Breakfast Routine

Kali has become a pro at distinguishing "ok" from other words.

At this point, her meal routine is that she sits (well, she does still spin a few times) at a bit of a distance from the baby gate. Once I enter the room and make sure she's paying attention and calm, I tell her to "load up", at which point she leaps into her crate and sits facing me, eagerly anticipating her food. I place the bowl in front of her and she looks away from it, then back at me.

At that point, I say a word - anything except "ok" - and she determinedly looks away (up and to the right) while quickly licking her lips. Then she looks back at me, I say another word, same routine. Only once I say "ok" does she dive into the food bowl.

It's cute - she concentrates soooo hard and seems to be avoiding the temptation of even looking at the food until she's allowed to have it.

The Velveteen Puppy

When I met Kali, her hair was dry and brittle. Petting her was lot like rubbing dry grass. Now, though, she shines! Literally. Her coat is beautiful and her head feels like velvet.

Smiling

Happy girl!

Spa Day

Today was a spa day for Kali - mani-pedi, hair wash, and overall massage. I can't say it was her favorite thing, but she was nicely tolerant and her coat shines!

Charm School

Kali started a basic "clicker" obedience class last night. She was a rock star! While she already knew "sit" and to make eye contact with me (rather than nuzzle my hand) to ask for the food in my fist, during class she picked up "down" and learned to ask for the food in my open hand by making eye contact. Doesn't sound like much, but it's hard to not just take the treat in front of your nose, especially when you're surrounded by about 10 other dogs who (for all you know) similarly want the treat!

This week we're practicing these skills (as well as saying nonsense words before telling her it's "ok" to take the food in the outstretched hand so she learns to distinguish between words) and starting on walking nicely by being lured.

Now we're off to sit outside Ike & Jane's for a bit and practice "park & pay" (rewarding her for paying attention to me when she has a number of distractions) before she heads to daycare (click on "feisty fidos" this afternoon or tomorrow morning to watch her).

Kali's Superpower

Kali is amazing in her crate. She eagerly goes in when I ask her to, and waits patiently after I open the door until I tell her it's "ok" to come out. Most impressively, though, she's completely silent in the crate - even if I'm up and about and interacting with the other dogs for an extended period of time before I let her out.

She's a very good girl!

Leashes

When I first met her, Kali was terrified of leashes and didn't like having her collar touched. However, at this point she associates both with good things - walks, car rides or food always follow being leashed up, all of which she loves.

When she's scared, Kali "taps out" - rolls onto her back and shuts down, little tail firmly between her legs, pasted against her stomach. She looks terrified, the poor thing. It doesn't work to grab her collar and try to make her do whatever it is she needs to do because that just scares her more at that point, but if I go get her leash, she's a different dog - she flips right over onto her feet and happily goes with me.

Cuddletime with Willow

Kali's got a look like she can't believe she's getting away with cuddling with Willow in the good bed.

Etiquette

Kali has an amazing intuition with respect to other dogs. While she's unsure when stampeded by a pack of dogs (who wouldn't be), she acts appropriately, even if it takes her a few minutes to truly warm up. And 1-on-1, she shines.

She's a star at avoiding the...uncertainty...of not less-than-stable dogs. And with my friendly dog (Willow), she's charmingly enticing, drawing her into play several times each day. While it sounds ferocious when they're at it, they both end panting, happy, sated.

Car Rides

Initially Kali was skeptical of the car - I had to lift her in and be patient in convincing her to come out. Once she realized, though, that car rides were a good time to be close to me (she rides on the passenger seat floor, with her head next to my elbow) and there was (almost) always something fun on the other end, her whole attitude changed. Now she runs eagerly to her door when we go out the gate to the driveway, jumps in, rides quietly, then waits nicely on the other end until I tell her it's ok to come out. If you're looking for a companion for a road trip, Kali might be a good fit for you!

Joy!