Therapy Dog Training Begins

Therapy Dog training with Lulu began on a recent visit to my in-laws, John and Virginia Bates. Mr. Bates, as you can see in the picture below, is confined to a hospital bed. Lulu was very quiet and allowed both meet and greet with her. They were amazed at well well she was behaved in a strange place, as was I.

She place her head on the edge of the bed and allowed Mr. Bates to pet and stroke her, which thrilled us both. The sound of the bed rising up and down ( which is a habit now for Mr. Bates, simply because that is about all he is able to do for himself ) puzzled her at first, but it did not frighten her in the slightest. Mrs. Bates was amazed at how comfortable Lulu was greeting them for the first time. Even if she does not become a Therapy Dog, she will visit her 'Maw Maw' and 'Paw Paw'. They love when one of their 'granddogs' comes for a visit. They were as excited to see her, and I was to show her off.

She gave me no trouble getting on and off the elevator, and enjoyed the attention she received from other residents. The live in an assisted care facility, and prior permission for Lulu's visit was not necessary. Once we have our certification, we will seek to brighten the days of many more of the elderly and bed ridden.

Just a few more steps I will need to test and or work on, before the test in September. Walking through a crowd, has yet to be tried, and every day we work on the 'wait' command, which involves her waiting in one place, while I walk away. She is a Momma's girl, and this one is taking time. She is fine with everyone, but when I leave, she wants to go with me.

Below is a photo I made of her while at the Bates'. She was fine to lie down and stay, until I left the apartment. then, instead of lying there waiting, she went to the door and sat there until my return. But - like I stated, we are working on it. Wish us luck!!!

When Big Dogs Get Bored

In Lulu's case - when she is bored, she chews on things. I try to keep her toys or rawhide chews to keep her occupied - but sometimes...... she chews on things she is not supposed to. 

I can not help but blame myself for leaving items in her reach - but after having Beth for so long - its hard to remember, Lulu is adjusting to us as well as we are to her. 

Day before yesterday she 'found' a cardboard box. It was in tiny pieces when I walked in from work. I scolded her and told her it was not acceptable. I THOUGHT that would be sufficient. I was wrong. 

I picked up anything that she had shown the slightest bit of interest in, and spend the remainder of the evening playing with her.

Then - I went in yesterday. She had taken the photo album of our Bristol race..... and chewed it into thousands (no exaggeration) of little tiny pieces. Sure - I have the pictures on my computer, and can easily reprint them.... and sure I was not 100% pleased with the album and wanted to redo it, but JOHN WAS. He had taken great care in arranging the photos in a specific order. He was very unhappy to say the least. I cleaned it up, and explained that they could be replaced. Thats when he informed me that until I could put away everything that she could chew, when we left for work, she had to go outside. 

When she attempted to come in the kitchen, John told her firmly to go lay down. It literally scared the 'pee' out of her.  She took off running! Thus, leading me to believe she has been punished before, perhaps even mistreated, prior to our adoption. This makes me even more determined to make her forget her past, and know we are devoted.

I obliged John this morning, and left her outside. I also left 'Oppy' out there with her. Perhaps his companionship will ease her.

I am asking for any and all suggestions on which is the best coarse of action. I intend to remove any and all temptation from her, as well as picking her up a monster raw hide bone... as well as rising earlier in the morning to allow time for a long walk. Or would a long walk in the evening be better? After all - that is when I have the most time. I know that she is bored - again - I watch way too much animal planet - or she would not be doing this. Is more exercise the key?

Spay and Neuter, Please

I took my Lulu to have her 'fixed' today. She is recovering nicely and resting. Has not had any appetite this evening, but thats going to take a little time. She was very weak when I brought her home - so I carried her inside. That was a funny sight I am sure. A 5'1" woman carrying a 72+ pound Great Pyrenees inside the house!!! John would have - but since he is just now out of the hospital I thought it would not be wise for him to attempt it.

Although it is a requirement to spay or neuter a pet adopted from Animal Control, I would have chosen to do so regardless. There are way too many pets surrendered , and as the economy worsens, so does the number of surrendered pets.

Please consider adoption from your local shelter, and if you find one elsewhere PLEASE spay or neuter. It can save a life!

Safe And Secure

I must first begin by explaining this is not the original post I had intended, but, my husband John is in the hospital again with Pancreatitis, so this will be brief.

I know Lulu has now settled into her place and knows she is safe and secure and home. Not only does she romp and play, but she fills the roll as my protector. Instead of running to the fence barking at the neighbor's hired lawn care folks, she stands at my side with a watchful eye.

When friends stop by, she is friendly and playful, but let someone we do not know, come to the door, and she barks, Fiercely. When we are in the front about to go for a stroll, she first must walk the perimeter of the yard, making sure there is no threats near. Her keen eyes notice and watch everyone who walks past. Not barking - just watching. Only until they cross her invisible boundary and into the yard will she bark.

Needless to say, even while John is in the hospital and I am home alone... with Lulu here, I also feel safe and secure.

The Greatest Great Pyrenees

I can, in all honest, say that Lulu is the GREATEST Great Pyrenees I have ever known. Primarily, because she is the only one I have ever known. But, after researching the breed - I have discovered many fascinating qualities of the breed I wish to share.

