I need to brag a little - Paw Talk

**Scarlette** · #1 08-05-2004, 01:40 AM

Riley is doing so well! She is just over 3 months old and knows the hand signals for sit, lay down, drop (a toy), look at me ( I need your full attention), speak, come, and "all done" (meaning we are done doing tricks and I'm not giving you any more treats right now!

) We are working on roll over and I have a few bite marks on my arms to prove it! She's not a big fan of that trick. "Shake" seems to be going fairly well. I'm a little worried that I'm doing too much too soon but she's like a little sponge soaking up new things. If we are in the middle of a training session and she looks bored or really confused then I'll stop. I usually work with her at least twice a day, 10 minutes each time. It's funny when we're around people that talk with their hands. Riley will sit there and watch their hands intently, then look at me like she's thinking "What do they want me to do?"

She also knows to go to the door if she needs to go potty. She only had a few potty accidents in the first 2 weeks she was here and no more accidents since. She got used to my schedule of getting up at 5 am, so even on my days off she will bark to wake me up and take her out.

The first trainer I had called told me she was willing to work with deaf dogs and then blew me off so I found another trainer willing to work with us. He says he doesn't take puppies under 5 months old so in September/October we will start her official obedience training. I'm pretty excited about it. If she does well then I'm thinking about taking her to an obedience trial type of thing that they have just for deaf dogs. I know, I'm getting WAY ahead of myself here, but everything she learns is so exciting. I'm so proud that my deaf puppy is learning faster than I had ever imagined she would.

***Jade*** · #2 08-05-2004, 01:43 AM

That's awesome, Scarlette!!

You must be so proud of her, feel free to brag. AND feel free to share more pics.

Tilt · #3 08-05-2004, 01:46 AM

I'm with Jade on this 100%.

Give Riley a pat on the head for me

**Scarlette** · #4 08-05-2004, 01:47 AM

I'm going to try to get some more pics tomorrow after her bath. She decided to dig in the dirt today and she's a nice shade of gray.

We were at the vet's office a couple of weeks ago and she weighed 17 pounds. I think she might be about 20-22 pounds now...almost triple the weight since I've had her. My baby girl is growing so fast!

**kittygurl823** · #5 08-05-2004, 01:47 AM

Awww Rhonda, this is wonderful news!!!!! Brag away girl!

I am so glad Riley is doing so well!!!

She is so smart!!! That's awesome you found another trainer to work with her and you have everything lined up! Ahem... and when do we get to see more pictures of the beautiful girl!!!

I'm glad everything is going great!

Formula86 · #6 08-05-2004, 02:53 AM

for riley!!! how smart is she?!

i'm so glad you kept her.

your avator is so adorable btw!! pics would be great.

pihlaja · #7 08-05-2004, 05:10 AM

Yay for Tubby Tu--Riley!

WOW! It's amazing she's learned so much and you defintely have a right to be proud! She's definitely a smart, special little girl!

( Shoot ... we need a Tubby Tu-Tu smiley that dances ...

)

dappledoxie · #8 08-05-2004, 11:25 AM

Awesome job! I can't wait to see new pictures!

Chrisanne · #9 08-05-2004, 11:30 AM

That is absolutely Wonderful. I am so happy she is doing so well for you.

I can't wait to see new pictures.

Jodi · #10 08-05-2004, 02:50 PM

Awww, that's great Scarlette! I'm glad to hear it's going so well!

lixx · #11 08-05-2004, 02:56 PM

That's wonderful!!! I am so glad for you & her!

Millimi · #12 08-05-2004, 03:06 PM

Hurray for you and Riley!

It's amazing what dogs can do! Give her a pat on the head for me too!

capnsweets · #13 08-05-2004, 05:07 PM

Rhonda,

I swear God sent that puppy right to you because it knew you could love it, care for it, and make it have a happy life. Not many people would take the time they need to to train a deaf dog. I am proud of you both!

**Scarlette** · #14 08-05-2004, 10:50 PM

Aww, thanks Capn. I honestly believe it's true because A) I was going to hold off getting another dog until I got my own house. B) I had been looking at Bull Terriers and Greyhounds for a couple of years now...once again, just waiting until I got my own place. I had been browsing puppy pictures and rescue sites for quite some time and nothing really caught my eye, but when I saw her pic something told me that she was the one. I just HAD to get her. It was such a strong feeling....I don't think I've ever felt that determined to get a certain pet. Sure, I really wanted the pets that I have now, but it was different with Riley. I HAD to get her no matter what and I didn't know why. When I figured out she was deaf of course I was devastated but all of the "signs" I had been given became clear.

I hope that doesn't sound silly.

I didn't get a chance to bathe her today but I did try to get some pics. I can't get her to sit still long enough for my POS digital camera to get a decent pic. I have some awesome pics of her tail and of her walking away from me, but no good pics to post tonight. I'll try again Saturday.

DirtySouthChins · #15 08-06-2004, 03:12 AM

Scarlette,
That is just awesome!!! It sounds like a match made in heaven with you and Riley

Can't wait to see more pics