Rummy's 1st Mouse

We are very proud to announce, Rummy caught his first mouse 2 nights ago. And better yet, last night, he caught his 2nd mouse. So far, he has caught 2 mice, on back to back nights.

 Rummy and his very proud catch, a mice

 

 Rummy was out taking his usual potty break in the evening, when suddenly, he came to the door with something dangling in his mouth. He was a little unsure about what our response would be, so he hovered outside. Rob was the first one to spot his catch, and he was very happy, he told Mum to grab her camera.

 

 And so we went outside, and praised Rummy and made a huge fuss over his major accomplishment. Rob gave him real treats to make him see how pleased we were with him. Bear in mind, no one taught Rummy how to catch those mice, and we have a few of them on the property, and they're wild. But he has allowed the terrier side of him to come out, and he has stayed true to his form - a ratter. Terriers were bred for ratting, amongst many other gifts that Airedales possess, but this is extraordinary, because Rummy is only 5 months old, and untrained.

 

 The poor dead mice

 

 We allowed Rummy to walk proudly with the mouse hanging off his mouth, and stayed with him, while he poked at, sniffed at, nibbled on, and chewed on his catch.

 

 Rummy's dead mice

 

 

 Gromit and I were also very surprised that Rummy did this on his own. It was pitch dark outside, how did Rummy see so well that he could catch a fast running mice? It must have been amazing to watch but no one was around to see in the dark, how he did it.

 

 

 Gromit and I come closer to Rummy to investigate that dead mice in his mouth

 

 Rummy was willing to share his dead catch with us, but we wished he would just let it go so we could have a bite at it too

 

 

 Gromit inches closer to Rummy's dead mice, and Rummy allows his best friend to sniff

 

 After a while, Rummy decided that he wanted to bury the mice and he and Gromit proceeded to dig a big hole in the plant bed. Rob and Mum yelled "No".

 

 The mice is in the yellow line. Gromit was having fun poking at it.

 

Gromit had a few bites at the dead mice, but no one ate it in the end. Rob took the mice and threw it into the trash bin. The 2nd night Rummy caught a mice again, we didn't make a big fuss anymore, but we still praised him and made him feel happy about it. He wanted to take it into the house this time, but Mum yelled "No". She didn't want a stinky mouse in the house. No way.

Hugs,

Kimi

Our New Year Weekend

Sergay and Mary-Anne came to stay.

And we decided to go take a hike together in a nearby state park.

 Gromit and I examine some strange smells at the edge of the water

 

 Happy doggies who hike together stay calm and happy.

From left, me Kimi, Gromit and Rummy

 

 It was a calm and cold day. There was hardly a soul at the park, which was nice because that meant we could go offleash. It was fun running back and forth and investigating smells and things.

 

 Gromit and I had a good time, investigating leaves and scents that were around. We followed the humans, but they were very nice to let us have time to do dog stuff, which is to sniff around and let our noses examine the world around us.

 

 Doggies catching up with the humans.

 

 Sergay follows Gromit's lead. What's there? Oh, its just a squirrel. Its a good thing it climbed quickly up the tree, Gromit really wanted to eat the squirrel, but Mum said, "Let's go" and he gave up that idea. Lucky squirrel.

 

 Gromit dashing through the woods like a happy camper. He seems so content and happy most of all when we are hiking.

 

 Rummy goes on the leash, because he didn't come when he was called, and had to have his offleash privilege taken away for a while. He walks loose leash with Rob to show he is well behaved, but my baby brother still needs to learn his off leash recall work.

 

 

 Rob and Rummy in a moment of discipline. Gromit is never far away from his best friend Rummy.

 

 Rummy on a Sit-Stay. After a while of showing he is being good, Rob lets him go offleash again.

 

 And off we go.

 

 Then we came to the water front. As we live on the peninsula, there is water all over our neighbourhood. Lots of little lakes and ponds too. We take turns dipping into the freezing water of the Puget Sound. The water was so clear and clean, we could see right into the water.

 

 Yippeee... Rummy stays on the shore because he hasn't gotten enough confidence to come into the deep water with us.

 

 Gromit and Rummy chase after me

 

 Gromit tries to lure Rummy into the water, but Rummy is still a little unsure. Its too cold, or Mum or Rob would teach Rummy how to swim and go into the water. It'll take time.

