We've really enjoyed getting to know Palmer more this first week and half. He has a sweet and goofy personality, looooves to snuggle any chance he can get, he is such a fast learner, and we know when the right person comes along, he will be a great companion for them.
Palmer is potty trained (only one little accident day one), crate trained, and is very food motivated. He has already learned "sit", and is doing better waiting calmly for treats. We've been working on "down" and "stay". Before we leave the yard for a walk, the dogs need to be in a sit, we open the gate and make them stay until we release with an "ok" so they learn that an open gate is not an invitation to run away.
We've made some progress in the yard when seeing neighbor dogs. We've been incorporating treats and rewarding when he looks at the other dogs without reacting. To help with his focus, we have been bringing him in the yard with a leash on to better redirect his focus.
Palmer is potty trained (only one little accident day one), crate trained, and is very food motivated. He has already learned "sit", and is doing better waiting calmly for treats. We've been working on "down" and "stay". Before we leave the yard for a walk, the dogs need to be in a sit, we open the gate and make them stay until we release with an "ok" so they learn that an open gate is not an invitation to run away.
We've made some progress in the yard when seeing neighbor dogs. We've been incorporating treats and rewarding when he looks at the other dogs without reacting. To help with his focus, we have been bringing him in the yard with a leash on to better redirect his focus.
This is our home dogs first rodeo at having another dog in the house, so both boys are learning a lot, as are we in this new phase of fostering.
As the boys get more comfortable, we are noticing subtle shifts in their play, maybe as they figure out the dynamics of living together. Our dog Gino we notice is starting to initiate more play. Even when
Palmer is minding his business and being calm, Gino will stir the pot and try to get him going. The rowdier the two boys get though, the more mouthy their play gets, which we don't want to see. Gino knows if he gets too rough and I yell that he needs to stop immediately, while Palmer is still trying to learn to stop play when directed. We don't want a fun game to turn into a situation where either dog would accidentally get hurt.
We've decided recently to limit games like tug of war and chase, have been increasing the amount and duration of calm walks, and rewarding more for calm behavior around the house.
Palmer really loves training and I think he would thrive taking a basic obedience class. We just completed a basic obedience class with our dog- he loved it and I felt it strengthened our bond. (Not an endorsement, but we went to K9 Turbo Training and had such a great experience). I'll try to post some videos soon of Palmer training.
Since trying some of these strategies to promote a calmer environment, so far, we've seen a small decrease in rougher play. It is taking a lot of work as we need to be watchful, alert, and constantly reading their body cues, stopping play as soon as we see signs one of them wants to ramp things up. For this reason, I think Palmer would do best in a home with an experienced owner who is committed to training and can effectively redirect undesired behaviors. There are soooo many positives to this sweet boy that make him such a catch, but keeping play calmer is something we are currently working on.
To note, we do not have children in the home, so I cannot report on how he does with children at this time. Due to his energy and puppy like behaviors, I do not think a home with small children would be ideal. Palmer is a little guy, but I wouldn't want a small child to accidentally get toppled over when Palmer gets a case of the zoomies.
He has met a few neighbors, family, and friends, and really loves people.
We also do not have cats to assess him around. On walks he sometimes perks up when he sees a bunny or squirrel, but he isn't barking or pulling to get to them.
In only a week and a half, I can't believe how much he has learned. Such a smart boy and really wants to please his people. We love him so much and will keep reporting back on the progress we are making. I don't know what the first year of his life was like, but we want to help him on this next leg of his journey to his forever home.
As the boys get more comfortable, we are noticing subtle shifts in their play, maybe as they figure out the dynamics of living together. Our dog Gino we notice is starting to initiate more play. Even when
Palmer is minding his business and being calm, Gino will stir the pot and try to get him going. The rowdier the two boys get though, the more mouthy their play gets, which we don't want to see. Gino knows if he gets too rough and I yell that he needs to stop immediately, while Palmer is still trying to learn to stop play when directed. We don't want a fun game to turn into a situation where either dog would accidentally get hurt.
We've decided recently to limit games like tug of war and chase, have been increasing the amount and duration of calm walks, and rewarding more for calm behavior around the house.
Palmer really loves training and I think he would thrive taking a basic obedience class. We just completed a basic obedience class with our dog- he loved it and I felt it strengthened our bond. (Not an endorsement, but we went to K9 Turbo Training and had such a great experience). I'll try to post some videos soon of Palmer training.
Since trying some of these strategies to promote a calmer environment, so far, we've seen a small decrease in rougher play. It is taking a lot of work as we need to be watchful, alert, and constantly reading their body cues, stopping play as soon as we see signs one of them wants to ramp things up. For this reason, I think Palmer would do best in a home with an experienced owner who is committed to training and can effectively redirect undesired behaviors. There are soooo many positives to this sweet boy that make him such a catch, but keeping play calmer is something we are currently working on.
To note, we do not have children in the home, so I cannot report on how he does with children at this time. Due to his energy and puppy like behaviors, I do not think a home with small children would be ideal. Palmer is a little guy, but I wouldn't want a small child to accidentally get toppled over when Palmer gets a case of the zoomies.
He has met a few neighbors, family, and friends, and really loves people.
We also do not have cats to assess him around. On walks he sometimes perks up when he sees a bunny or squirrel, but he isn't barking or pulling to get to them.
In only a week and a half, I can't believe how much he has learned. Such a smart boy and really wants to please his people. We love him so much and will keep reporting back on the progress we are making. I don't know what the first year of his life was like, but we want to help him on this next leg of his journey to his forever home.