Makeover

Makover: it can mean a lot of things. In Stella's case there are many meanings and many wishes for that elusive doggie makeover.

It's been a few days since I felt like writing about Stella. Days have begun to take on a pattern: Richard walks Stella before he leaves for work, working on her Heel commands. I then take her for ball play before I leave for work and after my workout. She either stays in the yard or goes to doggy daycare. If she is in the yard, I skip lunch and come home a litle early to take her for a long walk and more ball play.She greets me like weeks have gone by, not hours, and with a gusto only a 10-month-old puppy is capable of. If she is in day care, I run over after work, pick her up and happily, she doe snot need anymore play!

We still struggle with Stella and the cat. She is still on the leash in the house, but fixates on the cat and tries to chase him. I read today that we need to try and divert her attention away from him more and when it works praise the crap out of her! It can take months!! Willy will not swat at her, which I think is ultimately what it will take for respect and understanding he is part of the family pack!

Thursday Stella got her makeover. Physical that is. She got her haircut, nails trimmed and a bath. I have to be honest, I barely recognized her when I picked her up. I think she looks a bit funny, but I would never tell her that. I don't want my girl to have self esteem issues while she looks at magazines filled with purebred models!! I told her how pretty she looked, how much fur she lost and yes the mats were gone between your toes so you can run faster! (she obviously had never been groomed, so the mats made her limp) We headed for home, with me knowing her curls will grow in again.

The other part of the makeover is behavior. I have to keep reminding myself, everyday offers a new experience and adventure for Stella. Today held many new "experiences." It started with my migraine and her being a pain in the ass.I say that with love. After a couple migraine pills, I decided my best remedy was fresh air. We'll go for a lonnnng walk, jog. We drove to my favorite country road run area. Long story short, forget the leash training, Horses are new, dirt roads are new, mud puddles are new and a cyclist is new. She carried a treasure - a big piece of wood - for half a mile. Stella is a worker. Note to self - get her a backpack. My left arm is officially longer than the right. But a very bad habit or symptom is surfacing.

Stella gets so excited at times, she charges me, barks, runs around you in circles and pulls at your clothes to rough house. It's actually a bit scary. I cannot control her when she gets in this state. She is crazed. We have to figure out this mad behavior. Perhaps a spray bottle will break her focus on this obsessed play. Or I'll have to write Caesar Milan and offer to sleep with him in trade for training!!!

The biggest makeover is not really a makeover at all. Stella is so smart. She learns quick and understands how to be stubborn. As she lays here on the floor fast asleep and looking like ..... a happy dog, we recap. She learned in 2 tries to use her new doggie door. She now knows that when we are in the garage and I press the button to open the door, she has to sit. She even knows what the button means! She comes when called and gathers her stuffed animals at night to sleep with her in her bed she loves.(except the one she disemboweled today). I guess a makeover is a work in progress if not just physical. Does anyone have Caesar's email? ;+).

The Cat

Well, Stella has had a couple quiet days overall. Yesterday was Doggie Day Care, where to and from she had her car sickness again. I have read up on this and she may grow out of it as her inner ears develop. After all, she's only 9 months old. In the meantime, or if she does not grow out of it, we can try ginger snaps or a few jelly beans to help settle her stomach and prevent the HUGE amounts of drool that require a car cleaning every time she rides with us! Some sites even recommend a seat belt so she faces forward always in the back seat. Not a bad idea. I am open to suggestions. (and free interior car cleanings!)

Because of her malady, she did not want to get in the car last night after I picked her up from day care. I really cannot blame her, but right now my back can. I literally had to lift her into the car. I felt the tweak in my back (she is 51 lbs) and proceeded to use the heat pad last night and now. That will teach me!

We are working on the "keep away from the cat" training. It's going very slow. Stella is captivated by Willy, wants to get close and probably chase. That will not happen. We have introduced them slowly, but Stella is never out of my sight when she is in the house. I have started to bring her in as I get ready for work and then she also sits with us in the evening as we eat dinner and relax. However, the constant temptation of the cat is always present. I am hoping formal training will help with this. Our lives are wrapped up in "Where's Stella?" "Keep her on the leash in the house " and "Stella stay!" It will be wonderful when she learns to ignore Willy and focus on her surroundings.

Stella and I always go for a walk with ball play every morning (and evening) and today she did great on the leash and healing. She much prefers playing ball in the grass than chasing it down the road. Once off the leash she gets goofy and really acts like a puppy. We are still working on not running full force at Mom and jumping up! The ball play is registering. I throw, she chases, I fetch. Oh well.

But tomorrow is a big day. Stella gets groomed. Her curls will be tamed, her nails clipped and her shaggy face revealed. I just want a trim - how many times have we said that as we sit as a victim in the hair dresser's chair?! Tee Hee. Stay posted for photos!

Stella's Stellar Day!

