Living on the Puppy Edge

Friday through Sunday

We've been packing in as many new experiences as time and tummy would allow.  Had to back off one day when she had very loose stools, but she recovered quickly.  I think the stress of the move finally caught up with her.  Since then she is back to herself, being the little stinker I love and adore.

On Friday, she went with me all day.  She met lots of new people at TOPS, expanding her fan base by about 20 people.  One woman had carried out some sheets of Styrofoam and sat them down to meet her.  A minute later a breeze caught the sheets and they skittered toward Gimme, who dived under my car to safety.  I was pleased that she came back out within a few seconds, without any coaxing, going right up to bark at the sheets.  She got to walk on several new surfaces while there - including a manhole cover and pea gravel.  She was not phased at all by the huge noisy air exchange unit that turned on just as we walked by - she stopped, looked at it and then walked right up to it to check it out.

After TOPS we went for an off leash romp in a safe area at the back of St. Martin's College athletic fields.  We climbed around together on some dirt piles and I discovered she is part Mountain Goat.  She enjoyed the romp, but I'm certain she thinks the wetness of long morning grass is less than enjoyable.  On the way back toward the car, but before I put her leash on her, I saw a family of three coming toward us.  Gimme was watching them and then all the sudden ran up to the man and was pawing at him to be picked up.  He was about the same size, build, coloring and dressed in clothes that could easily have been Bernie's (her Daddy from Colorado).  I could definitely tell when she realized it wasn't him, she turned and walked away like he'd never been there, then came running to me to be comforted.  Poor little munchkin.

The rest of the day she did well in the car and with my comings and goings.  We went to visit friends that have two nice dogs, but Gimme wasn't sure about that assessment.  April, a very large IG (could pass for a whippet), while gentle is a persistent butt sniffer and Gimme didn't like that at all.  We changed and brought out Maggie, a young mini poodle.  After a few minutes Gimme would play with her, but only if she could do the chasing.  She also met 4 five-year-olds.  Overall she was pretty good with them and they got a good lesson on appropriate handling. 

At first I was a little surprised at Gimme being uncomfortable with dogs, but on thinking about it, it makes sense.  Her interactions with dogs have been mostly Uncle Jordi, who is calm and gentle.  He doesn't follow puppies, they follow him and he only checks butts that are near him.  Then she gets to my house and on a day when her world was already upended learns that not every dog loves her.  I'm sure we'll get it back - she's too confident by nature to be put off for long.

 

In the evening we had a play session and she invented a new game.  I was sitting on the floor barefoot with my legs in a "V".  It wasn't very long before she focused on my toes and bit down hard and got an "ouch" squeal.  She only bit hard two times, before learning to bite softer.  As she would go after a foot, I'd pull it in, hiding the foot under the knee of the other leg.  Then she would turn and go after the other foot, so the first foot slides out so I can put the second one under its knee.  She went back and forth like that, probably 50 times.  She was doing some very cute twist and spin athletics - meanwhile I was getting a lot of knee and thigh exercise that I wasn't aware of -- until the next day.

Later, after we'd stopped the toe game, she was running back and forth as I'd throw her toy and on one trip, as she galumphed by, she reached out and gently bit my big toe, on the run.  Then ran to the toy, turned back at me and just gave me a very self-satisfied eye-twinkling look.  There's no doubt she knew she'd pulled a fast one and was quite proud of herself.  As amused as I was, I was also proud of her for the bite inhibition even while running. 

On Saturday she went with while I taught agility classes and after classes, she played on the Buja board.  She paid no attention to the movement underfoot - any game that has food in it, is fun for her. 

Since this was the day of the loose stools, we went home after a couple quick errands and vegged out watching dumb movies all day.

On Sunday, after church we went here and there, doing errands.  We met friends at Home Depot during another chariot ride.  I could tell she has pretty much bounced back, since she spent the whole time, trying to climb out of her chariot (well except when she was busy getting treats from adoring fans). She was quite interested in seeing other dogs, watching them intently to make sure they didn't misbehave in her store.  When we got outside, she met Henry, a Papillion.  She liked him, since he is calm and not pushy.  She would have played with him but there was no place to do so safely.  She was not as impressed with Gunner, who barked at her.

I'm really impressed by how she reacts to potentially scary stuff.  If she does react with a startle, she bounces right back.  I'll work on getting her some experiences with nice dogs so she can play and have fun.  We have a trial next weekend, so there should be some nice dogs there she can interact with.

First Full Day in the New Home

Gimme continues to find the whole confinement thing a big fat negative.  On a positive note, we had a good night sleep from 11pm to 6:30am.  She might have slept longer, but Meaggi woke her.

