Hans update

I feel like I haven't updated lately on how Hans is doing - other than wearing Batman clothes.  He had another puppy play time last night and although he's still the rude, pushy puppy, he seems to be learning SOME boundaries.  The problem is that he wants to go, go, go with every puppy there and many have issues where they don't feel comfortable or safe playing like that.  Many of the puppies who attend play time come from homes with an older dog.  The older dog just lays around (my kind of dog) and the puppies never really learn how to "play."  Then they come to puppy play time and meet Hans and like "What the HELL is he doing running around all crazy like that?!"  And Hans is learning to come at them a bit more controlled.  Well, kind of learning....

Sometimes when I go to puppy play time or class I come back and feel like crap.  Usually because Hans was in trouble the whole time.  SOME nights however, I come back feeling lucky because there's always someone who's worse off.  Last night was one of those nights.

Hans is in puppy class with a female German Shepherd who is about the same size/age as he is.  She has had some food aggression issues and has quite a sharp playful bite.  On the way into class one night the puppy took hold of her owners jeans at the knee and ripped them down to the ankle.  This past weekend she bit her owners hand hard enough to break the skin, draw blood and require bandages.  Her husband said, that's it; deal breaker.  It's time for her to go back.  She doesn't want to send her back yet, so they were hoping to spend some time with the trainer last night one on one. 

Many of the other puppies aren't house trained yet either, and some are older than Hans.  At least we aren't dealing with that anymore.  It's been almost 2 months since we've had an accident in the house.  Another benefit of a bigger dog - bigger bladder. 

Other owners also complain of their dog howling and crying all night in the crate.  We did have that - but for about 2-3 nights.  Then it got dramatically better.  I guess it's a good thing we didn't cave and open the crate on those nights because otherwise we'd probably be in the same boat.  And since they don't sleep in their crate at  night, they roam the house peeing all over and tearing things to shreds or chewing on the walls.  Again, at least we don't have to deal with that. 

We did teach Hans to roll over - he's very good at it if there is a treat involved.  He loves to shake now - even with no treat, and will go down with  mere point of the finger.  We also got him to "spin" in a circle - that one was easy.  We've also been working on "wait."  He always has to "wait" for his food.  He can't approach it until I say ok.  Because of that, we've had no good aggression issues, and I'm very thankful for that.  I can put my hand right into his food bowl if I need to.  I also make it a point to change his water while he's eating so he stays comfortable with me reaching in there.  Now he has to "wait" at the top of the stairs until we say it's ok for him to come down.  He also is supposed to "wait" when it's time to get out of the car or when we go through the door.  But it's been so darn cold that it's hard to practice those ones for now.  Ultimately these "waits" are supposed to make it easier for him to greet strangers.  We need him to do this in order to get his Canine Good Citizenship award.  In fact - do you want to hear ALL he has to do for that?  It's interesting....

The Canine Good Citizenship test requires that the dog:
1. "Accept a Friendly Stranger" - the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a friendly way, shake hands with the handler and exchange pleasantries.  The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the evaluator. 

2. Sit Politely for Petting - the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler. The dog should sit at the handler's side as the evaluator approaches and begins to pet the dog on the head and body only.  The dog may stand in place to accept petting, but must not show resentment or shyness.

3.  Appearance and Grooming - This test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit a stranger, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so.  The evaluator inspects the dog, then combs or brushes the dog and lightly examines the ears and each front foot.

4.  Walking on a loose leash - This test demonstrates the handler is in control of the dog.  The dog may be on either side of the handler.  There must be a left turn, right turn and an about turn, with at least one stop in between and another at the end.

5.  Walk through a crowd - This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places.  The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least 3).  The dog may show some interest, without appearing overly exuberant, shy or resentful.  The handler may talk to the dog or praise the dog throughout the test.  The dog should not be straining at the leash.

6.  Sit and down on command/staying in place - This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler's command to sit and down, and will remain in the place commanded by the handler.  The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to make the dog sit and then down.  When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks a 20 foot line.  The dog must remain in place, but may change positions.

7.  Come when called - The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog and call the dog.  The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come.

8.  Reaction to another dog - This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs.  Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 15 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue moving.  The dogs should show no more than a casual interest in each other.

9.  Reactions to distractions - This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations, such as dropping of a large book or a jogger running in front of the dog.  The dog may express a natural interest and curiosity and/or appear slightly startled, but should not panic, try to run away or show aggressiveness or bark.

10.  Supervised Separation - This test demonstrates that the dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain its training and good manners.  Evaluators are encouraged to say something like "Would you like me to watch your dog?" and then take hold of the dog's leash.  The owner will go out of sight for 3 minutes.  The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness.

There you go - pass all 10 and you get the award.  I want to do it because basically, this is everything I want our dog to be able to DO.  Later this summer there is a class that covers and helps train one skill a week, then at the end you take the test. I feel like Hans could do #4, 6, 7 and maybe 9.  But he's a holy mess for #1, 2, 5, and 8!