Greyhound love

Caleb's foster mom here! Caleb is doing great so far in his new digs. Him and his temporary sister (a fellow greyhound) are getting along swimmingly! Ever since we picked him up he has done nothing but try and please us. Every day we work on his manners and tricks (he especially likes doing his "bang" command where he plays dead! LOL) and he gets better and better every day. He is just a big ole' sweetheart that thinks he's a lapdog! He is very friendly with everyone we meet, even other animal friends, when we go on our walks. Caleb has a lot of energy, but seems to mimic your mood. He loves to run around the backyard and play in the leaves and go for walks or runs, but will lay quietly next to you on his bed if you are doing the same. Someone needs to adopt this sweet boy ASAP! He will make such a wonderful addition to a family!

Continuous Compliments

Hiya! Caleb here again. It's been another week in my foster home and I can't help but wonder why on earth I'm still here! Everywhere we go, strangers love to point out how gorgeous I am. I'm very happy all the time (I even chatter my teeth when I get really excited), I am super obedient, and I'm a joy to watch goof off during the day. What is there not to love?! Sure, I pick up every toy I can find and scatter them across the living room, but my greyhound buddy joins in on the fun and it's a hoot to my foster mom.

My ears must be more expressive lately because people always laugh when they stand straight up. The tip of the ears fold back just a little bit and it's another cute quirk that I have about me. I like to make little grumbles of happiness and will make a low noise when I stretch out before playing or going outside. I always greet people with a big, wagging tail in the elevators and I love seeing all the dogs coming and going on all the different floors.

I overheard my mom talking to her friend about taking a big walk with me this afternoon... I'll have to keep you posted. Maybe she'll catch more pictures of my terrifically photogenic self!

Big Goof

Caleb has been with us for a few weeks now and his personality is REALLY starting to show. He is a big, happy-go-lucky goofball. He discovered the "secret" location of the dog toys recently, and every day before I get out of bed he is up and playing with all the toys he can get his paws on! His tail is wagging all the time and he loves to check out everything that is going on. He is one happy pup.

He gets very excited when I come home and occasionally barks to be let out when I walk through the door, so I have been working on alone training with him. Essentially, I ignore him until he stops making noise and calms down. When I walk over to his crate, I'll wait until he is lying down to open the cage and I give him a firm "wait" until I decide he can come out. He is catching on quickly and now has no problems walking into the crate before I leave for work. He sometimes tries to go into the crate with my other grey, but if that happens she'll march right out and go into his. I stand there and just give them a look and they'll switch crates again to get their treat. They are both so eager to please!

Caleb has earned my trust and sleeps outside of his crate now. The longest he has been unsupervised and uncrated while I am out running errands is about 2 hours. So far, no problems!

This past weekend we went on a couple long walks and Caleb was wonderful on each of them. The first walk was about 4.5 miles and he walked like the perfect gentleman. I even passed him off to the people I was walking with and his obedience remained steady. For the second walk, we ventured off to a dog park. I kept him leashed at the beginning to see how he would react to everything. When I let him off, he cruised around the park by himself and checked out every nook and cranny there was. He barely bat an eye at the other dogs and they hardly tried to come up to him (probably because he's so big!). I live in a building where Caleb is constantly faced with small dogs (<25lbs). He has never pulled towards them or caused any trouble, but this could be a different story if one was running away from him. 

Caleb would make a fantastic addition to any home. He's mellow 99% percent of the time, with the other 1% being simply a joyful, playful pup. As with any greyhound, if you give them too much leeway they will end up ruling the house! It's important for his new adopter to keep the same disciplines that he is learning now for a smooth transition and a happy life with this stellar dog!

Snowmageddon 2017

I survived Snowmageddon 2017! My foster mom thought it would be fun to see me and her greyhound run around in the snow, so when she got off work early on Friday, she packed us up and drove off to her parents house. Here's us on the way! Foster mom says I'm great in the car. I jump up with ease and immediately lie down.

I knew we were getting close to something exciting, because the car started to slow down and my greyhound friend stood right up and started sticking her head out of the window. I decided to stand up too and try to figure out where we were. 

When we finally arrived at the house, there were more friends waiting for me! A big husky mix and a smaller pit-bull mix ran up to greet me and I stood there wagging my tail like I've known them my whole life. We all went for a walk before I was let into this new house. What a sight to see -- 4 dogs and 3 people walking around in the freezing weather! My foster mom bundled us up in jackets and walked us 2 greyhounds together. We are a breeze to walk, so she only had to hold the leashes in one hand. She always laughs because we keep the same pace and walk with the same gait. If one of us shakes or sneezes, the other one will do so too! Maybe we were separated at birth?!

I spent the rest of the weekend napping and playing with my new friends. The husky didn't even mind that I stole his bed (it is the biggest and comfiest after all!). My favorite part was running outside with them all. The little pit-bull just loved to tease me and my greyhound friend. She'd run up and play bow and then start running all over the yard. After enough pestering, I finally joined in and chased her a little. I always kept a very safe distance and never got too close to her. My foster mom was supervising the whole time and I would hate to disappoint her!