 

 After we went home, we were tired.

 

 Rummy cuddles up next to Sergay but Gromit is still game for fun. He takes the Ruffian toy which is loud and squeaky to Sergay and asks him to throw it for him. He had a lot of fun with our guests.

 

Sergay and Rummy

 

 Gromit and I sit nicely and patiently, waiting for Rob to give the release command before we dash out off for a potty break.

 

Chilling out nicely with friends over the New Year weekend was very nice indeed. Bliss...

Hugs,

Kimi

Bone Sharing

We share bones like good doggies.

Gromit on the left, Rummy in the center and I'm on the right.

Mum sets down the blanket in the hall, and we all chill down, relax and chew on a beef rib each. We all have our share, so we don't fight. Mum won't tolerate any food possession, so we learn to eat in each others' presence and be calm.

This is a great test for Gromit and he has come so far with his re-training. No more food possession or food aggression. We are all very proud of him. Good job Gromit.

Hugs,

Kimi

New Years Eve (2009)

I'm very sorry, we have outdated blog entries, but we've been mighty busy. My human and I can't believe it is already 2010. Wow!! This year Nov, I turn 5. How time flies.

Happy New Year to Everybody... We hope this year brings you better fortune, good health, peace and may all your good wishes come true.

 My brother Rummy lays close to Gromit's side, even though he is on the treadmill.

Rummy and Gromit are inseparable. They are very very close. I must add that Rummy is closer to Gromit than he is with me. I'm not jealous, I think its great that my baby brother has a buddy he loves so much. When Gromit goes home, Rummy is going to be very bummed.

 

 When we came out to the living room, guess what we found? A heap of cotton wool, disemboweled from a soft toy. Must be Gromit who did it.

 

 Yes, see the guilty party with a happy grin on his face.

 

 Rob and Rummy help clean up the mess while Gromit looks on.

Gromit didn't get into any trouble, because he wasn't caught in the act. Besides, he seems to have learned in our house that only food should be swallowed. Gromit had many issues with eating everything he saw. He has had US$5000 worth of medical surgeries done on him because he used to eat all kinds of stuff, that isn't food!!

 

 From left, me Kimi, my baby brother Rummy and Gromit

 

 Gromit

 

 

 As I've mentioned before, Gromit and Rummy are tight like peas and carrots. They love to lean on each other, cuddle and stay close to one another. Wherever one goes, the other is not far behind.

 

 Rummy and Gromit taking a nap

 

 How many dogs are in this picture?

3 Airedales in a pile

 

 Rummy play dominates Gromit, and Gromit loves it.

 

 I get into the action as well, and we do a 3 way bitey face. FUN

 

 Gromit play bows to Rummy, and says "Let's play"

 

Who's got the toy? Is it a game of tag?

In our house, the Christmas tree comes down on the 12th day of Christmas. And by the time you see this post, the tree has already come down. We were good with the tree, didn't chew it or pee on it at all.

Hugs,

Kimi

Walking on a Loose Leash Techniques

Posted by Sheila Wagner (Kimi and Rummy's Human)

Dear friends,

A few of you have expressed interest on how I've managed to train Gromit to walk on a loose leash. As a matter of fact, I've had to train Kimi 4 years ago to walk nicely on a loose leash, I've had to train Rummy now as he is growing up and any other dog who comes to stay at our house. I realize it is an ongoing process everyday, even with Kimi who is so proper on the walk.

The training technique I use for loose leash walking is 2 fold.

1. I use a prong collar which doesn't do anything to the dog when it is on loose leash, but if a dog moves forward or pulls, the pulling action causes the collar to tighten its grip around the neck, like a mother dog's bite on a puppy's neck when being disciplined. The pressure is divided all along the length of the collar instead of pinching in one spot. The moment the dog slacks and moves back, the grip of the collar on the neck loosens correspondingly. I refer to the prong collar as power steering in a dog. It looks medieval, but it serves its function well and is possibly the most humane effective dog walking training tool. It trains the dog to realize that if he walks at my pace, and slackens the leash, he doesn't feel disciplined, but if he pulls harder, the grip gets harder. I use the prong collar only when training to walk nicely. The moment the dog successfully learns to walk consistently on a loose leash, the prong collar can be put aside and the regular flat leather collar can be used. 
   
