MACK'S, AKA RAINBOW'S, AKA DOUBLE TAKE'S FLIGHT LEADER'S WEBLOG ("BLOG"):
DTFL = Double Take's Flight Leader (Rainbow's AKC name).
"It's wet and cold - and I'm not going to pose unless you have food or something good, period. I'm too old for this."
"You cannot make me smile - or open my eyes for your stupid camera!"
Mack runnin' around with his ears folded back - he does that a lot - and looks really goofy.
December 31 (Friday): Another very rainy day; the yard has inches of standing water, making it difficult to get the dogs out. It's kind of like having a kindergarten class indoors for too many days - there is just too much energy that either needs to be dealt with or managed. They're getting attention during the day today because Owner will be away tonight for a limited-hour visit to friends who are having a New Year's celebration. Weight: 37.8
Observations: Coat is wavy, topline still high in the back. Using string cheese didn't make much difference to Mack when grinding his nails - he hates it, regardless of what may be waiting after each nail or at the end.
Food: Ground chicken + supplements for breakfast and lunch (lunch also had chicken necks). Plans for Mackeral may be thwarted by weather, since that is in "outdoor food."
December 30 (Thursday): Owner had to be away today so Brian took care of Mack and Ms. Rescue When Owner returned, they seemed happy and playful. Mack has to learn to refrain from jumping up on people when he's happy to see them. Weight: Must have done the math incorrectly- came up with 36.2, but looks like it should be 37.2 lbs.
Food: Ground mix + supplements as food, pork neck bone and chicken feet for snacks.
December 29 (Wednesday): Was still pouring through the night and this morning. What a muddy, wet mess. Mack started puking on the bed just as business calls started to come in - a great sense of timing - and more laundry to do. Weight: 36.6.
Food: ground chicken, garlic + supplements for breakfast. Chicken feet for morning snack. Ground chicken, gizzards and necks for lunch.
December 28 (Tuesday): "Pride goeth before a fall." Today Mack (Owner thinks) peed on the floor. So much for trying to find Owner and whining to go out. He was just playing on the bed, jumped down to chase Ms. Rescue and, next thing you know, a puddle was found. Could have been either of them but, judging by the lesser volume, the guess is it was Mack. Shucks. Today it has been raining throughout the day - he probably didn't want to go out - like other Rotts that have been here - for some reason, they hate the rain (or going out in it). Fed Mack part of a garlic clove for the first time today. He didn't notice it, but Ms. Rescue spit hers out.
Food: Beef heart + supplements. Pork neck bone for midday snack. Chicken feet for afternoon snack. Ground chicken and whole necks for dinner.
December 27 (Monday): Progress: This afternoon the dogs were enjoying their free reign in the house while Owner was in his bedroom and Mack came in and whined (assumedly to go out). That felt so good! Now, if reinforcement comes to play, Mack will be considered "housetrained." Weight: 36.2 (afternoon).
Food: Beef heart + supplements for breakfast; yesterday's pork neck bone for rec.
December 26 (Sunday): A quiet morning once the dogs settled down. By 10 a.m. Mack was content to nap on the bed. Ms. Rescue decided to stay outside to bark at any potential passers-by. Weight: 35.8.
Food: Beef heart/chicken breast + supplements a.m., gobbled, of course.
December 25 (Saturday): Slept in 'til 7 with the dogs, then it was time to let them burn off a little bit of energy. Mack's "doubled-up" lower incisor wouldn't come out this morning when wiggled, but it wasn't there after an hour of gnawing on a pork neck bone, so he's probably ingested another tooth. Oh well. At 2:00, Mack sought out Owner's bed for a nap. Weight 35.6
Food: Chicken breasts for breakfast; pork neck bone at lunch time; ground mix p.m.
December 24 (Friday): A fairly quiet day because Owner is still getting over a cold. Worked with Mack on "plaatz" and Rescue on "sitz" using string cheese. Mostly the dogs just amused themselves because Owner was just too worn to move. Weight 35.6 lbs.
Food: chicken breast and beef heart + supplements for breakfast.