Here are some pictures of our antics!

My foster mom has been working on a few things with me. First off, I sometimes don't like to go into my crate. She thinks she can fool me with a treat, but I'm too smart to be tricked! This morning, though, I walked right into my crate when she told me "Kennel" and went into the "down" position very politely. Every day gets easier with this!

I also like to eat my food pretty fast. Sometimes it makes me gag a little bit, but my foster mom has put a big ball in the middle of my food and it slows me down a good amount. I wait very politely for my food and just look into my foster moms eyes and wag my tail very slowly until she tells me I can eat. It's too cute!

I have performed a good amount of tricks for treats. I Sit, Down, Shake, and BANG (flop over on my side from the down position). Of course I also know Kennel and Wait. They must be coded in my brain now because I perform them every time with ease. I'm not just a one-trick-pony, people! I'm sure to entertain your guests when you adopt me :)

Right at Home

Hey guys! Caleb here again. I just entered my foster home and my foster mom thinks I'm great. I've been paying attention to everything she expects from me and have been working for all my food and treats.

There's another greyhound here, which I think is awesome! I may be bigger than her, but she's so confident and spunky that if I ever feel uncertain of what's expected of me, I turn to her and follow her lead. We became friends VERY fast and even nap together. Sometimes she's a little bossy and takes toys right from me, but I barely bat an eye at it and continue doing what I do best, napping.

My foster mom thinks I'm gorgeous. Can you blame her?! My light brindle coat is oh so soft and my eyes are filled with love! No luck in getting her to toss any human food my way, but a guy can try, right?! It's been a very short time, but I already made myself comfortable in this new place!

More updates to come.

Your New Best Friend

This week has been a relaxed and laid back week for Caleb.  He had his final testing this past Friday and he effortlessly passed everything.  No surprise with this guy.  His inmate trainer knew he would do well.

Caleb did have a few training sessions to perfect the "bang" command.  He will now flop all the way down to his side from the standing position.  Caleb gets so animated doing this trick; his jaws will open and he even tries to paw your gun hand while he is on his way to the floor.  It is so hilarious!

Caleb is going to be missed by his trainer.  He said Caleb can melt any heart with his antics.  He is a well trained, well mannered and very intelligent dog.  When he turns those big, brown, marble-like eyes on you, you will be instantly hooked.

One thing Caleb's trainer wanted to mention, was that Caleb has never barked.  He has roo'ed at him when he was not moving fast enough to go outside to "hurry".  Other than that, he makes no noise.

Make this special boy you new best friend.  You won't be disappointed.

Caleb, A Rare Gem

What an amazing boy Caleb is!  This week his inmate trainers added four more commands to his already impressive bag of tricks. They are "visit", "paws up", "catch" and "bang"!  His learning is endless.

"Visit" is where his trainer will point to his knee and tell him to "visit".  He will place one of his front paws on his knee while he gets petted and gets a treat.  Tell him "off" and point to the floor and he will remove his paw.  He will also visit other people that are sitting down.  He is so cute doing this and he loves the attention.

"Paws up" is where he will place his front paws on a surface.  He will do this on a wall, a chain and a window ledge.  "Catch" is where he will catch a toy or treat.  Let Caleb see it and then tell him "catch".

When Caleb is in the "down" position, his trainer will point at him and say "bang".  Sometimes it will take a few times of saying it, but eventually he will roll over and flop on his side and lay his head down.  They are working on Caleb doing this from the standing position as well.

Caleb's inmate trainer knows he is going to miss the special boy.  He's a rare gem and his trainer said it's been a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of Caleb's life for these ten weeks.   He knows Caleb will bring someone many years of friendship, happiness and laughter.  He will keep you entertained.

Level-Headed Boy

This week Caleb spent the week going over all the commands he has already learned.  Nothing new was added to his already long list of commands.

Caleb is starting to play with toys more and more each day.  He will pick up just about any toy and play with it, squeaky or not.  His playing only lasts for a few minutes and then he is done with them.  He also enjoys a few minutes of "fetch".  Sometimes Caleb will bring the toy back an drop it and sometimes he gets all playful and bypasses his trainer so he can go lay down and play with it by himself.  He is so much fun and such a good boy!

Caleb is extremely laid back and is such a quiet, calm, gentle and sweet boy.  You can wake him out of a deep sleep and he will just lift his head.  Even another dog can walk across the bed he is laying on and he doesn't even care.  He seems extremely level-headed.

If you are thinking about adopting a greyhound, don't pass up this wonderful boy up!

The List Goes On...

Caleb had a breakthrough with one of his advanced commands called "pick up your toys".  Yes!  Caleb is now picking up toys and putting them in the toy box!!!  He is sooooooo smart!  Up until now, he has had no desire to put toys in his mouth.  So in order for this advanced extra command to work with him, his trainer had to add 3 more extra commands to his list that never stops growing.  They are "take it", "drop it" and "give".  Once he learned "take it", things started to fall into place.  Caleb aims to please.