• The Great Pyrenees has single dewclaws on the front legs and double dewclaws on the hind legs. The long, feathered, plumed tail curves upward slightly at the tip and reaches at least to the hocks.
• The Great Pyrenees is a capable and imposing guardian, devoted to its family, and somewhat wary of strangers - human or canine. They are often used to guard livestock. This trait shone daily in Lulu - she watches over our flock of animals, calmly, and quietly. Cautiously aware of all that is going on.
• When not provoked, it is calm, well- mannered, and somewhat serious. Courageous, very loyal and obedient. Gentle and affectionate with those he loves. Lulu is extremely well behaved, loving and appears already devoted to us. And that's after only a weeks worth of love! Imagine how she will be in a few years!
• Devoted to family even if self-sacrifice is required. It is very gentle with its family and children. It does best with children when it is raised with them from puppyhood. It has an independent nature, and may try to dominate a less secure or meek owner. Has been as gentle as a lamb when friends brought their somewhat difficult children. The patience she showed far out weighted my patience with these children.
• Owners need to be firm, but calm, confident and consistent with the dog. Setting rules the dog must follow and sticking to them. A serious worker, but very independent. Be patient when training the Great Pyrenees, as it may be slightly difficult. She has tested her boundaries and understands what is acceptable and what is not. One simple 'uh-huh' firmly said is all it takes.

And - the best reason I have to say she is the GREATEST Great Pyrenees? Simply because she was a rescue from Animal control - She needed me - as much as I needed her. There is no doubt in my mind it was meant to be.

She has her appointment to be spayed on the 19th. Even if this was not a requirement of adoption through animal control, in my opinion it would be necessary. There are way too many puppies, kittens, cats and dogs being discarded. I urge anyone reading - if you are interested in getting a new forever friend - please check with your local animal control first. Even if you desire a particular breed. Petfinder.com can search shelter near your zip code by breed, size - whatever you are looking for can be found.

Save a life. Adopt. Spay and Neuter. I am proof positive that the greatest pets - are rescued.

The Making Of A Therapy Dog

I know this may sound crazy to some of you, especially since I have only had Lulu 1 week tomorrow - but I believe she has the makings of a Therapy Dog.

There are 11 requirements that must be met at testing. I believe, as smart as she is, with a little extra work I could have her ready by the next test scheduled in Georgia. Most are natural for her now. I know I have little time to devote - but if she and I could become certified, we could at the very least spend a couple of days a month visiting Nursing homes, assisted care facilities, and hospitals.

These are the requirements tested for: ( and how she fits the bill )

1. Accepting A Friendly Stranger. That is a character of the Great Pyrenees breed.
2. Sitting politely for petting. She has shone this to us with guests over and over again. Some times she gets a little excited , so this will require a little work - but I believe she can do it.
3. Appearance and Grooming. (showing that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined by a stranger, as well as the care given by the owner) She loves being brushed and given attention to! Period. No matter who is doing it!
4. Out For A Walk - or walking on a loose leash. Have already posted how remarkable she does this.
5. Walking Through A Crowd. Will have to take her a few places that are more crowded to see how this situation is handled. But - at her size - I believe most folks will move for her.
6. Sit and Down on Command. Thats a done deal. Its the Staying in place we will need to work on.
7. Coming When Called. 99.9% of the time you don't even have to speak. Just look at her at motion for her to come.
8. Reaction to Another Dog. She is a little wary of other dogs, but with socialization I believe we can work through this.
9. Reaction To Distractions. Loud noises and interruptions are a given here - but will try taking her to a strange place and stage some loud noises - just to see how she reacts. If she does not react well - that one will be tough to change.
10. Supervised Separation. Heck - she has not been around us long - so I have not had the time to judge this. We are still giving her time to adjust to us.
11. Say Hello. She is awesome at saying hello. She comes and if you are seated, she will place that beautiful head on your knee and look soulfully in your eyes.

The next test in Georgia will be in Athens on September 18th - which may be to soon to actually test - but its a goal I can work towards. If we are not ready we will be by the following test. What do you think? Am I putting too much faith in her and myself?

Puppies At Play

This movie, although not excellent quality, shows how my Lulu is adapting to life as a Bates.

Delilah, Day Two

She seems to be adapting well. She and Oopy get along well most of the time. We have had one or two minor 'growlings' when John and I were eating. 'Lulu' as we call her now - she responds best to that, growled and snap at Oopy, for being close to us while we were eating. To solve that, thanks to Victoria Stillwell, we placed her in another room, until the aggressive behavior ceased.

I also took her for a long walk today at the lake. She was so very well behaved it was if she has been trained! I guess I watch way to much 'Its Me Or The Dog' on Animal Planet! Any time I thought she was going to lose focus I regained her attention with an 'uh huh'. The only problem I can see - is when I ask if she wants to 'go outside' is now she stops at the car waiting on me to open the door. Go must mean go for a ride.

Its still going to take a while for her to become comfortable.... she seems to be having a great time.... but she seems also like she doesn't know how long its going to last.

Love, direction, and reassurance is the only way. I hope she relaxes enough to realize she has found her forever home.