December 23 (Thursday): Out early for a court appearance, so dogs were fed and crated by 7 and had to stay there a while (and gnaw on a pork neck bone). Once home, there were let out and given lots of attention - then left to themselves to romp in the yard and in and out of the house (with the door left open and Owner working from the couch). The dogs did a good job of amusing each other today - which was good - since the court appearance and the follow-on work and administration today took most of the day. Just too much to do before everyone is "off" for the holidays. Mack inhaled a whole (boneless) chicken breast at about 3 p.m. - it went like "chomp, chomp, gulp, gag, gulp" and it was all done. Weight (p.m.): 34.6 (probably not accurate because he had just eaten).
Food: ground mix for breakfast, meaty pork neck and chicken breast for lunch, chicken breasts for dinner.
December 22 (Wednesday): Dogs were up at 3, 5, and 7 today; Owner dutifully let them out lest there be an accident in the house. (Mack has finally started to scratch at the door when he needs to go out - but it's still not a sure thing and, if you miss it, he might not hold it - so you have to be vigilant.) Morning food was delayed until 9, since Ms. Rescue's stomach was upset from too much pork neck bone. Mack's Weight: 33.8 (after breakfast and elimination). Broke the mixer while trying to grind some beef heart. Mack seems to be "stretching" some more - hard to keep up with his growth. The excitement of the day: placing the January order with SoCal BARF Co-op - 200 lbs - where will it all go? Lisa agreed to split a case of chicken feet - now everything for January seems perfect!
Observation: Very sweet when sleeping. (Now how do you make him sleep on command?)
Food: Ground mix + supplements for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Chicken foot, pork neck bone as snacks.
9 PM: Time for a frozen fish!
You don't want to take this away from me do you?
C'mon it has grass and dirt on it ... you don't want it, really!
December 21 (Tuesday): Owner has a head cold - ugh. Dogs were fed and later walked, crated for a couple of hours before noon to reinforce house-training and to give Owner a bit of peace. A woman came by shortly before 2 - just knocked on the door because she saw the (rescue) dog outside and needed to pet one, since she had to put her dog down just a short while ago. She and the dogs enjoyed some time in the backyard and she was invited back to see Mack and Ms. Rescue any time. She was amazed at how happy both dogs were when chewing on the pork neck bone from the other day, so she got an earful about raw feeding and our hopes of avoiding the osteosarcoma that took her male (and Moshe). Weight a.m.: 33.4 lbs.
Food: Ground mix for breakfast and lunch; pork neck bone (old) for snack; some ground for dinner; whole bonito 9 p.m. for surprise snack/meal. Nothing like a dog with fish breath!
Um, we belong here, don't we? It's just a bed ... we weren't doing anything wrong.
Food: ground mix for breakfast and lunch, old pork neck bone remnants for chew toy.
Why is the bed blue? Because I peed on the green one yesterday! Don't I look good though?
December 20 (Monday): Owner has a bad cold or flu. Dogs were up and out at 7:00, fed at 8:00, walked around. Found out that Mack didn't finish the turkey back the other day, as he retrieved it from some nasty place in the yard and was chewing on it this afternoon. At some point, the Rescue got it away from him, so he lost out. Doggie nap time at 2:30. At 3:00, Mack re-discovered the dreidel toy, and made it chant incessantly. Dinner at 5:30 seemed to quiet both of them down. Weight: 33.2.
December 19 (Sunday): Even when you wake up feeling like hell, like when you have a cold, and dogs need attention, they give more than they take. Mack was restless on the bed, but gave good kisses to an also-restless Owner. Ms. Rescue was up every time Owner stirred and dutifully retired to the dog bed. Mack started throwing up at around 7 - possibly a reaction to yesterday's vaccinations, since there weren't any chunks or visible food. After about the 5th time, Owner knew sleep wasn't an option. Food was delayed to give Mack's stomach time to settle. Weight: 32.8 lbs.
At around 11, Mack chewed the remainder of a turkey back-mostly for recreation.
At noon, Owner was resting and Mack sneaked off and had an accident on the dog bed. The mess wasn't distressing, but the lack of supervision (Owner's assistant was in the kitchen, so one would have thought he'd be watching) unfortunately resulted in a setback for housetraining.
