Success Stories

Olivia's Puppy - Carlin

It's been too long since I last updated you on Oscar (one of Livieâs pups). He remains sweet and smart and silly and wonderful. We are enrolled in Puppy Elementary at the Greater St. Louis Training Club, relying entirely on clicker training. We are working toward the AKC Star Puppy test, which we hope to pass in December before we move to Foundation Manners class. His focus in class is remarkable, and his foody tendencies come in quite handy. He socializes well with the other pups, but truly he is more interested in scoping out the dropped treats on the floor. Proud mommy moment: He was referred to last week by an owner of a doggy daycare as the best trained puppy she had ever seen. Today we had a breakthrough with fetch, and it almost made me cry with joy. He's been watching his BC sibling Minnow play fetch with Frisbees and balls, and he usually just runs alongside her. Today he actually went out on his own to get the ball and even brought it back a few times. I so badly want him to have an exercise option besides walking, and it was really fun to see his delight in chasing the ball. He is a terrific walker, mostly sticking to my left side. The colder weather has him and his dog siblings frisky, so the walks have been more challenging in terms of leash tugging. I'm sure we'll all settle in, though. Oscar and Minnow are very sweet together. Nice buddies. Both of them respect senior BC mix, Gracie, and her desire simply to rest at our feet rather than wrestle. Oscar is also doing really well with housetraining. As soon as I remark on this, he'll probably prove me wrong by having an accident. I'm very proud of him. We are so grateful to have him in our lives. I hope that Baylor has found a good home (or that he will very soon).