Cake walk at the dog park

Today we have confirmation that Kiara likes other dogs. On our morning walkies K and I happened upon a dog behind fenced yard. I noticed that she just wanted to play and sniff. So, an hour later Kiara
and I soldiered to San Bruno's version of a dog park. She played nicely in the first pen, then we went into a more active pen. At first she was a bit timid, then she started to chased and be chased (pant-pant). She had an absolute ball. Too bad we had to cut it short for Petco shopping.

Next stop: Fort Funston - doggy heaven.

The Graduate (Dog)

So proud of my little girl- she passed Level I for Bully Breeds. Her daddy was there to mark the occasion with video and photos.

Think we're done with the PHS training programs. But we will continue to work on her many daunting commands "SPEAK" "GET IN THE HOUSE" "DON'T BARK" "FETCH (whatever)" etc.

She came a long way, but I think we BOTH got a good, solid training.

New tricks for a new dog. Obsession

Kiara did something new yesterday. She started out the morning with her usual stroll 'round the backyard. But evidently she perceived some "wooly bully" behind the fence that she MUST attack.
She was then called back in the home - screaming and kicking of course. Then she did it - she took a running leap at the window to get into the yard again. Luckily it didn't break, but it shook the hell out of my husband. He came flailing his arm into the bedroom and said do something about this dog. so I did. We did a 10 minute training session to get her mind out the out-of-doors. Chows can get a bit obsessive at times and this was a perfect example. Hope her luck holds out.

It's either sit, stay or something else.

This marks our 1 month anniversary.

Our training is going well. I say "our" becuz I'm being trained as well.
We are fine-tuning her "STAY" command. Kiara can sit for 30 whole seconds before fidgeting. Small, baby steps.

Our walks have improved greatly since we've been using the harness (sounds crueler than it is). K-dog has more control over herself now. It's as if she stops and thinks instead of impulsively chasing bird, dog, cat, bicyclist or whatever.

Third week's a charm or "Oh, my aching arm"

Kiara's health is good and she learned another trick "beg."

Her "walkies" are another story. Kiara pull, pull, pulls on her leash. Yesterday's dog training went horribly wrong. She usually aces these classes, but this time she couldn't walk without dragging me behind, ignoring me all the while, trying to chase after feral cats.

So, she now has a purple harness for walk time. I've been told to be patient cuz this is a well-ingrained bad habit of hers. In time, I hope she can be trained to be a good walker - if not for her sake, then for the sake of my aching arm.

New Tricks, anyone?

Hey Everyone,

Kiara just learned a new trick - "SHAKE!" Only yesterday she learned to "ROLL OVER."

She came to our family already knowing "SIT" and "LIE." So what is her trainability?

I was concerned about the rep of Chow Babies not being quite as trainable as other dog breeds. Not my dog. Kiara's awesome!

Can't wait to teach her to "high five" for the SF Giants.

The first 2 weeks

Today marks the first two weeks for Kiara at our home in San Bruno. It's gone really well.

Today was our first trip to Petco. She was really loving the place, so many smells/people. I swear she wanted every bone for her own. The clerk even gave her a cookie.

Kiara has responded well to Nutro sensative-stomach food. No more "trots" to my great relief.

Today is her second dog training class. It was suggested that she be placed in the "bully breeds" division. Personally, I think she is too well-behaved for the brutes in that class. But I erred on the side of caution.

So far, Kiara is a wonderful, curious, funny and happy dog.