The Places I Have Been & The ThingsThat I Have Learnt

Before I was rescued I didn't have much hope. I had been abandoned (or lost and no one came to find me). I was scared and alone, running loose on the wrong side of town. It was apparent from the scars on my body, and my growing belly, that the world had not been kind to me. People had taught me not to trust and other dogs had caused me pain.


I was rescued a month ago, and since then have learnt many new things.

I have learnt that human touch does not need to cause pain. People are good and gentle and kind. People give me good food, speak softly to me, cuddle, play, keep me clean and many more wonderful things.

I have learn to ask to go outside, and when I do there is dancing, singing and delicious smelly treats. When I happen to go inside, no one scolds me or punishes me. We simply try again, and more often, to do things the right way.

I have learnt that I don't have to yell at other dogs. This took me a long time to learn. Fostermomma and her Walrus were so kind and patient with me. We took things real slow - no one rushed me. I know that Walrus probably didn't enjoy spending so much time in his room. I think he's an extra special old dude for giving me the space I needed to relax and settle into life here first.

When I was ready, Walrus was calm and polite about meeting me at the baby gate. He never stared at me or grumbled. And best of all, he shared his delicious homemade cookies with me.

Eventually, I gave up yelling at him when he walked by my crate to go outside It might have been the handfuls of dried liver Fostermomma threw at me to keep me busy every time he passed. It didn't take long before I warmed up to the idea of him being in "my" space (and even gave him a little wag after awhile).

A few calm dates late at night and before I even knew what had happened I had made a new friend.

It just kept getting better from there - just last week I had a play date with Fostermommas friends pony (a pretty Great Dane named Sasha).

I have learnt to sit for everything, to empty the toy box, to fetch and that things can turn around - they can get better.

I know there is more out there for me and Im ready for it. Will you be there? Will you help me learn to be the best me? I'll be waiting.

XoXo,
Winifred

For more info on adopting Winnie, click here or contact us at info@ador-a-bull.com

Snowy Sunday

....and then it SNOWED! I love snow! Love love LOVE snow!!!

I love snow in my eye.

I love snow on my nose.

I love snow on my toes!

I love snow EVERYWHERE!

For more info on adopting Winnie, click here or contact us at info@ador-a-bull.com

Toy Beds

Fostermomma brought home a HUGE stuffy toy the other day.

She kept laughing and telling me not to eat my new BED, but I didnt get it! So I kept on chewing.

Then I put a hole in it. Then fostermomma put the bed away.

The end.

For more info on adopting Winnie, click here or contact us at info@ador-a-bull.com

Wordless Wednesday

For more info on adopting Winnie, click here or contact us at info@ador-a-bull.com

"NO!" Is Not A Request

At a year old Winnie is still very much a puppy and has a lot of puppy energy to burn. We are able to get rid of a lot of her sillies with food toys (mental stimulation) and games of fetch.

Sometimes though, if the weather isn't co-operating, or the days just aren't long enough, Winnie expels her pent up energy in other, less desirable, ways - mostly by launching herself into, or off of you. Using your body as a spring board. This is both annoying and painful, as she's a good size dog and not very gentle about this game of hers.

The first instinct of most owners when dogs jump up is to push the dog off. Since the dog usually sees this as an invitation to play, it gets even more bouncy. The owners voice then starts to rise as frustration sets in "No! No! NOOO!"

Dogs need to play – but they also need to know how to calm. A great way to teach your dog a little bit of self control when they are excited, is with a game called "Crazy Sits". 

With your dog on leash, initiate short games. Use your body posture – bend over – be fun. After a couple seconds stand, avoid eye contact and calmly say, “sit.” Then wait patiently. Calmly reward your dog when they finally sit. This exercise takes practice, but most dogs learn the how the game works quickly.

The same sort of situation can occur when dogs bark at the window/door, are sniffing at food on the counter, etc.  Thankfully, we have a toolbox full of available "commands" we can teach our dogs and use to our advantage.

Is your dog infamous for yelling at the world through the front window? Ask your dog to "leave it" and "come" - redirect and reward.

