Adopt 2011 Contest

I’d always wanted a dog. I used to beg my parents endlessly for one but they held firm. It wasn’t until I got out of college and got a steady, well-paying job that I was finally able to fulfill my dream and get a dog.

As soon as I had moved, I started looking. I knew I wanted a herding breed mix who was young but no longer a puppy. My apartment was on the 3rd floor so potty training was out of the question! I wanted to compete in dog sports, specifically agility, and knew I desired an active companion.

I searched long and hard for a few months before stumbling upon the ‘perfect match’ on Petfinder. She was listed as a Border collie mix who was 2.5 years old. Though shy, it said she was good with dogs, kids, and had a sunny disposition. This had to be the dog for me, I thought. I got in contact with the shelter, spoke with them about her, and planned a visit to check this dog out. She came home with me that day. I named her Risa, short for the Spanish word ‘sonrisa’ which means ‘smile’ because I became enamored with her grin. (‘Risa’ is also a word in Spanish meaning ‘laughter.’)

The shelter was up front with me about her fear issues and she was also underweight. I felt up to the task of working with this dog to help her gain confidence. Though I’d never trained a dog before and knew it would take a lot of work, I was totally unprepared. Like, drowning in quicksand over my head.

I tried my best to do some remedial socializing with her; get her out and about to see the world isn’t so scary. But I went about it all wrong. I had no relationship with her yet and I should have given her some time to adapt before thrusting her into situations she wasn’t ready to handle. While I was successful in teaching her basic behaviors like ‘sit’ and ‘down,’ I was failing miserably at making her life less scary.

Fortunately, we signed up for a clicker training class several months after I adopted her. I hadn’t initially wanted to use a clicker. I didn’t want to have to carry around the stupid tool all the time and I believed my dog should do what I say because I told her to. I was very resistant to the idea of clicker training at first but I attended classes and saw amazing results.

Despite having success with clicker training, I was still reluctant to give up using the prong collar at first.

We completed our “Head Start” class with flying colors. Though Risa cowered and wouldn’t let anyone approach her in the first couple classes, she had started to come out of her shell by the end. I was having so much fun training her that I signed us up for the Level 1 classes as soon as we graduated. After Level 1, we found out our trainer wasn’t going to offer agility classes like she had planned initially (not to mention Risa wasn’t ready for them). Instead she was going to offer canine freestyle. Much like my thoughts about clicker training at the beginning, I thought this was stupid too. Dancing with your dog? You’ve got to be joking. But I wanted to try something new with Risa; not just standard obedience classes. Along with enrolling in the Level 2 class we signed up for canine freestyle.

It turned out that Risa is a dancing fool. Something about freestyle just clicked with her (pun intended). As stupid as I still thought it was, I couldn’t deny how much fun Risa was having with it. And so, I started to enjoy it too.

We signed up for our trainer’s Level 3 and 4 classes, took some rally classes, performed two canine freestyle demos, attended seminars, did a practice therapy dog test, did an agility flatwork class, and became assistants to the “Head Start” classes. If our trainer offered a class, we took it. Risa enjoyed training so much that we became dog class junkies. :) Despite having moved away from our first trainer, we still take classes and attend seminars whenever we can!

Despite taking classes and having some time to socialize with other dogs and people, Risa was still very nervous and shy. She did not like strangers trying to pet her and she had become dog reactive. Her reactivity was very frustrating and scary. I was really confused as to what was going on and was having no luck curbing her behavior when it came to other dogs.

At the mere sight of another dog she would be lunging, barking, hackles raised, bouncing or spinning in place. It was embarrassing and I knew everyone was judging us when she acted like that. I tried everything I could think of to stop it including collar corrections and yelling. I was getting nowhere fast and was just making things worse! An online friend mentioned the book Scaredy Dog by Ali Brown which I picked up after reading several others. The light bulb finally turned on. Risa was reacting the way she did because she was AFRAID. It was so obvious, really. She’s always been a fearful dog. But her aggressive displays just didn’t seem like a frightened response to me. They were. I finally understood what I was dealing with and we FINALLY got on the right path.

