Moving On

It’s time for graduation and time to start the new forever home adventure!  

It took Smokey a couple of days after swap week to settle back in to his routine. Greyhounds like routine so they sometimes have to think about change a little bit. He spent the week going over his commands and passing his final test, of course. He’s been enjoying playtime and food, which is his favorite pastime.  His inmate trainer says that Smokey is going to make a wonderful pet for some lucky family.  He says that he has enjoyed working with him and will miss seeing that sweet face every day. 

Taking Retirement to the MAX

Swap week has come and gone and our team had the pleasure of working with PJ Forest Gump, AKA Smokey.  He knows all of his basic commands and after a couple of days of getting used to each other, he had no problem responding to all the commands without using treats.  This is great, since Smokey loves food!

The week was spent going over the commands a couple of times a day to keep them fresh in the dog's minds.  The trainers have play time mixed with lots of relaxation, which by the way, Smokey excels at.  He takes retirement to the MAX.

Smokey is a well rounded dog.  He is EXTREMELY laid back and does not to appear to have any aggressive tendencies.  He is friendly and gentle, and doesn't mind a good run when he gets outside.  His "swap trainer" said it was a pleasure to have Smokey this week and he will be a great addition to any family.  He will be missed by everyone.

Beauty Not The Beast

Hi Forest Gump (Smokey) followers!  Another week has come and gone and I hear I'm going to my new home soon.  I hope they have a lot of food and treats stocked up for me.  I mean ALOT.  I'm told that I'm an eating machine and that's the way to my heart. I get kind of silly, like a sleep-deprived child when I know it's time to eat.  I have to let my trainer know, since he can't tell time. I will stretch and turn circles in my crate waiting for my handler to release the beast.  Just kidding.  I'm not a beast.  I'm a friendly, easy-going guy that never meets a stranger (dogs or people).  I am ready to show you.

I had fun this week running outside with all my other dog friends.  We were chasing after this round bouncy thing and a flying saucer.  I was pretty good at it.  I like to be the one to get it first. It was so much fun.  I can't wait to do it again.  I would love to show you, maybe when I get to your house?

Will Work For Food

Smokey got a brand new stuffed squeaky toy this week that he likes to play with, but if you offer him food, he's more than willing to give it to you.  Food is the way to this handsome boy's heart!  You can get him to do almost anything for it.  That's why Smokey is doing so well with his basic commands and extras ("shake" and "leave it"). You show me the money (treats) and I'll show you what I can do!

Smokey is a very laid back boy with a blossoming personality.  He loves to lay around in his kennel at nap time or any time. After all, he is retired.  Isn't that what you do when you retire? Smokey is a team player and gets along well with all of the greyhounds when they are out in the big yard running, playing and chasing each other.  He is pretty fast too!

Smokey doesn't mind getting checked out or having his teeth brushed.  He's going to be a great companion for whoever adopts this sweet boy.

Relaxed Runner

Another week of training in the books! Smokey has enjoyed his extra time outside.  Outside means running and playing.  When it is time to come in, he is so laid back and relaxed. He still isn't showing a lot of interest in toys but he will - all in good time. He has mastered all of his basic commands, performing them with ease. His inmate trainers are still working on "leave it".  There is no doubt that he will have that one down in no time as well!

Smokey hasn't been the slightest bit aggressive with people or other dogs, even sharing his water bowl with other thirsty pups! Such a sweet boy!  He will make a lucky family very happy.

One handsome boy!

Smokey had a good week.  He had a lot of outside play time and is still a laid back dog with no signs of aggression towards people or other dogs.

Smokey knows all his basic commands and but they will work on perfecting them in the coming weeks.  He also learned an extra command "leave it".  He is very food driven, so training him is a piece of cake.  He still does not care much for toys, but that could change.  Right now, food is where his heart is.

Naps are on the top of his list...well maybe under food.  He's always ready for a snooze after eating, playing or training.

He tackled the stairs this week like a champ, with no treats!  All the inmates get tickled at Smokey's laid back attitude.  He's a handsome boy with his shiny red coat.  He likes to lay in his kennel on his back and grin.  He will make a great pet for some lucky family!

Running is Good

Ah, this week Smokey was able to run on the big field.  His inmate trainer knows by the look on his face he had a great time. A happy Greyhound makes a happy inmate trainer!

View fullsize

This week they worked on the "sit" command as well as the "down" command.  Smokey is very food motivated which helps with training. He has shown no aggression toward his inmate trainer when he puts his hands in his food bowl. 

Smokey is a very laid back Greyhound. His interest in toys is minimal, at best. He is very smart which is a good thing.  Smarts and a love for treats will get Smokey far in life!! :)

So far Smokey has conquered all his basic commands plus he also knows how to shake. You never know when he'll need to shake someone's hand!

Taking Retirement Seriously

Smokey got to run this week in the big yard!  His inmate trainer says that he really enjoyed watching Smokey run and play.

Smokey is food motivated and can get a little excited at meal times.  His inmate trainer is working to show Smokey that a calm boy gets a yummy reward.  He’s catching on and his trainer knows that his manners will be superb in no time!  

Smokey hasn’t shown any interest in toys yet and seems to love his nap times.  He’s a laid back easy going guy who is taking retirement seriously.  

Learning To Tell Time

Smokey has had a great week!  He loves food and has learned to tell time.  His inmate trainer says that when it’s close to meal time Smokey will start turning circles of happiness in his kennel.  

Smokey already knows “hurry,” “let’s go,” “kennel,” and “wait” really well.  He is still a little slow responding to “heel,” “here,” “release,” and “sit”.  He catches on quick so his inmate trainer knows that he’ll have these commands down in no time.  

It's A Whole New Life

The first week of training is going well for Smokey.  He’s been learning his name as well as “hurry,” “let’s go,” “heel,” “kennel,” and “here”.  His inmate trainer says that Smokey seems to be a laid back guy.  He is curious about his new environment and seems to be settling in just fine.  

Smokey still has a few stitches and can’t run out in the big yard with the other dogs yet, but he’s itching to join the fun.  Patience, grasshopper, patience.

His inmate trainer says he is looking forward to watching Smokey grow during the coming weeks!