My original plan had been to have a short work day today, but I didn't think she was ready for it.  She seems genuinely distressed by any separation. So I changed my plans to give her a day to get more used to it.  Our day has consisted of doing errands for several hours.  Our first stop was an appointment at the vet's for her first check-up and getting-to-know-you cookies.  He pronounced her fine and wonderful.  His vet tech was practically drooling when I told her Gimme had done a tuck sit a few times and had already carried around a metal scent article. 

Gimme then went along for more errands and got in her crate and had to settle down ten times and four chances to wait (alone) while I went in a store for a few minutes.  We got it down to 3-4 minutes of wailing and shrieking (from 20 minutes), before she settles. 

The funny thing is that when she is done objecting, she first has to "kill" a toy, puppy buddy or blanket that is in her crate.  I think, she just feels an overwhelming need to express her frustration before she can give in, with huge theatrics. 

I plan to take her along for the day when I go to work tomorrow, since I can come out to check on her every hour or so, just to give her a treat, some reassurance and/or a chance to potty. 

I needed to go to Home Depot, so she went in, riding in one of the orange chariots.  She is the most incredible people magnet.  In the last 16 hours she has increased her fan base by at least 200 people (and we slept for 7 hours of that).  Anyway, everyone in HD gave her treats.  If someone walks by without making a fuss over her, she looks at them like they are slightly stupid.  We were in there so long that she finally curled up and went to sleep in the cart.

We've yet to have an accident in the house.  She's pretty quick to squat or do her business when I put her in the outdoor expens, since she's figured out that is the fastest way to get out again.  Interestingly during our day's errands, she got out on leash about five times for short walks and if she was going to go, promptly did it when she hit an absorbent surface.  So it was nice to see her potty on lead.

One of the things I did at Home Depot was to pick up a selection of paint chips in different colors.  So we could play the color game.  The funny thing was that I picked one that closely matched her seafoam green collar and she snatched it out of my hand and put teeth marks in it.  I got a clean one for the game. However, when I tried to play the color game with her, she didn't seem focused on it.  She was pretty wild, though she did come back to almost all of the blues and greens.  She also grabbed the yellow once.  We'll wait a couple days and try again.

We also had a play session and it was a total riot.  She would grab the tug, then do this funny rolling flip and was bounding around like a little maniac.  Its a shame I can't capture it on film, its just hysterical.  At one point she went over and pestered Meaggi, who snarked her... so she backed up and taunted her from a distance (Meaggi is tethered and somehow Gimme figured it out). 

Its gonna be fun living with a canine genius.

Day 3 - Coming Home

Wednesday, 10/20/2010

It was certainly an interesting day.  I spent part of the morning packing and the rest playing with the pups. 

Without Grace to challenge Gimme and being more than a little possessive of her newly selected person, she was being quite the little twit.  While Tana cleaned up the puppy area in the sun room, I sat with the pups on the deck, entertaining them by being a human chew toy.  Gimme decided that no one should be allowed to sit in my lap.  Whenever she saw someone there, she'd come over and press in between us.  If they didn't move off voluntarily, she would drive them away.  One puppy made the mistake of coming back to my lap later (for the second time) and Gimme got quite mad about it, persisted in driving her off and wasn't accepting her submissive behaviors as a cue to cease the attack.  So I intervened and chastised my girl, which of course resulted in another pouting episode, but at least she got the hint and took it down a notch or two. 

I think she may not be impressed by her first 8 hours with her newly captured person.  She rode as carry-on luggage and was severely disappointed with that experience.  Never having been confined before, she made it very clear that it wasn't what she signed up for.  Often attacking her puppy buddy in frustration.  Peanut butter in her baby Kong was the only positive in that experience. She found the airport experience taxing, but bounced back after short breaks and did well on the flight, falling asleep after cleaning out her Kong one more time.

People were fascinated and captivated by her.  She gives cute a whole new dimension and EVERYONE wanted to touch her.  The flight crew loved her and were constantly checking on her - admiring her sleeping.  Gimme has her own agenda, so time spent in a Sherpa bag is not on her list.  She just knows she is the center of the universe and we hear reports that Colorado tipped when our plane took off.  Auntie Tana said it was pretty scary at first, but that things have settled down now.

Uncle Michael hates her and barked at her - she thinks he's aberrant, really aberrant.  Meaggi isn't sure what to think of her, and I think Meaggi is just reeeeeally hoping she's not going to be a pain in the heiney like someone else she knows.  Meaggi watches her a lot and so Gimme barks at her from her crate.

