Tuesday, January 20, 2009

4.5 months old and doing better!

The LWT is 4.5 months old now and I'm finally starting to feel like there's hope afterall for the little terror! She had a vet appt. this morning and she weighed 66 pounds. No surprise.....she feels so solid now! She is absolutely loving her raw diet except that she growls when any of the other dogs get close to her crate while she's eating. I don't like that. So I'm going to start holding the food while she eats it and then we'll work on it from there. While at the vet, she did not jump nor did she try to nip/chew on the vet during her exam. I was so pleased and even the vet made mention of this! While I was chatting with the vet, she actually decided to take a nap on the floor. I couldn't believe she was actually able to act in a calm manner. So when we got home, we went on a walk through the park and she loved being out.

Her newest perfected skill is not taking food out of my hands until she gets a "release" sign. I will hold a treat in front of her nose and give her the "wait" sign. After about 10 seconds of holding it there and her waiting calmly, I give her the "thumbs up" sign. She's then allowed to take the treat gently. The minute she lunges or grabs it aggressively from my hand, I take the treat away. She has learned exactly what is expected of her and does great with this. Even with the little ones doing it!

18 comments:

Asta said...

I'm so happy to heaw that thewe is good news at the Zoo cwew..I think of you often and love the pictoowes and the stowies..I send all of you smoochie kisses
love
Asta

Molly the Airedale said...

Good for you, Echo for waiting for your treat! This is very important! You're a smart girl!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Moose said...

awesome on the good behavior. I have never dealt with puppies but can tell they take a lot of patience and effort. Glad it is starting to pay off! Tell her I said "Whatagoodgirl"!

Amber and Nala said...

Glad you are doing better Echo! Keep up the good work!

Love,
Nala

i said...

She sure has grown much and looking more lovely too!

The Musketeers said...

HAppy to know about the good news (:

Charlotte said...

Wow - that is pawseome news! And such a smart girl!

Your friends
Oskar, Schatzi & Xena

Allison Walton said...

This is awesome progress! Way to go with the training!

Wuv,
Gus and Waldo

Lady Kaos said...

Wow! She's com a long way! Great job to both of you!!!
Kaos

The PR Gang said...

Glad to see you back around. The kids are getting so big. Lovely photos. They're all so cute.
Come visit us and pick up your surprise....

Behr Behr said...

Wow, what a good puppy!! You're learning SOOOO much. I can tell you are really smart (and your mom's a good trainer) :)

Um, I'm guilty of growling while eating too, sometimes. Mom and Dad have tried LOTS and LOTS of tricks on me, and consulted with several well known dog trainers, but I still do it sometimes. I don't bite, just growl. I don't know why they are so unhappy with it. I like to hear myself growl.
Behr Behr :)

ps- I left you a surprise on my blog (Jan. 22)
behrrake.wordpress.com

Behr Behr said...

Don't listen to Behr Behr. Growing is NOT a good thing, and we are very displeased with her when she does it. We don't think it's cute at all.

She was telling the truth when she mentioned all the things we've tried, however. None have worked permanently. Let me know if you come up with something that works and we'll give it a try. We can touch her, take her dish away, etc., but we still don't want the growling.

Behr Behr's mom

Sharon said...

Yay! What a good girl :)

S and D

Raising Addie said...

WOOHOO Echo!! GOOD JOB sweetie!!

Do you have any tips on how to get two pups to share rawhide or bones? My two share their food bowl just fine, but when it comes to rawhide or bones Addie always wants what the puppy has.

Have a great day!
Staci

Noah the Airedale said...

Hey pals,
Sorry we haven't been by. We lost your new blog addy but found it via Mango.
Sounds like the little one is coming along nicely. Hope you sort the food thing out.

tailwags
Noah Willow Tess Lucy

KC said...

What beautiful Danes! My 9-month-old Dane has finally learned the command "gentle" to gently take a small piece of kibble from my hand without biting down hard.

Eduardo said...

This is fantastic news! What a great girl!
Hugs & Snugs
Eduardo the Snuggle Puggle

Asta said...

Hi evewyone..
I hope you'we al feeling well, and had a good weekend
I have an awawd fow you. Pleez come pick it up
smoochie kisses
ASTA