2.  Timing is essential, learning when to correct (make a snap on the leash and collar and release) and when to slacken the leash totally is important. The walk starts inside the house, at the door when the leash is being put on the dog. I do not put on the collars and leash until the dogs are 100% in a calm submissive state, on a "Sit" or a "Down". I make them wait, sometimes 10 secs, sometimes up till a minute or more. They do not step out of the door before the human. And when outside, they tend to jump up jubilantly and happily, and I allow their expression of joy for a few moments, while we walk to the property gate. Same thing at the gate, they do not get to step out until they are 100% calm and good. I begin the walk by giving the command "Walk" in a very clear obvious manner. There will be no doubt  from my serious tone of voice that we are on a structured walk. The dogs get it and then we walk side by side. They are allowed to walk side by side or slightly behind. 
3. When they start walking ahead (their shoulder going pass my foot), or at a faster pace than I am comfortable, I will repeat the command "Walk" and if they do not slow down, I will correct them before they get a chance to pull tight on the leash and collar. This is to help them understand that to "Walk" is a command and this is a structured exercise, not a free for all. And if they do not respond accordingly, there is a consequence of a correction. After a good correction, I will repeat again "Walk" while they are walking nicely by my side, so they learn to associate, "Walk" means walk by human's side at the human's speed. Normally, I do not give verbal praise when on a walk, because the walk itself is the reward for the dog. To be given the honor of being in my pack, is the reward too. To be in my favor is the dog's reward as well. Giving the dog my quiet approval is good enough. The reason I do not give verbal praise exuberantly is because I do not want to excite the dogs into an excited state of mind, which would trigger pulling, fast motion, or jumping up and down - actions which I am actively trying to discourage while on a structured walk.
4. Finally, there is a need to allow the dogs to "walk at their leisure". While on a structured walk, they are not allowed to sniff around, pee, or stop for any reason. They have to be on a walk at my pace. They start and stop at my command. When I am satisfied with their walk, occasionally, I will release them from the command while I still hold on to their leashes, I say "Free" and they can walk ahead of me, or to the side or behind, as long as there is no pulling tightly involved. After they are done peeing, pooping, or sniffing, and just walking however they want, I will return them to the structured walk exercise and say "Walk" and the structured walk resumes. 

For the first few times, practicing the structured walk, be prepared to be patient and keep on correcting and slacking your leash when you need to. When the dogs are walking nicely by your side, be very conscious always on how you are touching your leash. If they are walking nicely, loosen your leash up to a foot long or half a metre, so that the neck is close to your hand while it is relaxed. Don't hold on to the leash too tightly while walking. Your energy is transmitted to the leash. Just relax and have the mindset that the whole world belongs to you, the entire road belongs to you, the dogs belong to you, and all is well. The positive calm energy is transmitted to the dogs through the leash, and they in return will relax and walk nicely. 

If they pull so tightly that it is uncomfortable for you to hold the leash, or if it is just impossible to move forward, just stop in that position. Breathe, and correct the dog, while snapping the collar to the left or right side of the dog, not pull the leash backwards. Correcting using the sideways approach puts the dog off balance for that split second and forces the dog to gain equilibrium and thus snaps it out of the bad behavior in that instant, giving you the upper hand to control again. Wait until you've gained 100% calm submissive energy from a dog, before you even move one step from that position. If you move forward while the dog is still acting up, you will have to keep struggling with the pulling. You've got to regain the focus for both you and the dog that the walk is a structured exercise and not a free for all. 

It is possible for me, I am a petite Asian woman, weighing about 55kg, or 120lbs, to walk 3 Airedales. If I can do it, anybody can too. The trick here I think is mind control. I make believe that I own the world, and the road, and therefore I am in control of everything, and the dogs just have to deal with being content, walking with me. They seem very blissful and happy.

My neighbour has an emu in her yard. Yes, a full grown emu. The dogs still act up when we pass her property and the curious emu loves to walk alongside the fence, watching the dogs, and you can imagine how my dogs bark and act up. The momentum of the walk is always broken here, and my current challenge is to make them walk nicely in spite of the curious emu. Stay tuned to see how we're coping. 

Sheila

Gromit walking on a Loose Leash

The walk is paramount in helping to create the pack bond. We learn from a young age to walk nicely with Mum, it is acceptable to walk by her side or slightly behind her, but not out ahead of her. Unless we are "freed" to walk anyway we like, we have to walk nicely by her side. 

