Fingers crossed for agility

Kozmo had his second Canine Good Citizen class Tuesday night. It was like a semi-private lesson, one dog was absent so there were only three dogs in the class. The only downside to a small class is that Kozmo really needs to know his stuff. He's so smart that at the old school he would watch the other dogs and quickly figure out what we wanted him to do, even if his irresponsible humans didn't spend enough time practicing outside of class. Now there is a good chance he can be called on first so he really needs to have done his homework.

We started the class with something totally new, the jumps used in agility. The jumps were only 8 inches tall, it was really to get the dogs and handlers used to the process and to build the dogs confidence. As with most of Kozmo's training, the humans have the most to learn. Kozmo had no problem with the jumps the problem is that I need training and I was giving him bad cues by stepping in between the jumps. Once I was properly trained Kozmo was awesome. He loved the jumps so much that he started to get really excited which lead to one of his famous spaz sessions and tugging and pulling on his leash. I was able to get him back under control and both humans successfully took him through the jumps. The hardest part was making him approach the jump and then sit and stay. Much like his human, Kozmo needs to work on his impulse control.

Next was the agility tunnel. Kozmo remembered the tunnel and was flying through it with no problems. Our trainer even said, "it looks like we have an agility dog"! I was beaming. I think we all know I am dying to try agility with Kozmo. Then Kozmo got so excited and focused on the reward that he wanted to follow me instead of going through the tunnel. I'm starting to figure out this training thing is ongoing.

The next part of class was working on skills needed to become a Canine Good Citizen. Kozmo had to sit and stay and let the trainer come up to me and hand me something. It was a little bag of human candy shaped like dog bones! Kozmo did really well on this exercise. Then he had to sit and stay and let the trainer come up to pet him without breaking his stay. It took a few tries but he got it. Again, the little dude has some impulse control issues.

I love our new trainer and new school. The last part of class is what our old trainer would have called useless tricks. The new trainer works with us to teach our dogs things that are cute, but explains that they are good for the dog and help build a good relationship between the dog and humans. We are working on "sit pretty" were the dog sits up on his back legs like he is begging. It's not a useful obedience command but by practicing this it strengthens the dogs core muscles. Kozmo struggles with this because we strongly discourage jumping and he really wants to jump up rather than sit pretty. Kozmo loves "spin" we make him go round and round in a tight little circle. This helps with his flexibility. Kozmo really likes this exercise and we do it a lot at home. The other human had Kozmo going really fast in circles and the trainer told us that dogs can get dizzy. Clearly she doesn't understand the dizzy dog is part of the reward for the humans.

Our new trick for the night was bow or courtesy. We are teaching him to keep his butt up but have his front paws and elbows on the ground. The trainer wants him to hold this position. It looks like he is taking a bow but it's a really good stretch. I think it's similar to the human yoga pose downward facing dog. Kozmo quickly caught on and we are practicing at home.

At the end of class I nervously approached our trainer. I saw an ad that a beginning agility class is forming in April. Normally they want dogs to finish their Good Citizen work and be one year old to start agility. Since both Kozmo and I have impulse control issues I don't want to wait. I am so anxious to start agility. So I asked the trainer if she thought we could start in this new class, before we are finished with our Good Citizen classes . She seems to think we could start him in the next class on two conditions. One we need the approval of the agility trainer. Second, we can't let him do any high jumps since he is still growing. Now I have to wait until class next week to find out if Kozmo can start agility. I am so excited, I hope Kozmo feels the same way. Keep your fingers crossed that the agility trainer will accept Kozmo into class. Otherwise it will be a long few months of waiting.

Puppy Play Date

Kozmo had a great weekend. I might be a little biased, but I think it's safe to say he is one spoiled pup.

Friday night was a brand new experience that Kozmo handled like a champ. Our town celebrates its Irish heritage with a weekend long festival including fireworks. Last year we could see the fireworks from our house. This year we decided to hike to the top of the hill over looking town and watch with a birds eye view. As usual, we were cutting the timing close. We were almost to the top of the mountain when the fireworks started. We were actually above where they were setting off the fireworks. Kozmo showed no reaction whatsoever to the noise. In fact, one we reached a good viewing spot he sat down like a gentleman and watched the display. He wasn't a big fan of the finale but he wasn't scared and took this new experience in stride.

Saint Patrick's Day was a busy one for Kozmo. He started off with a trip to a park where he got to see his friend Eden and play fetch. We then went to another friends house where Kozmo had 3 new dog friends to play with; Gunner, Diesel and Willy. It was the best afternoon ever. Kozmo got along well with the other dogs and at the end of play date there wasn't one part of Kozmo that wasn't covered in grass stains, mud or doggy slobber.