Every once in awhile, you know the day is going to be great. Yesterday was not that day at the beginning. I wanted to take Stella on a long walk/run, but she was not cooperating. The "heal" training was not kicking on and I ended up being pulled for 2.5 miles. We tried stopping at the lake for a diversion, but to no avail. By then Stella was done. She was limping a bit from a bur in her paw I later discovered, so we headed back home. Richard and I had decided we wanted to head to the mountains to see the Fall colors and take Stella swimming in Lake Estes. By noon we were on our way, with Stella refusing to sit in the back of the car. She insisted on standing and we soon discovered why: Stella gets car sick on twisty roads! There was doggie saliva all over and we quickly stopped before anything happened or came up. We finally made it to Estes Park, along with the other millions of people there for the Elk Festival and to see the Fall colors. Our quest: a parking spot by the lake. Here is where the day got better.

Parking spot found, picnic lunch included with a dog bone and a renewed sense of the day! It was beautiful out and we were ready to walk. For some reason Stella was transformed. She healed on her new lead as we walk by lots of people walking their dogs. She was totally disinterested in the charging Elk, even after we had to JUMP the safety barricades as the males went after the females. As we made our way back to the picnic area - behind the Elk barricade - she was awesome! We sat down to eat, Stella chewing on her bone and part of the happy family! She ignored the dogs walking by, the children sitting near and even the people stopping to say,"Oh what a cute dog!" Yes she has the cute factor down!
 
The day was getting better. We decided to get away from the Elk and walk around the lake to find a good swim area. Mission accomplished after 30 minutes. A great "beach," lots of sticks to throw and a HAPPY puppy in the water. Our day we getting so good. Stella, swam, chased sticks and was in heaven.

We finally left and yes we had to stop for doggie car sickness. Once home Richard cleaned the car ( part of my Birthday present) and I got dinner ready for Stella. I was just amazed at how well she did with all the stimuli all day and her ability to adapt. She is and will be even more an amazing family member.

Notes from today:

• Stella did great for 8 hours in the yard with all her toys. I did not.
• She likes to "eat" Dandelions, the seed spheres. It's FUN! OMG, I will have tons of these horrible weeds next year in the backyard!
• Stella goes crazy in grass! We get into the park and she runs like there is no tomorrow, tries to jump - I have to keep her focused ha ha - and rolls around.
• We were told she hates doggie beds.She stayed in her crate with no padding. I bought one today, put it down and she not only laid on it but literally buried her face in it in joy! Another new life experience for our new baby!! My heart broke and soared at the same time.

It's been a good couple days! Photos from Estes are not downloading. Sorry, will try to recover!

BALL!!!!!!

I truly know Stella is an extremely smart dog. She has to be to keep her sanity since the day she was born, with apparently little stimuli. In seven short days we have experienced swimming, something she was supposed to hate, long walks, a cat (very limited so far), being outside of a crate all day, doggie day care and friends, running, being alone in the yard left to entertain herself for six hours and BALL!

Yes, as I have said, Stella did not know how to play ball. I would throw, she would ignore. Not uncommon for me! Slowly she has gotten the concept of I throw, she chases. It's fun! Today I wanted a break through: I wanted her to chase and pick up the ball, something she has never done. After all, if she brings it back, I can throw it more often, hence more fun and exercise! We typical now walk on the leash through the neighborhood and when we get to the undeveloped part with paved roads, I let her off the leash to explore the run. Remember the skunk? Same area!

So today, before I throw, I tease her with the ball so she takes it in her mouth. I throw, say "ball" and yes she actually picked it up!!! OMG! The break through. She even brought it back after I said come. But it's fleeting and a work in progress.

She also now knows when I am in the garden it's off limits. But only when I am there! Tomorrow I install re-bar with string and tie cans with coins inside so it makes noise if she breaches the garden borders! I think my Master's Degree was easier!

Everyday Stella's sweetness does surface. She is most happy when we are working in the backyard. She follows, plays and observes new things all the time.She is calm for the most part - unless she is let loose on an expanse of grass (park) when she prances, runs like crazy and charges you out of sheer joy (we are working on this energy) - and I have to understand she is a puppy experiencing the great outdoors for the first time.

Tonight she is in the house on the leash and did not go after the cat as he walked by. Baby steps. She is laying here chewing on her bone and ice cubes (loves them!) and being a good girl, so far. Tomorrow, Estes Park and more swimming!

Bad Mom

I have to admit: I am exhausted. Stella is a work in progress and exhausting. This is the reason for my lack of post yesterday. I had to get away and absorb myself in my kitty Willie who:

• Loves to walk on a leash.
• Does not require ball throwing, bones to chew on.
• Does not bark at the guy installing the permanent gate in your yard.
• Rides in the car quietly without dripping on the upholstey

But then there's Stella. She was a bad girl today.The lack of doggie day care exercise today is evident. Yesterday was awesome with her playing, romping and jumping with her buddies. Then home to a relaxed evening with Willie walking around her with no response.

