May 12, 2010

To Whom It May Concern,

This letter is to confirm the “Colby” Navarro attended and completed a 7 week puppy kindergarten class offered at AJ’s Doghouse in Coquitlam, instructed by myself Todd Kier owner/operator of Kier Dog Training & Consulting and Canine Assistance No Boundaries.

Should you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Todd Kier

www.k9assistance.com

Barkadiem!!

Ph: 604 945 9428

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

May 6th, 2010

Hi Sabine,

I hope this e-mail finds you well and in good spirits! I can’t believe time is flying by and Colby’s growing so quickly. He’s healthy and received his 3^rd set of vaccinations the beginning of last month. His fecal exam also came back negative, so no dewormer. Last weekend, he completed his puppy kindergarten classes with Todd. Erwin has requested a certificate of completion, which we will forward a copy of once received. Unfortunately, I was only able to attend 1 of the 7 classes (as I have school on Saturdays), but Erwin attended kindergarten with Colby, and here’s what Erwin had to say:

“I'm proud to say that Colby has completed puppy kindergarten! As the weeks went by with training, I have seen a big difference in regards to behaviour and discipline with Colby. In class we learned many skills. What I like about most is that he recognizes his name and responds to his name when called.

In class we learned “Focus” where he will look at you and make eye contact. He will sit when you say “Sit” and he will down when you say “Down”. Todd showed us how to handle Colby and do daily inspections of his fur, skin, eyes, ears, teeth, and all body rub to ensure his health and well being. He has also given us advice about walking and barking. We’ve practiced basic commands like sit, come, shake, let’s go (for walking), leave it, turn, break, off, and stay (which is a little difficult). As weeks went by from the first day we got him up until now I would say he is gaining confidence in each of us at home and beginning to submit and warm up to us.”

As Todd taught us, we’re still working on strengthening our “mental leash” with Colby, and continue to practice with training.

Colby has been great in his crate and doesn’t whine when it’s time to go to sleep (he usually gets a quick play time before bed). He rarely wakes up in the middle of the night. In fact, in the past two weeks, he’s been consistently sleeping until about 6:00am straight without having to potty. Currently when he wants to either pooh or peeh he’ll sit in front of any family member and guide them to the door and then do his business outside, although there still are a few accidents when he gets too excited. We’re giving him more opportunity to potty by letting him out more frequently. Potty training has been difficult for Colby but this is an area where he has made great strides. He’s also used to peehing on different surfaces (ie. grass, pavement, towel/mat).

Every day, we take Colby out for a walk around our neighbourhood, around the park, or play fetch with him at the local dog park (off leash). He’s very good at walking on a leash (loosely), with no pulling. While playing fetch, he’ll run after the ball and return it back to us only for a few times then he’ll get bored of it and move on to sniffing the ground and running around doing laps. He gets a lot of attention when he’s out and about, people just love petting him and he’s very good around people, and we continue to expose him to a variety of environments (kids riding their bikes, roller-bladers, ambulances, walking on a busy sidewalk, etc.).

As far as eating, Colby eats twice a day and is fed only when he’s settled down. When Colby performs a “sit” and will “focus and make eye contact, I’ll make a break sign (like breaking a stick in half) then he’ll eat his food. It’s entertaining when done in front of others! Hahaha. Although Colby is good in general, he seems to know when it’s dinner time or breakfast. Prior to feeding him he’ll begin to bark. Or sometimes when he wants attention, but we’re firm in telling him to stop barking and try to engage him in other activities, like playing. If the phone rings, the doorbell is rung, or even if other dogs are around, he’s been very good and doesn’t bark.

Recently, we’ve noticed a few of his teeth have fallen out (which we’ve kept), and his top front row teeth has come in already, so has his bottom ones. I was just looking at photos of him when we first got him and he has grown taller and longer. His coat is also changing, so we’re continuing to brush him to bring out his hair. Now that the weather is getting warmer, he likes being outside, especially when he’s occupied with a raw bone. As he’s growing, more of his personality is showing. He’s very affectionate, and loves giving wet kisses in the morning to get you to play with him. He likes getting his belly rubbed at night, and he knows who to go to, to get something. For instance, he loves playing catch with my dad so he always brings the ball to him. He likes being around people but is also content playing by himself. He’s already outgrown most of his “soft” toys (noses have come off, faces of penguins have been distorted). His senses, especially smell and hearing are very sharp. He knows when someone’s coming home and is ready to greet us with his big warm smile. He’s also inquisitive, and because he’s taller, can reach things on the kitchen counter, like dish towels. He definitely keeps us on our toes.

