Jackal's Puppy Journal

New Trick Video

2008-12-16T07:45:00.000-08:00

Check out the new trick videos I posted on Jackal's Training Journal. The link is in the right hand about me column. Thanks for your interest.

Say no to bugs!

2008-12-06T10:21:00.001-08:00

This is an adorable video of Jackal. Ignore the mess, thats the problem with living in a remodel house.

New Blog For Training.

2008-12-06T07:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, I have made a new blog for recording progress with Jackal's training, as writing in the first person point of view doesn't work so well now that he is growing out of puppyhood, as well as its a bit limiting on the information I can give. To view his new blog click here. Thanks for your interest.

Alright!

2008-11-22T15:01:00.001-08:00

Mommy finally got the cord to the video camera fixed! She's been working on getting the video uploaded to the computer, editing and pulling off snapshots all day. She would have gotten more done if she hadn't gotten sidetracked making movies on the Microsoft Movie Maker program she has. We should start seeing pictures soon!

I'll apologize in advance for the quality, as they're coming off of moving video, it kind of sucks. Mommy is hoping to save up and get a digital camera, so she can get high quality still shots instead of always depending on the video camera.

Mommy took me to work with her today. I didn't like it much. Too boring, even though a coworker brought her dog too. The other dog wouldn't play with me much. I showed off all my tricks (except roll over, floor is too slick). I played fetch and tug. And I got to chew on a rawhide that I don't usually get to have. After that I got bored and whined the whole time.

And I have shake down perfectly already. Mommy says she just needs to teach me the voice command. I don't pay attention to her voice like I should. I prefer hand signals.

Guess that is all. Will try to get some of those pictures up soon. They go all the way back to September! Bye pups!

Training has begun.

2008-11-20T19:28:00.000-08:00

Mommy got the book she's been waiting on so excitedly. She stayed up until the wee hours of the morning reading it. I sure hope this excitement isn't bad news for me. She's gone back to the basics and is working on refining the tricks I already know, besides she says I need to learn some of the essential ones that we skipped like come and stay.

I learned a new trick tonight though!! I learned how to shake hands in like three minutes. It took me a little while to figure it out because I thought the fist mommy held near the ground meant I was to roll over. When I finally figured out she wanted me sitting and not laying down I quickly caught on. Mommy is happy with me because I raise my paw high when I offer it. And very enthusiastically I might add.

Anyway Mommy is going to start working with me tomorrow with the clicker again (too cold and dark to put Storm outside for the privacy we need for training tonight). She's hoping that after about a week of refining a few things and working on manners that we can get to business. She said I need to learn not to nip and I need to learn to hold my positions longer before accepting a treat. She did want me to mention though that my roll over is going very well. I don't have to be lured anymore.

So wish me luck pups! I'm aiming to please!

Training should pick up again soon.

2008-11-18T10:36:00.000-08:00

Mommy has been busy and just having a little trouble adjusting to all the change lately, so my training has been kind of ignored. I know how to sit, down, speak, turn around, roll over and jump. It is a short list compared to the one mom wanted to have done by now, but she isn't getting discouraged by the slow ups. Mommy just purchased a book 101 Dog Tricks by Kyra Sundance on the recommendation of Ellie! Check our links to see Ellie's Diary. She is hoping this book will give her ideas and help her get inspired again.

Mommy finally bought a cord for the video camera, but its going to take a while to get it all uploaded, especially with her busy schedule.

Also I have been on two hunting trips so far, unfortunately both were windy days. The first day we didn't see a single squirrel. The second we saw a few, but they were timbering out and we never got a shot at them. Mommy is annoyed with my whining, but I'm only telling her I'm a little uncomfortable in an unfamiliar place and with them acting all weird and walking all slow.

I guess that will be it for now. Will try to write more when Mommy has the time to help me. She's been worried about Storm, because of a mysterious, so far undiagnosed skin condition. Although she is happy to report Storm's blood work looked great!

Bye for now!

Vote in the poll!

2008-09-29T20:40:00.000-07:00

Hey everypup. Please look at the bottom of the page and vote in our poll!