Of course, it was not easy. And, for what it’s worth, it still isn’t. ;) I tried several methods to curb Risa’s reactions to other dogs. We slowly saw improvement. As time has gone on, I have refined my tools and learned what does and doesn’t work. While Risa is still dog reactive, she is a million times better than she used to be. She is able to walk past other dogs without losing her mind. We can be in close proximity to dogs and she can even greet them nicely. Risa is far from comfortable with her own kind. I think of her as a bit of a social misfit; that wallflower at the party who’s kind enough to introduce herself but then retreats to the safety of being alone.

We’ve come a long way together, Risa and I. I thought I knew a lot about dog training before I got her. I was sure I knew how to read dogs too. Risa taught me how wrong I was and how much I still needed to learn. She’s an outstanding teacher and I owe her so much. In fact, I’ve learned more about myself from my interactions with her. I’ve become a better person. She forced me to step back and evaluate what I am doing. To calm myself before letting frustration and anger take over. Risa is an amazing dog. My Awesome Dog.

Love you forever, Risa W-FD/MF RN CGC.

Born to Run

Today was like the best day EVER.

Mom popped me in the car this morning and we drove a little ways and when we parked, we were right next to my best friends!! I haven't seen them in a month since we moved. It was so exciting to see them again!

Even more awesome than seeing my friends again was why we were there. LURE COURSING. It's been 2 years since I've gotten a chance to really run free. And running at a full sprint is one of my favorite things!

My first time up I was excited. I ran right up to the person in charge and said "Hi" to her and let her pet me a bit. Then I got ready to run. Mom held onto me as the 'rabbits' got moving and then let me go. It was awesome to run full out like that feeling the wind through my ears. It was over all too fast and then Mom called me to her and leashed me up. I went back to my kennel to take a break.

My second run was even better. I dragged Mom to the starting spot because I was just SO excited I got a second chance! I took off like a shot. . .totally on Cloud 9 as I sprinted the course. When it was over, I decided I didn't want the fun to stop. So I ran another lap in the field. Not content to stop at a second lap. . .I ran a third. Mom was calling out to me but I had nothing of it. I was having FUN!! I went on a short tour of the rest of the facility before deciding it was finally time to return to Mom. I was a bit tired but just so happy. Mom wasn't really mad because she could see the joy of running on my face the whole time.

I hope I get to go lure coursing again.

Four Years Ago

Today, I'm letting Mom type out an entry for my diary. It's my fourth Gotcha Day and she's got a poem she wrote that she'd like to share.

Four years ago it was only possible to see your true self indoors.
Today you're a silly goofball no matter where you are.
Four years ago taking you to a new location terrified you.
Today you're still not comfortable in new places but will trust me to keep you safe.
Four years ago no humans were your friends; they all terrified you.
Today it takes little time for you to open up and befriend a stranger.
Four years ago the sight of other dogs caused you to react in fear.
Today you have some dog friends and trust me to keep you away from the ones who aren't.
Four years ago I laughed out loud when I read the requirements for a CGC knowing you couldn't pass a single portion.
Today you not only have had your CGC for 2 years, but you also have your musical freestyle beginner title and a leg towards your novice.
Four years ago I knew I needed to help you grow and be the dog you were destined to be.
Today I realize I needed you to help me grow to be the person I am today.
Four years ago the life I knew changed forever.
Today I can't imagine my life without you.

Thanks, Mom. I am so happy we were brought together four years ago!!

I seem to recall Mom mentioning both 'ice cream' and 'new toy' today. And an upcoming fun activity to celebrate our 4 years together. Should be awesome!

Dancin' On Cloud 9

Today Mom and I went somewhere fun. I've been to this place twice before but today was totally different. There were SO many dogs and people around. It was a bit overwhelming. I was nervous and Mom seemed to be a bit nervous herself.

I spent a lot of time in my kennel but I got to come out and work with Mom a few times. We did a bit of walking and playing as well as some of our tricks. I spent most of the morning in my kennel though.

The afternoon was different. Mom got dressed up and I got to wear a bandanna. She asked me to do a few of my tricks while we stood around. I wanted to do some sniffing or visit with the other people instead. Then it was time to head into the ring. I LOVE going into the ring! Fun stuff happens there!