A tired dog is a good dog......

First Canine Good Citizen class

You know, Kozmo just goes with the flow, his sweet little brain doesn't know how to worry. I was worried about a new class with a new facility, new trainer, new dogs, and more difficult subject matter. I was really worried that we had an insurmountable amount of work to do in a five week class to be ready to take the Canine Good Citizen exam. Then I reread the exam and thought about how well Kozmo did over the weekend and started to relax. Then I read that he can't take the test wearing a training collar. Of course I started to worry all over again. I think we know I am a good worrier. I also have this amazing ability to obsess on details which is why a good friend of mine told me to quit reading so much about dogs. Her exact advice was, "put down the books, he is a dog not the space shuttle."

Kozmo is a smart dog. We have been using a training collar for walks since his first basic obedience class. Lately, when I take Kozmo outside to do his business in our yard he wants to jump, tug, and act crazy. Since it's spring time and our yard is really a large mud pit I am not a fan of Kozmo jumping up with his muddy paws. I thought I could outsmart him by using the training collar for bathroom breaks. It didn't take Kozmo long to figure out that if he grabs the leash in his mouth I have no control of the training collar and then he can play ferocious games of tug with his leash.

Due to all the tugging, the adorable leash I got him with little peace signs made into dog faces that says "peace, love, rescue" was looking a bit tattered. I wanted my little angel to look nice for his first day of school at the new facility so I got him a brand new blue collar and matching leash. He looked quite handsome. We headed off to our new school and it is so nice that the new place is only ten minutes from home. I was hoping Kozmo would behave as we entered the new building. I instantly loved his new class. It's so much smaller, only 4 dogs, including Kozmo. We go in and sit down and Kozmo sits like a good boy. Unlike the first day at the other class Kozmo didn't feel the need to bark and act like a maniac. After a brief introduction we learn that one of the biggest goals of this class is to improve our off leash training. To start off each human had to take their dog into the ring, give the leash to the trainer, and practice recall. Instead of ending when the dog came to us we had to keep walking in the opposite direction of the dog and give him a treat when he followed. Kozmo did really well, he came when I called him and he followed me around the room without a leash. I think that in Kozmo's mind class ended at this point. For the remainder of class he thought it would be fun to play tug of war with his leash. His brand new leash, that had no chew marks was quickly covered in doggy slobber.

We worked on sit and stay. We learned the three parts that he needs for sit stay are duration, distance, and distraction. So we had to keep practicing sit stay for each of the three d's. Of course the time that I got Kozmo to sit stay and I walked about ten feet away and circled back around the dog before releasing him was the time that the trainer was working with another dog. Kozmo did this exercise really well about three times and then decided it was time to show off and tug at his leash and demonstrate that he thinks sit really means down. By the time I got him to do another sit say this exercise was over and we only practiced distance and duration. I think Kozmo was trying to help his class mates by being the distraction.

The trainer gave us a great tip. She gave me a second leash and told me to try using two leashes. When Kozmo wants to tug one leash, in theory I still have control of the second leash. In reality, Kozmo just had two leashes for extra tugging power. The thing I liked about this trainer is that when Kozmo acted up she laughed and said she had been there, she didn't look down her nose and my ill mannered young dog who is still learning.

Once again, we learned that I need as much training as Kozmo. It seems that Kozmo can hear me when I stand up straight and I don't need to bend over to tell him to sit. Who knew.

Finally, the best part of class....the trainer brought out a tunnel. The kind they use for agility. I really think I may have been more excited for the tunnel. I am convinced that Kozmo will make a great agility dog and am so excited for him to have the chance to try some of the agility stuff. The other dogs went first. It seemed like forever waiting to be last to play in the tunnel. Poor Max, a sweet young golden was so scared of the tunnel he was shaking. Another dog, Snickers, got excited and peed outside the tunnel. Finally we go to the tunnel and Kozmo isn't sure. Luckily Kozmo has two humans so I held him and the other human went to the end of the tunnel to call him. I'm sure we looked ridiculous, two grown humans on the floor trying to get the dog excited about a tunnel. Kozmo was uncertain at first and then it just clicked. Back and forth, back and forth. He loved it and his humans were smiling. We all had fun.

After class we took advantage of the extended daylight and went to the local soccer field with Kozmo's brand new Chuck-It. The Chuck-It is a million dollar idea, a long plastic handle for throwing a tennis ball. You can get superhuman distance on the tennis ball with a Chuck-It. We stood at one end of the soccer field and threw the ball to the other end. Kozmo ran as fast as he could the length of the field many times. He had fun and got tired without too much strain on the humans.