P.S. I will give you a biscuit if you vote for me. ;)

Growing!

2008-09-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

I have tons of news. Still no pictures to post because of the cord I chewed, but Mommy has been getting footage so there will be bunches of pictures when she gets a cord. Anyway Mommy weighed and measured me. Last time we checked I was fifteen inches and almost thirty pounds. I am now NINETEEN inches tall at the shoulders and weigh around thirty five pounds! Mommy was surprised and Daddy is happy I'm still growing.

Other news, Mommy finally quit her job at that fast food place with all the yummy smells and got a job at a Veterinarian Clinic! She gets lots of what she calls "perks" like she can take us to work with her and give us baths. I don't see what is so great about that. Mommy took me to work and I whined for two hours. Eventually I calmed down and explored and played with toys and met new people. It was a lot of fun.

Also Mommy twisted her ankle and sprained her wrist last week so we haven't been getting any walks. But recently she started taking us for our walks and is able to type again. Storm and I are excited to be getting exercise!

I ate my wading pool so I have been bowing and laying down in the water standing in the culverts instead. Mommy didn't get mad even though I came out covered in a rusty film. Of course later she chased me around with the water hose, which was fun but odd.

Well, I guess that's all. Will try to update again soon. Night pups!

Have Patience.

2008-09-22T06:56:00.000-07:00

Okay my mom has been getting lots of video footage so as soon as she buys a new cord to connect the video camera to the computer you will get lots of pictures. So have patience I have not completely disappeared. I'll chew on her until she caves and goes to the store to get the cord. So I will see you pups soon.

Quick Update.

2008-08-19T07:21:00.000-07:00

I was a very bad boy and decided to chew through the cord that Mommy uses to put my pictures on the computer, so there will not be pictures of me for a while. I will try to sneak on the computer and write more often though. Hope everypup is having a good summer! See you all again soon.

Update.

2008-07-29T06:05:00.000-07:00

Hey all you pups. Sorry I haven't been on in ages. Mommy and Daddy had to go to Louisiana because Daddy's grandmother was sick. I got to stay with my grandparents. Mac (our Yorkie brother) and I got along finally . . . or well for the most part. I was a good boy and got along famously with my grandmother. I love a warm lap!

As far as my "training" I have learned the concept of roll over, although I have trouble positioning myself for it and can't always follow through. Mommy keeps saying she is going to get the clicker out and start working on new tricks. Daddy had an injury and was on temporary disability so things have just been a little overwhelming lately. Anyway, I'm going to go pester Stormy. Will talk to you all later.

Hey All!

2008-06-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

Not much has been going on. Been quiet. I've been surfing other blogs and found a website where you can enter contests to win prizes. Stormy decided to enter the Sleeping Beauty contest. She submitted a picture of herself a few years ago when she fell asleep with her head in the crook of an office chair trying to get as close to Mommy as she could. It really is cute. If you want please go vote for her. It would be cool if I could tell my friends my sister is famous. Thanks for listening!

Birthday Girl!

2008-06-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

Sorry this took so long to get pictures edited and put together, but my big sister's birthday was June 21st. She turned SEVEN years old! She is getting soooooo old!

Anyway, because it was her birthday we did what she wanted to do! Such as . . .

. . . . RUN!

And. . . .

. . . and chase- er, I meant run with the goat sisters!

And we looked outside the fence, dreaming of all the places we could RUN!

I finally stole her party hat to chew it up and kill it (actually just needed a break in the shade from all the running).

Stormy chose to cool off by taking a swim in the goats water barrels.

Doesn't she look happy?

Mommy's Movie Making.

2008-06-18T14:40:00.000-07:00

Okay Mommy has been messing around with a program called Microsoft Movie Maker and she wanted me to post the video she made on my website. It is called Month of March 2008 and it is about my very first month living here. I hope you enjoy it.

Had a Blast!

2008-06-17T19:54:00.000-07:00

I had the best time ever over at my Mommy's parents' house. Unfortunately, being a forgetful human, Mommy forgot to bring the video camera. The first evening I spent harassing their Yorkshire Terrier. That night I slept on the futon with Mommy and Daddy.

