GRIFFIN HAS A DO-OVER

Griffin was driven down from Turtle Gardens to the Lower Mainland in September last year.  I remembered him being the nicest dog out of that dog run.   He is calm and such a 'love'.  He went into a foster home and it was noted that he was not a candidate for a home with cats.  He was subsequently adopted into a home with a very nice couple who have been showering him with love and affection, not to mention he had to have some dental work done and is missing one of his lower canines.  So it wasn't that his owners didn't love him, it was his obsession with the next door neighbour's cat that had moved in.  I don't believe he had been making a fuss noise wise but he was trying to get next door whether that meant going through or under the fence.  He also tried to go through the shared access panel between the two units when his owners were away.  He was pulling hard on leash and trying to jump on people in his enthusiasm to greet them and get closer.  At 80 lbs he has learned to use his weight to get what he wants and I have compared him to a 'tank'.  So for a mellow big dog, he's not necessarily going to out-run you or need more than your average exercise but if he's determined he's going to motor his way where he wants.

I'm not sure if he could catch a cat in a wide open space but he can't be trusted with a cat in a confined area, so he needs a home without a cat and to be safe probably without birds, hamsters, etc (why take a chance).  He does have great dog skills and was fine with dogs of all sizes and ages when he was at Turtle Gardens.

And so, that brings us to yesterday when I picked up Griffin.   He travelled okay in the truck, a little stressed but good all the same.  When we got to my place I wanted him to get some business out of the way so we hung out in my little yard for a while.  All he wanted to do was get inside and see what was in there. 

'is this where we go in?'

'no....okay, how about over here?'

'hello!...I know you're in there'

Closed door isn't going to stop the nose from getting information.

 

Griffin gives up for a brief moment and comes to plead his case with me.

'um....whatcha waitin for'

One ear North and one ear South...Griffin patiently waits

 

'come on...what gives!'

Griffin finally gave up his watch at the door and did both bits of business I had been hoping for.  He likes to plow his way through a door, whether its to get in or out so we spent a bit more time learning patience at the door before he was allowed to come inside.  Once in, he remained on leash and I gave him the grand tour.  He drank some water and we headed back out for a quick once-around-the-block.  He is learning not to pull on leash and after a short distance he catches on and becomes a little easier.  Back at home base he flopped down on his own bed and not a peep out of him for a while.

Later in the evening when it had cooled down outside we went for a longer walk. We saw 4 baby skunks along the way.  When we passed the first one, Griffin got excited and pulled on leash.  Not so much that I couldn't hold him back.  By the time we saw the next ones I was better prepared and held a taught leash and just moved him right on by.  The experience of seeing the skunks wasn't really that much worse than any other foster I've had that would love to go chase them.  At 80 lbs though, he does need someone who is balanced on their feet and strong to walk him.  He is not the dog you'd hand the leash over to the kids as he'd out-weigh a small child and would pull them right over.  I'm confident he's going to learn to walk on a loose leash but he may never get past his desire to run after a critter, not unlike many other dogs I know.

At the park we met with three small kids and Griffin really shines in this situation.  He seems to really love their energy and probably their size too which means he doesn't need to jump up to get closer.  He sat patiently while being petted and when he'd had enough he looked at me as if to say 'okay' that's good for now.

Griffin slept on the floor next to my bed last night, not a peep out of him.  He did have the choice of two other beds so I could see what his preference was but I suppose location won out over the comforts of either bed.  I have yet to hear him bark, despite any noises going on outside.

Today, was Griffin's first day of daycare and I'm told he went to all the staff for affection throughout the day.  He got on well with all dogs and while he didn't play today, he showed a glimmer of wanting to.  Once he gets used to being there I'm guessing he'll start playing.  So here is the result of a day well spent: 

Griffin was still on leash when I brought him in the house today, but he is so well behaved he will earn off leash indoors tonight.  He is such an affectionate dog.  He hasn't jumped on me since yesterday after I first picked him up, but I think he wishes he was 15 pounds so he could be a lap dog - he just has a way of wanting to be closer than his size allows.  I know there is a perfect home for him out there.  He's a great dog!