Just the other day, Caleb chased after a thrown toy, retrieved it and brought it back to his inmate trainer.  So "fetch" will also be added.  He seems to really enjoy this one!  What dog doesn't!

Caleb has been jumping on objects of various heights in the prison.  Just point to an object or surface and tell him to "jump" and he will gladly do it.  He likes to jump.  This is a great command, since greyhounds love to ride, and I'm sure Caleb is no exception.  

Caleb is progressing wonderfully and his inmate trainer could not be more proud of this awesome boy.  Check back next week to see what else 

Playing and Training

Caleb’s inmate trainer says that he’s found a toy that Caleb will actually play with… the Jolly Ball!  It’s rubber and slightly smaller than a basketball.  If the ball is kicked or rolled across the grass Caleb will chase after it enthusiastically then pounce on it to stop it from rolling.  Then he will use his muzzle and two front paws to move the ball around the field.  His inmate trainer says that the concentration he places on the ball and the skill with which he bats the ball around reminds him of a season soccer player.  He says it’s pretty amazing to watch.   

This week they continued working on all the basic commands as well as learning to “shake”! His inmate is proud to report that Caleb can now properly introduce himself.  

Caleb’s inmate trainer says to prepare yourself because this special boy will win your heart over in no time! 

Adding Extras

It's been another fantastic week with Caleb!!  Each day they have three training sessions spaced throughout the morning and afternoon.  They last about 15 minutes and consist mostly of going over the "basic" commands at least 3 times each.  Caleb already knows all of his basic commands, but with daily repetition it keeps them fresh in his mind.  He also gets his rewards, whether it's affection, food, treats or both.  He loves them all!

This week they started adding extra commands to his routine.  He knows "back", "bow" and "circle".  Caleb looks so cute doing these commands and he has fun doing them.

Caleb's trainer say he is so smart and fun to work with.  Check back next week to see what new extras this boy has learned!

Absorbing Knowledge Like A Sponge

Did someone tell Caleb he was retired?  He definitely believes he is!  He will probably make a great couch potato when he gets to his forever home.  He is so funny.  He loves to relax.

Caleb is all business when it's training time or doing anything that involves food.  This week Caleb worked on fine tuning all of his basic commands, and his inmate trainer is said he aced everything.  Normally they don't introduce a dog to all the basic commands this soon in the program, but Caleb absorbs everything like a sponge!  When he starts to get lose interest in the same old routine while training, his inmate trainer will introduce something new.  Within minutes his trainer has added a new command to his "bag of tricks".

Caleb is so sweet and loving.  He is gentle and does not appear to get excited about anything.  He does love food, but his inmate trainer can put his hands in his food bowl while Caleb is eating, and can even take it away, and he acts like he could care less.  If you are looking for great boy that is extremely laid back, then Caleb is quite the catch!

One Exceptional Boy

Caleb’s inmate trainer says that Caleb is a truly an exceptional Greyhound!  He continues to astound his trainer with his intelligence and willingness to please.  Of course it may be that he aims to please for his own selfish reasons!  See, he’s learned very quickly that when his trainer is pleased he gets a treat reward, verbal praise, physical affection, or a toy. 

Since Caleb’s arrival he and his inmate trainer have been working on different forms of training. He first learned his name which is used to get his attention which is then followed by a command. He has already learned the “kennel” command as well as “release” and “wait” commands.  The “wait” command tells Caleb not to cross the threshold.  His inmate trainer puts his hand in front of Caleb’s face to communicate the “wait” command.   He learned these commands in the first few days!  Since then his inmate trainer has introduced the following commands:  sit, down, stay, bed, jump, and off!  His inmate trainer says that Caleb absorbs commands at such a rapid rate and performs them effortlessly. He must be some sort of gifted dog prodigy!

Caleb’s inmate trainer says that he is enjoying his days with this amazing boy!  Not only is Caleb brilliant he’s super sweet and mild mannered.  Caleb’s trainer says that he believes that whomever adopts Caleb will be well pleased with this boy!

Beautiful Brindle Boy. Beautiful Eyes.

These first few days, Caleb and his inmate trainer have spent getting acquainted with each other.  It was love at first sight.  Caleb's inmate trainer was taken in by his beautiful eyes.  He said they appear to be a combination of dark charcoal grey, purple and brown.  He is definitely a handsome boy!

Caleb is a very sweet boy with a calm and quiet disposition, but seems confident in everything he does.  So far nothing seem to rattle his "cool customer" persona.

He is not interested in toys yet.  Caleb is very smart and is definitely treat motivated, so training is going to be a joy.  He is very attentive and eager to please.  It melts his inmate trainers heart, when he looks over at Caleb and he already has his beautiful eyes locked expectantly on him; wondering what they are going to do next.

Caleb's inmate trainer looks forward to the coming weeks with this extraordinary boy.  He knows he will be a wonderful addition to the family that is perfect for him.