The next day Daddy and Mommy's Daddy tore down a wall so that they could put in French doors. I got to go in and out of the house as I pleased. It was so much fun. I did great and never had a single accident. Then they took me out to the pond in the pasture. I swam in the water trying to eat the fish food they threw out, but unfortunately the catfish were biting my toes so I got out.

Then Daddy ran to the other side of the pond. I followed at full speed and decided to take a short cut. I bailed off into the deep end of the pond, thinking it was all one level like my wading pool. I went all of the way underwater and came up with water in my ears. I didn't go back in after that, but it was still fun.

That night as we were getting ready to leave Storm taught me how to kill a chicken. Mommy was extremely upset because Storm killed her favorite black hen. Her Daddy had been keeping this specific chicken until Mommy and Daddy could build a hen house. I had lots of fun killing the chicken. Don't know what Mommy was so upset about.

Then the next day we went to a nearby state park on top of a mountain. I met lots of people and looked off the edge of high cliffs. We saw eight deer. Some were walking alongside our car. Then we went to a friend's house and I played for a long time. Anyway, I am exhausted just thinking about it. Time for a long puppy nap.

Dog Day Out!

2008-06-05T14:42:00.000-07:00

Hey pups! I have had the best day ever!! My Mommy and Daddy took me for a long walk. I had lots of fun. First Storm and I played . . .

And when Storm got tired I RAN!

And ran!
And ran some more!Once I burned off the main source of my energy I started hunting. For what you ask? I don't know for sure. Just something. Anything!

Then we went home and I played in the pool to cool off.

And now I am exhausted, soaked and very, very happy. That's all I have to report for today.

The Usual.

2008-05-22T19:14:00.000-07:00

Not much has been going on. We have had beautiful weather and Mommy has been very busy with various things, so she hasn't really gotten the video camera out in a while. My trick training has also fallen on the wayside, but today she picked up the clicker again. I was doing my usual barking, because I know how much humans love my bark. For some reason she wouldn't click.

So I tried other things. My favorite is to lay down. I don't just lay down, I THROW myself down! Mommy clicked the down a few times. Eventually I noticed she was clicking when I put my head on the floor. We didn't get any really great results, because Mommy wanted to keep the session short, but she said we will do it again tomorrow. I got to play with my wonderful tennis toy. The one I only get to play with after training sessions, check out earlier post.

Anyway that is all for now. It is storming and I had my tail smashed in the door, so I am gonna sleep on the couch and pout. Bye!

Good News!

2008-05-16T18:43:00.000-07:00

I barely even noticed my discomfort today! I had lots of fun outside with Daddy and my sisters. So if your Mommy tricks you into this neuter thing, not to worry. You will be fine by the next day.

I supervised while Daddy picked up sticks from around the yard so that he could mow. I look so handsome in this picture, click for a closeup. I also spent lots of time playing with Stormy.

But when she had had enough, I left her alone so she could chew on a stick.

You don't mess with Stormy! Look at those teeth!

Also played with my Boer goat sisters, Julie and Sophie. Figured I would add a picture of them, since you have never met them officially. They are so fun to chase!

Look at silly Sophie trying to reach the leaves.

An interesting discovery was made today by yours truly! This weird looking bird is called a roadrunner and he lives in our neighborhood. He was playing on top of the shed. Isn't he cool??

Neuter is BAD!

2008-05-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

Okay pups! I just found out. Neuter is a VERY bad word! Mommy woke me up really early this morning, even though I was all stretched out and comfy on the bed. She gave me a bath. Then she put me in my crate in the car. Then she took me to the vet. I was excited, but not too anxious. Then she LEFT me!

I took a nap and woke up in a cold cage, feeling very sore down below. Mommy didn't pick me up until after work time. Then she took me home. I'm still sore. Please don't let your mommies take you in for a neuter. They are very bad.

Anyway Mommy told me I needed to get squirrels on my brain because squirrel season is about to open. Here is a picture of our objective.

Update.

2008-05-09T18:52:00.000-07:00

It's been a little busy around here, so sorry I haven't written. There are a few things I would like to mention.