Both dogs were crated at 6 to give Owner a little peace and to ensure that there are no accidents. They were out from 8-10, with Mack encouraged to teethe on a rubber bone. By 10, it was time for bed.
Food: ground mix + supplements; lunch mix had cottage cheese added.
After a walk, a bath and a snooze - Mack enjoys a moment in the sun.
December 18 (Saturday): Up at 5 and 7 with dogs, took them for a walk and then it was bath time. This time, Owner was smart and leashed them to a post so they wouldn't run (like a warm water bath and soapy massage is such a bad thing). Weight: 32.6 lbs.
This afternoon it was time for final (puppy) shots. Had a fecal done, too, just to rule out tape and other worms - and thankfully, all was good. Ms. Rescue also got to go to the vet, to have her ear looked at by someone more qualified. On the "$3,000 scale" at the vet's office, Mack weighed 32.8 lbs. In the afternoon, Mack got another walk and a couple of hours to gnaw on a pork neck bone. In the evening, with Owner feeling like a headcold or flu was coming on, the dogs joined owner for an early snooze. They were let out for relief at midnight.
Food: Ground mix + supplements for breakfast and lunch, pork neck bone for snack; beef heart and chicken necks for dinner.
Observations: Mack's penciling is broadening and darkening - looking really nice! He's also fattening up, steadily.
December 17 (Friday): Yesterday was a bad day for Owner - one of those that makes it so you don't want to get out of bed in the morning. One of the (many) good things about dogs, though, is that you have to get up - because they need care (or, in this case, to be let out so they won't make a mess in the bedroom). In any event, they just love you - without regard to the good, bad, ups or downs of life.
The dogs mostly occupied each other today - switching between aggressive play and "playing nicely." Mack has taught the rescue to jump up onto the bed (ugh!). At 4:30, two of the cousins were brought over - and they'll be staying the night - so the dogs should have some extra people and pets for the next day or so. They obviously weren't watching the dogs, though - they brought in mud, sticks and crud from outside, tore up Owner's favorite hat and generally got into mischief - while the kids remained on the couch.
Don't know about the scale here - but Mack's Weight: 31.8 lbs. before dinner.
Morning food was ground mix, mostly chicken + supplements; as a snack Mack got the turkey back and parts he didn't finish a few days ago - and these provided over an hour of gnawing fun. More ground mix for lunch. Mackeral for dinner. Mack was waddling around afterwards; he's starting to look fat - even though he weighs less than his littermates.
December 16 (Thursday): Owner had to be in San Diego early today, so when the dogs stirred at 4:30 a.m., and what with the rescue not being housetrained, it was time to get up and get the furry creatures out to relieve themselves. Breakfast came early (5:00 a.m.), followed by a little attention and a nice walk around the neighborhood (on Flexi-leads after Owner was showered and dressed). The dogs were crated from 6:00 until 8:00, then got to bother Owner's assistant until 11:30. He claims Mack was caught sleeping on Owner's bed; when removed, he made several trips to where crate where the stuffed animals were stored, pulled them down one by one, and brought them over to the bedroom door, where he camped out. Think he's trying to say something?
Owner was back by 12:30 and took the dogs out. Mack was left to gnaw on the pork neck bone he'd been gnawing on for the past hour and Ms. Rescue appeared thankful for the break, as Mack torments her mercilessly. At 4:30, Mack could barely keep his head up - he was exhausted from chewing (and probably tired from having a stuffed belly). If only you could deal with kids in the same way (someone said you can, so long as you don't get caught. "No, that crate is for the dog, officer!").
Rec'd a note from a co-worker at the Co-op - saying I should clarify a post in which I said I was peeking into the cases (that were already open). Have to fix that problem immediately, because the Co-op is too important to make mad if you're doing raw food in this area. It's probably nothing a day of hard work at the distribution site won't fix.
At 8:30, it was eerily quiet. The dogs had earlier been outside, so that was the first place Owner looked, but ultimately each was found sleeping in a different part of the house. Sleeping - quietly - at 8:30. Who slipped a Mickey in their food?
