Once Augustus had trained us on the basics, we brought in a dog who had not received any training. Duke is a mastif chow mix large enough to drag me across the floor with my feet skidding, and he did. LOL. Much to my amazement within only a few minutes this smart boy was getting the basic commands about 90% of the time. Remember this was his first training session. As I worked with Duke I was taken by the ease of trainning and what a shame it is that the owners who surrendered him did not take advantage of the free training that would have enabled them to keep this dog who came in looking buck A wild. I have no doubt that both of these dogs will make fabulous companions for the right owner who is willing to spend the training time, which from what I have seen so far, can actually be very minimal.
I have to add the joy and gratification I feel after being privileged to behavior train these pooches keeps a smile on my face for hours after I leave the shelter. I think I am benefiting as much as the dogs.
They do look like happy little muffin faces! Just having recently adopted a dog, I can already feel the benefits - she give me a routine, shares wet kisses, and is a bundle of cute dancing moves.
ReplyDeleteThank you for giving your little muffin face a second chance-You are indeed a super hero in my book!
ReplyDeleteMerilee- I am so jealous. I would LOVE to be a part of that progam. I tried to sign up at CAHS to volunteer and walk dogs, but they changed their hours. We are still looking for a dog to join our Ebbony. just seems like the right one has not come along yet. Have fun with those lovable animals. They feel the love. Beth
ReplyDeleteBeth if you let me know what it is you are looking for in a dog, I will keep my eye balls peeled for just the right one for you. Todays training involves, in part, the ability to match the right animal with the right owner. You can be my practice person if you want.
ReplyDeleteToday's training will focus on cats but I am sure the skills I will learn today will transfer to dogs as well. And just a note, CAHS is very flexible regarding training and walking dogs. They will usually accommodate you if they can because they really see the value in the volunteers.