 

Gromit has learned to walk without pulling on the leash. He is also learning to walk with 2 other dogs and to walk nicely in order. He is a very strong dog and if he decides to pull, it can be very treacherous for Mum, but now that he is trained to walk nicely, he will be a pleasure to walk with.

Hopefully Gromit's pack will benefit from all the training we've done and hopefully, they will enforce the rules of the pack too, so that Gromit will be a well balanced dog.

Hugs,

Kimi

Snowshoeing in the SNOW

 Airedales like us are natural in the snow. I just love the snow. Rummy chased me up and down the hill when we went snowshoeing.

 

 Gromit does the playbow in the snow, initiating more chase games with Rummy. This was Rummy's first time snowshoeing, and I think he just loved it. He covered himself in snow, and never showed any fear when he sunk into the deep snow. He just popped his head out and off he went, hopping like a snow bunny.

 

 Kimi (in blue), Gromit (in orange) and Rummy (in yellow)

 

 Rummy and I

Our facial furnishings were totally crusted with snow and it was fun.

 

 

 Gromit

 

 The hike trail wasn't too steep, but the hills we were hiking on were steep going uphill and downhill from us. It didn't stop us from going off trail and frolicking in the snow when we had a chance.

 

 Gromit kisses me and we put our noses together

 

 Playing bitey face in the snow is fun too, because even if we tumble and fall, it doesn't hurt.

 

 Gromit chews on my neck and Rummy does a full body slam on me. Two against one isn't fair...

 

 Hiking behind the pack leader

 

 Mum Sheila and us

 

 Rob gives affection to Gromit because he came when he was called. He stayed close to the pack while we hiked offleash, and showed very good behavior even though he was offleash and formally untrained. Because he is being 'reset' at our home, teaching Gromit to hike nicely with the pack was paramount in inculcating pack mentality. A pack that hikes together, stays together. It enforces the bond and trust within our pack.

 

 Airedales playing in the snow

 

 Rummy sitting on the hill off to the high side of the snow trail.

 

 Gromit says "Hey guys, why are you taking your own sweet time, Rob and I are waiting"

 

 Hiking nicely behind the other pack leader in an orderly fashion

 

 

 "Hey Rummy, what have you found?" Gromit and Kimi look on.

Rummy is closer to his terrier roots than I am. He loves to dig around and bury his head into the ground. Here he seems to have found a scent, he dug himself quite deep into the snow, till his whole head and shoulders could fit in it.

 

 Hiking uphill toward some icy waterfalls. It was so beautiful. The icicles flowed down and we could hear the trickle of water.

 

 Kimi looks at Gromit who has just covered his snout with snow.

 

 Kimi watches over baby brother Rummy

 

 Yay... this is so fun!! White stuff called snow.

 

 Hiking downhill

 

 

 And then hiking uphill

 

 

 Gromit

 

 

 

 Kimi

 

 

 Snow covered muzzle

 

 Rummy Cubs

 

Let's do this again soon. We love the snow...

Hugs,

Kimi

Sleepy Time

At night, Gromit loves to sleep in his crate with us in the room. He is an indoor dog, just like us. We Airedales are meant to be indoor dogs, we love to be with our humans. We love to be involved in all the human activities too.

 

 Rummy goes into Gromit's big crate space and tries to cuddle with him in the tight space. Like I said, Rummy and Gromit are now chums. Real buddies. Gromit doesn't mind sharing his space with Rummy.

 

For Gromit to sleep in the room with us also helps to assimilate him into our pack faster and more efficiently. That way, he will learn our routines, body rhythm, and rules and expectations much faster, and be a better adjusted dog faster. He wouldn't feel left out, or cry in the night because he is stressed out. He can hear us shuffle in bed, hear us snore and make sleepy sounds. He doesn't seem to miss his humans or his other canine pack member Tucker in the least bit. He loves to stay with us. I think Gromit feels very fulfilled in our pack. We love having Gromit as a guest. He is so much fun.

Hugs,

Kimi

Learning Table Manners

 From left, Gromit, Rummy and Kimi

All waiting for the release command to eat.

 

 We all learn to eat close to each other.

 

 Gromit chomping down on a large pork rib bone with meat.