I’m currently looking for a place where Colby can board in the beginning of June while the family is away on vacation....
I’ve been looking into several doggy daycare centres but I’m kind of uneasy about that idea. Also, most require the dogs be neutered and have their rabies shot, both of which Colby has neither, and most of all, I don’t know how Colby will adjust at the daycare or the level of care that will be provided. Because you’ve taken such great care of him his first two months, and there’s no one else I would trust most in caring for Colby, I was wondering if you would be available to take him in early next month (June 2^nd – June 13^th ) for boarding. I saw on your website that Daisy recently stayed with you and your family and Magnum, Dushcka, and Ayla, and she looked so happy. If it’s not possible, is there any place/daycare you can perhaps suggest or recommend for us?

Okay, this e-mail is getting super long and your eyes are probably getting all googly reading this. Anyway, I hope you and your family are well!!

Hope to talk to you soon,

Irene, Erwin & Colby

_______________________________________________________________________________________

March 4th, 2010

Hi Sabine,

Erwin, Colby and I met with Todd on the weekend, and we learned a lot from him!!! He suggested to keep instructions simple and successful. We practiced basic commands like leave it, sit, down, focus, bang, swirl, paw and break. Erwin and I left feeling confident and Todd really laid the foundation for training Colby. We're looking forward to joining his class in a few weeks, and he even said he'll test us on some of the theory he taught. :)

Colby received his second set of vaccinations yesterday, as well as the Bordatella shot and De-wormer. We brought in a fecal sample and the doctor issued Drontal Plus. He was a good boy but cried a little.

I've attached a couple of pics I took of Colby yesterday. He's sooo adorable!!!!

I also read the e-mail about Zero, what a good looking Sammie!!! Thanks for always keeping us posted on the family :)

How are Ayla, Magnum and Duschka doing? Hope everyone's good and all is well with everyone!!!

Colby sends you guys his wet kisses!!!!

Love,
Irene
 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Feb. 23th, 2010

Hi Sabine,

........Colby's doing good. He's very good in the crate (doesn't wet the bed) and stays quiet everytime I hit the snooze button on the alarm clock. :) Looks like we're going for a walk in the rain tonight. :( ...........

Hugs,
Irene

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Feb. 13th, 2010

Hi Sabine,

Sorry for the delay in the update. Colby's napping so I finally have some time to upload pictures (I don't know how you did it with 7! Bless you!!). I was a little worried in the car ride home because he started to cry/whine, he definitely misses you guys! Having treats handy was a great idea. Once we were home, he adjusted a little better. He slept through most of the Opening Ceremonies, and napped a total of 3 hours, gosh do they sleep alot, but they're growing :). Before bedtime, at around ~11pm, I started playing with him near the crate by leaving some of his toys in there, but he would pick them up and run straight back out. He fell asleep shortly after and I put him in the crate, with one toy (the one that smells like his family). He had a very good sleep. He woke up once at ~3am, but not to go to the bathroom. I stood oustide for about 10 minutes and he would sit quietly by my feet (like he didn't have to go). I got the impression he didn't understand why we were standing outside in the middle of the night. I put him on a leash so he wouldn't run around the backyard to play. But once he's in the house, he'll peeh, and I'll run him outside again, but by then he's already done and ends up playing. Any suggestions to get him to "go" outside. How long should I be waiting?

Ttyl,
Irene
 

Suggestion: In general keep in mind, to keep the “pee-session” in the middle of the night as short and boring as possible. If your puppy starts to play, put it on the leash and run a little bit with it, since running can ”speed up” going to the washroom. As soon as your puppy went to the washroom, bring it back into the house and in the crate! The whole nightly “washroom-thing” should not be longer than 5 min. Your goal is that your puppy learns to sleep through the night, and will not wake up on purpose in the middle of the night to have some additional fun and playtime. ;-)