Rescues: Fred and Rubble

These past two weeks have been very interesting for Fred and Rubble.  They've both grown so much independently.

Fred

Last week, I didn't have a whole lot new to report.  Mostly more of the same, not worth a new post.  Then this week... BAM!  Everything seemed to start to click.  Here's the most noteworthy and exciting:

• Fred is an excellent loose-leash walker.  He confidently strides past the other buildings in the RSM complex, always next to your leg.  Our first walk was very scary, he would balk at the slightest sound or new sight.  After a little coaxing and experience, loose-leash walking is perhaps his strongest skill.  He developed naturally, I don't think any of the staff can take credit!  We showed him what to do, and he just does it.  Good boy!
• Rubble has overcome most of his fear of going out the front door.  He goes through any doorway in the daycare center without issue, but leaving home is really hard.  Now he knows he'll come back, he's able to go through without too much fuss.
• Fred and Rubble are now both too big for the small dog daycare.  While Fred gets a little too wound up in daycare, Rubble will be introduced to the big dog area soon.  Meanwhile, both are able to be taken out by the staff for regular walks throughout the day.
• Fred developed an eye infection, and is taking his antibiotics like a champ when they're covered in meat roll.  Rubble is over his eye infection now.
• Both Fred and Rubble have been worked by other trainers besides Ranaye or myself.  They showed off their skills like pros, and we're all so proud of how far they've come.
• Ranaye mentioned that both boys were very brave, and met some girl scouts who came to visit!  Fred did an excellent down stay on his mat, and Rubble even accepted some petting!
• Rubble is turning into quite the flirt in the lobby when we're working.  He will actually go sniff strangers in a friendly, curious way!  Petting is still off-limits to people he's unfamiliar with, but he really loves a good collar scratch from those in his circle of trust.
• Fred is ball obsessed.  If you have the ball, he doesn't even want food anymore.  Just throw the ball.  When Ranaye would take her sheltie, Santana out to play with Fred and Rubble, Fred would retrieve the ball, and sort of nip Santana along the way.  Rubble, although thoroughly interested in chasing whomever is going after the ball, has no interest in the ball for its own sake.  When I play with Fred and Rubble without Santana, Fred would try to nip me to encourage me to throw the ball.  We put a halt to this, and his self-control around toy balls is much better.  He will sit when asked, and hold his sit while I pick up the ball, then I can release him to go chase when I throw it.

Rubble

I leave you with this short clip of Fred and Rubble playing ball.  That yip yap bark?  Yeah, that's Rubble.

~Tasha Salsido, CTDI
RSM Staff Trainer