Additional Reason To Love Mack: He eats crickets that come into the house! They like to "play dead" if he comes near, but the moment they move, he's on top of it, enjoying them as a crunchy little snack. Saves on paper towels for me!
Food: Ground mix, predominantly chicken + supplements; pork neck bone for snack; ground mix for lunch (large portion) and dinner (smaller portion).
Observations: Mack looks longer and like he's morphing into a "real" dog. Upper incisors are much more pronounced now and a really beautiful white (wish my teeth looked like his!). Ears seem just a little stinky, so they'll get checked in the next round o' pup maintenance. Wrote to Jill about a training plan for the little guy.
December 15 (Wednesday): Today the schedule kept getting changed. The dogs were walked around noon with Mack using a "regular" leash for the first time. Ground Mack's toenails - he was less cooperative than last time but still manageable. Mack took a van ride to El Monte and hung out for a while at a friend's office - although he was very fearful of the stairs. When he wasn't being watched, he peed on the office floor - but so it goes. The weather was warm (84) and Mack conked out during the ride home and for a while thereafter. Weight: 31.4 early in the day, 30 in the evening (time to get a new scale!). The stuffed animal snake had to be retired at night; Ms. Rescue and Mack managed to chew it's lower palate off and get at the stuffing. First animal to bite the dust. The Beluga whale looks like it is next, as the tail fluke is already ripped.
Food: Ground mix for breakfast; turkey quarter for lunch, more ground mix for dinner.
December 14 (Tuesday): An ordinary day. At night, after pestering Ms. Rescue all day, Mack went into the bedroom on his own and hopped up on the bed and took a snooze. He can now get up onto the bed without assistance.
Food: Ground mix for meals and pork neck bone for a snack. Mack got to meet some new people when walking in the evening.
December 13, 2004 (Monday): A lazy morning. Ms. Rescue puked up some bone bits early, so both were out to eliminate and then back into the house for feeding (while Owner got to clean up). Mack and Ms. Rescue played with each other until they were allowed on the bed for a short bit, then taken out again, then they played until they were tired out. Mack has been getting into the aloe plant - dragging it around and making a huge mess. He'll have to be monitored more when he's out in the yard.
Observations: Front (adult) upper incisors coming into view when you look for them. Body is lengthening/stretching out. Going to increase Mack's food a little bit. Since new shots come up in less than a week, another fecal to check for worms might be a good idea (worms eat the proteins and prevent the animal from getting as much as it should).
Food: Ground mix a.m. w/1 chicken necks + yogurt and supplements, another meal around noon.
December 12, 2004 (Sunday): Last night Mack and Ms. Rescue were at the Kaplowitzes and very tired out from being with their black lab, Norton. Norton is a very high energy dog - so they never really got to rest while they were there, but it was good socialization, to dogs and people. This morning Owner was almost too tired to get out of bed, but with dogs, you have to get up - especially with Mack, since he'd pee on the floor once he jumps down from the bed if you don't do something fast. Luckily, he was good for a "nose to nose" nap after his morning potty break.
Today was pegged as an "easy" day because everyone's tired from last night. Mack inhaled the chicken necks which were part of his breakfast.. Morning walk at around 10:00. Yard sprayed for bugs at 12, before Owner left for the movies (dogs inside, crated).
Observations: Mack still hiccups, whether his food is frozen, cold or room temperature. His ears look funny; he holds them back a lot and oftentimes he'll run around with one ear folded back (inside showing). Massage doesn't seem to make much difference. Mack seemed to pass the Bonito just fine - except that it looked like some of his stool was a little oily/wet.
Food: Ground mix a.m. w/2 chicken necks + yogurt and supplements, meaty pork neck at lunch; ground mix dinnertime.
Don't even try to take my fish head, mister! (Mack's first "mackeral" was fed today - frozen)
Where's Daddy? I hear him - why isn't he here? Someone's peeking under the fence.
Takin' a ride in the van ... this is fun ... what's next?
Would you just get him off me?? Sheesh!