We really like his new school, especially the fact that its ten minutes from home and not forty. We also love that it's a small class with only 3 other dogs. His new trainer is great. She is a wealth of information and very positive. We never once felt like we were the outcasts because our shelter dog doesn't have fancy papers. Now we have a lot of work. I'm so excited to see what agility exercise we can try next week.

Preparing to be a good citizen

Tomorrow is Kozmo’s first class at a new facility. The goal of this 5-week class is to prepare him to take, and pass the Canine Good Citizen exam. I’ve been telling everyone, especially myself, that he doesn’t have to pass in 5 weeks. We can take the class twice. I’m anxious.

I went back and read the 10 items Kozmo will be tested on in order to be a certified Canine Good Citizen. After our weekend I think this may be an achievable goal after all. Below is the list of test items to become a Canine Good Citizen:

Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger

Test 2: Sitting politely for petting

Test 3: Appearance and grooming (letting a stranger pick up his feet and look in his ears will require practice)

Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)

Test 5: Walking through a crowd

Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place

Test 7: Coming when called

Test 8: Reaction to another dog

Test 9: Reaction to distraction

Test 10: Supervised separation (this is the big one, if he can do this I think he might just pass)

I’m not saying that this will be easy or that we both don’t need work, but I think it’s possible. Kozmo had a busy weekend that was quite different than his usual long hikes. We took him on two very long walks through town, much different than the woods. We walked along busy streets and encountered other people walking, some with dogs and some with strollers, and lots of traffic. He did really well. A minivan full of teenaged girls stopped at a stop sign told us they loved Kozmo. One girl even asked if she could pet Kozmo. As the young girls frantically took photos with their cell phones a lot of high pitched squealing was involved and Kozmo took it all in stride.

Yesterday was a busy day for Kozmo. He started with a bath. Not the usual bathtub bath but a trip to the dogwash. This was a totally new experience and he went right into the building with me and watched the other dogs getting a bath through the window. I needed to get a token and didn’t have cash. We had to go to the office and the guy working greeted Kozmo. Kozmo sat down and offered a paw for shake. Obviously I was beaming with pride and it showed. We were given a gift bag of dog treats.

Kozmo went to my friend’s photography studio and was in a new place and met two new people. He was happy and didn’t bark. I put his crate in the waiting room while working in the next room and Kozmo just accepted it was his crate and chilled.

I took Kozmo on a short walk though a park he had never been to before. A guy with a small little girl approached us and asked if the little girl could meet the dog. This little girl was tiny, I’m guessing two or three years old. She was very shy with blonde hair and glasses. I told her dad I couldn’t guarantee that Kozmo wouldn’t try to jump. He assured me it was ok and said she really wanted to meet him. The dad kneeled down beside the little girl and I made Kozmo sit. The little girl reached out to pet Kozmo and Koz just started licking her face and glasses. The little girl got the biggest smile. I gave her a treat that she could offer to Kozmo, and Kozmo very gently took from her hand. I was very proud that Kozmo was so gentle and made this little girl smile.

The biggest test of all was our last visit of the day. A friend is visiting from out of town and a few people were gathered at his mom’s house. My friend’s mom is not at all a pet person and a meticulous housekeeper. Getting approval to even enter the house with Kozmo was an accomplishment. We went into the living room; Kozmo sat down and let everyone meet him. Kozmo was bored and wanted to run and play. Sitting properly in the formal living room wasn’t really his idea of fun. Kozmo humored me and showed off the few tricks he knows; sit, shake, high five, down, play dead, and spin. We didn’t stay long but he didn’t damage anything or make any messes and he never required the mom of the house to raise her voice or get out of her chair so we are calling it a very successful visit.

Kozmo and I were out of the house for about ten hours. When we came home I’m pretty sure I could see a look of disappointment on Sparky’s face. I think the poor cat got his hopes up that the dog wouldn’t be coming back. Another minor victory, Kozmo was too focused on being home and getting dinner that he didn’t try to chase the cat.

We need to work on some things but now I’m more excited than anxious to begin our Canine Good Citizen classes. Kozmo has sure come a long way from the dog we brought home from the shelter 3 months ago.

Rug not a total loss

I was not looking forward to going home to clean up the mess from the great crate escape and rug destruction. It looked worse than it really was because Kozmo must have started with the pad under his crate. The grey mat was shredded and all over the room. Not a big deal, we have more in the garage.

Depending on how you look at the rug it's either ruined or not that bad. The other human declares it a total loss and ruined. I say it's not that bad. One corner of the rug, about the size of a dinner plate is missing. The way we have the furniture arranged one corner of the rug is under the coffee table. So I cleaned up the mess, rotated the rug to put the chewed corner under the table and say it's fine.