First and foremost I caught a baby bunny the other day. Mommy was sad that I killed it, but she couldn't be mad at me. I am a hunting dog after all! She doesn't know for sure if I killed it myself or if I stole it from Storm or Gray Kittie, but I'm not telling. My little secret.

Secondly Mommy and Daddy took me to the local park and we went for an hour and a half long walk. I saw two dachshunds, a beagle, bikers and a family with a baby carriage. Now THAT was a terrifying experience! Why would they push that thing around. It looked dangerous!

Mommy has been taking me on one and a half to two mile walks everyday. Sometimes she rides her bike, but we can't go far because even going slow with Storm trotting I am having to run the whole time. On these walks I have met several horses. They are scary but I am sooooo curious about them!

I am now reliably laying down for voice command and/or hand signal. I have also learned a new trick. It is called 'turn around' where I spin to my right. I am almost to the point where I can do it without the lure. Mommy has slowly phased it out, but not completely. She tried to teach me to give my paw today but I was having none of it. We both finally got frustrated and called it quits.

I have also learned that I love the water. After our walks Storm likes to get her feet wet to cool down some in the kiddie pool Mommy bought. I love to get ALL of me wet. It is so much fun!!

The only other bit of news is something is happening on the 15th called a 'neuter'. Not sure what that is about, but Mommy sure seems eager to get it out of the way. I'll let you know when it is over if you need to fear this word or not.

Well gotta go take a puppy nap. See you guys later.

Big Sister

2008-05-04T15:36:00.000-07:00

I want to grow up to be just like my sister. Check out this video!

Lazy Days

2008-04-30T17:59:00.000-07:00

Mommy took me to the vet again and I got the rest of my shots. They said I weigh around fourteen pounds. They also mentioned something called "neuter" that will happen in two weeks. I wonder what that is. Anyway check out these new pictures of what I've been up to lately.

Something smells good!

Do I have to go in to get the ball?

And last but not least, a video of me pestering my big sister Storm.

Dumpster Diving

2008-04-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

Hey guys. Check out this video of me dumpster diving for some of Stormy's food.

I know how to lay down!

2008-04-26T17:21:00.001-07:00

I know how to lay down! Why is this important you ask? Because when I do it Mommy clicks and treats! How exciting! She said I am doing it consistently indoors on my bed, but I haven't learned the voice command and I tend to get distracted. Whatever.

I have been doing pretty good. Have had two accidents today, but both times were when Mommy and Daddy were distracted getting ready for work (Daddy is working nights again). They didn't get upset.

Below is a video of me doing my tricks. We were outside, but Mommy decided to ask me to lie down hoping to catch it on tape. Of course I didn't, but no harm done. She said something about she shouldn't have said the word "down" because I don't know it yet and she doesn't want me to learn to ignore it, but again no great harm. I did sit, jump and speak consistently. She was so proud of me. Hope you enjoy it.

What did you think of the video up above?

Oh and one other thing. Mommy went to the store and came back with bells! They are a lot of fun. Anyway she put them on a long piece of yarn and tied them to the front door. She rings them every time we go outside. I have no clue as to why, but they are cool.

Guess that is all for today. Catch you later!

Full of Fun!

2008-04-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

Mommy let me take a shower with her this morning. It was the first time I have ever even been in the room with the shower running. I was a little scared, but after she rinsed the dirt out of my paws she took me out of the shower and dried me off. As I have mentioned before I love the drying off part. After getting dried off I was full of myself for the rest of the day.

Oh, and attempting to look innocent did nothing to put Mommy and Daddy at ease.

I was wild and crazy. Below I am sticking my tongue out at the camera.

Wouldn't you just love to take me home? I am so much fun!

I didn't do it! Honest!

Talk Back!

2008-04-24T16:55:00.000-07:00

I LOVE to talk back to my Mommy. Check out this video.

A Lot of Growing Going On.

2008-04-24T08:37:00.001-07:00

Ok. I just have to brag. Look at these pictures at how much I have changed in just twenty days! Aren't I just adorable??

Same Old, Same Old.

