Smart Boy

This past week Tony has been nothing but lazy according to his trainer. He does not want to do much of anything unless it involves food for him.

He does like to be outside and shows an interest in wanting to play with the others, but it does not last long. He and his trainer play and practice their commands and extras daily. Tony enjoys it, and loves the reward that follows. He is very smart and catches on quick. He has a great sense of smell and could probably be taught to find things around the house.

His trainer warns to be sure to hold his leash tight when walking. He can see a cat from a long distance. Tony may not look strong, but he is. Tony tends to bark at the officers when in his kennel, but when Tony is out, he wags his tail sniffing the officers up and down, wanting to be petted.

Tony’s trainer will miss him, she said it has been fun working with him.

He's A Mess

Tony has been wonderful to take care of! Only another week and Tony is off to his new home!

Tony is a master on the stairs. It is funny watching him go to the stairs. He will take a few steps up and look at his trainer like, “Come on, I’m ready to go up and get a treat!’ He does this with a smile of course.

On Wednesday they had their parade around the whole compound! It was fun. Tony, as well as the other dogs, did AMAZING!! It was loud and people were everywhere, but he did great. The ladies were reaching out to touch the dogs and cheering excitedly as they passed. The dogs were loved that day for sure.

For Christmas Tony and his trainer played around in the dog room and chowed down all day. He had peanut butter with crackers and his trainer had pizza. They were truly enjoying life that day.

As the week winds down his trainer knows it is almost time for Tony to go. She will miss him. He is a wonderful dog. His trainer knows he will do great in his new home.

Competitive Pup

Tony has done amazing this week! He finally got a good run in. He was so excited after he ran. Of course everyone was cheering him on! Tony is still not a fan of loud noises. Things falling or slamming will send him running to his safe place…his kennel. He is improving and his trainer feels he will do so much better in his forever home where it’s not as noisy as the prison.

On Wednesday, December 23, the prison will have its second parade for the compound. The dogs and their trainers will be the Grand Marshalls! The dogs will have cute hats and something like a vest to wear. This will be the dogs and the program’s first outing on the compound. The trainers are looking forward to this exciting learning experience. Tony’s trainer is hoping he does well with all of the noise and people. She will write about it in next weeks blog.

Sweet And Gentle

This week Tony learned to “Sit Pretty.” He catches on really fast. He knows all of his commands very well, but his trainers are having a hard time with the “Jump” command. They will keep working on it and he should have it figured out by graduation. Tony does really well on the stairs. He needs lots of encouragement when no treat is available. Goody Boy Tony. Praise is just as good as a treat.

Tony enjoys a good jog around the yard with his trainer. Tony is still his loveable self. Sweet and gentle. You are going to love this sweet boy!

Tony Is A Champ!

Tony is doing very well with his commands. Friday was “Show and Tell” and Tony did great! He still loves his treats and kibble. He is such a special boy and his trainer can’t believe he will be leaving in a short time.

Tony is a champ! His trainer is so happy that he is doing so well and looks forward to the weeks ahead with him.

Lazy And Lovable

Tony has become a lazy dog. He enjoys getting out and playing, but he would rather walk around looking for lost kibble, stare at the dog food container or stand on his bed staring at you waiting for a treat. Other than that , he lays around watching everything around him while he falls asleep.

Tony is such a lovable dog. His trainer thinks he would do well with therapy work. At the sight of a treat, banana, apple or even kibble he becomes so excited. He immediately “Sits” and if that doesn’t get it, he goes to “Down.” Silly boy!

When meeting new people Tony is excited. He loves everyone! He was very curious about the golf cart the other day and climbed up on it. He doesn’t seem to be scared of anything. He’s a happy go lucky boy!

Making Progress

This week Tony has shown more of his lazy side. In the mornings is when he is most active outside and inside. As it warms up in the afternoons, Tony enjoys sunbathing. He will just find him a spot and lay out.

Trying to teach him the command “Jump” is a work in progress, but he loves to jump over dogs and water drains when outside, so he is a jumper. He is just not comfortable jumping up on three wobbling cushions. His trainers will keep trying or find something else he can jump on. Tony is doing much better on the leash. He still needs more training, but progress is being made. He would rather walk on the right side, so training on the left is a challenge.

Don’t mention food to Tony, he LOVES it! He is learning “Leave It” and is doing better about walking away from a table full of food, but it is tough for him. He will go stand and stare at the dog food bin, pace the dorm and then go back again. His trainer said that he is doing much better with staying on the big cushions out in the dorm. Before he would not. Now Tony is comfortable and will fall asleep.

This coming week, they will work on the stairs more. Tony went up and down once with no problem. Now she wants him to become more comfortable with them. All he needs is a little food motivation!

Sweetness Overload

Tony proved he is a fast runner. Not only is he a runner, but a jumper as well. He gets so excited while running that he jumps over the other dogs. It is a sight to see. He enjoys playing with balls, chasing after them or muzzling them around. He is not a fan of sharing his toys, but his trainers are working with “Give” and Share.” Tony is such a loving dog.

All Tony wants is to be loved on. He is always going up to everyone in the dorm for attention. He is very affectionate and sociable. A favorite snack of Tony’s is apples but he’s not crazy about bananas.

Tony sleeps well in the kennel. He gets plenty of rest before his training time. During his training you can tell he is very interested in performing and making his trainer proud. Once he learns what she is asking him to do, he has that command down pat. He’s a smart boy.

Tony has an amazing sweetness about him. He is spoiled by everyone with love. He enjoys his naps in the room, but likes to keep one eye on his trainer. If he realizes sh is gone, he gets up looking for her. When he finds his trainer, he goes and waits at the room doorway for her to come. It is so cute!

One Of A Kind Greyhound

What a big turn around Tony has made this past week. He quickly gave up being stubborn when he caught on to “Sit” and realized that he gets a yummy treat. Now Tony is eager to answer your command with a smile. In this past week, Tony has learned all of his basic commands plus a few extras.

His trainer can’t even fully express how much of a change Tony has shown. He has warmed up to her, his living space and his new environment. His trainer is so proud of him. Tony is a very loving pup! He enjoys to be shown affection. He does not mind being hugged or cuddled with.

Leash walking is still a work in progress, but he has improved since arriving. Tony enjoys playing with toys and the other dogs. He has been socializing well with the male officers and staff that come through. He still is not a fan with quick sudden movements or loud noises. His trainer is sure in time that will improve too.

He is a happy, energetic, laid back and sweet one of a kind greyhound. His trainer can’t wait to see what the weeks ahead will unfold.

So Handsome

Meeting Tony was so exciting for his trainer! He is so handsome and very strong. Tony was a bit shy and skittish at first, but he is now comfortable and has warmed up to his trainer. Tony is doing great adjusting to his new surroundings. Tony has learned “bed”, “sit” and “down”.

Tony is very sweet, friendly and energetic. He is also very treat motivated. He enjoys being outside. When it is time for him to be free of the leash, his trainer can picture him having a ball running in the yard. Tony does like playing with toys and he doesn’t mind being in his kennel.

His trainer is excited to see where the next week takes them.