Your dog cannot jump on you or your guests when asked to "sit" (or when fetching a toy - as I've taught The Walrus).

Ask for what you want, and reward appropriate behavior, instead of concentrating on what your dog may be doing wrong. We promise - it works (Winnie can now stop and sit as she's barreling at you from across the room!).

For more info on adopting Winnie, click here or contact us at info@ador-a-bull.com

Squeaky Clean

Foster momma's been saying a lot lately that she needs to get me into the bath.  I had NO idea what that meant...until today...

Foster momma grabbed a humongous handful of PB and Naner cookies and lead me into the bathroom. I jumped into the tub thing on my own (just follow your nose I always say). Everything was going just dandy - I was getting lots of treats and foster momma was using her extra happy voice. Then, all of a sudden, water started shooting out the this snake looking doo-hicky!

Then fostermomma put this nice smelling stuff on me. Boy, did it not taste as good as it smelt!

I didnt know what to think of it, but I remained calm and went to my happy place. Before I knew it, it was all over and foster momma gave me a good rub with a nice fluffy towel - ahhhh!

When I got out, foster momma put a brand spanking new collar on me. What do you think? Is it a keeper, or should I chew it off and force her to put the old grimmy one back on?

I'll keep doing this while I wait for you to decide.



For more info on adopting Winnie, click here or contact us at info@ador-a-bull.com

How Many Toys? SO Many!!!

Boy, this place is great! Today I emptied to toy pot - toys everywhere!!! I just couldn't decide which one I just had to have, so I'm testing them all.

There are toys that wobble (and smell like kibble and leave pieces behind)!

Toys that squeak and toys that rattle!

Toys with nubs!

Toys that bounce (and flip in the air and you never know where they are going to end up)!

Toys that "huck" and toys for chewing!

I can't decide! I love them all!!!

For more info on adopting Winnie, click here or contact us at info@ador-a-bull.com

Oh, What A Night!

Hi guys! *wiggle wiggle*

Momma left this computer thing on *snickers* so I thought Id take a stab at it, because I'm real excited about telling you all about the night I had.

I met a new friend! *wiggle wiggle* Can you believe it?!? *wiggle wiggle* Foster momma says I was acting like a lunatic and needed to burn off some sillies, so she took me to play with my new friend. A Great Dane (and I mean GREAT), almost 3 times my size! Holy wow! *wiggle wiggle*

At first I didn't know what to think of everything. I stayed close to foster momma *wiggle wiggle* and wagged by tail SUPER fast when the pony came by. Eventually, with foster momma's encouraging voice I started to run (and I ran, and I ran, and I ran). I spun in the air and flipped around so quick!

Foster momma said it was too dark to take any good pictures, so you'll just have to take my word for it! *wiggle wiggle*

It was so cold out, my toes and my nose were bright bright pink (so cute, right?). When we got home foster momma made "tripett tea" for me and the Walrus. Don't think I don't know that your squishing your nose up at the thought of it. Don't knock it till you try it!

*wiggle wiggle*  I hope foster momma will take me to meet new friends again soon (and that I can show you how awesome I can be with doggy friends).

To top it all off, I met a new kitty friend (who let me give him a good sniff before we parted ways) and a new toddler friend too.  What a night!  *wiggle wiggle*

For more info on adopting Winnie, click here or contact us at info@ador-a-bull.com

Bon Voyage!

Although this blog is a fairly new project, yours truly has been heavily involved in rescue for years. There is a lot that goes on "behind the scenes" in dog rescue. In addition to a full time day job and a part time night job on the weekend, most weekend afternoons are spent on the road conducting temperament assessments (many a time 6+ hour round trips), hours of our evenings are spent replying to emails, conducting phone interviews, checking in on foster homes and new forever homes - and that's just scratching the surface of whats involved in running a successful rescue.

Add a foster dog to the mix and, well...that's what tequila is for!

So, next week I will be taking a much needed break and going on my first vacation EVER!

WHA?!? I just got here!!!

