a typical Vizsla, Ralphie is connecting with them (velcro) and showing all the affection that he has to offer.  Ralphie is so happy to have all this extra attention this week! 

My sister has a lot of experience with dogs.  Currently, she has three dogs, a Mastiff, a Great Dane, and a mixed breed.  She has some experience training dogs from showing her past Great Danes. 

So we take Ralphie for a walk.  Yep, he started pulling and tugging.  My sister took the leash and said, "let me show you". Of course I'm open to all suggestions and help to get my Ralphie walking properly without taking my arm off with his pulling.  I was very anxious to see what my sister can show me.  So the training begins....Ralphie on her left, sister holding leash, Ralphie pulls, sister makes a short snap sound and tugs Ralphie back to her, Ralphie starts walking nice on a loose leash, sister says, 'good Ralphie, good boy', Ralphie starts pulling again, sister makes sharp sound, pulls Ralphie back, Ralphie starts walking on loose leash again, 'good Ralphie, good boy...and this goes on as we walk around the block.  We return home and Ralphie is completely exhausted...training session done for the day.

The next day I take Ralphie out myself, using my sister's technique...OMG...Ralphie did excellent!!  Most of our walk was on a loose leash!  I know I need to continue the training to make our walks relaxing and perfect.  It's difficult when I walk both dogs; but I will continue the training whenever possible. 

P.S. Ralphie loves to wake up my sister and niece each morning by jumping in the bed and giving morning kisses!  Sweet Ralphie.

Eating Sticks

I'm having a big problem with Ralphie eating sticks and twigs.  I wrote in my earlier blog, "Leave It" about this problem.  But it seems to be getting worse.  I mentioned in my previous blog how I need to start training him to leave it.  Quite frankly, it just doesn't seem like I have time.  I know that's no excuse and I also know eating sticks can be very dangerous.  Our walks are not pleasurable because Ralphie's head is down to the ground sniffing and trying to pick up and eat every stick in sight.  I tried the gentle leader, which I felt was working, but he's doesn't go to the bathroom when walking with the gentle leader.  So I stopped using it.  Ralphie is back to pulling and gobbling sticks.  I also purchased a clicker to use as a training tool for 'leave it'.  I haven't used it because I'm really slacking on his training.  I feel like I broke a promise to myself to dedicate time to have a well-trained dog.   Ralphie is well-exercised.  Erica and I do spend a lot time walking, running, and socializing him...but it's not enough.  I've been complaining about so little 'me' time today... between maintaining my home and yard, work, Ralphie, and Ollie I haven't had time to cycle, run, and workout as I did before.  I guess I need to stop thinking of 'me' for now and focus more on Ralphie for his health.  He needs to stop eating sticks NOW!!

Dog Parks - Good or Bad?

Some people frown upon the idea of dog parks.  I've heard from people that they would never consider a dog park for their dog for various reasons.  I've been told it's dirty, it's full of germs, some dogs are mean and vicious, it's unkempt, some dog owners are weird and strange, some dogs aren't vaccinated,  it takes too much time out of the day, and it's simply too much work because your dog gets too dirty and that means cleaning time.

Ralphie goes to the dog park regularly, about three to five times a week.  

Here are my thoughts...
Yes, dog parks are dirty with sand, dirt, gravel ... and Ralphie loves dirt!
Yes, dog parks have germs ... there are germs and viruses everywhere!
Yes, some dogs are misbehaved ... I've never come across a vicious, life-threatening dog ... however dogs are unpredictable and as a dog owner it is our responsibility to watch and protect our own pet.
Yes, sometimes there are some poops in the park giving you the feel it's unkempt.  There's also poops in my neighbors' yards when I walk Ralphie. Some parks are maintained better than others ... I go to the best maintained dog parks.
Yes, some dog owners are strange and weird ... but that's what makes it fun too!  People are very interesting and amusing!  It's entertainment in itself!
Yes, some dogs are not vaccinated.  Unfortunately this is true but you cannot control how people care for their pets.  Wild animals, like squirrels, rabbits, birds etc. that Ralphie may encounter on his walks are not vaccinated either.
Yes, it does take time to take Ralphie to the dog park. As a pet owner it is our responsibility to exercise our dog daily to be healthy and happy.  I simply relax and savor that couple of hours of down time while Ralphie is playing and running.
Yes, Ralphie is a ball of dirt after the dog park! But it's all so worth it while driving home listening to him snoring in the back seat of the car! A good dog is a tired dog.  All it takes is a little hosing down, some baby wipes, and a dry towel ... Ralphie is clean again and good as new!