Kozmo has me exactly where he wants me. I look at those sweet brown eyes and melt. I love him completely and totally and will forgive him of any and all doggy misdeeds.

The dog who never gets tired

Dear sweet Kozmo has pushed us to our limits.

Saturday it was nice so we got up and took him for an 8 mile hike. Yes, EIGHT miles. Kozmo certainly walked more than 8 miles because we left him off of his leash and he ran in circles as we were hiking for several miles. It was a beautiful day and it was a nice walk. We thought it would tire Kozmo out and he wouldn't get into trouble for the rest of the day. Within a few hours, while the humans are still recovering from this huge physical exertion the little angel chewed a hole in his dog bed.

Yesterday was just a frustrating day. We both had so much we needed to get done. I took Kozmo for a 2 mile walk in the morning. I know he probably needed more but I am still recovering from the 8 miles on Saturday...and if you aren't familiar with the Bells Trail (Bellwood Rails to Trail) the first 4 miles are up hill at a 3.5% grade. Kozmo had a walk yesterday and a training session and some fetch. Every time we turned around he was into something. He has every chew toy imaginable and we gave him a rawhide which only lasted for 20 min.

I was tired and frustrated. I didn't get anything done that was one my list. I finally grew tired of playing with slimy drooly dog toys and we went to bed.

This morning Kozmo is wound up again or still, depending on how you look at it. We went through our normal routine. I took him out to pee. Then fed him. Then a brisk walk and back in the cage at 6:30am. Kozmo only has to wait until the other human gets up and is out of the shower and he's allowed back out to play and one more trip outside before the human goes to work. Somehow either I didn't latch his crate properly or the little bastard learned how to open his crate. In the 40 min window between when I leave for work and the other human came downstairs Kozmo had got out of the crate and destroyed my living room rug.

What do I do? I am at work with no car and get a phone call from a very angry human about the rug. I feel terrible. Clearly I didn't mean to not secure the crate and set Kozmo up for this much trouble. I really liked that rug.

What on earth can we do to make this dog tired enough to stay out of trouble!?!

Kozmo's Last Day of School

Kozmo Kringle successfully completed 6 weeks of basic obedience!!! We spent most of the time in the last class smiling and looking at each other saying things like, "wow, we never thought this was possible 6 weeks ago".

We have all learned a LOT in the past 6 weeks. I was about as nervous for the last class as I was for the first class. You know me, I'm a very good worrier. I knew Kozmo knew his stuff but he was just neutered on Monday. We were told to keep him from running, jumping or playing for 4 to 10 days. To keep him calm he has basically spent most of his time in his crate wearing his cone. Last night I took off the cone for the first time. I guess it was time since he managed to chew his cone yesterday! Still not sure how that is even possible. Without the cone, we went for a quick walk. He was so excited, happy, and bouncy. He wanted to PLAY. I was worried that since he hasn't been allowed to exercise he would just go crazy in class.

We walked into class and it was like we have a different dog. He calmly followed us to our seats and sat down. He watched the other dogs and people but didn't bark like the first class. I had to walk Kozmo through an obstacle course. Orange cones were set up and we had to weave in and out like a slalom course. The trainers put out toys and dog dishes along the way and another dog was walking towards us and we had to pass them. Kozmo and I went first with this show off German Shepard. I had to use treats to keep him focused but he did the course perfectly and ignored all of the distractions. The show off Shepard didn't need treats and did the whole thing with hand signals. Then we watched the other dogs struggle. I leaned over to the other human and said if there is one thing Kozmo knows it's how to walk!

We had to do recall off leash. On the first try the trainer distracted him with a squeaky toy. He went right to the toy. Not entirely his fault, he hasn't been allowed to play for 4 days. We did it again without the squeaky distraction and he came right to me.

The final test was to put him in a sit stay and let a trainer come up and pet him. He had to allow her to pet him from his head to his tail and remain in a stay. The trainer was so pleased with his success she gave him a treat. This is a no-no. I am the only one who should treat in class. Her face turned red and she said she was very sorry, she was so proud for a minute she felt like he was her dog. I think that sums up Kozmo's progress in the past 6 weeks.

Kozmo has 2 weeks off and then we start classes to become a Canine Good Citizen. We both have a lot to learn and a lot more practice, but I am overwhelmed when I think back where we started. Before his first class I was in tears more than once and terrified I would have to take him back to the shelter. It felt like I wasn't ever going to be able to teach him enough. Before class we couldn't go for walks without me being drug around and Kozmo offending every person and dog he met. I am so proud of Kozmo.