He uses his molars to chomp the pieces into smaller pieces easier to swallow. The meat goes from his left jaw to the right and back, until the piece gets smaller and smaller.

 

 Gromit learns to eat while Rummy comes very close to him, and he doesn't show any signs of food possession or aggression. He is polite and compliant in spite of Rummy being so close to his own food bowl. This could be also because Rummy and him are now chums.

 

 Gromit tolerates it, as Rummy goes through his food bowl. Learning to share by eating out of each other's bowls helps reinforce good pack behavior.

 

Bowl swapping

Hugs,

Kimi

Gromit Learns the Door Manners

Most dogs rush to the doors, and then rush outside, without any manners. At our house, there are many rules to follow, and some of the rules are incorporated at the door, upon entry and exit. These are very important too, in helping to establish pack hierarchy, to teach doggie manners, and instill self control.

This is because, alpha dogs most often go ahead first, they also control tight spaces, and have the right of way. They control the movements of subordinate dogs as well, through the use of body language, eye contact and energy.

 

 Kimi, Gromit and Rummy.

We wait at the door, while Mum or Rob gives the "Free" command, meaning it is now ok, to go out. We are either to stand, sit or down, while we wait to go outside. Upon entering, we also always wait till the humans have gone inside, before we go in. We are not allowed to push past the humans to rush in.

 

 Kimi looks back for assurance

 

Kimi the beloved.

Hugs,

Kimi

Gromit on the Treadmill

 Rummy lays by my side, giving me support while I show Gromit how it is done.

 

 Gromit lays down at Mum's feet, taking it in.

Getting our exercise on the treadmill is paramount and advantageous in many ways. It allows us canines to spend our excess energy, and being Airedales, we have a lot of it. Going on the treadmill forces us to use our mental capacities to focus our energy on a given task, we have to train our minds to focus on the repetition of our steps, we listen to our breathing, and go with the flow of our steps and movements. It is very relaxing to do this, either at a slow walk (1 mile per hour) or a slow trot (3 miles per hour).

 

 After 3 days of getting accustomed to the sound and sensation of the treadmill, and after seeing Rummy and I get on it to have fun, Gromit now can go on the treadmill on his own, stay there, and learn to walk on the treadmill.

 

 In the beginning, Gromit couldn't coordinate his front legs and back legs at the same time. Too much was going on for him, so Mum had to carry his back legs up, so that he could just walk with his two front legs.

 

 Later on, mum held on to support his belly, while his back legs started walking slowly, just lightly touching the belt at first, and then finally putting his back feet down. The rhythm of the walk was coming back to him. Of course, walking is a natural movement for us dogs, so walking on the treadmill wasn't as difficult as Gromit imagined it to be, and with the passing tries, he gained more confidence and got better and better.

 

Finally, Mum no longer needed to carry him or support his belly up. However, she still needed to support his butt so that he wouldn't slide off the belt. She stayed there, touching his butt, but also giving him words of encouragement as Gromit walked slowly. Soon afterward, Mum was able to step off the treadmill, and just stand at the side of the treadmill for Gromit to walk entirely on his own.

It took Gromit only 3 days to master the walk on the treadmill, through small little increments of sessions on the treadmill. From not wanting to even be on the treadmill, to putting his front legs as brakes and refusing to move, to barely walking and now walking independently, Gromit has come a long way, in a very short time. He likes going on the treadmill now. What an amazing transformation.

Hugs,

Kimi

Yard Playtime

The Orange Chuck it ball is one of the all time favorite ball games for Chuck it and tag games. Whoever gets the ball gets to be chased by the others. Rummy and I love to play it but Gromit is still learning how to play this game. He doesn't seem to play Catch either, but with our guidance, he is slowly learning the game of tag.

 

I've got the ball, and Gromit is stalking slowly us, trying to figure out what this game is about. 

 

Gromit says "hey guys, wait for me, I don't know how to play this game".

 

 Ha, finally Gromit gets the ball in his mouth and he's running. Rummy and I give chase and I think he finally gets what Tag is all about.

 

 Rummy's turn to have the ball. It is still a wee bit big for his mouth, but that doesn't deter my little brother.