2008-04-21T05:51:00.000-07:00

Well the night before last I slept in Mommy and Daddy's bed ALL night and didn't have an accident. Although last night I slept in my crate and did pee in it. I just can't control when I have to pee. They didn't restrict my water after eight o'clock (Mommy hates doing that), so that is probably why I couldn't hold it.

Other than sleeping arrangements everything has been the same as usual. On April 30th I get to go to the vet again for my last round of shots. Then I will be fully protected and able to go places and meet people. Mommy might even take me to Petsmart.

Yesterday I had another pretend bath. I whined a little bit, but did pretty good. Mommy is still using the huge bowl to bathe me in, but she is putting the bowl in the bath tub so I get used to having baths there. I do not fit in the bowl anymore, so she does my front half and then my back half. I don't care for this.

Well, I gotta go burn some energy. I think I heard Daddy say something about squirrel training today wohoo!!!!

Training Breakthrough!

2008-04-17T18:23:00.000-07:00

Well we had a training breakthrough today. Mommy has been taking me on walks everyday and I have proved to be a leashed hellion. But today armed with the new liver treats we tried again. And I FINALLY found the position Mommy was looking for because she started clicking and treating. I was even looking up at her. I still got distracted very easily by all the smells, but I wasn't pulling and I wasn't dragging behind, so it was great!

I absolutely ADORE my new toy. I get very excited when it comes out!

Mommy is excited because she thinks it is helping to build my drive. All I have to say is with liver treats and this cool new toy I LOVE training.

Last night Mommy clipped my nails again. She only managed to do five on random paws, because a bunch were still short enough and she was taking it very easy and slow so that I wouldn't get scared. It went pretty well. With a toy to chew on I barely noticed.

Also tonight I whined to let Mommy know I had to pee for the first time ever. Before now I have always just peed when I had to pee because I could never feel it coming before. Needless to say she was very excited.

Well that is all for tonight! Bye!

Getting Stricter

2008-04-16T16:14:00.000-07:00

Well, my Mommy is getting stricter. She is making me do outrageous things like sit before I get to come into the house. How dare she? I liked running through the door. She also gave me another bath in just plain water so that I will get used to the experience. Mommy has also been taking me on walks with Storm. They are very unorganized and crazy, but Mommy decided to teach me to use a target stick which should help me learn to heel. She made the target stick out of a straightened coat hanger with a fishing bobber on the end as the target spot.

Learning target is fun. Mommy bought me some bite sized liver treats for training. I work a lot more enthusiastically for those than my regular kibble. She still sometimes uses kibble for refreshers on stuff I already know. Today Mommy went out and bought me a special toy that I only get to play with after a training session. This is supposed to keep me looking forward to training. It is an oblong toy made of rubber and covered in tennis ball fabric with a rope attached to one end. It is great for playing fetch with. I love it already. I just wish she would give it to me all the time instead of only after training.

Anyway things are going pretty much the same each day. Daddy gets up at 5am and takes me out. When he is ready to leave for work around 6:15am he puts me in bed with Mommy. Then I sleep with Mommy until she gets up. Then I go out again and wait for her to get dressed, teeth brushed, etc. Then we have a play session. When I lose focus we play, then I get my breakfast. Then I stay outside with Storm while Mommy is at work. When she gets home we have another training session and/or a walk. After a lot of play time we go back to bed. Fun huh?

Well gotta go burn off some more energy. Bye!!

Busy Little Puppy.

2008-04-13T16:54:00.001-07:00

I have been a VERY busy puppy. Sorry I haven't written. Yesterday was a very exciting day. I got to visit my grandparents' house. I also got to meet my brother, a Yorkshire Terrier named Mac. He wasn't fond of me, but Storm played with me.

Unfortunately my Mommy got too excited to remember to get the video camera out later when I had my first squirrel training session. My Mommy put a string around the dead squirrel's leg and dragged him across the ground. I was very excited and chased it. When she got to a tree she would drag it up and hold it until I barked. Then she would drop it and let me shake it, to make sure it was dead. When I started to lose interest she let me have it and I carried it all the way to Daddy on the other side of the yard, without stopped, veering or dropping the squirrel. My Mommy, Daddy and Grand Daddy were so excited. They were also pleased that I showed no fear of the .22 when they shot it.