Raphie playing with a 5 month Labradoodle ... you tell me, don't you think they're happy?  This is what a puppy needs, socialization and exercise.  They had so much fun!!

Grateful

I can't describe how grateful to have Erica watch Ralphie on her days off while I'm at work!!  She is one awesome daughter!!  I honestly believe Erica loves Ralphie as much as I do...well truly I think she's obsessed with him. LOL  I drop Ralphie off at Erica's place 2 or 3 times a week.  Ralphie looks forward to seeing his pug cousins.  But most of all Ralphie looks forward to playing at the dog park with all his doggy buddies.  Erica takes him to the park EVERY day that she watches him!!!  She knows all the 'regulars' at the park by name and their story.  Ralphie is one lucky puppy to have two mamas to watch and care for him!!
A BIG THANK YOU TO ERICA FROM MOM AND RALPHIE!!  Love you!!

Today at the dog park...so dirty!

Happy Ralphie!!

Gentle Leader

 I've been very pleased with Ralphie's puppy behavior.  I've heard some nightmare puppy stories; but so far I don't have any of those stories to share.  However, I do have my challenges.

Walking...taking walks...on a leash...pulling...pulling...and more pulling.  It's even more difficult when walking Ralphie and walking barky Ollie at the same time.  Ollie barks at everything, after all he is a Yorkie.  When Ollie starts his barking binge, Ralphie gets exceptionally excited and unruly.  He pulls, he jumps, he gets twisted in Ollie's leash, he ponces on Ollie, I get all tangled in the leashes...hmm, so I guess I do have a puppy nightmare story.  It is not a pleasant experience and I'm sure I'm putting on a good show for my neighbors.

Although training Ralphie to heel has been going well, it's been a slow process.  I knew I needed more help.  I've read numerous reviews on the Gentle Leader.  The reviews I've read were so positive; actually I didn't see any negative ones.  So I decided to purchase a Gentle Leader for $10.  I tried it for the first time this morning.  I made sure I followed all instructions to fit it properly and stepped out the door with Ralphie sporting his new red Gentle Leader.  At the beginning he was annoyed by it.  Of course he would be, it's something he's never worn before.  We begin our walk.  Ralphie started pawing his nose, lowering his head, stopping, probably thinking "get this thing off of me!"   We continue our walk and just a short distance down the street he was getting used to it and an amazing thing happened...the leash was loose, Ralphie was right next to me on my side, no pulling, our walk was a pleasant one for me and for him!

I've decided I will walk Ralphie both ways until he's well-trained...with the Gentle Leader and with his regular collar depending on the type of walk we're going on.  I give the Gentle Leader an A+ and I give Ralphie a gold star for being such a good student!!

Below is a video on the Gentle Leader...

Out In The Field

"Do I see a bird? Or is it a squirrel?"

"Whatever it is, I'm gonna hunt it down!"

 Enjoying the outdoors.

Sweet Ralphie.

Neutering

I've read tons of things on the internet when and if you should neuter your dog.  First, there is no 'if' because I purchased Ralphie with the condition of neutering him.  But when is the right time?  I always spayed/neutered my pets around 6 months of age.  That's what I always thought was the right and best age.  But now I'm reading that neutering a puppy too young takes away the masculinity in the male.  I've also read neutering to early makes them lazy and fat.  I read pet owners should wait at least two years before neutering and become a more responsible pet owner and watch your dog more closely.  Hmmm, I just don't know.  Lack of masculinity, femininity, weight problems never existed when I neutered/spayed my past pets at 6 months.  But it's something to think about.  I know a puppy heals quicker when neutered at a younger age.  I know it's easier for the doc to perform the procedure when the puppy is younger.  What I know for sure... I never had problems with any of my past dogs' health or behavior due to early neutering.  So I made my decision after weighing all the pros and cons that I've read on the internet knowing everyone has their own opinions which can be mind-boggling.  My decision.. I had Ralphie neutered at 6 months as I did with all my past pets.  He's healing wonderfully, he's happy, he's frisky, he energetic, he's strong, and no worries at the dog park!