First we just randomly walked around and I got to sniff a little bit while Mom did a 'sound check' with our music. Then we exited the ring and I got ready to go. Mom slipped my leash off and we stepped in for real. I took off to sniff the perimeter when I realized Mom was calling me. I dashed back to her and we got ready to begin. I broke my wait to get closer to Mom who was walking away from me. She re-cued me and I held my place as we started our routine.

I'll admit, I was a bit distracted at first. But I soon fell into stride with Mom and danced my tail off. I was SO happy my tail couldn't stop spinning!! Once we were all done, Mom petted me vigorously and told me how awesome I was. She was so proud of me and I was thrilled too. I absolutely LOVE canine freestyle dancing! Then we exited the ring and I got my reward--McDonald's french fries. OH YEAH!

Mom told me over and over how awesome I am and how proud she was of me. I'm glad I could make her so happy (she's had a rough couple of weeks). I spent more time in my kennel after that but I got to enjoy a yummy stuffed Kong while I relaxed.

At the end of the day, we found out how well we had scored (not that it matters to me!). We got 8.4 points out of a total of 10 and got a qualifying leg towards our Novice title. Even better, we came in 3rd place out of 7 competitors so I got a nice medal along with my ribbon.

I am glad I made Mom so proud of me. Mostly, I am glad the two of us got to get out and have FUN!!

Lost a Friend Today

My scary guinea pig friend, Dusti, died today. Mom is very sad and I don't blame her. I will miss Dusti. Though she was frightening to me, I still liked her. She was always friendly and happy to see me. I will miss eating the woodshavings she knocked out of her house.

R.I.P. my little friend.

Dusti October 18, 2005-May 11, 2010.

ADOPT 2010 CONTEST

When I went to look at Risa at the shelter, I had no idea the journey I was about to embark on with her. I knew she was shy, fearful, skinny, and had no obedience training. I knew she was going to require some work. I didn't realize how much, however.

Though I was overwhelmed trying to increase her confidence and teach her the basic obedience behaviors, I refused to give up on her. I continued training and taking her new places. We signed up for a clicker training class a couple months after her arrival. She was terrified to be in the classroom with other dogs and people to start but she soon became a star. We took every class our instructor offered and eventually assisted classes too. Risa loved learning new tricks and showing off her skills to the other students. She really started to shine. It was wonderful for me to watch her be the happy, animated dog she had always been inside outside for others to see!

It took 2 years for her to earn her CGC. I remember laughing out loud when I read the requirements for it when I first brought her home. There wasn't a single section she could have passed. I was so proud of her the day she earned that certificate. Proof of our hard work!

Though I originally hoped to get Risa involved in agility, she has truly found her calling in canine freestyle. This dog loves to dance! She absolutely shines dancing her paws off in front of an audience. Ris wears the biggest grin and her tail wags ferociously as we dance together. Last year, she was able to earn her beginner title in WCFO freestyle through their video competitions. Next month, I am going to take the next step and we're going to compete live! She is going to have so much fun!

Looking back over the past (almost) 4 years, it's been an enriching journey. I never would have thought I wanted a 'project dog.' I always wanted one I could just do anything and everything with without a second thought. But I learned so much from Risa. I think she taught me far more than I taught her over the years. We've come a long way. She's such an amazing dog.

While there have been days when I dream of an easy dog, I know Risa will not be my last project dog. Some day, I will go to another shelter/rescue group and find another project to take on. It's such a great sense of accomplishment to take a 'throw away' dog and make them something anyone could be proud of.

Playtime

Most weekends I'm fortunate enough to meet up with my good friends. One of them is a puppy and he keeps trying to play with me. He's a great lil guy. Listens well and doesn't pester me when I'm unsure. But he really wants to play with me. If I'm honest, I would like to play too. It's hard for me to open up, though. I'm just so nervous around other dogs!

Mom understands and so does everyone involved. Which is nice. I don't feel pressured to interact. Yesterday, Mom was telling me how much Rio (the pup) wants to play with me and that I really should play with him. That it would do both of us some good. As if it's that easy. ;)

But today, the people made the two of us run alongside each other and that lead to play. I just couldn't resist! I overcame my fear even if just for a moment and playbowed to him. We chased and bounced around for a bit even though we couldn't do a lot being on-leash. Shayne came over and broke up our fun once but it was okay.