Today was exciting too because I made a new friend. Storm told me about this other Siberian Husky she knows named Dakota and Mommy took me to visit her today. She wasn't sure of me at first . . .

First I stole her duck toy.

Then we did some circling to judge our opponent.

One play bow later . . .
. . . and we started playing up a storm. Teeth and claws were flying! The room was just filled with our menacing growls! We had a ball!!

Vaccines Hurt!!

2008-04-09T17:20:00.000-07:00

Mommy took me to the vet again today. I didn't like the car ride, because she wouldn't let me ride in her lap and I have been getting car sick. But I did stay in the passengers seat on my towel and did not get sick during this ride. The people were very nice again. One of them jabbed a needle in me. I yelped, but got over it quickly. They also gave Mommy something called "wormer" which she is giving me tomorrow since it is her day off so she can watch me in case I get an upset stomach. I slept on the ride home.

Mommy had to work all day and Daddy was sleeping so it has been pretty boring other than my trip to the vet. Mommy said Saturday we will be going to see her Mommy and Daddy and brother. She also said that in three weeks the vet is going to jab me again with a needle and then I will get to go explore everywhere without worrying about getting sick. I can't wait! I will get to meet all kinds of people and have so much fun! Then maybe I can go on more walks with Storm. Well time for a nap. See ya around.

A new game and some more training . . .

2008-04-08T16:42:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone! I learned a new game yesterday evening. Playing with water bottles. It is great fun!

Mommy did a bunch of clicker training with me today. She has been watching training videos on YouTube to get ideas and inspiration. Well she was definitely inspired! She took me out to pee and noticed I was very alert and attentive so she broke out the clicker and the treats.

We worked on sit, which I am doing to the command already! Also worked on making eye contact when she says my name. I have been responding to my name very well the last couple of days. I also know the word 'no' really well. Mommy doesn't even have to use a deep tone anymore. She simply says no in a normal voice and I stop doing whatever I was doing and go play with my toys. She says I am no where near as stubborn as Storm was at my age. What is she kidding? Look at this face! I am so totally full of mischief.

We also worked on the off command. When I jumped up on her or put my paws up against a wall or rock or something she would say no and wave her hand at my face. When all four paws were on the ground she would click and give me a treat. I'm really starting to have fun with this. Mommy can't wait until I start offering behaviors. She doesn't think it will be too much longer.

So now that I'm a big dog when do I get to go on bike rides like Storm??

Fun Days!

2008-04-07T06:17:00.001-07:00

Things are going MUCH better! Mommy is being a lot more attentive to my potty needs and has finally remembered how long it takes for us young puppies to learn to control their bladders. I think she was expecting me to be the same as Storm when she brought her home as a 10 week old female, forgetting that I was younger and males have to pee more often than females. But we are all good now.

I have been spending a lot more time outdoors. Staying outside in my pen while Mommy is at work is sooooo much better than staying in the bathtub. I only hope the rain continues to hold off. Yesterday Mommy and Daddy took me to the lake to go fishing. I spent most of the time napping.

We are still trying to find a routine that fits all of us, which is hard due to my Mommy and Daddy's awful work schedules, but we are doing better. Mommy is working on my clicker training. Mostly just having me sit, so that I start to associate the click with something good. I haven't started seeking behaviors yet, but it will come. Anyway that is all for now! Bye!

Housebreaking is not going so well . . .

2008-04-04T06:56:00.000-07:00

Mommy is getting sad and frustrated, because I keep peeing in my crate. She thinks it is due to having to leave me in the crate too long one day. Ever since then I have been peeing in it whenever I feel like. So she has put the divider back in so I don't have much room to move around, hoping that will stop me from peeing.

During the day when both Mommy and Daddy are at work she puts me in the bathtub, because there is no way to avoid accidents and this makes it easy to clean up. The weather has been way too nasty to keep me outside in the day time like she wants.

Yesterday I got my first bath! I did fairly well. I was scared, but didn't whine. It was over pretty quickly and Mommy played with me with the towel while she dried me off. My coat is so soft and shiny now. I guess that is all for now. I am keeping Mommy very busy, like yesterday I got to go for a real walk with Storm on a leash. It was fun. Anyway, bye for now!

