Dashing Derek

Derek, as predicted, has passed his final test with flying colors and made his training team so proud! Derek was so much fun to work with and he is such a character. Last week was swap week, which is when they test the Greyhounds for separation anxiety. They are not to have any contact with their dog who they are training. Every time his trainer past his kennel, he would look at him as if to say, are you coming to play with me? But his trainer had to ignore him. When they got him back, he was so excited to be back with them.

One day this past week when they took him on his afternoon dog walk. Just as they got outside, the wind and a heavy rain kicked up. Derek is not a fan of wind or rain. They were only in it for about 30 seconds before they got totally drenched. As his trainer was drying him with a towel, Derek started to lick his trainer! Even his clothes and his bald head. They all had a really good laugh. His trainer knows that Derek's forever family will enjoy him to the max just like his training team has! 

Greyt Dog

This week was swap week, so Derek got to spend some time with another training team. They said he does exuberantly well with his commands. Kudos to Derek’s primary trainer. He enjoys being petted, so much so, that when he’s in his kennel, Derek pushes his side against it so you can scratch him better.

Derek likes playing with toys and running outside. He plays fetch well and “give’s the toy up with no problem and he’s as fast as lightning outside! Oh and talk about fast. This boy is the fastest eater. You may think about getting him a slow feeder bowl or add some water to his kibble to help him slow down during feeding time. All in all Derek is a sweet boy and you are going to fall in love with him by leaps and bounds.

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Eager to Please

Derek has learned three extra commands: shake, bow and kiss! He is a very intelligent fella, and doing great. This past week, he did show and tell in front of the whole dorm and scored perfect 10s on all but two commands. One of those was because he was too eager to do it! He kept jumping "off" the chairs before being told to, but he's working on waiting to show off how good he is at his commands. Especially if there's food involved! Then he'll knock 'em out of the park. 

He has been perfecting his commands and continues to open up more and more to his training team, but still uses caution with new people. But once he gets to know you, he is very friendly - especially if you have treats! The way to a hound's heart is through his stomach, truly. 

So as much as Derek is doing great with his commands, his trainer is even more confident that he will master his place in his forever family due to his eagerness to please, and most of all his eagerness to love once he's gotten to know you!

Top Dog!

Derek made all tens for Show and Tell this week!  He’s doing great with all of commands.  He’s doing much better with stairs and his confidence continues to grow.  His inmate trainer says he’s very proud of Derek!  

He enjoys playing with toys. He doesn’t show any signs of possessiveness or roughness with toys and doesn’t mind returning it when he receives the “give” command.  

Derek is coming out of his shell a little more each day.  He’s becoming more affectionate as time passes.  He’s still a little shy with people outside of his immediate social circle.  He just wants time to warm up bit.  

Calm, Cool, Collected

Derek is now coming out of his shell! It really shows when his trainer takes him on his walks. He holds his head up a little more, and he is becoming more comfortable with his environment and the people around him. He is a little shy when meeting new people and uses caution when approaching them - except if they have treats! Then they’re his new best friend.

This was Derek’s second week with stair training and it went very well! His training team laid blankets on the steps so they would look more solid, soft and inviting, and so that they would be more comfortable to climb. Just as he did with the smaller flight of stairs, he went up and down these like a champ. His trainer is going to keep working with him on stairs until it’s like second nature for him.

On a high note, Derek has now mastered all of his commands! This guy is an absolute champ and takes retirement very seriously. He takes his time doing EVERYTHING! Derek’s philosophy is “what’s the hurry?” His trainer thinks the philosophy boils down to life being a lazy summer afternoon for these retired racers. He’s not lazy, he’s just slow to get going. You may think he is in need of a strong cup of coffee, but he’s just a relaxed guy - although he does get excited around feeding time!

Derek is a wonderful dog and is sure to settle in and become attached to his forever family in no time! So prepare your hearts and load up your treat jars - Derek is comin’ through!