December 11, 2004 (Saturday): Up with dogs at 4 a.m. because Mack started to puke. Up again at 6 and at 8. Filled out ARC application. It was nearly 80 degrees, so the dogs were lethargic. They were taken for a van ride over to Santa Ana and really enjoyed it - came back and conked out. In the evening, they had another ride - this time to Bellflower - where they were brought into the Kaplowitz house to socialize. 6 people plus their dog plus Mack and Ms. Rescue. It was quite a full house. Ms. Rescue fell in the pool! (Mack was kept inside most of the time)
Training: Stay command used for 1 min. with food. Mack figured out the Lixit water device in the small crate, and how to knock things off of the top of the big crate from inside, then to go outside and around the crate to get them. Worked on getting Mack used to the feeling of a brush.
Observations: Looks a little skinny again - how'd that happen? The darn dog is growing like a weed! He's very "up" with the rescue around. Starting to trot a bit. Another incisor was lost yesterday. Weight: 29.2 lbs.
Food: Ground mix and a chicken foot for breakfast; 4:00 p.m., Baby Bonito (faux mackeral), whole/frozen
Brian finally gets to pet the rescue (after having to ignore her for days).
One bed, two monsters, no waiting. Taken 12.09.04
December 10, 2004: One thing about dogs: they don't discriminate, know when you're tired or when it's a weekend or when you have the opportunity to sleep late (or when you went to bed late). Dogs wanted to be up before 7 today, despite owner's exhausting week, so they were let out, then fed (Mack inside, Rescue outside so she could eat in peace), then they both had to have attention and love, so a very tired caregiver/Owner provided what they needed. The Rescue and Mack have ended up sleeping on the dog bed together at times, which is hysterical, when you recognize that 1/3 of the time they're snarling and growling at each other. Basically, Mack just pesters and tries to dominate the older girl - and she's pretty tolerant, to a point. If it gets out of hand, Owner steps in with "knock it off" and the two either quiet down or stop what they're doing and go into the yard and play (nicely). Both were walked at 10:00. Mack's lunch will be a turkey leg today, since he's had mostly ground mix for the past couple of days. Foster Farms chickens were on sale for .55/lb, so there are another 4 sitting in the fridge for Mack.
Bought a pet comforter/bed at Costco today. After laying it out, and Mack testing it out, he went to lie down on the hard floor. Go figure.
Training Notes: Stay command held for 1 min. before morning feeding. Owner walked behind Mack after putting the food down and issuing the command. Mack has relaxed just a bit on lead now; not being commanded during walk-that will come soon. Cheese used to "stack" Mack.
Observations: Mack is looking a little more filled out; his rear feet are toe-ing out. His topline is improving, but he's still high in the back end. One incisor is about ready to come out and wiggles at the touch, but won't come out yet. When he barks at Ms. Rescue, he uses a "real" bark - not a puppy bark. Weight: 28 lbs.
Food: Breakfast: ground mix (beef heart, chicken neck, flaxseed oil, supplements); Lunch: Turkey leg. Dinner: ground mix. Treats: Pork neck bone, piece of American cheese.
The look ...
The grab ... (Mack's favorite stick)
The release (she growled!).
December 9, 2004: Up at 6:30, walked to door and tried to get Ms. Rescue out of her crate, but Mack started to pee by the door - so he was whisked outside and praised when he went in the yard. Dogs were fed separately. Mack had ground mix and played. Worked on "off" command a few times when Mack got onto the couch. Also using "outside" now to command doggies to go into the back yard. When left alone for a moment in the yard, Mack managed to drag the potted plants around and eat up some aloe vera - or at least break the "leaves" and make a mess.
Doggies conked out by 10:00 a.m. At 10:30 owner had to leave for a court filing, so Mack and Ms. Rescue were given treats to enjoy in crates. On the way home, Owner picked up a drop pin crate more appropriately sized for Mack, cleaned it up in the yard while doggies watched, assembled it and put Mack in with a pork neck bone so Owner could leave for lunch. The crate really came just in time, as Ms. Rescue displaced Mack from the drop pin crate used for him earlier. After lunch and a potty break, the dogs got a nice long walk and some attention in the yard. Movie: My Stick By 4:45, they were napping again. This time, Mack was in the big crate with the door open - establishing territory?