This puppy is scary-smart and will be everything I ever want for a performance dog, but I have no doubt she will challenge me along the way.  As I was eating lunch, she came over to beg her share, trying to climb into my lap.  I just waited and when she finally sat, I popped a goodie in her mouth.  It only took that one treat and after that she'd play for a minute, then run over and sit for another treat.  She even did one tuck sit.  She comes from a rawfed litter and has never had that gangly out-of-balance experience, so she's very coordinated.  Anyway, back to the scary smart - hours later in the airport, despite all the stress and distraction, whenever she wanted something (like getting picked up), she would come right up and sit in front of me.  That has already become her default and now she's learning that sometimes it doesn't work (can you say variable schedule of reinforcement).  For instance sitting as a demand to get out of a crate doesn't work (nor does barking, screaming, killing your puppy buddy or dozens of other behaviors).

When we got home, it took her less than 2 minutes to climb to the top and perch on the wire edge of the expen in the living room, ready to leap to freedom.  Gimme is having a little difficulty accepting the concept of confinement and separation.  Mostly she just screams her objections for a really long time.  Her persistence will one day be an attractive behavior, but not the way she is using it now.  I'm really having to work to stand my ground, since its an absolute necessity.  Not to mention that with her personality, if I give in now, she'll rule my life for the next 15 years. 

LAUGH OF THE DAY - All seven of the people in the airport who asked me how long it takes for the spots to turn black.  I told them I hoped NEVER, since I'd waited a long time to get another liver spotted Dalmatian.

BUMMER OF THE DAY - The idiot woman who was in line behind me to get on the plane and had to share with me her stupid opinions that I was being cruel and abusive to keep Gimme in the Sherpa bag, since she couldn't stretch out both back and front legs at the same time.  I explained to her that while I understand everyone has their opinions about things, I was personally inclined to take my advice about short term crating from the AVMA, rather than someone who was just plain wrong.  I'm thinking I didn't win a convert... 

She is quite the little girl and already has me in the pad of her paw - but don't tell her (I'm hoping she doesn't find out).

Day 2 - Hanging with the Pups

Tuesday, 10/19/2010

The pups are early risers.  We spent the morning getting Candy and Grace ready to go.  Haley's new mom visited to meet her little girl in person (Haley was Georgie).  Tana will deliver her later in the week.  Bernie, Candy and Grace left for the airport around noon, but not before we squeezed in another romp in the yard.  We wanted to tire Grace out before her big trip.  She and Gimme go round and round trying to dominate each other.  Usually Gimme gets the upper paw in the end and then just walks off once she is satisfied that she's made her point.  Needless to say, Gimme was well pleased with herself to finally run off that upstart, once and for all.

Tana, Angie and I spent the next three hours getting stacked pictures of the remaining nine babies.  Overnight they had experienced a growth spurt and all were suddenly unaware that there were additional limbs "back there".  It made it challenging to get good pictures since all the pups were having difficulty standing stacked. 

Gimme and I had an interesting "training session" (the best ones are worked into life) about this whole biting thing.  I was sitting in the pen getting mugged by puppies and she climbed over the others to get some face time - which partly means biting my lip.  So I started squealing "ouch" when she'd bite.  Each time she'd draw her head back and look at me with the most quizzical expression.  Why, I must be deranged to not appreciate her special attention.  Then she'd immediately close in to bite again.  Three bites and three squeals.  She pondered me with a furrowed brow and then tried licking me instead.  Within two minutes she had to try out the biting again.  Again three bites and three squeals, followed again by puppy kisses.   She didn't bite me again that day - she is one smart cookie.

Tana and I made a run to town doing errands, followed by another play session with the puppies.  By now Gimme has decided she is going to keep me.  I think she has decided I'm trainable. The evidence is that she tries to wedge in between me and any puppy that has gotten in my lap or is getting attention from me.  If that doesn't work, she pouts to punish me, coming back later to see if I've mended my ways.

I did get some pictures of the puppies sleeping.  You know there is simply NOTHING cuter than sleeping puppies.

Ever notice how puppies always try to fit too many into too small of a space.  There's just always somebody left hanging.

Is this this face just to die for...

How will I ever just say "no"...?

So innocent looking...

I'm thinking she will earn spankings that never arrive, eh...

After supper, Tana and I kept three patch girls out for a photo shoot.  It took almost 2 hours before they settled down enough to get what we wanted.  Gimme and Haley were the first to settle; by then Timmie had her second wind.  She has a very loooonnnng second wind.  I finally used a calming embrace with her, which she resisted.  Then picking a moment when she wasn't resisting, let her go.  Within three minutes she laid down.  I'd known before that some pups settle down immediately after a calming embrace, but not during.  We got some really cute shots.

It was a fun day; I'm glad I decided to stay an extra day for bonding time.  It has done a world of good. 

