"BIRTHDAY BOY"

Today Patriot turns 5 months old and weighs in at 48 lbs. He's out grown his puppy coat and is now in his big boy coat.


Patriot at 5 months



What a difference three months makes



Patriot at 2 months



Patriot at 5 months



What a sweet boy he is.....except for obedience classes, there he does his Dr. Jekyll impersonations.  We haven't figured that one out just yet!  Probably a combination of things, his age, too many distractions and he gets tired  and  then cranky with me yanking his leash and telling him "NO".  We get in the car to go home and he's back to his sweet self....hmmm

Patriot's class toured the Port Orange, Florida Fire Dept., Fireman Pete did an exceptional job with the dogs!



Patriot & Fireman Pete



Patriot's class at Port Orange Fire Dept





Practicing commands









We have experienced a turning point in our walks, the're much more enjoyable and now something we both look forward to!  I would say Patriot has improved 75% on the leash, we're now getting some slack in the leash and he's no longer trying out for the Iditarod. 

"GOOD DOG"  pat....pat

On our walks Patriot still wants to pick up things in his mouth, this morning was no exception.  Patriot manage to pick up a piece of tree bark, I told him "NO" and low and behold he spit it out, that was a first!   Maybe it tasted bad.....I perfer to believe he was following a command....."Patriot, you made me proud"

 "GOOD DOG"  pat....pat

"HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY"

Patriot among the Shamrocks



Living in a Irish household St. Patrick's Day is celebrated

                                                         

Patriot wearing his "GREEN" in honor of St. Patrick's Day



Patriot is now 20 weeks old and weighing in at 43 lbs.  He is going to be a "big boy" He has out grown his puppy coat and a new one will arrive in time for his 5 month birthday.



Patriot wearing his favorite colors in honor of all who have served or are presently serving!



I can see some improvements, we're making progress!  I hope you noticed that I said we're, because it is a learning process for both of us.  Sometimes I think he's saying to himself "What took her so long!"





Patriot the Sentry
What a handsome pup!



We were taking an evening walk this week, when we were literally "charged" by a large aggressive dog who had broken loose.  Needless to say, I was frightened!!!! Patriot was out in front, he just stood in place, did not get aggressive, nor did he back away.  The dogs owners managed to get control of their dog and apologized.  I couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if it had been a student with their dog.  In this case it wasn't a bad thing to be a Alpha Dog  :)

"GOOD DOG"  pat.....pat

IRISH BLESSINGS to all and a Happy St Patrick's Day birthday to Jack!

SEMINAR

The Southeastern Unleashed Seminar was held on the SEGDI campus for (AC)Area Coordinators, and for the first time
(PR)Puppy Raisers were invited to attend.  We toured the campus, including the new Veterinary Clinic.  The amount of money and time that is saved by having their own Clinic and Vet is enormous.  No longer is it necessary to transport the dogs off campus to have x-rays, spaying/neutering, blood workups, teeth cleaning, etc. done.
If you haven't visited the campus, take a virtual tour on their website: http://www.guidedogs.org/


Welcome!



X-ray room



Surgical Room



Lab Area



Campus Walk

Patriot and I had the opportunity to walk the campus, we observed several students working with their dogs.  It was then that the realization hit, someday it will be Patriot that will be leading a student here on campus.  That realization has made me focus more then ever on his training, knowing that someone will be depending on him for their safety and independence.

As part of the seminar the trainers at SEGDI held an Obedience Class, shared some training tips with us, along with a Q and A session, very informative!  I came away from the seminar more confident in my ability to train Patriot, learning that I need to focus on one problem at a time.  When that problem is solved, then go on to the next.  Right now, my focus is getting Patriot to walk without his pulling and straining on the leash.