Welcome, Nike!

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Nike has been with his new foster family for a week.  During that time he has received lots of love and playtime.  He is doing very well with stairs and also loves the walks with the family.  Nike knows his commands and does enjoy retrieving tennis balls.  Today was a cold day, however, he did romp around in a fenced area at a dog park.  

An Unlimited Supply of Love

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Nike is a totally different dog these days and is ready for a loving forever home!  He’s an energetic guy who needs a good romp or jog every day to expel his energy.  He loves his jogging lessons and is running with this inmate trainer like a champ!  Nike looks forward to the end of the jog because he gets to play in the sand at the volleyball court!  He loves chasing his tennis ball through the sand and his trainer admits that he gets a kick out of watching Nike go! 

Nike loves his Kong Ballistic tug-n-play toy!  His inmate trainer makes him “sit” or “down” before he gets a toy or treat even during play time.  Nike has gotten so use to it that he doesn’t even think twice about sitting!  Nike hasn’t shown any aggression with other dogs while in training, but he seems to prefer the company of his human over other dogs.  Nike and has inmate trainer have a very strong bond and his trainer believes that Nike will bond well with his new family.

On a rare occasion Nike can get possessive of his toys so his inmate trainer reinforces that sharing is fun and rewarding.  Nike loves to give kisses and play “which hand is it in.”  Playing hide and seek has become a new and exciting game for him as well.  His inmate trainer says that he can’t hide from Nike for long because Nike makes silly faces causing him to laugh!  Nike will start looking around like “Oh no did my trainer get taken by aliens!!”  

Nike’s inmate trainer is having a great time working with Nike.  He says that Nike is always making him smile and laugh and that Nike always has an unlimited supply of love to share.  His trainer hopes that Nike will find the perfect forever home as he deserves all the love he can get.

Mr. Improvement

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Nike is doing great!  His leash skills have greatly improved!  He’s no longer pulling on the leash! He loves the Kong Tug-N-Play and can’t get enough of his squeaky tennis ball!  He’s still learning how to jog next to his inmate trainer, but he’s getting the hang of it!

Nike’s inmate trainer says that Nike is a truly wonderful dog.  He’s full of energy that he needs to burn off daily.  He also may have a bit of a gambling addiction… he loves to play the “which hand is it in” game!  He gets it correct most of the time, but he’s not always 100% accurate – yet!  

Nike enjoys following his inmate trainer around.  He does have a bit of sleep/space startle, but his inmate trainer is working on this as well.  Nike is showing great improvement!  He is whining and barking less.  The regular exercise and training aremaking a difference! 

Toys and Training

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Nike's inmate trainer is helping him with his leash skills.  The world is an amazing place for Nike and he pulls with eagerness while on the leash.  His inmate trainer is teaching Nike to jog beside him.  He says that Cesar Millan’s teaching method of exercise, discipline and affection is really working for Nike!  Removing the energy from the body before speaking to the mind is helping Nike and his trainer says that everyone can already see the difference!

His inmate trainer is also teaching him to take toys from his hand gently.  He is working to redirect Nike to sit first before taking the toy.  Nike’s favorite toy is a Kong squeaky football. 

Nike’s inmate trainer is very proud to see Nike’s progress.  Helping him release his energy and staying on a routine has really helped Nike become more respectful and obedient.  

Graduation Tests and a New Future

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Nike has worked hard over the past 10 weeks.  He has earned a place in his inmate trainer’s heart and the memories of their time together will last forever.  His inmate trainer says that Nike was there for him when he was studying for his G.E.D. and helped to encourage him when he didn’t pass the first time.  Nike helped him to feel like he could do it he just had to keep trying. 

Nike’s inmate trainer is proud to report that Nike passed both his SCG basic obedience test as well as his Canine Good Citizenship practice test!  Nike is an energetic guy who needs an outlet for his energy.  His inmate trainer believes that he will do best in a home with an active family. Maybe a family that will jog with him or go for long walks will find a place in their hearts for this truly wonderful guy.  

 

Looking For My Forever Home

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Nike continues to improve!  His inmate trainer has been working on “sit” and “wait” and Nike understands that when he performs well he gets a treat reward.  His inmate trainer has been working to wean Nike off treat rewards, but Nike’s not too crazy about this idea.  

Nike is now enjoying his kennel and he does a good job waiting when told to do so. His recall is very good when he’s in the big yard.  When he gets really excited he will pull some while on the leash.  When he starts this behavior his inmate trainer has him sit or runs through some of his commands, in other words, he is redirected.  His inmate trainer says that when he first started trying to redirect Nike’s attention and he would get excited and then he'd pout and not focus, but the hard work has paid off and Nike is doing much better now.  

Nike’s inmate trainer says that he will miss this energetic guy and hopes that Nike will find a home filled with love and playfulness. 

