Proud Momma Keep on Burning!
I am one proud momma today!
Jake attended his first Day Camp at the local PetStuff. The facilities, although not enormous, were clean and professionally run. I filled out a long questionnaire concerning Jake's personality. "Does he play well with toys" -- 'No, MINE, MINE. "Does he get along with other dogs?" 'Depends on the Dog'.
They are taken out into a common area at 9, returned to kennel around noon for an hour, and back out to common area for play and socialization until 5pm
I called to check on him and inquire whether he was behaving around 1:30ish "he's doing great, he's playing now."
Got there early to pick him up so I could view any activity through the glass viewing window. Sure enough, Jake had picked him out a girlfriend, appearing to be an older woman... mixed with maybe pekinese and something short-haired and curled tailed "Haley" was her name. I went unobserved for at least 10 minutes watching them play.
I was so proud. He was in a room of at least 15 dogs, all about his size, 2 jack russells, a mid-size poodle (who I met on my way in and knew was submissive and no threat) and several other mutts.
The handler said "he is a beautiful dog" a couple of times and I finally said "yea, I call him handsome all the time"... "yea, he is" she said. How big will he get? He should be grown, I hope!
This proves to me that Jake is possessive/territorial around me and he behaves when he is not #1. I like, I like.
And yes LJ, he is one worn out pup! I thought he was gonna fall asleep on the car ride home sitting up on the console. Of course, he greeted me like 'yea, whatever'... no tail wag, no great to see you.
Yep, twice a week for the Jake Man, 'cause that's all I can afford. Besides, if he goes more often he might think it belongs to him and become too assertive at playtime.
Jake attended his first Day Camp at the local PetStuff. The facilities, although not enormous, were clean and professionally run. I filled out a long questionnaire concerning Jake's personality. "Does he play well with toys" -- 'No, MINE, MINE. "Does he get along with other dogs?" 'Depends on the Dog'.
They are taken out into a common area at 9, returned to kennel around noon for an hour, and back out to common area for play and socialization until 5pm
I called to check on him and inquire whether he was behaving around 1:30ish "he's doing great, he's playing now."
Got there early to pick him up so I could view any activity through the glass viewing window. Sure enough, Jake had picked him out a girlfriend, appearing to be an older woman... mixed with maybe pekinese and something short-haired and curled tailed "Haley" was her name. I went unobserved for at least 10 minutes watching them play.
I was so proud. He was in a room of at least 15 dogs, all about his size, 2 jack russells, a mid-size poodle (who I met on my way in and knew was submissive and no threat) and several other mutts.
The handler said "he is a beautiful dog" a couple of times and I finally said "yea, I call him handsome all the time"... "yea, he is" she said. How big will he get? He should be grown, I hope!
This proves to me that Jake is possessive/territorial around me and he behaves when he is not #1. I like, I like.
And yes LJ, he is one worn out pup! I thought he was gonna fall asleep on the car ride home sitting up on the console. Of course, he greeted me like 'yea, whatever'... no tail wag, no great to see you.
Yep, twice a week for the Jake Man, 'cause that's all I can afford. Besides, if he goes more often he might think it belongs to him and become too assertive at playtime.
Comments
He is completely worn out and sleeps as I type. I am so glad both of us experienced this today. I know he needs this and will continue to try and give him what he needs, twice a week, and quality time with me during the other days.
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We're gonna go back tomorrow. I called and asked "will Haley be there?", I don't know 'mam. Well, if not, I'm gonna leave word for her Mom that Jake would like a date with her :-)
I spoke with a few co-workers who said I take my dog twice a week, it's great for them. Both are single dog homes. I guess I'm just a little behind the times, but learning. If Jake had a playmate or 2 or 3 like Brada provides, things might be different. Right now, he's got day camp... WOOO HOOOO.
I love that he got on so well with her!
Good luck finding a doggy day camp - its not easy finding people worthy of caring for your fur-baby!!
Good thing is, I took Jake back this AM. Then I decided to return when I knew the dogs would be getting together in the viewing play area. I hid and watched them bring him out and he started prancing around, hip hopping, introducing hisself to all the others and obviously was glad to be there. I laughed with love to see it. I'm gonna have to recommend this to all our Shiba owners, especially one dog families. Socialize, socialize. I like it better than the doggie park because Jake is so possessive around me and behaves totally different when I'm not there. Plus, I can probably afford daycamp a few days a week more than I can afford another dog.
I'm glad you found something you and Jake like!!
Not sure I could afford it, but it would be interesting to try, too bad all of the doggie day care places are out of the way by about 15 minutes (at least) from where I work. And with gas prices the way they are...