I will miss "the kids", but could not be more excited at the same time. Thank you, again, to the ladies at Oakridge for boarding Winnie, I know that she will have much fun there. Snap a few pictures if you can :)

And to my lobster - thanks for having The Walrus bunk with you! I can't wait to read about all his adventures on Huge Euge's blog when I get back!

But...you've never gone anywhere
the Walrus couldn't come?

See everyone in a week, at which time we will be starting our next and very exciting project!

Alright mom, we'll be good!

Wordless Friday: Bullie Bums

Welcome Home! Here is the Rule Book!

Dogs do not come pre-programmed, not puppies who need to learn even the basics, or older dogs who, just like people, all have different life stories and experiences.

The most important thing to do when welcoming a new dog (and this goes for foster and forever dogs) is set up a schedule with rules, boundaries and expectations.

Without these things you risk creating a dog that acts like a bratty teenager who's parents left him alone with the car and their credit cards - a free for all - causing unnecessary stress on you, your family, residents dogs and the new dog themselves. They have no idea what you want and when.

Shy, timid dog becomes more relaxed knowing that they have nothing to worry about; someone else is in charge. A dog that's pushing too hard to become "top dog" learns that the position is not available and that his life is far more enjoyable without the title. It is equally successful with dogs that fall anywhere between those two extremes.

When I bring a new dog into my home, I let them take in their new environment and give them time to settle in. I let them relax. I try not to introduce them to new people or dogs (other than my own, if I can do so safely). Over a few days they get used to me, my schedule and the sounds and smells of my home.

I do not give out rewards freely. For some dogs that means attention and snuggles, for other food and treats and for some dogs that means toys. Dogs can be motivated by different things - you just need to find out what the dog perceives to be rewarding and valuable.

Does this mean that I am mean to the dogs? Absolutely not! I work for my paycheck and dogs can too (their currency is just different). I use the 'Nothing In Life Is Free' program.

Before I let Winnie out of her crate in the morning for snuggles and do her business, she must sit. It took a few tries, but she now obliges very quickly - and we both enjoy that special time together (I always make sure to whisper to her "you can stay as long as you want, baby girl")!

Winnie also sits to go outside, for her dinner, for treats and when she wants to be pet.

In no time at all you begin to see the dogs honest and true personality.

Dirty Snow Squall Bunny

Winnie went to see the lovely ladies at Oakridge last week for some meds (her spay stitches were giving her some troubles) and she is feeling much better! So much so that she has a quick romp in the snow! No coat needed for this busy lady!

SNOW!!!!

Where did the dirt go?

Found it!

It's under all the white stuff!!!  Seeeeee!!!

APDT - Train Your Dog Month

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) is a network of trainers who's focus is using positive, dog friendly methods based on sound scientific principles to become better trainers. The APDT promotes caring relationships between dogs and people and works to increase public awareness of dog-friendly training techniques.

The APDT is dedicating the month of January to promoting the importance of training and socialization of pet dogs. They have announced a variety of events including live chat discussions on Facebook as well as free webminars which will focus on training and behavior issues.

You can join the discussions HERE.

As a responsible dog own, co-founder of a pit bull type dog rescue and foster home, I can say that positive reinforcement training keeps families safe, dogs in their adoptive homes, and very simply saves lives by reducing the number of companions euthanized due to unwanted behaviors.

Training techniques are constantly changing and improving (thank dog!). Where force and flooding techniques used to be acceptable, they are now being replaced by positive methods that aim to create and build a relationship with your dog. Even if you feel comfortable training your dog at home, it never hurts to research and keep up to date with the current, forward thinking, and best techniques available. Your dog deserves that and so do you.

There are solutions and alternatives to surrendering or abandoning the pets you have made commitments too.

As the year changes, lets resolve together, to commit to the training of our furry friends. It's easy, fun and the responsible thing to do!

For more information on the APDT click HERE.

PR+ training resources below!

International Positive Dog Training Association

Awesome Dogs
*******
In the meantime, here is a video of "cone head" Winnie playing with the world - so depressing, it's cute!