 

 Let's jump up on each other and play rough.. yay

 

 Rummy is half the size of Gromit, but he shows no fear. He bares his teeth and instigates a rough game of bitey face. Gromit plays along nicely. He tries his best at bite inhibition and is good at it. Rummy bites his tail and doesn't let go, he chews on Gromit's ear, his muzzle, his neck and all over. He is one ferocious little player. He is game for anyone who is brave enough to play back.

 

 After a while, Rummy goes to play "Dig" at the dedicated dig site. There is a big hole in the ground where the humans dig to get earth for planting, so the dogs get to dig here too. Rummy loves to dig, and stay true to his terrier roots. I on the other hand, don't really like getting my paws that dirty with earth.

 

 Gromit follows Rummy into the dig site and tries to get into the spirit of digging.

 

 "Hi Everyone, I'm Gromit, I'm a year old Airedale, staying here at Sheila's ReBoot Camp".

 

 Gromit getting sick of the dig site and venturing off

 

 High speed chase

 

 Gromit

 

 Kimi teaching Gromit "Keep Away" with the chuck it ball

 

 Rummy and Gromit at the gate

 

Airedale heaven

Hugs,

Kimi

Training the "Watch" command

 Mum sits with the 3 of us, with endless hotdogs shredded into tiny pieces as reward.

 

She tells Gromit to "Watch", but she doesn't attempt to hide the treat from him. She waits till he figures out how to get the treat. By looking at mum in her eyes, she says "Free" and he gets the treat reward. The more we practice, the faster he gets at doing the "Watch", responding quicker and getting the treat faster too.

Mum takes the opportunity to train all of us together, because I already know these commands, and Rummy has also learned all these commands. The fact that Rummy and I are learning together aids Gromit in learning it faster too because he is watching us set the example. He learns by watching us. He is such a smart Airedale. Gromit has also learned the "Leave it" very well. He won't touch a treat right in front of him, unless he has been "Freed". Such a good dog he is.

Hugs,

Kimi

Sharing Bones Together

 Rummy has the knuckle bone, and Gromit wants it. He play bows to Rummy to try to get it. "Hey Rummy, please share the bone with me" says Gromit.

 

 After a day of play, bitey face, chase, and running on the treadmill, the boys knock out at the dedicated canine couch. Gromit and Kimi take the top, and there's no more space for Rummy.

 

 Gromit surrenders in play to Kimi, the more alpha of the 3 boys. He bares his belly and shares a smile, being totally vulnerable and trusting. Gromit says, "I'm just a puppy Kimi, I'm not a threat, I may be taller than you, but I surrender to you".

 

 The boys strewn all the toys around the living room, and the best pals return to each other, taking turns gnawing at the same yucky knuckle bone.

 

 Rummy watches and waits for Gromit to get tired of the bone, and he keeps a close eye on the bone. He can't coerce Gromit to surrender the bone because he is younger and smaller, so he waits there patiently till Gromit gives it up eventually.

 

 Still waiting.....

 

 And more waiting...   Gromit is doing very well, to tolerate another dog being so close to him when there is such a prized bone to chew on.

 

"Mum, will I ever get my turn?" Rummy wants the bone so badly. Good things come to those who wait. It is amazing to watch how close their noses can get together, while they wait for each other to tire of the bone. Only a few inches apart, sharing each other's breath, and the scent of the bone.

Hugs,

Kimi

The Feeding Ritual

 At our home, the Feeding Ritual is very important. Mum uses the Feeding Ritual to teach dog manners, to wait, to surrender, to practice self-control, to show deference to the alphas, and to focus on the alpha, while staying in a calm submissive energy. We are fed twice, once at lunch and once at dinner.

 

 Gromit and Rummy practice the "Watch" while Rob handfeeds the dogs, one piece by one piece, both Rummy and Gromit taking turns at doing commands.

 

 Some pieces are first hand fed, and then after the training is over, the dogs are allowed to eat freely. Gromit comes forward to see Rummy being hand fed.

 

 Gromit practices the "Watch" command without flinching. He looks into Rob's eyes until he is "freed". He is doing so well, being so patient waiting for his turn.

 

 Rummy, Kimi and Gromit learn to eat at the same time, in the same location, in close proximity. This forces them to learn how to eat together, because eating together aids pack cohesion and communal activity. It also helps to discourage food possession or food aggression. Such bad behavior is just not acceptable in our pack. If anyone growls or shows teeth, he gets corrected with a touch to the shoulder or neck immediately.

