I am so pleased to finally be able to post an update on my favorite red tri Aussie brothers. Fred and Rubble have made so much progress since my last post. This is exciting stuff.
Fred is so much more comfortable working with all the staff, he now accepts petting on the head without cowering. If you start near his face, you can work your way down his back. Progress on handling his rear end is being made in leaps and bounds. After just a few warmup rounds, Fred will calmly accept being patted on his back or hips from a person in a standing position. This took quite a few days to take hold, but we're to the point he will not cower anymore. Fred LOVES to fetch a tennis ball, and a video of us playing together will follow shortly. He will eagerly go get, bring back, and drop near your feet so it can roll to you. He will sit politely to wait for it to be thrown again. No more nipping when excited for play! Atta boy, Fred. He's still the best natural walking companion I've ever had the pleasure of working with. He heels automatically, responds instantly to changes of pace, and if ever the leash does get taught, he self-corrects like a champion. I never have to reward him, he seems to just really enjoy a good walk, jog, or run with his person. He's such a handsome guy, whomever ends up with him will be so lucky.
Rubble is so comfortable with me, I can pick him right up, put him in my lap, and he will just go limp and snuggle for several minutes. He accepts petting from me without hesitation, and he is getting so much braver about taking some friendly pats from strangers. Rubble has stopped growling at and being reactive to people approaching his kennel. The staff have no more troubles taking him out for his walks, and he is able to confidently stride out the front door without panicking that he'll never come "home" again. We have started playing ball solo recently, and we had to adapt the game to suit his desires. See, Fred is practically ball-obsessed, he absolutely loves fetch. Rubble, however, thoroughly enjoys the chase, but has no interest in mouthing the ball. So, I taught him treibball. Treibball is a sport like urban herding, where the dogs go out to bring back exercise-size balls with their noses and/or shoulders -- no mouthing allowed! Rubble has caught on to the game very quickly, and looks oh so proud of himself when he pushes the tennis ball to my feet. He still has his "pirate eye" that weeps from time to time, but I think it's just one of his adorable quirks. His coat is also still somewhat unusual in texture and color; but we all find it endearing.
Both boys had a vet appointment last week. The trainers had a long list of items to work on to help prepare the boys for the visit so they'll not be so afraid and the vet will be able to do whatever needed to be done. I am happy to report that the boys were very brave and did superbly. With neuters on the horizon, the boys are ready to receive applications for adoption.
I am so excited that the boys have come so far. To think of what they were like when they first came is horrifying. They're completely different dogs, practically normal pups now! I'm delighted to imagine them in their forever homes with loving, patient families. Were I able to take either of these boys home, I would snatch them up in a heartbeat. I leave that honor for someone else, who will not only get a wonderful companion, but also the benefits of a literal Training for Life program. Both Fred and Rubble's adoptive families will receive the Training for Life package as part of their adoption fee; except instead of expiring when the boys turn two-years-old, it will be valid for their entire lives. This means a free private session with one of the Wags & Wiggles trainers, as well as unlimited admittance into the classes covered under the Training for Life package. We want to ensure these pups go to their homes with the right start, and continue to grow up to be happy, well-behaved dogs in their forever homes.
Tasha Salsido, CTDI
Staff Trainer, Wags & Wiggles RSM
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