Some good news . . . and some bad news.

2008-04-02T18:51:00.001-07:00

Well I went to the place they refer to as the vet today. It was a scary place but there were lots of nice people. Mommy got the dates mixed up and I'm not actually due for my shots until next week, but it is okay since they don't charge an office visit. I got a clean bill of health and they did a skin scrape, which came back negative, as I had been losing a few tufts of hair and scratching a lot so Mommy was concerned it might be mange.

Unfortunately Mommy had to go to work almost as soon as we got home and she had no choice but to leave me in the crate for seven hours. I couldn't hold it and did pee in my crate. Mommy was a little unhappy, but not at me, more just about the circumstances. I think she is planning to start leaving me in my outdoor pen while she is at work if Daddy is also working. She was just afraid to today because it was cool this morning and rain was expected.

Well I guess that is all for now. Bye!

Calm Days.

2008-04-01T17:54:00.000-07:00

The past few days have been pretty routine and calm. Really only two things that need mentioning as far as my training goes. Mommy put a thing she calls a leash on me and put the other end on my crate, so I can't go running around the house anymore. I threw a HUGE fit, but she ignored me. Once I realized what had me I calmed down and am now resigned to the fact. I do still try to chew it though.

The other thing is that Mommy took me for my first walk today on a leash. She was very proud of me and said I 'gaited' well. I think she meant my trot. I kept up with her really well. Even though we only went to the neighbor's driveway and back it felt like a long way to me. I had a lot of fun and when we got back to the house I went right to sleep. Well it is time to play now. Bye!

More Training.

2008-03-30T17:40:00.000-07:00

Last night when Mommy took me out I refused to pee even though she kept picking me up and setting me down in my "pee" spot. I thought we were playing a game so I started trying to bolt past her as fast as I could and she would scoop me up out of a dead run and plop me back down. Eventually I got frustrated and walked to the side of the house and started digging as hard as I could to vent.

After a minute she even started picking me up from there and plopping me down. After a couple of more bolts I finally realized that the hand in my face was telling me to stay, so I sat down and looked at her until her patience wore out and she took me in. Unfortunately she put me in my crate and wouldn't let me play. Trust me I peed the next time she took me out.

This morning she did funny stuff with my breakfast again. She held the kibble in a closed fist again, but this time she didn't just click when I took my nose away. She only clicked when I moved my nose AND sat down. I quickly caught on to that. Although I haven't really acknowledged the verbal command yet.

After doing this a few times she got up and would run a couple of steps away and squat back down. Of course I ran after her as hard as I could. When I was about two and a half feet away she would say "come", click and I got a treat when I got to her. We did this a few times. Only one time did I not come immediately. I noticed that time she never did say the command "come". She only used it when I was already in a dead run headed toward her, and it never failed I got a click and treat. I like this training stuff!!

Anyway it was a boring day full of short play sessions and den time. It was thundering really loud outside. I only jumped a couple of times. Mommy ignored me when I acted in the least bit nervous. I quickly got over it. Tonight is Daddy's last night working for a few days so I will be able to play more and be noisier during the day.

Anyway, time for another nap. Bye!

Clicker Training!

2008-03-29T17:26:00.000-07:00

Well, Mommy officially started my clicker training today. She wouldn't let me have breakfast until after I went potty and she got dressed and woke up some. Then she took me outside and put my food bowl on the rock column in the front yard where I couldn't get to it. This confused me because normally she puts the bowl in front of me and I get to eat.

So once she gets settled, she takes a handful of my kibble and holds it in front of me in a closed fist. Of course I started biting, chewing and clawing at her hand hoping to get at the food. After a couple of frustrating moments I turned my head away from her hand and viola I heard a click and she opened her hand. It took me only a couple of tried before I figured out that I had to remove my nose from her hand to get the click and treat.

Mommy was happy because I calmed down and sat nicely during this whole process instead of my usual excitement and playfulness. I was happy I made my Mommy happy and I got lots of pets.

