Proud Momma Keep on Burning!

edited June 2008 in General
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.

Comments

  • edited November -1
    That's fabulous!!!! I think Jake can only benefit from this experience!
  • edited November -1
    Haley cried when they took Jake out of the play area (or should I say lasooed him out 'cause they couldn't catch him!), and continued to do so when he was out of sight. The handler picked her up and let her look through the door as she continued to cry. Everyone knew that the two had bonded, of course Jake just moves on to the next event. I hope she is there when he goes back on Friday. I might need to get the owner's name and arrange a playdate... I noticed with the Jack's he completely ignored them, so confrontataion avoidance is a good thing, but had they pushed him, we would have had an issue, especially with a male. He just seems to love the little females, especially mature ones.

    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.
  • edited November -1
    I'm so glad that things went well - for you and for Jake! Having a place that you feel comfortable leaving him is wonderful - even better is Jake enjoying the time spent there.
  • edited November -1
    That's great news and will only make Jake an even better Shiba! Awesome!

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  • edited November -1
    That IS great to hear Elaine! Give Jake some scratches behind the ears from me. :-)
  • edited November -1
    Great news!! It's a great way for him to blow out steam, and socialize with other dogs.
  • edited November -1
    Jake took his behind-the-ear scratches with grace Dave.

    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.
  • edited November -1
    Thats awesome news!!! Im glad Jake did so well and you found a place you are comfortable leaving him at. Thats really cute that he found a little girlfriend!
  • edited June 2008
    Jake's 2nd day at PetSmart didn't appear to be as fun. When I arrived he was pacing the floors and none of the dogs appeared to be playing. Haley wasn't there and he was dodging the terriers. Toys strown everywhere, no one playing, all male caretakers when he prefers female. And, Mr. Non-Affectionate even jumped on me when I picked him up as if to say 'so glad you are here!' Still yet, he is tired, but is it from anxiety more than having a fun day? I think I'll shop around other locations before settling on a camp. I know he is receiving a lot of pluses from the social dog environment and I am happy to see that and we will search for the right day camp for him and his needs.
  • edited November -1
    Jake needs his Haley! Find her!!
    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!!
  • edited November -1
    I know, I know. I call and they tell me Haley is usually a walk-in, so no set appointment dates. Turns out she is part pug... Too cute, but haven't seen her since.

    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.
  • edited November -1
    You should put an ad at the gate "Jake is desperately seeking Haley" ;)

    I'm glad you found something you and Jake like!!
  • edited November -1
    I sometimes wonder how Nemo would do at a daycamp without me around. He is also a little possesive/protective of people he is bonded with. I know it's not just be though, because he has had issues at the dog park before when my friend Melissa took him. However he is very fond of her, and her kids.

    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...
  • edited November -1
    I know - the closest one to me is about 20 minutes past where I work. After Jazz finishes this round of her training, I think I may try to take her - even if it it's just one day a week. Right now I'm driving 40 minutes after I get home for her training classes - I'm not going to add any more trips in during the week until we are done with that.
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