Toy Chaser

Swap week!  Albert spent time with a new training team this week!  His alternate inmate trainer says that it didn’t take Albert any time to adjust.  Albert is an energetic guy who loves to chase toys and play time.  He isn’t a big fan of running outside he seems to prefer the luxury of the air conditioner.  He’s a smart guy who knows all of his commands.  He’s highly food motivated which makes training a bit easier. He knows most all of his commands with verbal and hand signal ques. If you decide to teach him any new tricks after he gets home he’ll enjoy the challenge.  

Pick Me!

What??  How can this be?  I just heard that I haven't been adopted yet.  Why, can I ask?  I'm a super friendly, happy, tail waggin' kind of guy that loves everyone.  Did I say cute too?  Actually, I prefer handsome.  I'm a blue brindle boy, which is definitely something to talk about.  How can you resist me?  I know all of my commands forwards and backwards and I will be graduating in just a couple of weeks and I would love to come home with you!  I'm a sweet guy.  Take a chance on me and see for yourself.  I know you won't be disappointed.

Your new best friend is waiting!

This week Albert got straight A's on his weekly training test. He is such a smart and loving dog! The past several weeks have been a time to work on stairs as well as refining his basic commands. He was so eager to please, he tried to go up all the stairs at once! However, his trainer got him to slow down and reminded him that slow and steady wins the race (and also doesn't wipe out on the stairs!). 

Albert has learned jump and loves to show off now. He gets near the platform and up he goes, just showboating like the ham he is. And when food is in the mix? Oh, he will do anything! 

His trainer can now ask him to do a few commands with both the verbal and hand cues and he will obey. He is working on learning the rest like that and is getting better every day! It won't be long before he graduates from Second Chance Academy and his trainer has no doubt that whoever gets Albert is going to love to have him. He is just so beautiful and loving, how could you not fall for him?! Check back next week to hear more about the adventures of your new best friend, Albert!

Happy-Go-Lucky Boy

Albert is making great progress!  Albert’s inmate trainer has been working to improve Albert’s response to the “heel” command.  Both the lead trainer and secondary trainer will stand facing each other and Albert heel back and forth between them using lots of treats.  It’s working as Albert is already showing improvement!  He’s also doing much better with waiting at doorways and before coming out of the kennel.  

Albert is a happy guy and so full of joy!  He loves food and treats!  His inmate trainer believes that Albert is going to fill his new home with love and energy! 

Fun Loving, Good Looking Boy

if Albert’s inmate trainer says that if you’re looking for a dog that doesn’t pull on the leash, doesn’t jump on people, is fun loving, happy, playful, friendly, and knows his basic commands then Albert is the dog for you!

Albert stands out in a crowd with his beauty.  He gets lots of compliments daily on his good looks, but fortunately he does not let it go to his head.  He just wags his tail in happiness.  

Albert is a smart boy.  He learned how to sit in about 3 days and down in 4!  Those are normally two of the hardest commands, but not for this smart guy!  He is eager to please, loves treats and toys all of which makes training much easier.  Rest assured, if you’re interested in teaching him more things he’ll be up for the challenge.  

Ahead of the Curve

Welcome to week 4 with Albert!  His trainer says that his experience training, walking, playing with, and spending time with Albert has been so fun and interesting. He loves food more than anything, so when it comes to commands, Albert picks up on them quickly, when a tasty treat is waiting for him.  He's great at sit and down, and has no problem with jump. And thsoe are the three toughest for greyhounds! He and his trainer are working diligently on all of his commnads and his trainer believes he will be a master very, very soon!

SQUEAKY TOYS!!!

Albert spends his time in the big yard trotting around and enjoying the yard.  A couple of times he’s taken off fast, but he doesn’t run very long.  Just seems like he plans to take retirement pretty seriously. 

Albert has discovered toys and has fallen in love with all things that squeak!  If you toss a toy he’ll chase it, pick it up and throw it around with glee.  He will return to you and release the toy for another toss when you tell him to “give.” 

His inmate trainer says that Albert has gotten much better with “sit.”  Now at feeding time Albert sits before his meal is served.  The plan now is to teach him “down.”  He’s doing better staying on his bed until released and it appears that his confidence is growing as he relaxes into his new environment. 

Cutie Patootie

No matter how many dogs you train, it is still surprising and exciting when you see your dog do a command for you on their own. Albert and his trainer have been working on "sit," and making Albert sit about three times a day - twice during training and once during feeding time, among other commands. 

So, Sunday rolls around, and Albert gets the "sit" command. Normally, his trainer would give him a few minutes to think on it and then help him into the proper position, then give him some food. Well, this time, when he asked him to sit, it only took about 10 seconds! He didn't need any coaching or help from his trainer! His trainer was so excited that he let Albert have his entire food bowl without asking for any other commands. 

Albert has sat on his own on two other occasions after that first one, and it makes his trainer so happy to relieved since "sit" is one of the hardest commands for greyhounds to master (hey - you try having a deep chest, thin waist, long body, and four long skinny legs!). Albert picked up on it so quickly, his trainer felt like a kid on Christmas morning.

Albert is learning lots of other commands, too. He is doing so well especially considering this is only week two. Like all greyhounds, Albert loves to sleep. Put him in his kennel and it's not long before he's on his back roaching, four little feet in the air, knocked out. It's so cute when he does it and his little tail sticks out between the kennel bars. People walk by, see him like that, and can't help but laugh. He is just so cute! Be sure to stay tuned for more of Albert's adventures!

Smart, Relaxed, and GORGEOUS!

Sweet Mr. Albert came in here from day one with his tail wagging and just so happy to meet and greet everyone. Curious about where he is staying and all the new sights and smells, he has had a busy few days. The first day: getting his bath, ears cleaned, nails done, teeth brushed, and introduced to his new home. At least for the next 10 weeks. Then he is all yours!

Tell me... are you looking for a beautiful big dog? Well, that's Albert! Especially after his bath. When the ladies from Second Chance come back to take pictures and check on him in a couple of weeks, full disclosure... it is NOT my fault if you fall head over heels in love with him at first sight! Blue brindles are rare and very beautiful. 

This week, Albert and his trainer are taking it easy. He is learning how to walk properly on a leash at your side and not ahead of you or way behind. Also, he is learning some of the easy commands: paying attention when his name is called, let's go, heel, and here. He is picking up on a lot very quickly and his trainer has no doubt that he will have his commands nailed by the end of the session. Maybe he'll even have some extra commands that might be good for entertaining!

Right now, Albert is roaching in his kennel with all four paws up in the air, head leaning against his pillow. It doesn't take him long to get comfortable in there. He looks silly like that, but is very comfortable. It feels good to sleep like that, apparently! 

Well, that is all for this week - I sure do hope you continue to read Albert's blog and check out his progress over the next several weeks! It should be interesting and fun for all. 

Until next time, take care from Team Albert!