Time To Say Goodbye

Dante’s last week has arrived and his inmate trainer says that he’s going to miss this great boy! His inmate trainer believes that Dante will be a fun addition to his new family.  He loves to play and make his human happy; especially for treats!  

Over the past 10 weeks Dante’s personality has had his inmate trainer smiling, laughing, and shaking his head in amazement.  His trainer says that what sets Dante apart from the other Greyhounds is that although he is still young he is eager to please.  You can see the enthusiasm when he comes out of his kennel ready to start the day.  He loves to learn which will help his new family teach him even more tricks if they choose to do so.

Dante’s inmate trainer says that Dante can be shy with strangers at first, but opens up once he’s warmed up to them.  If he is in his crate he will whine or Roo when he needs to go out for a potty break.  Dante’s trainer wishes Dante and his new family much happiness!

Swap Week Time

Swap week has arrived which means it’s time for the inmate trainers to swap dogs!  This helps the dogs with taking commands from new people and spending time away from their primary trainers.  Dante’s alternate inmate trainer is proud to report that Dante didn’t have any problems with the swap!  He says that Dante is a free spirit and he could easily picture Dante as a hippy in the 60’s and 70's spreading his message of love and peace.  

Dante is super friendly and never meets a stranger.  When it comes to doing commands his performance is flawless.  Dante’s alternate trainer says that the primary training team has done an excellent job with Dante!  Dante’s alternate inmate trainer says that Dante’s forever family is in for a treat with this wonderful guy! 

Squeaky Toys

Dante’s inmate trainer would like for Dante’s new forever family to know that Dante is a chow hound.  He does everything for treats and is always looking for treats.  His inmate trainer is working to phase out the treat reward for a job well done and Dante is thinking about it.  

When giving Dante the “bed” command you may need to point at the bed with your finger or kneel down and touch the bed.  Dante will circle once or twice then lay down.  Dante is a young guy who enjoys learning.  He likes to play with toys especially the squeaky ones.  His inmate trainer believes that Dante is going to make a wonderful companion for some lucky family.

English Major

Dante loves mornings!  Mornings mean food!!  His inmate trainer says that Dante clearly understands English because he can say “Dog Run” and Dante is up on his feet ready to go!  He knows this means fun times!  

Dante is a smart boy who is very lovable.  His inmate trainer says that Dante has some of the most beautiful expressive eyes he’s ever seen.  He loves to have his belly or neck rubbed.  If you stop rubbing he looks at you with an expression that says…”hello, why did you stop?”  

When you first tell Dante to “sit” he may back up a step or two then he plops his behind on the ground and throws one paw up in the air like he wants to “shake”.  His inmate trainer says that Dante is just so cute and adorable that you can’t help but love him! 

Mr. Amazing

Hello everyone!  My name is Dante I’m a smart, no let’s be honest I'm an intelligent, and energetic guy. I love the start of every brand new day!  I have this inmate trainer who teaches me cool things and even plays with me when training is over.  Chasing balls and squeaky toys are a highlight of my day!  Of course, I must nap after this extraordinary display of toy play is necessary.   

I’m not a guy who’s too proud to turn down a treat as payment for a job well done.  I’ll work for praise and attention to, but treats are oh so yummy!  My inmate trainer and I have been working on distance and duration for my “stay” command.  I’m doing really well and plan to improve – so hold on to your socks I aim to knock ‘em with my amazing skills!  

Staying on Track

Dante has been working away this week.  His inmate trainer has been working with him on the “sit” and “stay” commands.  In the beginning Dante would only hold the command for a few seconds before moving towards his trainer.  Now he’s holding the command while his trainer moves a few feet away!  His inmate trainer continues to slowly work on increasing the distance and duration.

Dante loves to run and play in the big yard.  Next week his inmate trainer plans to see how Dante does with just hand signal or verbal only cues.  

Easy To Love

Dante has a basic understanding of all his commands and for the first time this week he sat on his own!  His inmate trainer is very proud of him!  His trainer says it’s kind of like seeing a child walk for the first time. 

Now that Dante has an understanding of his commands they have begun mixing things up.  For instance, they’ll place him in the “down,” “sit” or “stay” position and have him “wait” until called.  He’s still getting the hang of waiting, but his inmate trainer believes Dante will understand very soon. 

Dante loves the start of a new day and can be a little excited when coming out of his kennel first thing in the morning.  His inmate trainer has been walking him in the mornings to burn off a little energy so that Dante can focus on learning his commands. 

Dante’s inmate trainer says that it’s a lot of fun watching Dante play, run, and learn new things.  He says that Dante is a dog that is easily loved and fun to be around.  

Handsome and Happy

Dante is progressing well and getting along great with everyone! His inmate trainer says that Dante acts like a big puppy so happy and full of life.  He gets excited at meal times and bounces around with glee.  His inmate trainer is working on “sit” and “stay” to calm him down before he’s allowed to eat.  They’re also working on the “down” and “here” commands.  He’s beginning to understand the concept but still needs a little help with "sit" and "down".  He’s doing great with the “stay” command and his inmate trainer can move 4 to 5 ft away before Dante breaks the hold.  He’s also responding really well to the “here” command.  

Dante’s inmate trainer says that watching Dante grow and learn is a real treat!  He is looking forward to the coming weeks with this sweet boy!  

Learning The Ropes

Damien is the biggest and youngest Greyhound of the group.  He’s currently learning: sit, down, kennel, wait, and heel.  He’s not really into treats so his inmate trainer introduced peanut butter it’s a completely new taste for him and may do the trick.  

Damien loves to play and runs with his inmate trainer in the big yard.  His inmate trainer says that Damien is like a kid with a short attention span.  His inmate trainer is working to improve Damien’s leash skills and with correction he is improving.  The plan is to continue the basics.  His inmate trainer says he can’t wait to see how much Damien learns in the coming weeks. 

And So It Begins

Dante is a very young Greyhound who can be a bit stubborn, thus far, but his inmate trainer is convinced that's all just a cover.  He's determined to break through to him and well, it's only been three days.  They have 10 weeks together to break those barriers!

First up - they've been working on "hurry", "let's go", "wait", and "kennel".  Dante is doing well so far in the few short days he's been at the prison. 

Next week they will work on "sit", "down", and will continue working on the above commands adding a few more each week.  Dante's inmate is looking forward to working with him during the weeks to come.