I can't keep this precious boy a secret any longer! Jackson is a 4-month-old purebred male. He is Jill 13-352 's son from her litter last November. He is also my current foster Hannah 13-349 's grandson! Go figure! Jackson was returned by his loving famliy when they had difficulty keeping thier special-needs 3-year-old from occassionally mishandling him. Jackson had started to growl when she grabbed for his toys and food. The family decided to wait to get a dog when their daughter is a few years older. But you can tell that Jackson got an awesome start with this family! He is a very loving boy and has shown no guarding or growling since he arrived over a week ago. Jackson is neutered and up-to-date on his vaccinations.
When dogs guard from people, we teach them instead that when a human is approaching, while they have a tasty item, that human is going to give them something even BETTER! This is what I have done with Jackson--teach him to trade for his stuff. There is no good reason to disturb a dog when he is eating, so I have just walked by and dropped tasty treats into his bowl so that he is not disturbed when I am present. He has shown absolutely no indication that he cares that I am around and is just now starting to look for me and the special treats.
Jackson has the 'sit' down pat and waits (for a few seconds anyway) until he is released before eating his food. He is figuring out walking on a leash. House training is still a work in progress given his age. But he goes to the door now and will whine or jump at it. If I don't catch him fast enough, he will pee right there. Ahhhh, puppies. He also still submissive pees on occassion. Another thing that should stop as he matures. But prepare to have your shoes initiated!
Jackson is a normal, snuggly Golden puppy that will need continued obedience classes to make him into the dog you want to live with. He loves to wrestle, chase a ball or blowing leaves, eat everything and anything--well, you remember. He is still learning manners from the adult dogs in the house. He is too exuberant in his greeetings and is in the other dogs' faces. But he is learning!
I am sure he won't be with me long, but please remember these important things as you look at his adorable pictures:
- Puppies are a LOT of work in their first year!
- Puppies have small, immature bladders and cannot go a full work day without being let out. You will need to make arrangements for a midday break until he is about 6 months old.
- Puppies NEED obedience, manners training, and socialization! RAGOM gets many unmannered and undersocialized dogs in due to a simple lack of training and socialization when they are young. This is a crucial time for puppies to learn so many things!
Wrestling!
Snuggling with grandma Hannah 13-349
Grandma Hannah wants my ball
