pamperedpoodles4u.com Blog

I wanted to send you a quick update on our wonderful puppy, Geist. He is growing and progressing so fast! He has been a most excellent puppy, he walks nicely on a leash, sits for treats or his food, learned to give a ‘touch’ which is to offer a paw. He is housebroken already without a mistake in weeks. He outgrew his sleeping crate, so I just leave him loose in the bedroom at night. He will scratch at the door if he needs out, but usually makes it until 7:00 am before he gets restless and wants to start the day.
We started our Search dog training this last Saturday. I had to wait until I felt secure that his immunity was up to the task before taking him around many other dogs. He did great on his first ‘puppy run-aways’. which is how we start the new ones, whatever their age. we begin with handler runaways, which is when their owner runs off a short distance calling and playing with their toy. Another person will take the leash and gives the command to ‘find’ and let them run to their owner. These get a little longer each time, until you step out of sight behind a vehicle or other obstacle and see if the puppy is still motivated to make the find. He was very excited, and stayed motivated to find even when he couldn’t see me anymore. Soon you change to stranger run-aways with his handler back on the lead. Always fun to see how they learn the game and get their little noses switched on!
He goes with me everywhere, traveling great and waiting patiently for my return. Have even have had him to horse shows, trail rides and Hunter Paces. He is happy to visit EVERYONE while I am off the horse, and waits in the truck or trailer while I am on course. He has gone to the nursing home with me several times when I took my Therapy Dog, Buck for his visits. Geist got to come in after, and visit with some of the more dog crazy residents. He goes up to everyone with kisses and tail wags, not bothered in the least by wheelchairs or walkers.
He is getting along well with the other dogs, only getting a correction from them when he is particularly obnoxious… it is amazing how much they will put up with before they get to that point.
Before you decide that you have let go the one ‘perfect’ puppy ever….he does have his moments. Like the time I stepped out of the TV room for ‘just a moment’, only to return 2 seconds later to find him sitting on the sofa slurping down the last of my cup of tea! And he has discovered the joy of snatching a piece of horse manure, and running from the barn with me running and yelling along behind him….such fun!!
He and the parrot are still getting the hang of each other, not sure who is going to come out on top of that one, he wants to pull her tail feathers, and she wants to pinch his nose…it has been close a few times.
Thanks for a great puppy! I hope these pictures come through.
Geist in his SAR vest for the first time, and making a find at his first training session.