Dreamy Derek

Hi everyone, it’s your favorite guy around, Derek! I’ve had such a busy week and I’m here to tell you about it myself!

Last Monday, I was sleeping so well that I was twitching and woofing in my sleep - so much that my trainer said he wishes he’d named me Twitch! Then on Tuesday, we climbed a FULL flight of stairs! Well, I did it VERY slowly because the stairs are made of metal grid and feel weird on my paws, and I felt like I was walking on air a little bit! Plus, I could see the ground getting further away through the grid. Ahhhh!!! But on Saturday, we used six solid stairs in our building and I did just fine on those . That’s ‘cause they’re NORMAL stairs, not like those other see-through ones!

But best of all was Sunday. First, my trainer and I played with toys and I got really tired from that. We had barely finished playing and then Ms. Shae from SCG visited us. I was so tired that I slept on the bed until it was time to show her how good I am at my commands. And she gave us the best news…. all of my friends and me have been ADOPTED! I can’t wait for that, ‘cause I’ve gotten more and more snugly with my trainers, but soon I’ll get to STAY snugly with my new family - forever!

I can’t wait to see you in five weeks!!

Your dream dog,

Derek

Debonair Derek

This week Derek did much better with his commands during show and tell. He got 10’s on most of his basic commands. The others he just needs to iron out the wrinkles and he will be good to go. Stairs were introduced this week and Derek did very well with them. His trainer is impressed with how quickly he picks up on new things. He is eager to please.

Derek continues to become more and more loving to his pack. When his kennel door comes open, he’s ready for attention. Even outside, no matter who’s walking him, as soon as he sees one of his trainers, Derek is making a “B” line to them. He loves his trainers and he is going to love you too!

Gentle, Playful and Loving

This week, Derek had his first show and tell, which is when he gets graded on the basic commands. While he struggled a little bit during it, he has been doing them better at feedings and other times, so his trainer is confident that he will continue to improve. He still has that happy, quick-to-learn attitude, which he demonstrated strongly during show and tell. He didn’t hesitate to “jump” or “off” for the first time, commands which simulate getting in and out of a vehicle.

He has also played very well with toys this week, is quick to give them back, and even shares with another dog – they even played together! His playful, fun-loving, gentle attitude continues to shine every day in every way.

He also had a moment of extraordinary affection – while waiting for a dog run, he set his head in his trainer’s lap and then pushed up his entire body for hugs! What a sweetheart.

So if you choose to be Derek’s forever family, get ready for lots of love and affection for the rest of both of your lives!

Tail wagger of happiness

This week Derek has made a lot of progress.  He his familiar with all of his basic commands except one!  His inmate trainer is proud to say that Derek has also mastered a few commands already!  He continually impresses his training team with how quickly he picks up on new things. 

Derek has started running in the big yard and playing with toys this week.  His inmate trainer says that Derek doesn’t get overly excited about too much.  He’s doing really well with the “give” command with toys.  So far food is the only thing he’s not too interested in “giving.”  Seems like his strongest motivation is going to be food. He loves food!

Derek has become more affectionate this week.  He’s good with hugs and every time he comes out of the kennel his tail is wagging with happiness.  His inmate trainer has started calling him “Delightful Derek!”  

Treats are the bomb!

So, after four days of getting to know Derek, his trainer’s first impression is that he is a smart, quick learner, friendly and affectionate, and VERY treat-motivated. He’s been doing great learning all the “walking” and “kennel” commands, so his trainer is confident that he will have no problem learning all of the others.

He hasn’t ran or played with toys yet, but that’s on the “to do” list. It should be fun watching him learn how to play with toys! He’s almost two years old. A young pup and he’s as cute as a button!

Derek’s most striking feature is his red/blonde coat, although his handsome face with his big ole golden brown eyes are a close second. Ah! How to choose?! But most importantly of all, he has such a happy and loving disposition. Since “Derek” means “King,” his trainer is sure that his personality will help him ‘rule’ your heart if you choose to become his forever family!