Bring on the FUN

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Swap week time!  Nike spent this week with an alternate inmate trainer to go over commands and spend time away from his primary trainer.  

Nike did great with his basic commands.  He was a little slow responding to heel, here, and stay but would follow through.  Nike is a very playful guy who loves to run and have fun.  He can be a little bossy with some of the other dogs while in the yard. His alternate inmate trainer believes that Nike would do great with someone who walks or jogs.  

Just Do It

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Nike is the guy for someone who doesn’t like to sit around.  The slogan “Just Do It” fits Nike really well!  His inmate trainer says that Nike loves to eat, play, and sometimes sleep.  He doesn’t mind being in his kennel, but will give you a sad look requesting to come hang out with you.  

He knows all of his basic commands along with a few extras. His inmate trainer says that Nike can be a little stubborn from time to time, but has the ability to melt your heart.  His inmate trainer says that Nike may be a little overzealous for small kids.  He is happiness on four legs and life is wonderful and full of adventure!  

On the Go

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Nike has settled into the prison environment.  His inmate trainer says that Nike is the kinda guy who likes to go.  He puts his whole heart into going and loves to run and play.  He enjoys playing with the other dogs and loves to start a pack run or play session. His recall command while in the big yard has gotten much better.  He does all of his commands in exchange for yummy treats. If his trainer doesn’t offer a treat reward Nike gives him a look as if to say, hey man, payment is due! 

After a training session is over Nike’s inmate trainer will toss the kibble and have Nike listen for where it hits then he has to find it!  Nike’s inmate trainer says that he believes that Nike would do great with someone who walks or jogs to help Nike have an outlet for his energy.  Keep in mind though, Greyhounds are sprinters and will need to build their endurance for a jog just like we humans do!

Playful and Energetic

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Nike is an energetic guy who’s doing well with all of his commands.  He knows how to hurry, let’s go, kennel, release, wait, heel, down, stay, shake, lap, and jump really well!   He’s a little slow responding to here and bed, but he’ll have them figured out in no time!  Nike likes to play hardball while training … he expects a treat reward for his splendid performance.  His inmate trainer is working to trade out treats for praise, playtime, and affection.  

Nike is a playful guy and his inmate trainer says that he can’t wait to see what the days to come have in store for their team!

A Training Champ

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It's been four weeks and Nike has come a long way during that time.  He has learned to "sit", "down", "stay", "wait", "here", "heel", "kennel", "bow", "bounce", "jump", "paws up", "jump", and "off".  His training team is currently working on fine tuning these commands and increasing his response time.  They are also introducing "shake" and "paws up".

As you can see, they've been really busy.  His inmate trainer says working with Nike has been an awesome experience.  His entire team is working diligently to ensure Nike gets his daily training sessions in and that he continues to learn during his time in the program.

He'll be ready for graduation in December.  He will surely make an awesome pet for a very lucky family!

What a Youngster!

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Nike is a young, energetic pup who is very playful.  He has expressed his dislike for the kennel when he is in his and all the other Greyhounds are out and about.  This is normal behavior actually.  They are like children in that they want to do what the group is doing!

So far Nike seems to be very smart and is doing well perfecting his basic commands.  His inmate trainer practices his commands in the training room every day.  After training, its play time!  He loves playing with toys.  His inmate trainer enjoys watching him play because you can see just how he loves it and how happy he is!

He is looking forward to the coming weeks training Nike.  He is such a joy to have around the pod!

What a Great Boy!

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Nike has continued to improve this week!  His sit, down, stay, wait, and let’s go commands have greatly improved.  He loves to eat and doesn’t mind anyone being around his food bowl. His inmate trainer has been pushing, pulling on his ears, and touching his legs and sides during meal times to continue to encourage his friendly behavior.

Nike loves attention and will give a bark request to receive more.  He loves to play in the big field and lay on soft pillows.  He doesn’t mind being groomed or having his teeth brushed.  
He’s doing well with his commands and knows hurry, down, and bed well.  He’s still a little slow to respond to let’s go, kennel, release, here, and sit but his inmate trainer believes he’ll have these commands down in no time.

 

Preparing For Retirement

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Nike arrived at the prison for training full of energy and ready to move forward with his new life.  He has settled in and is ready to start training.  His inmate trainer says that Nike already loves to play with toys and a small ball.  His training team has already lost their hearts to this sweet guy!

Nike has no problems having his teeth or body brushed.  He slips and slides on the shiny hallway floors and wants to hurry up and get that trip over with.  His inmate trainer is working to slow him down on the shiny surface.

Nike enjoys running and having fun in the big yard.  His inmate trainer says that he enjoys seeing Nike having so much fun.  He is looking forward to the training days ahead and believes that Nike is going to be a great pet.