Rags has been rescued!!

[RagstoRiches]

I might need rescued myself before the training class starts

He got his first bath, and have just spent the past 2 hours brushing him-not only the coat of many colors,but many layers as well!

Everyone in my area seems to be familiar with this dogs plight,the adoption,micro-chip,and the obedience training were all donated,that tells ya a little bit about how much everyone wanted him to have a home....

Just want to say we are impressed with the Martingale leash,even found one that matches his fur (wish I could post pictures),he's brown,rust,white,black,gonna be a beautiful dog when the ruff grows back & be interesting to see if he has chin whiskers.

He rode home very well,took up the entire back seat of the Jetta,he never made a sound the entire way. He does have a very loud bark but I've only heard it twice since meeting him.

Bigger than I realized,his nose touches the stovetop (30"). I had done everything I could think of to "dog proof" and make him feel at ease.....well, seems I forgot one thing,he freaked over the deer head on the wall!! I just stuck the darn thing in a closet,however it might be awhile before Rags ventures upstairs! I've been advised to rub a towel over it so he can sniff & know it's long dead.

More Rags stories later,Pati

 

[Kase]

YEAH I'm so glad you resued him, he sounds like such a sweet heart. I can't wait to hear more about Rags in the future.

Have fun in the training classes .

 

[RagstoRiches]

Ups & downs

Yesterday I started walking him inside,did a short session in the house then longer out in my shop/shed,even got brave & took him outside a few hours later. (My housemate has done all the walking before-he's VERY strong & fights the leash).

He hates the leash, but he's smart & knows commands,I only use my voice-never touch him,nor do I raise my voice. If he does'nt pay attention I just stop,cross my arms & stare off into space. I'm using small lamb treats-not always,sometimes just a good boy or pat.

What surprised me was when I practiced off leash,he followed BEHIND me! And he stopped trying to go in opposite direction. I make sure he looks up to me before I proceed even one step.

He comes on command. He's had some training & I talked with his walker @ the shelter,luckily we use the same methods. I'm a total novice at all this,and from reading the posts I know many disagree (even hate) Cesar Milan, but I've learned alot from him or never would have thought I could control a big dog myself.

Here's another "connection", I have Lyme disease & sometimes cannot walk well or lose strength in my arm, I told the walker that I hoped Rags would be a service dog for me,guess what-she has had both feet amputated! This gives me more encouragement,she said he senses when she's having difficulty & adjusts!

I also suffer from myoclonic seizures, hopefully he will learn to not get bothered by those. He's easily startled by noises, and looks up at ceilings all the time,not sure if it's from the Pit Bull over the fence attack or the deer head! I made him sit under the light fixture in the shop yesterday & just look all he cared to....

Today is vet check,tomorrow I begin training orientation,next week he begins a 6 week course. Can hardly wait for him to have a big place to RUN & see what agility course he likes! They also have a Sat. social where for $5 dogs can play up to 4 hours.

 

[Kase]

Here's another "connection", I have Lyme disease & sometimes cannot walk well or lose strength in my arm, I told the walker that I hoped Rags would be a service dog for me,guess what-she has had both feet amputated! This gives me more encouragement,she said he senses when she's having difficulty & adjusts!

He sounds like a such a smart dog, I'm glad he has the ability to sense when you are having difficulty.

 

[RagstoRiches]

Day 7 of new life for Rags

Rags is beginning to show his personality. He didn't care a hoot for the Kong/treat toys. Got him a couple of squeeky toys yesterday (learned about those @ orientation), he LOVES them!

We had football play in the shed last night,he brings it back! He had soooo much fun, I wore us both out! We know he hasn't had a chance to run the past 5 mos.

Can hardly wait for training & hopefully I'll find the right method for him so I can leash control! My housemate walks him now & he has NO patience! We were impressed with this trainer,she will teach clicker method if we want & also gave us permission to use a prong collar.

So far, Rags has had vet check (vet was impressed we took this dog on & wished us alot of luck!),got his nails trimmed this morning,microchip is registered,slept last night in house w/housemate & little spoiled dog,Pepper. He crowded the king size bed of course.

He usually sleeps in my trailer on bed near door, one night he jumped in bed with me (managing NOT to touch me on twin bed!), he stayed about 15 min. then got back on his own bed. Is he just checking out what he can/cannot get away with? I didn't tell him to get off my bed, just gave him a pat & said he's loved now.....

He's a good watch dog! His size & bark should give pause to anyone we don't know. He's quite on rides,doesn't bark when sees other dogs on road. No idea yet what he'll do if someone approaches the vehicle,the little dog goes BONKERS when any dog comes near the car/truck,he's a terrier mix & used to being alpha.

So far the good far outweighs the bad,he doesn't chew,bark needlessly,whine,get into stuff,he comes when called,knows to sit,not too good on stay,knows down,doesn't eat much (I'm slowly changing his food).

Never knew a dog would take so much time/energy! I'm dedicated to making this work out! In contact with his walker from the shelter,everyone is rooting for Rags to finally have a home!

Rags new momma

 

[Barb04]

I'm so happy things are working out with Rags. I too have a terrier mix who rules the house and all the pets no matter what their size.

 

[RagstoRiches]

Rags is free to run @ last!!

A couple days ago I decided to let him run free (would never have attempted this EXCEPT he comes when called).

Wasn't getting anywhere with the leash,confusion/frustration big time for both of us. I'm getting lots of info on the training forum here about different leashes/training methods.

It was such a joy to see him RUN,first he looked at me like he didn't know what to do,then he ran circles around a stump,rolled in the grass,jumped around,then he RIPPED around the house-we clocked him @ 4 seconds!

He has no problem following me,in fact doesn't get out of my sight much,if he does-I call & he comes running back. He knows stay, but sit is sometimes down. We have to figure this out together!

Training begins Tues. I'm just gonna keep him off leash until then & let the trainer decide about which leash/method we should try. I know I'm confused-don't want to keep confusing him!

He's like a giant puppy in some ways. Loves to go for rides,and loves his new squeeky football. Sometimes he will fetch it back,most often he won't (even with treat). Today I asked him to go get the ball & bring it inside-and he did! I just never know what he'll decide to do or not! Trying to keep any training at a minimum right now,I want it to be fun for both of us.

He hasn't gone out of the yard,when neighbor dog came over to challenge,Rags just barked & sat on edge of lawn.He's doing well with Pepper,maybe he'll teach Pepper some car manners! Pepper is 12+yrs old & never plays,well when Rags starts playing with the toys he likes-Pepper wants to play too! Neddless to say Pepper is getting more exercise now!

Few nights ago I didn't realize my cat was in the trailer where I sleep with Rags, he came over & they touched noses but all went OK all night. However, Sissy runs right back outside when she tries to come in,the house, I'm feeding Sissy outside or in my trailer for now. This might go on for sometime....Rags is so big & exciteable, I'm afraid he'll run for Sissy-Pepper chases her all the time but Pepper would never catch her,it's the old cat/dog story.

Get him controlled on a leash & I'll be HAPPY!