Training Notes: Mack starting to recognize the "off" command and that he's only allowed on the Couch selectively.
December 8, 2004: Up at 5:00. A work day for Owner at home. Skipped the morning walk because we didn't want to overdo it. Owner had been to the gym the night before and had some tired knees. The dogs were allowed to play on their own, with modest refereeing. Mack had a pork neck bone for a snack in his crate and then took a nap. The crate is being used more now so that housetraining can be completed. Mack looks like he's filling out - he doesn't look like such a little dog now. Last night, two of his upper incisors were loose - today, one is gone! (Can't find it anywhere, which is sad, as Owner would love to save one.). He spent most of the day tormenting Ms. Rescue. In the evening, the dogs had lots of visitors - the Kaplowitz family, with kids at 11, 13 and 21. Mack showed them what he's like when he has some energy. He was crated with a chicken foot as a treat so the group could go to Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles. Hey, don't knock it 'til you've tried it.
I'm too sexy for my bed, too sexy for my bed .... (taken 12/5)
December 7, 2004: Mack was up at 5:00 a.m., so outside into the cold was the order of the morning to avoid an accident in the house. With both dogs out for a few mins., it was time to try letting both nap in the bedroom. A failed experiment, since the slumber was interrupted by Ms. Rescue peeing on the carpet. The sharp "No" startled Mack, who was surprised someone else was getting corrected. Ah well, so much for this morning. Mack had a ground mix for breakfast that was beef heart, chicken neck, and veggie slop plus supplements. He didn't do as well with the "stay" command today - probably because he feared that the rescue would get his food - but we worked on it. Patience and gentle correction. It was also a good exercise to build focus on Owner.
After both dogs eliminated and spent time chasing Owner while he tried to get a pile of pruned branches into the trash (and sneak some into the neighbor's trash), they had a nice walk to the end of the street and back (it's a long block). Mack was playful throughout but tired by the time he got home. After he ran around for a while, and was really tired, Owner got his chance to hold Mack like a baby without him squirming (much).
3:00: The two little piggies are each in a crate - gnawing away on a pork neck bone. It might be Ms. Rescue's first, but Mack is an old pro at it (using his dewclaws to hold on). He also got 3 eggs, scrambled lightly and cooled to room temperature, which he wolfed right down. Dogs were out of crate from 4 until 7:15, then Owner left to go to the gym and they were crated again (gotta get in shape to keep up with Mack as he grows).
9:00: Time for another walk - this time in the rain. Mack was a good boy, held it while he was being leashed and until he got on the grass outside. Yay! Took the walk at a leisurely pace so no dog would be too tired.
Mack tormenting the rescue. If she gets mad, she barks, growls or snaps at him - but Owner "referees" to make sure nothing bad happens.
This is good experience for both of them.
December 6, 2004: Both dogs out at 7:00. Felt like a glorious (cold and wet) morning because both dogs eliminated within a reasonable time. Breakfast for Mack was beef heart, a chicken foot, veggie slop and yogurt (the rescue got kibble, a chicken foot, some yogurt and a tiny bit o' beef). With the two monsters fed and happy, it was time for a walk 'round the neighborhood, where they both got to see a neighbor and learn the walk routine. Mack was given the "off" command several times - when on the couch and jumping up. Each took a nap. Lunch snack for Mack was a pork neck bone fed in his smaller crate. By noon the sun was peeking out and the dogs were walking around in the mud, kind enough to repeatedly bring it into the house. Only modest "referee-ing" required between the rescue and Mack. Mack's first day drinking from the elevated water dish - he didn't tip it over - YAY!
Eric visited in the afternoon. Like with any visitor, Mack was overflowing with excitement.
Tonight it was time to start grinding again. Owner had done so much food in advance that he had weeks stocked up but, after that stockpile ran out and Mack inhaled three chicken necks, rather than chewing them, Owner felt he'd get much more benefit out of ground food. This time the concentration was more on beef - beef heart to be exact, with chicken necks mixed in for bone content, veggie slop for bulk, plus vitamin supplements, probiotic and flaxseed oil. The ground mix won't replace the recreational bones but it will be a way to get better absorption of the food used. Gizzards and other organ meat will be mixed in sparingly on a daily basis. If Owner can remember, he'll take out a bonito (faux mackeral) and see how Mack does with that this week.