Then we went up to the tennis courts and got to be off-leash together (Shayne waited in the car). Rio was so determined to play with me. We played a bit of chase and then I took off like a rocket. He did really well keeping up with me! Lil guy is going to be a speed demon some day!!

So I played. I did! It's been over a year since I've played with another dog. I was still a bit nervous and unsure. However, I had a lot of fun. And when I had had enough, Rio was very good about giving me space.

Now, I am exhausted. :) Time to curl up on Mom's bed for a nice, long nap.

First Title

It's official. Mom just got the paperwork and awards in the mail today! I have my first title! It's my Beginner's title in WCFO freestyle! I earned it in the Summer Video Competition as well as a 2nd place medal! Mom is so proud of me and she was thrilled to read the judges' comments. Each one of them complimented us on our bond.

I hope this is the first step on a long, dancing road for us. :)

Risa W-FD/MF CGC!

Busy Day with My New Friend

It seems Mom and I are just not going to take a break this month. That's fine with me. I'm having a blast keeping busy!

Today I met up with my friend, Shayne, again. We spent some time walking together and working together. Mom put me through my paces today! Lots of work around distractions and proofing my behaviors. My brain was tired! I also got to play in the water with Shayne and we spent time dunking our heads in the water to get shells.

I think I walked about 5 miles today, played in the water, and worked my brain. I am BEAT!! I don't think I've been this tired in a long time. It feels so good though. I really enjoyed hanging out with my new friend. :D

My HUGE Weekend

Whew! I think I am finally recovered enough to write about my weekend now.

We had a visitor this weekend. A very handsome, studly German shepherd. He was a bit intimidating because he liked to bark at me. Mom says he really likes other dogs just that he comes on a bit strong. I trust Mom's judgment but he still sort of scared me.

Mom played musical canines with the two of us here. When I was out, he was kenneled. When he was out, I was kenneled. He is a goofy boy and Mom said he reminded her a lot of me. Which is a good thing, I think!

Saturday we all loaded up into the car for a road trip. We arrived at a nice park where we met up with one of my favorite people and some of her dogs! I was so happy to see her I forgot all my manners and bounced on her and licked her. She didn't care and gave me lots of loving.

I got to hang out with her dogs which was great. It gave me a chance to get out of the car and stretch. I met with Tika and Chimo, the seniors. I'm still a bit nervous around them, like I am with all dogs, but I felt pretty comfortable hanging around with them. Comfortable enough to maintain my down/stay while Mom and her friend photographed us! Mom was so proud of me--she said this is a huge step for me.

Of course, I also got to play with the puppy, Jethro! I love that lil dog. Well, he's not quite so little anymore. He's actually bigger than me now. I did a big play bow to him when I saw him. We did some sniffing and he tried to get me to play a bit. I found a really good sniff and we enjoyed inhaling that odor together.

Our friends had to leave sooner than we liked but Mom and I had to get on the road again too. But we didn't head home. We went to a hotel! This is the first time I'd ever been in a hotel with just Mom. There were two beds and I claimed one all for myself. Mom was a bit upset with me because I preferred laying in the bed alone rather than joining her in her bed. We hit the hay early because we were both exhausted and had to get an early start the next day.

Sunday morning we were back in the car and on the road again. Turns out Mom had signed us up for another seminar! This one was definitely up my alley: "Scaredy Dog!" Mom did most of the work in the morning but she did come up to check on me once in a while. I got to meet two new people and that was really cool. I am sometimes reserved with meeting new friends but I felt pretty comfortable with these guys and opened up. I think they liked me too.

In the afternoon, I got a chance to work. I was a bit nervous because I was in a new place and I didn't listen to Mom when she asked me to do some things. I know Mom was a bit disappointed that I was having so much trouble concentrating even though she also understands why. The second part of the afternoon session went much better, though. It was much more like what we practice every day! I did get a bit scared when we passed the large crowd of people but I trusted Mom to keep me safe and refocused on her easy.

After another long day, it was time to get back on the road again. This time, however, we were headed home! Mom stopped at McDonald's on the way and I got to have some fries again. I love them so much, ha ha. I passed out on the couch after dinner and even let Mom cuddle and pet me. I was just too tired to care.

Mom and I slept a LONG time on Monday--like 11 hours. We were BEAT. Even though the weekend was long and a bit stressful, it was so much fun!