 

 The dogs share food together, swapping bowls around, so no one eats out from one bowl alone.

 

 Gromit learns to share his food with Rummy. This is remarkable for Gromit because he used to have an issue with food. He would gulp his food without chewing and cause himself to choke. He would snarl, curl his gums and show teeth if anyone or any dog went too close to his food.

 

Everyone swaps bowls at the same meal. Taking turns to investigate what each other eats and finish whatever the other dog has left there.

So far, Gromit has been doing very well at the feeding ritual. His human will be so proud of him.

Hugs,

Kimi

Gromit Comes to Stay

 Gromit is going to stay with us for almost 3 weeks. Rummy and I are both extremely happy he is here, but we have different reasons. I am happy because that means I get a break from Rummy, and Gromit is a good distraction for him. Rummy is happy because he gets a new bitey face pal and he can rough house with Gromit and they get along well and play superbly together.

 

 Rummy and Gromit baring teeth, jumping on shoulders, play biting, playing dominance games with one another. Gromit is 1 and Rummy just turned 5 months, so they are closer in age. That may explain why they have such explosive energy for each other.

 

 Play bowing and showing growly teeth at the same time means "I mean no harm, we're just playing"

 

 More obvious play bowing accompanied by growling and baring of teeth going on here....

 

Ok, laying down and playing bitey face gives us both a time out and yet we're still playing rough.. cool

 

 Rummy jumps on and pounces on Gromit. Gromit loves it.

 

 Rummy displays his ferocious set of teeth

 

 Gromit jumps back and Rummy is in hot pursuit. This can go on for hours with Airedales...

 

Everyone on a down. Gromit is on the leash indoors because he needs to be 'reset' and relearn all the human rules and boundaries. He needs to gain our trust, and build a bond with the alpha (Mum) and do everything expected before he gains his indoor freedom.

The next morning, the usual routine goes on, and Gromit must learn how to go on the treadmill just like every does.

 

 Gromit watches as Kimi shows him how it is done.

 

 Hi Gromit, you look relaxed and happy. You're going to be next on the treadmill.

 

 Gromit needs a bit more time to watch. He munches on a knuckle bone as I trod on. If he sees, hears and senses that the energy in the room remains the same while the loud machine is on, he will associate that this is normal behavior, and is what is expected.

 

In the afternoon, Gromit learns to step on and step off the treadmill while it stays turned off. On and Off, On and Off, he is getting used to the sensation of the belt under his paws, and the feeling of getting on this machine. He is a big boy, Mum will have a much harder time teaching him how to do it.

Stay tuned for Gromit's "Re-boot" experience at our house.

Hugs,

Kimi

Winter Wonderland

 When winter comes along, the Pacific Northwest is transformed into a winter wonderland. The mountains have fresh snow toppings, and sometimes, if we're lucky, we even have snow right down at sea level where we live. But if we want snow, we need to go up into the wilderness to romp in it.

 

 The South end of Lake Wenatchee, one of the most beautiful scenic routes for snowshoeing

The mist was coming off the lake and it was so quiet and serene

 

 Unfortunately, we didn't get enough snow to snowshoe but it was still Rummy's first time ever seeing snow. The daytime temperature was 12 deg Farenheit (-11 deg Cel), it was so cold, the water on the lake formed ice shelves on the edge.

 

 Mum was getting us ready to pose for some Christmas card photos, so we had to put on some ridiculous Christmas hats. What do you think? Silly huh?

 

Rummy was the dedicated Santa elf so he had this funny elf hat with ears on

 

 The logs were covered in snow, the surfaces were all covered with snow and frost, it was really cool.

 

 

 Me jumping over my brother on the log by the lake

 

 Walking on a log covered with snow and frost

 

 Hi Mum, this is so fun! Its my first snow

 

Rummy taking a sip from the lake

 

 

 

 

 

 Can I give you a kiss big brother Kimi?

 

 Ergggghhghhghg.... I'm going to pull on your foo foo collar

 

 

 Rummy walking on an ice shelf by the edge of the lake, and Mum is yelling, stay close.