Mack now has to learn what food is his - and to leave the rescue's food alone. Every day a challenge. In the evening, Mack tormented the rescue, but he served a very good purpose - leading her out to go potty. She'll follow him out - but if Owner goes out she could care less.
Mack and his new toy - the snake. He's got it by the tongue!
Mack trying to engage the rescue. 9:00 p.m.
Notice me!! (Woof!)
My picture should be under "gangly" in the dictionary!
Mack trying to engage the rescue - "Come play - and stop looking at my topline!"
Mack and the rescue, surrounded by toys
Why is the little dog always following me?
December 5, 2004: Up at 7:00, Mack was brought outside to eliminate in peace before letting the new rescue outside. With all systems seemingly normal, the girl was let out and Mack was held so she could get an opportunity to eliminate in peace. Unfortunately, that didn't happen, as Mack could only constrain himself just so long, so he was taken inside for a short while. The rescue sniffed and sniffed her new surroundings and was given 1/2 hour to acclimate before Mack was let out again. After that, both dogs were fed (Mack had his grind plus veggie slop/supplements and the amount was increased modestly; the rescue had one cup of kibble); a little more romping and acclimation time, and Ms. Rescue finally pee'd (a lot). Mack was given a smallish pork neck bone and crated; the rescue was also given a small piece of pork neck and crated. Ah, to live in a BARF house. Mack movie: acclimation
Partially because it is raining and partly to aid with housetraining, Mack is being crated for a little longer period today. He is VERY social, and would much rather be out of the crate than in it (who wouldn't), but it is a necessary step in training. He'll be immediately taken outside to eliminate, given lots of praise when he does, and let out to romp for a while after - but the crate he was in before was far too big and now one that's more suited to his size is being used. When he was crated this morning, Owner was in the room for period of time so at least he wouldn't stress and feel abandoned.
At about 2:00 food motivation was used to start Mack toward "stacking." Also worked on plaatz, which he's still clueless about today. We didn't work on the giblout command, but later Mack was using his "big dog" bark at the rescue, so he received positive reinforcement with the command following ("good giblout, good giblout"). Note to Owner: you're much more likely to lose a finger when the treat is raw food than a biscuit! Mack's lunch and snacks included a turkey neck and the ground mix with veggie slop.
As it turns out, the paranoia today was over the rescue potentially having an accident, but it was Mack that had the accident, peeing on the floor at 3:50 p.m. He had been out but it was right as he stopped a 10 min. onslaught where he was pestering the rescue and running around like Ricky Roadracer. The only saving grace was that he was "caught in the act," interrupted, corrected and brought outside.
At 6:00, Mack and Ms. Rescue took a walk together around the block (in the rain). Mack was on a flexi-lead (on Owner's left) and Ms. Rescue was on the right. Both did very well and were rewarded with a nice meal when they got home. Mack had beef heart, some ground mix, and a chicken foot. By 7:00, both were asleep.
December 4, 2004: Today is a big day - the GSRC Holiday Party. Mack will be crated and go along for the fun - and to meet his new housemate, who'll come home with Mack after the party. Breakfast was a large turkey wing. Mack had an accident in the crate this morning; he had already pooped a little outside, then went to eat the turkey wing, and apparently wasn't quite done, probably because he was a little constipated from the bone content. After Owner cleaned things up, Mack went outside and pooped again - which was all the veggie content making its way through. So, all that to say, all systems are probably normal, but Owner takes the hit for not recognizing that Mack had to go more and wasn't making noise just because he doesn't like to be crated. Sure, it sounds bad, but we're talking about 1 minute after he finished eating - he wasn't ignored for very long - just long enough! Thankfully, the drop pin crate has a tray that cleans easily. Mack was vigilant while Owner cut up 30lbs of beef heart for future meals and then Mack had a nice meaty lunch, with flaxseed oil, yogurt, and veggie slop added. He obeyed the "stay" command for approx. 10 seconds before being released (with an "OK") to eat. Mack barely chewed the beef heart but seemed much more sated after the "bigger" meal. Mack went on a little walk down the cul-de-sac, where they were having a garage sale and he got to meet lots of people. He was affectionate to everyone and looked very cute in a flag bandana, which was wrapped around his neck. Got back to the house and after realizing he would get none of Owner's roast beef sandwich, gave up and went to sleep (fattened and happy). Weight: 25.4 lbs.
