Post by melonie on Mar 18, 2014 13:08:58 GMT -5
I haven't worked a lot with our resident bull breed mix, Snow. I've played with him of course, but not a lot training because we've had other dogs with issues. But, this weekend I finally got to him.
I discovered a few weeks ago that he's not completely deaf. I bought a JW bowling pin toy that had a low squeak to it. I gave it to him and he went bonkers. Promptly destroyed the squeaker too. But he still doesn't respond to a voice, hand clap, nor to two metal pans being banged together. I still talk to him like he can hear every word. I use hand signs a lot while I'm talking.
Sunday he caught on quickly to the hand gesture for sit. I used the word with it as well. He won't sit if you just give the command. He will focus very hard on your treat hand. He'll sit for a toy, but he'll randomly try to rip it from your hand. I'm looking forward to getting to work more with him, and finding what works. He's confidant, and doesn't act fearful. He's wiggly and happy yet gives off an air of "don't fuss with me". He is temperamental about how people approach his kennel. If you're a new male he'll give you hell until you show him you mean no harm by your body language. He still doesn't like kids and no one expects him to ever like them. Who ever adopts him will have to be a strong, consistent guardian. Otherwise this dog will run roughshod over you.
He's has been at the shelter since July, but he is doing very well. I credit everyone at the shelter working with him in different ways. He gets to go on long walks, sometimes he gets to go for a run. He has a large variety of toys. He gets special play time as well. He's the only dog that I take out to the large kennel each and every time for potty break. (all dogs get large kennel time, but for potty breaks it's their kennel run they get)
I've picked him up a few times to go on car rides, and another worker takes him to the park.
He is much loved by us.
I discovered a few weeks ago that he's not completely deaf. I bought a JW bowling pin toy that had a low squeak to it. I gave it to him and he went bonkers. Promptly destroyed the squeaker too. But he still doesn't respond to a voice, hand clap, nor to two metal pans being banged together. I still talk to him like he can hear every word. I use hand signs a lot while I'm talking.
Sunday he caught on quickly to the hand gesture for sit. I used the word with it as well. He won't sit if you just give the command. He will focus very hard on your treat hand. He'll sit for a toy, but he'll randomly try to rip it from your hand. I'm looking forward to getting to work more with him, and finding what works. He's confidant, and doesn't act fearful. He's wiggly and happy yet gives off an air of "don't fuss with me". He is temperamental about how people approach his kennel. If you're a new male he'll give you hell until you show him you mean no harm by your body language. He still doesn't like kids and no one expects him to ever like them. Who ever adopts him will have to be a strong, consistent guardian. Otherwise this dog will run roughshod over you.
He's has been at the shelter since July, but he is doing very well. I credit everyone at the shelter working with him in different ways. He gets to go on long walks, sometimes he gets to go for a run. He has a large variety of toys. He gets special play time as well. He's the only dog that I take out to the large kennel each and every time for potty break. (all dogs get large kennel time, but for potty breaks it's their kennel run they get)
I've picked him up a few times to go on car rides, and another worker takes him to the park.
He is much loved by us.