 

 Following in big brother Kimi's steps

 

 Running on ice again

 

 Walking off leash with the pack through the woods. There wasn't enough snow to snow shoe but it was a nice hike, nonetheless

 

 Let's play bitey face

 

 Kimi says "come get me if you can"

 

 

 Sharing on a stick and chewing it together like loving brothers

 

 Rummy wants to pose for the cover of GQ magazine

After our hike, we went to Leavenworth, which is a town in the middle of the cascades mountain range. It looks like a fairy tale German town, but we all know it really isn't German. Its just made to look and feel German. The Christmas light were up and there was music in the air. It was so pretty and lovely. But oh, it was cold. I still had my jacket on because I'm in the process of being stripped, oh I most definitely still needed it, because it was still so cold.

 

 Rummy got to meet new children again, and wherever he goes, he seems to attract these mini humans and they give him so much love and attention. They are also helping to socialize him so that's a good thing.

 

Rummy

Hugs,

Kimi

Treadmill Training

The time has come for Rummy to learn how to exercise on the treadmill. At my previous house, I had a treadmill too, but after we moved, I've not used one since the new house didn't have a treadmill. But the winters here in WA means that sometimes, it is really horrendous to spend time outside. And for us Airedales, we still need to have the avenue to exert all the energy and exercise. Fortunately, there is this thing called the Craig's List in the human world, and Mum managed to find a good one at a cheap price. She bought it, put it in her study, and then we did our best to teach Rummy how to use it.  

 These are the steps to introducing an Airedale to a treadmill.

1. Keep a positive mindset and a calm happy attitude
2. Introduce the treadmill to Rummy with calmness, but with no excited energy, or fuss
3. Allow Rummy to sniff at, look at, feel, taste, and climb on the treadmill
4. Get Rummy to associate the treadmill with good things, so we put treats on the treadmill so he would eat it
5. Give a command "Climb" and prompt him to get on the treadmill. Treat him and reward
6. Give a release command "Free" and allow him to step off and then reward
   
7. Repeat many times
8. Once Rummy is accustomed to the treadmill, the next step is to show by example
9. Get Kimi to show Rummy how it is done. Kimi "climbs" onto treadmill, and I use my enthusiastic voice and start my sequence, "Are you ready? Ok, let's go". Turn on treadmill and Kimi loves it.
10. Allow Rummy to watch
11. Release Kimi, treat Kimi, praise Kimi
12. Give "climb" command to Rummy and leash him to the treadmill, so he doesn't get off
13. Do the start sequence and encourage Rummy, if necessary (normally the first time is a must) allow the leash to tighten and for him to slide off the end, but the moment he slides, encourage him to run forward, "Come on, Let's go". By now,  Rummy also understands "let's go" means move forward
14. He will whine, cry, fight, struggle, make a protest, acknowledge the unwanted behavior but keep encouraging him to move forward, "Let's go, this is fun". Tie the leash loosely to the treadmill
15. Stand close to him near the front of the treadmill whenever Rummy is on it for the first few times
16. Start with 10 min, praise "Good boy" when he is doing it well
17. Release with a "free" command after 10 min, treat him, and immediately take him out to pee or poop.  Exercise seems to trigger bowel movements so allow him to relieve himself and then resume treadmill exercise if you wish.
    

During the early phase of introducing Rummy to treadmill.

Allowing him to associate the treadmill with good things, such as treats.

 Kimi watches over Rummy

 

 Rummy says, "I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do, but this seems fun"

 

 Calm energy associated with the treadmill

 

 Rummy chills on the treadmill

 

 When will we start playing on the treadmill Mum?

 

 Mum teaches Rummy by leashing him to the treadmill for a start

 

 I show my brother by example. I'm so good at the treadmill that I don't even need a leash. I love it up on the treadmill.

 

Rummy watches Kimi set the example

 

 It is easier to train Rummy to love the treadmill because Kimi already loves it

 

I'm watching you big brother... so this is how it is done

 

Rummy's brain is working in overdrive, figuring out how his brother is moving but not really going anywhere. He sees Kimi's calm happy energy on the treadmill, and knows this must be fun because Kimi gets on the treadmill looking at Mum, waiting for her to turn it on. 

 

"Yes Mum, I know it will be fun, I'm a little apprehensive, but I will try it for fun."

By now, Rummy can go on the treadmill without the leash, but we still leash him in just in case he decides to jump off, when he does, we correct him with "No, that's bad, climb" and get him back on track. He can only get off the treadmill when we release him, because he was on a 'climb' command.

Hugs,

Kimi