Day 1 - the Airport and Puppies

Monday 10/18/2010

Not having flown since 911, the airport was an "interesting" experience.  We got there an hour earlier than the two hours required, so had a LOT of time to kill.  I found out during the security check that I could have taken some toiletries along, good to know.  Also found it interesting that there are NO CLOCKS anywhere in the airport - very curious.  Candy found me right away and after a small mix up we connected with Bernie.  We took the scenic route to see the puppies, since someone was talking too much and missed a turn.

Immersing in puppies was totally fun.  Naturally they are wild little biting machines and especially love to go after feet, with or without shoes.  My nearly brand new shoes are looking rather frayed.

I made the mistake of picking Gimme up right away to love on her.  She made it clear, that effrontery was not to her liking.  So I backed off and let her come to me.  She is certainly an independent little spirit.  Throughout the evening I took time to single Gimme out for extra attention, but put her back with the others before she could object.

We took the pups outside and they really enjoy the romp.  They bound around climbing mountains and gamboling across the plains and thoroughly enjoy chewing on pine cones and Tana's oregano.  Its a hoot and a half.  While I was watching, they planned and executed an escape from the yard.  It provided a little excitement in our day.

The pups love spending time outside with their Uncle Jordi.  He really is the sweetest guy and just dotes on all his nieces and nephews. 

Mealtimes are barely controlled chaos.  They start fussing from the other room the moment they hear the preparations begin.  Strangely they do not fuss when we are preparing people food, so they've obviously discerned some difference.

After supper, Candy and I instigated a free-in-the-living-room play session with our two girls and another puppy.  Hers is Grace (was Johnnie) and mine, of course, is Gimme (was Petey).  Tana got a request for video of a person interacting with Brady.  I volunteered to play with the boy (God will honor my sacrifice).  It was fun - he's an engaging little man. 

Later got to talk to Nina about him and shared some other observations.  She has decided to get him and I know she will be well pleased with the choice. 

Editorial note:  Since I originally wrote this entry, Nina has started a blog for the little man, who is now known as Maverick.  You can follow Maverick's Blog too, if I don't keep you busy enough.

Tana also taught Candy and I how to make really nice fleece tugs for the dogs.  Naturally I've already developed a variation that is faster, as well as a different braid design...

My oh myyyyyy

Thursday, 8/26/10:

So I get this message from Bernie that the little pink girl is an early riser - like before 5 a.m.   Oh dear - they are an hour ahead of me, so that would mean 4 a.m. Pacific time.  I am sooooo not a morning person.

Then I learn that while Tana was doing the babes' nails, pink girl escaped and was found "motoring across the floor".  I think that means moving really fast.  Either she's not enthused about the prospect of having her nails done ...OR... she was heading for the airport.

What have I gotten myself into?

Live streaming puppies

Bernie and Tana have set up a live video stream for the puppies.  Go to:  http://www.ustream.tv/

In the upper right hand corner of the webpage, type in "Monumental" (without the quotes) and click search.  The puppies are ususally the first choice.  Keep in mind, before the live stream starts, thre will be a short commercial.

You can also follow the puppies from inception on at:
http://monumentaldals.blogspot.com/

There's a reason I can't get anything done...

Choices, choices, choices...

Tuesday, 8/24/2010:

Slade is an incredibly handsome boy, but I understood he produces, mostly boys.  Since I really prefer girls for performance... I was concerned that there wouldn't be enough non-show girls for me to choose from.  Especially, since I just know Tana would want to get as many as possible of the show quality pups into conformation homes.  Imagine my pleasant surprise to learn that there were THREE patch girls.  How exciting that was...

And, of course, one of those girls immediately started to distinguish herself from the group.  The little "pink" girl (collar color) has proven to be adventurous already.  It seems in her first 24 hours of life she wondered if there might be another milk bar on the other side of Mom.  So she crawled over Sadie and checked.  Not finding anything noteworthy over there and not wanting to go the long way around, she crawled over Mom again, from back to front.  That is quite a feat for a day old puppy.  Hmmmmm....

Puppies... are coming

Sunday, 8/22/10: 

Its been a very full day.  After a rather disastrous jumpers run yesterday, Michael Q'd with flying colors today.  He's twelve and a half, so every time he has a poor run I begin to wonder if this is it, the end of his career.  I think he reads my mind, because almost every time I start to think that way, he turns in a stellar performance.

We were expecting puppies on Wednesday, and yet when I got home today I discovered that about half the litter had already landed from the mother ship.  And such big puppies too...  No wonder they came early, the ship was full... 

It seems only yesterday that Sadie and Slade were enjoying a romantic rendezvous...  This is soooooo exciting...