It starts with the basics. Don't Mouth; Don't toilet in the house; Respect human authority. Basic commands like Sit, Down, and Here. That's what I'm working on with Hobart II. It's super strange! I switch from a full grown pup like Dembre, who knows 30 commands, can be left free in the house, and knows the rules of the house to Hobart, who is just a 8 week old baby, who learns by touch, and smell.
It takes some adjusting. Apart from continually calling Hobart by Dembre's name, I also have to remember that he knows nothing. I have nothing to go on. Not that I don't like it, but it's definitely different. For months Dembre had known most of the commands and my concern was how good he would be for turn-in. Now it's time to give Hobart some good roots that will lead to a good service dog.
It's a big jump!!! Dembre weighs 65 lbs, and isn't growing anymore. Hobart is 13 lbs. and will be shooting up like a weed. Dembre knows and loves me as his mentor and master. Hobart isn't sure what's going on!
I guess this is the life of a puppy raiser. Pick one up, drop one off and hope that your dog can change someone's life. This time around. I have some basic idea of what I'm doing and what to expect, but it's a constant challenge to not compare Hobart with Dembre!
|
Isn't he cute? |
|
Adoring eyes |
|
Hobart II |
|
Sweet little face |
|
Hobart II |
It's a big jump!!! Dembre weighs 65 lbs, and isn't growing anymore. Hobart is 13 lbs. and will be shooting up like a weed. Dembre knows and loves me as his mentor and master. Hobart isn't sure what's going on!
I guess this is the life of a puppy raiser. Pick one up, drop one off and hope that your dog can change someone's life. This time around. I have some basic idea of what I'm doing and what to expect, but it's a constant challenge to not compare Hobart with Dembre!
Just some thoughts,
~Elijah & Hobart
I understand that feeling! Sometimes I'll take Heidi out to a store or restaurant and start asking her to turn and back and then she gives me a blank look, like are you crazy, and I realize oh shoot she hasn't learned those yet! Good luck with Hobart, I'm sure you'll do a great job with him!
ReplyDeletethanks, Ashley!
ReplyDelete