Skillet two week update

Has it been two weeks already?

Housetraining – No more marking and no more belly band. Skillet has become very reliable and I am giving him a score of 99% house trained. We just need to agree on communication for when he needs to be let out. I guess all he needed was a little time to get used to his surroundings and the marking stopped, both indoors AND on his walks. He now goes just once or twice each time we are out with absolutely no accidents inside.

Crate- He still does very well in his crate at night and when I’m at work, but now that he is more comfortable around us, he spends very little time in the crate when he has freedom in the house.

Leash-Skillet is a great walking partner. He may even be the type of dog that would love to go jogging with his person. He stays close, and isn’t lead astray by his nose.

Food/Eating- Still eating great. And I think he may have lost a little weight. He is looking very “buff” these days. Happy and healthy!

Socialization-Skillet was amazing during the Holidays. People coming and going didn’t bother him one bit. He greets people calmly without barking or jumping, and loves to be petted. We have yet to meet other dogs, even though we have been to the dog park. I hope we meet some new furry friends sometime soon.

Personality –Skillet is showing us more and more of his personality. He’s still a laid back guy, but we now see him wanting more one on one time, and play time without being pushy or demanding. He also seems to have more enthusiasm for life in general.

Coat/Size- We have seen little to no shedding and his coat is very low maintenance.

Skillet rides well in the car

A few pictures of our ride to the dog park.

Skillet rides quietly and calmly.

And...napped on the way home.

Our very good boy!

Skillet had a busy day

and foster brothers make great pillows when it's time to take a rest.

Skillet has a great Christmas

Wow....Skillet did a wonderfull job greeting guests and was very polite all day.

Oh, and more good news. Skillet didn't try to mark at all.I was afraid with all the commotion and new things in the house he might try.

 We have officially put away the belly band.

He absolutely fell in love with my brother-in-law. Of course it didn't hurt that he got on the floor and played with Skillet for nearly thirty minutes. Rubbing his belly, scratching behind his ears and telling him what a good boy he is. Skillet loved every minute of it answering with lots of kisses.

Skillet one week (almost) update

Ok, so it hasn't been quite a week, but here is what we know.

Housetraining –  Skillet does have a tendency to mark. He tried lifting his leg several times in the house  the first few days. However, after a few days with his belly band and watching him like a hawk, we have seen no more attempts.  With the marking faze over, he has been 100% accident free and he keeps his crate nice and clean.

Crate- Skillet doesn’t seem to mind the crate one bit. In fact he will go there during the day to hang out or play with a special toy. He crates with or without a treat and sleeps quietly all night and when I’m gone to work. He sits nicely and waits for the door to open without barking or jumping. Oh…. The pleasures of an adult dog !!

Leash- Skillet is AMAZING on the leash. He walks right by my side, and will sit whenever the walk pauses for a minute. He will even make eye contact with me every few steps, as though he is waiting for instructions. That being said…. He does like to mark. He will “go” many times on each walk. I’ve read that some dog owners do not allow a dog to mark over and over again on a walk. I will do more investigating and see if it’s training we should pursue, or something he will overcome as he gets more familiar with his surroundings.

Food/Eating- Skillet is currently eating a mixture of grain-free kibble, and a spoon of wet canned food, stirred together. He loves it, and cleans his bowl twice each day. He takes treats gently and enjoys rawhides and other chews. There is no food aggression and no “stealing” from Charlies bowl.

Socialization-We have taken Skillet to the dog park, but unfortunately there were no other dogs to meet that day. He and Charlie get along fabulously. I can only assume that he would be fine with other dogs as well, but stay tuned for updates. He has been just a little shy when meeting new people, but was very polite. We will find out much more about his social skills in a few days when we host Christmas at our house. I will be sure to update you then.

Personality – Skillet is a very chill dude. He does not get excited, or worked-up about anything. (Except  maybe when I announce that it’s walk time) He takes everything in stride.  Load noises or new places don’t seem to faze him a bit In fact last night my husband’s band practiced in our basement, and you would never know it by looking at Skillet. He just hung out on his dog bed playing with a toy. Speaking of toys, Skillet is my first foster that LOVES to empty the toy box. He is very gentle with the toys, but has made it his mission to spread them out all over the house each day. So cute! Skillet knows how to sit, and I have a feeling he knows much more. You can tell he has had people and a home in his previous life. He is very well adjusted.

Coat/Size Skillet is a neat size at about 30lbs, He’s just bigger than a Beagle, but not quite the size of a Border Collie. He is very solid and just a tiny bit longer than he is tall. To me he looks like a big Welsh Terrier or a small Airedale Terrier with a less curl in his coat. I think he would look even more like the two breeds if he had the traditional groomed haircut. His fur is rough and sheds very little. Or.... Border Terrier ???

Welsh Terrier

 Airedale Terrier

Border Terrier

Skillet

Skillet is such a good boy

He loves his crate and will take toys there to play or just hang out.

He's been wearing a belly band, but I think we may be able to put that away soon.

He hasn't tried to lift his leg since day two.

And....no accidents so far!!!

Good friends playing outside.

Oh, and did I mention?

He's amazing on a leash walk!!

Super quiet too.

We have only heard a snort or two when he and Charlie are rough housing.

Not a peep otherwise. 

Such a good boy!!

Boys will be boys

Two chunky monkeys getting some exercise.

Click on picture below for video.

Skillet additional pics

Just two more pics I have of Skillet.

Can't seem to get a shot of him standing up :-)

He's doing great !

Been a super easy foster so far.

Stay tuned.......

Skillet - First Impressions

Here are few things we know about Skillet in the less than a day we have had him in our home.

Skillet is calm, quiet and a good listener. (So far anyway.)

He’s a little chunky at about 30lbs, but totally adorable.  He’s a little bigger than your typical Beagle. A really neat size. I will try to post measurements soon. His fur is wiry and course.

He makes a funny smile with his face when he’s happy and excited. It looks a little like he is growling or snarling, but it’s totally harmless. Just a nervous tick that I’m sure will go away when he is more comfortable.

He crated nicely at bedtime. Was quiet all night, and woke to a clean crate. He went straight outside and did his business and had a good breakfast. Then we went on the most AMAZING walk. He seldom was more than a foot or two from my side, and when I stop walking just for a minute, he would sit next to my feet. What a great job, Skillet. I sure hope he keeps this up!

Skillet and our dog Charlie really hit it off. The “wrassling” matches started almost immediately. They are going to be good pals, I can tell.

I took just a few snap shots. Sorry it looks like he is in jail, but he was sitting so perfectly in his crate after he ate his dinner.

Check back often, for updates.