Ask a Trainer8 Things I've Learned from My Dog-Training Clients

Dogster

Australian Shepherd

Photo Comments

Home:Saxapahaw, NC

Age: 11 Years Sex: Male Weight: 26-50 lbs

Dogster stats for J.J.


Stars:

Leave a bone for J.J.

Nicknames:
True Blue Heart

Doggie Dynamics:

Energy

sleepy		energetic

Intelligence

silly		genius

Friendliness

aggressive		affectionate

Playfulness

not playful		very playful

Disposition

anxious		calm

Sun Sign:

Quick Bio:

-purebred

-service dog

-dog rescue

Gotcha Date:
August 13th 2002

Birthday:
January 20th 2002

Likes:
car rides anywhere with his "Daddy"; clicker training

Pet-Peeves:
He does not enjoy people who do not understand dog behaviour, especially at the dog park

Favorite Toy:
Tennis balls, soccer ball

Favorite Food:
Steak, lots o' chicken bits

Favorite Walk:
Long romps in the woods, on the nature trail

Best Tricks:
Beg, hit a mark, hug, kiss, playing soccer

Arrival Story:
My Daddy was volunteering at Happy Hills Animal Foundation when I came into the shelter, and everyone thought I was a Border Collie... he knew differently and thought deja vu... we were meant to be together! I took his heart and ran with it, and I'm running still, fast and strong, a piece of my heart bound up with his forever! J.J. does his best to live by Mother Teresa's philosophy, "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."

Bio:
Why I Let J.J. Sleep with Me. When we first get in, he cozies up real close, usually lays his head on my leg, my shoulder, or my chest, and is very respectful. More importantly, he is warm, cuddly, and he's an appropriate bed buddy that won't land me in divorce court. It's one of the most peaceful, tranquil parts of my day. However, after a few hours the bliss is gone. I'm usually awakened by the discomfort of a large mass pressing against me and the covers forming a turniquat around one of my legs. What I find is J.J. has completely claimed the bed and has systematically shoved me right up to the edge. Any attempts to move him are met with dead weight and then the battle ensues. First I have to break free and unravel myself from the spider web of covers I'm trapped under, then I have to literally sit up and push him with all my force back over to his side of the bed. The funniest thing is, he pretends to be in a dead sleep. Yes, I said pretend. I know I tell my classes all the time that dogs are not calculating, but I tell you, he should get an Academy Award for this performance, because I am quite sure if I were opening up a bag of treats he'd spring out of that bed like greased lightening. So, this may go on a couple of minutes, and then we are back to our peaceful co-existence, until someone comes home and kicks him out of the bed entirely! But we do this dance every night and will continue to do so? Why? For those first few tranquil, peaceful moments that I simply must have. No matter what has occurred during the day, those moments make everything seem alright. Those moments helped get me through Julie's illness, and death. Those moments just help get me through a hard day. J.J. will be 9 years old next January. I will continue to cherish every night he is still here and able to shove me to the edge of the bed.

The Groups I'm In:
♥ Paws with a Purpose ♥, ..:: Herding Breeds Association ::.., Psychiatric Service Dogs, Service Dogs Group, task training for Service and Therapy Dogs

I've Been On Dogster Since:

September 27th 2009