Tonight a different story. She barked at Willie, fought to get to him to play (she was on a leash) and was horribly distracted. This was even after a 2.5 mile run this morning, a loooong walk, ball play this afternoon and hanging out in the backyard tonight. The neighbors then took their dog out for a run and Stella went crazy from the backyard. HELP!!!!!!!! Training better help because I am at my wits end.

Yesterday I was a bad Mom. Stella did not eat breakfast, so off the day care we went. It was crazy with all the puppy parents dropping off dogs, so I forgot to tell them about the lack of food and slight limp she had developed (most likely from all the romping!!) I called and the response I got was, " So did you bring her lunch?" OMG!! Lunch! No, can you just give her a few treats? I forgot. Yes was the answer. Thank goodness I am not dealing with a child. I would be reported.

So Stella is down for the night in her bed in the garage (until she and Willie are socialized) and I cannot wait for training. The weekend will bring lots of stimulus and hopefully calm.

Day Care Anxiety!

Our day started out with the new "normal" (OMG!!) . Richard got up a little earlier - in our house that mean 4:20 am so I can workout and he can commute - so he could take Stella out for a little trot before leaving.  All went well. I then got up and took her out for a 2 mile run/pull. We are still learning not to pull on the leash, but she did stellar on our little run. The last part I decideded to reward her for her groovy behavior by letting her off leashing to explore at a safe distance.

Still dark I saw something black cross our path not 25 feet away. "A cat" I said to myself: keep her close. No it turned: a SKUNK!! Stella I bellowed. She came, leash back on we turn to take the long route around. Crisis averted along with the tomato juice bath for us both!

Off to daycare with me (mom) running around like crazy trying to get ready at least 15 minutes earlier for work. Cat was walked (yes I walk my cat too) lunch made and off we go. I am dropping our new "baby" off for Daycare for the first time. So, this is how new Mom's feel; elation at free time and anxiety for separation! Stella was completely out of control at arrival at daycare. She was over stimulated and too excited. It's Ok they said, it's normal. How is she with other dogs? I have no idea of course, I am the NEW Mom. LOSER!

So, she was to be integrated into the group, one dog at a time. I left, but passed by at lunch to go to PetsMart to get her $12 name tag! Should I stop, check in? No, keep driving.

Five pm and I shoot out the door to get Stella. I arrive and look out the clinic window to be greeted by a vision of Stella playing like there is no tomorrow. She had never been around other dogs (save a 3 lb Chihuahua)  and she was in her glory. Running, jumping, playing and being a dog. Totally in tune with the other puppies and ready for more. The vet tech said she had an awesome day, fit in perfectly and was a model student! That's my girl. Her "Report Card" said she did great.

Our tired by happy girl is a just bit overweight said the vet and she is normal in every physical way. She will grow into her weight - Oh No! Already 51 lbs. Training starts next week!

The First Days

I knew nothing about Bella except a cryptic ad on Craig's List about a 9-month-old, female Golden Doodle up for adoption. I emailed, got the call with photos to be sent and after 4 days of waiting, we went to meet Bella. We were greeted with a hefty bark (red flag number 1). She did not listen well (at all) but we were assured we just needed to become the Alpha. The owners - I say owners because they were not parents - said they no longer had time for her. She was to be a hunting dog but that did not work out, She was crate trained, to the point of spending up to 12 hours a day in the thing, as work was a priority. (red flag number 2) Did she swim? No afraid of water because the grandson sprayed her with the hose and splashed her form the kiddie pool. (red flag number 3) Was she trained? She can sit, stay, lie down, but she needs work. (red flag number 4). How much? They came down almost half. (RED FLAG NUMBER 5) She came home with us.

The evening was hell, she whined outside, she was not leashed trained, she hates cats and she is fat. She is going to be a challenge. I like that. But... Day 2 I changed my mind. I cried as she jumped on me, trying to bite my arm in a playful, but unacceptable manner. She went after the cat. She did not listen. she barked. I called my husband; I am calling her previous owner and getting rid of her. They said OK bring her back. I felt guilt, I called my husband, tell me what to do. No, you figure it out. I felt more guilt, I could not send her back to a crate. She stays. And my husband renamed her Stella: Perfect!

Calls to Doggie Day Care, trainers and fellow pet parents. Appointments are made. She is adapting a bit, but has severe separation anxiety. I would too if I had been left 12 hours a day and never been socialized. We have now walked (a lot) been working on the bad jumping habit and more. Stella's Story will be a long journey to a great dog. She has amazing tenderness in her and follows me everywhere.

Today we went to Carter Lake just to see if her natural instinct for water would kick in. After all, she is going to be a Triathlon Dog - swimming, running and playing. It took a total of 3 minutes and countless rocks thrown into the water, but she loves to swim! She is not afraid of water, she's afraid of being mistreated. It was fun to watch a dog's first good experience with water. She tried to step over it at first, not sure of the texture. But once in, that was it!

Tomorrow: Doggie Day Care.