At the party, Mack had to be left in the van and was a very unhappy camper. Owner made sure to give him water and food and spend time with him, but the little softie really didn't like being left alone. Later, when he got to come out, and get lots of pets and attention from the other GSRC members, he was wiggling with excitement. Mack was introduced to his would-be handler, Jeanie, who seemed to really like him. He also met long time GSRC member and judge (excuse me, "Judging Legend") Dany Canino. Kirby's mom, Helen, said no more treats while sitting if he's going to show, since he needs to learn to stack. On the way home, with Tula in the back, Mack spent most of the ride with his legs on Owner's lap, straining to look out the side window, and reveling in the warmth and attention of a human. Owner spent time wondering whether he should shlep Mack to Jeanie or even to Dani to start training.
December 3, 2004: There was no rest for the weary today. Mack started at 2:00 a.m. regurgitating or trying to regurgitate something, so he and Owner went out into the cold yard and stood there for a while, eventually returning to bed. Mack had more "pukies" at 3:00, and finally settled in a little later. When he got up at 7:00, there was no chance of going back to bed - he was, like his sister, "Fully Charged." Breakfast was a large turkey wing which Mack thoroughly enjoyed. At around 10:00 Mack got his first "walk" 'round the outer area/cul-de-sac on a flexi-lead. He did very well, and within 100 yards managed to meet and socialize with three neighbor-dogs (small, medium, and large). Owner socialized with the neighbors, who are very interested in the raw-food diet - and very impressed with little Mack. A nice little walk down a very short block and it was back to the house. Mack had a pork neck bone that he chewed for over an hour in the afternoon - that totally wiped him out. After a nap, he romped happily - then Jay came to visit with him for a little while. Working on commands, as usual - but Mack likes to look at you like you're stupid when you ask him to do something other than look cute.
December 2, 2004: TURKEY DAY!!! Starts off with a whole turkey leg (fresh, from Foster Farms). Woo-hoo! Mack spent the morning watching Owner do some cards and general business stuff, then was crated while Owner went to Best Buy to exchange a computer that was finally pronounced "junked" by their repair center. Since most of the afternoon and evening was spent trying to get the new computer to work and recognize the network, Mack didn't get a lot of attention - and Owner missed him pee on the carpet when his back was turned. Oh well - Owner's fault again. Ground food for lunch and dinner.
Show them chompers! The ones up front tear your clothes if they get to you!
Spent $50 on toys recently, but what Mack really likes is a stick. A nice stick that's soft inside.
December 1, 2004: Owner couldn't sleep-got up with Mack around 5 am. Boy, it was cold outside. After peeing outside, Mack was inside and spending time on the bed. He jumped down twice and was playing with toys and, wouldn't you know it, seconds after one jump down, he pooped on a dog bed. Ah, well, should have known - it was close to that time. The only bad part is that he wasn't "caught in the act," and even a moment's delay means a dog won't understand the correction - so Owner takes the hit on this one. More laundry to do. After a little nap, Mack had a ground-food breakfast with a chicken foot. A little nap and then Mack had a visit from Chris & Heather Hulen and Grandma Rosemary; they played with Mack and tired him out. Lunch was same as breakfast but with veggie slop mixed in to add more bulk. Some playing in the yard (pictured above) and working on the "giblout" (speak) command. Note: the only thing being used for focus/enticement is a stick (that Mack likes to chew on) and lots of praise (movie link below). Weight: 23.6 lbs. (if Owner did the math correctly). At night, listening to Mack growl at his reflection in the sliding glass door was amusing. Ears cleaned today.