Graduation Is Here

Billy’s inmate trainer says that he is so proud of the progress Billy has made during his time in the training program!  He has learned to accept affection and does all of his commands very well.  He never got very excited about toys or running as he’s just a very relaxed dog who is taking retirement pretty seriously.  

His inmate trainer says that he’s really going to miss Billy, but is thankful that he’s going to a loving forever home where he can enjoy retirement in style on a nice comfy bed! 

Swap Week Has Arrived

It’s time for swap week!  The inmate trainers swap dogs to work on training commands from new people and the dogs get to experience time with a new training team.  Billy’s alternate inmate trainer says that he remembers when Billy first came into the program shy and unsure of this new place.  He says that it’s clear that his primary trainer has done an excellent job with Billy!  Billy knows all of his commands and performs them flawlessly.  

Billy likes to be close and enjoys hanging out.  He can be a little head strong while walking on a leash, but corrects really well.   He seems to be a little sensitive about his eyes and doesn’t like fast movement near his head.  However, once he bonds with you he’s more trusting with your quick movements.  

Billy’s alternate inmate trainer hopes that Billy’s new family will see what a jewel they have! Billy’s a guy full of love with a wonderful personality that still unfolding!  

Learning About Affection

Billy has been working through his commands with an alternate team trainer this week.  He’s doing really well although his response times are a little slower.  Billy is becoming more affection with his primary inmate trainer!  Now when his inmate trainer sits down Billy will rest his chin on his trainers’ leg for attention.  He has even started scooting closer for attention!  

Billy is showing some interest in chasing toys when his trainer throws them.  He hasn’t shown any interested in the squeaky part of the toys yet, but this may come as figures these new things out. Billy’s inmate trainer says that Billy is very content to just lounge around on his bed most of the day relaxing and enjoying retirement.  

TOYS!!!

Billy has had a great week!  He does all of his commands without any problems and is spending more time out of his kennel and hanging out with his inmate trainer.  Guess what Billy discovered this week??  TOYS!  He has been having fun chasing them and bringing them back to his inmate trainer!  Billy’s inmate trainer is so proud of him!  He loves seeing Billy’s personality come alive and can’t wait to see what Billy reveals next!

Retirement Is Awesome

My name is Billy and I’m working on learning these commands things.  I’m actually doing really well with all the basics and even learned to “shake” this week.  My inmate trainer has been working on this “visit” command.  It’s where I lay my head in his lap for attention.  This is a big step for me because I’m learning all about this attention stuff.  I’m warming up to it but can get a little overwhelmed with a lot of physical attention at one time.  I’m learning to trust my inmate trainer and don’t mind his attentions.  I hope that whoever brings me into their lives doesn’t mind giving me time to adjust and bond with them.  I tend to be a little unsure of new people and sometimes speak to them.  I’m just wondering if they’re friendly or not.  

My inmate trainer says that he plans to work on the distance and duration of my basic commands. I hope he comes packing yummy treats!  I enjoy handing out in my dog bed napping and watching everyone around me.  This retirement gig is pretty awesome.  

Learning About Love

Billy did really well going over his basic commands this week. His pre-feeding routine, “wait,” “sit,” and “stay,” has improved a great deal!  He is now holding the position until released.  He is beginning to understand and enjoy affection.  He even rolled onto his back for a belly rub this week! 

Billy is a very laid back guy who’s cool with just hanging out.  His inmate trainer hopes to get Billy interested in toys soon, but so far he’s not shown any interest.  His inmate trainer says that he can’t wait to see what Billy learns next week! 

One Sweet Boy

Billy continues to do very well with his commands.  This week he learned how to “stay” while standing and also to “shake” while in a “sit” position.  His inmate trainer runs through the basic commands several times a day while working on extending the amount of time or distance Billy will hold that position.  This week they started working on climbing up and down stairs as well as the “jump” command.  

Billy’s sweet personality comes out a little more each week.  He is becoming a bit more affectionate and now lays his head in his inmate trainers lap when they are sitting on the dog bed together.  

Ladies Man

Billy has made his inmate trainer very proud this week!  He continues to be a super fast learner and a sweet boy!  He learned to “stay” both in a “sit” and a “down” position!  His inmate trainer plans to work on “stay” in a standing position and keep going over the other basics as well.  

Billy’s inmate trainer wants Billy’s new family to know that it’s important to take a little time to bond with Billy.  Walking and feeding him by hand are great starters.  He’s a calm and affectionate boy but get’s a little overwhelmed by too much affection all at once.  Once he gets to know you and your habits it’s easier for him to adjust to you.  

Billy hasn’t shown any interest in toys yet, but always enjoys a good Kong filled with yummy treats!  When the dogs are let out for playtime Billy seems to be somewhat of a ladies man.  He has all the females coming up to walk with him!

Billy is getting more comfortable in the prison environment and his inmate trainer is looking forward to watching Billy’s personality grow.  His inmate trainer says that his calm nature is going to make him a wonderful fit for any home! 

Catching On

This week Billy did great showing off his newly learned commands.  He understands that he must “wait” at the threshold of the kennel while his leash is being attached.  Before meal times he will “heel” and “sit.”  His sit needs a little more work, but his inmate trainer believes that Billy will have it figured out in no time.  His inmate trainer says that the goal is to have Billy “heel” then come and stand with his shoulder inline with his trainer’s knee and “sit” politely while is food is placed in his kennel. 

Billy has caught on quickly and seems to have gotten more comfortable in this new environment. This coming week his inmate trainer plans to continue with the basics and add “stay” into the mix.  

So far, Billy hasn’t shown any interest in toys.  If you squeak and throw a toy he will just look at you like, now what?  Billy does enjoy jogging beside his inmate trainer in the big yard and has even done almost 2 miles!  Billy even seemed happier the rest of the day after the exercise.   

A New Beginning

Billy arrived at the prison a bit underweight and with an eye infection.  He was scared, nervous, and stressed coming into this new, different, and unfamiliar world.  In only a few short days he has become more comfortable and his inmate trainer says he can already tell he has a sweet personality.  His eye has gotten better, too.  They are working to get some weight on him - slow and steady.

His inmate trainer and Billy have been bonding, getting to know each other, and Billy is learning his name.  He is also learning "wait", "kennel", and "hurry".  His inmate trainer is happy to see that he seems to be a quick study. Billy has already learned to calm and relax in his kennel.

He has improved so much from the first day when he stood there barking incessantly - night and day!  Poor thing was just scared! 

This coming week they will begin work on "heel", "here", "sit", "stay", and "down".  His inmate trainer is sure Billy will continue to pickup on commands quickly. Be sure to watch his blog for weekly updates on his progress!