Star Pupil

Bishop has made it to the final week of the session.  With that comes the final test over everything Bishop has learned over the past 10 weeks.  this test determines how the greyhounds will perform commands for strangers.  Bishop did excellent!  In fact, he did so well that his trainer was asked to give a demonstration for the visitors at graduation.

In their down time, they still work on commands and extras.  Bishop's trainers personal favorite is how he holds popcorn on his nose by saying "hold it", then he catches it by saying "ok". When Bishop is not in training, he lounges around enjoying retirement.

Bishop still will not run on the big field.  It's more like a trot.  His trainer did discover that he is afraid of honey bees.  As he was sniffing around he came across one and he belted.  Can you blame him?

Bishop is very laid back, loving and loyal.  If you are looking for a best friend, look no further. this boy is perfect!

Learning More Each Day

Bishop is constantly learning; Learning to interact, learning to love, learning to play...  Learning to love was pretty easy for this big guy because he's naturally affectionate.   He's just a hunk, a hunk of burning love.

Last week Bishop's trainers started teaching him how to "shake hands".  With all of his other commands, he showed enthusiasm and picked them up quickly, but with shake, he wasn't having it.  Maybe the concept was too abstract or maybe he just didn't see the point.  Nonetheless, "shake" proved to be elusive.  Just when his trainers were about ready to throw in the towel on "shake", something clicked for Bishop.  After many numerous attempts, he finally did it!  His trainers went nuts!  It's a moment they will always cherish.

Bishop not only knows his basic commands and how to "shake", he can show his belly, "roll over", which doesn't happen gracefully.  He can balance a treat on the end of his nose, then flick it up in the air and catch it in his mouth.  I wonder what Bishop will show his trainers next...

Full Of Tricks

As we get closer to graduation, the greyhounds usually spend time relaxing and playing with toys.  Bishop has been a busy boy working on a few extras in his spare time.  He has picked up "shake" and "belly" quickly enough and will gladly perform for a tasty treat.  He has also been working on the command "catch" and balancing a treat on the end of his nose.  These are funny tricks to see.  Bishop is ready to show his new family.

Bishop likes to play with toys so much, that he sometimes is very possessive of them, so his inmate trainer has introduced the "give" command.  This is working very well.

Bishop is nothing but a big ole teddy bear, his inmate trainer says.  He is content just to lounge on your bed while you read a book with him at the foot of the bed.  Of course, with him being close to 80 lbs. you may need a king size bed! 

Bishop's inmate trainer is very proud of his progress and has no doubts that his new owner will grow as attached to Bishop as he has.

Definitely Retired

To say that Bishop stands apart from the breed is an understatement.  His inmate trainer said Bishop is one-of-a-kind.  He doesn't like to run when he is released from his leash to run with the other dogs.  He takes off at a nice leisurely trot, sniffs about for a few minutes, and then lopes back to the gate to go back inside. 

Bishop does enjoy playtime, but is not very interested in toys yet.  I guess it's too much work for this boy.  LOL!  He takes LAZY to the extreme.

Bishop is proficient with all of his basic commands.  This week they introduced "shake."  He is starting to get the hang of it.  He loves attention and being petted on.  Bishop just loves to hang out.  If you are looking for a greyhound with a relaxed, sweet disposition and good attitude, then Bishop is your man!

Mastering the stairs

Bishop is doing so well with this training that he’s earned some time to relax.  This laid beck fella has no qualms against lounging around.  He takes retirement pretty seriously.  

Bishop is showing more interest in squeaky toys!  He’ll chase a toy after his inmate trainer throws it.  He takes it back to his bed and hoards it!  They worked on stairs this week and he was reluctant at first, then after a few times he was walking up and down like a champ!  

Bishop is not a runner.  Out in the big yard he is more content to just walk by his inmate trainer’s side.  

One Of A Kind

Bishop is certainly one of a kind!  From his impressive learning ability to his right ear that always seems to flop forward, he is never one to disappoint.  His inmate trainer is very pleased with the progress he has made.  He sometimes thinks Bishop understands everything he says.  He called "here" to Bishop from over 200 feet and he was by his side in no time.  A great command for any greyhound to know well.

He has shown a little more interest in squeaky toys.  Bishop will chew on it for a few seconds and then toss it aside.  He knows pretty much all of his basic commands well and his inmate trainer will keep working to perfect them.  Anyone would be lucky to adopt Bishop.  He is definitely one of a kind!

Progress Continues

Bishop continues to do extremely well with his training.  So well, in fact, that his inmate trainer is now utilizing other inmates in the dorm to get Bishop used to doing his commands for anyone.

Bishop is very outgoing and friendly. He frequently becomes the center of attention when they walk by others.  He never turns away from anyone willing to pet him.  His is calm and even tempered, never giving a negative reaction to other dogs or people.  Bishop will likely be an excellent candidate for therapy work.

While Bishop does not currently show much desire to play with toys, he does show interest in the squeaky sound they make.  Maybe he just doesn't yet know how to play.  His trainer is hopeful that will change during the coming weeks.

Learning Fast

Bishop’s inmate trainer says that he is very pleased with the rate Bishop is learning his commands.  He is already performing at the level of a K-9 5-6 weeks into the program.  

Bishop’s trainer believes that Bishop will fit in with any family.  He’s a social butterfly with the other Greyhounds and even shares his bed!  So far Bishop hasn’t shown much interest in running. He is a curious dog who likes to roam around on his own and investigate.  His inmate trainer says that Bishop is learning things so fast that he’s searching for new things to teach him soon! 

Mr. Curious

Week 1 of training has begun with this beautiful white and brindle boy named Bishop. This boy is super curious about every new smell and new sight he comes in contact with, and because of this, his adjustment here has been a breeze.  His tail has not stopped wagging, which makes him very approachable.  Everyone at the prison wants to pet him!

Since Bishop is so interested in smelling everything, leash training is very important. Bishop and his inmate trainer have spent the majority of the time this past week perfecting leash walking, wait and heel.  He has done very well so far and has shown tremendous improvement these last few days.

Bishop's team of trainers began training sit in the morning and by the evening he was sitting like a pro for his dinner.  Bishop is a very fast learner and his inmate trainer is very excited to see what this boy can accomplish over the next coming weeks.