Storm got irritated with me today and scolded me with both front feet and a mouthful of teeth. I ran and hid. I stayed away from her for a while. Then she took one of my toys and put it between her front feet and then laid down and put her head over it. This frustrated me to no end because I was afraid to go to close to try to get the toy.

All in all it has been a nice day. I'll keep you updated!

Rainy Days.

2008-03-28T16:52:00.000-07:00

It has been in the fifties and drizzling off and on all day so I mostly stayed inside and played with Storm. I don't like the cold. My coat is too thin. Mommy spent the morning with me and Storm, playing, until she had to go to work. Daddy slept all day because he has to work nights right now, so I spent around four hours in my den.

When Mommy got home she let me help feed Sophie and Julie and let me run around for a while, then I went inside and chased Storm ALL over the house. After playing so hard I had to pee, so I went to the front door. Unfortunately Mommy wasn't fast enough and I couldn't hold it so I peed in the floor. She was upset, but it wasn't directed at me. I also got my first dog biscuit today. It was yummy, until Storm stole my last half. Anyway I'm gonna go take another puppy nap. Bye!

Play Day!

2008-03-27T08:40:00.001-07:00

Your fearless Jackal Man is back! I've had a long, wonderful day of playing and exploring outside. It was a blast! I even cornered the goats and gave them my best "treeing" bark. I don't think they were scared, but Mommy and Daddy were impressed by my voice.

Does Storm look a little annoyed?

This is why! I was being a very pesky brother. But after harassing her for a while, she finally stopped growling and started PLAYING!

Of course when she got tired I had to play by myself.

Mommy spent some time today brushing my coat. I tried chewing the brush a little, but she didn't seem to mind. Besides those pins hurt so I eventually gave up. I woke up twice in the middle of the night for pee breaks and then got put outside at 7am this morning to play by myself. I feel so grown up. Nothing can stand against my powerful jaws!! All shall fall before me!! I leave destruction behind!! . . . . . okay, nap time. *Yawn*

Does the squirrel look lonely?

Settling In.

2008-03-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

I'm settling in nicely at my new home. I slept all night with only one potty break at 3:15. Mommy went to work as usual and Daddy played with me outside all day. As you can see above and in the following pictures Mommy let me lick out her yogurt cup. It was good! I was proud of the tooth punctures I made in the plastic.

Storm played with me for the first time today like she did with her Yorkshire Terrier brother Mac. She rolled me over across the ground and growled and barked. I had fun and kept coming back for more. I'm glad she is starting to like me okay.

After Mommy got home I spent the evening playing outside while they grilled chicken. Had lots of fun and got to take off my E-collar so I could run around.

Mmmm! Yummy! Oh and by the way Mommy made me an appointment with the vet for April 2nd to get my next round of puppy shots. I don't want anymore shots. I hope that isn't why they are buttering me up with the yogurt.

Well that is all for today. Like I said, settling in nicely, nothing of great importance to mention. I'm still doing my business outside like I am supposed to. Mommy hasn't done much training with me lately. She says there is a lot of 'stress' at work lately. Bye!

Playing.

2008-03-25T16:37:00.000-07:00

*Panting* Did I ever tell anyone that playing is hard work? And thirsty work.

I love my tennis ball!

Last night I slept in my den all night. Mommy took me out about three times and I was a lot quieter. Mommy and Daddy left a radio on for me. It was nice to listen to. This morning Mommy and Daddy found sores on my side and legs where I have chewed my tick bites raw. So they fashioned a home-made E-collar out of one of Daddy's shooting targets. I don't like it, but it doesn't really get in my way any.

I took my revenge out on Daddy's shoe laces.

Toward the end of the day, around the time when Mommy came home last time I went for my second car ride. I curled up in the floor of Daddy's truck and went to sleep. We went to Mommy's work and I met her two legged friends and co-workers. I was a little scared because of the new people and I shivered because it was cold in there. I had fun though.

When we got home they put me outside with Storm, Sophie and Julie. I cried because I wanted inside. My howling got the neighbor dogs stirred up. Then Storm started howling! It was a beautiful, deep howl. It didn't sound at all like her whiny bark. I hope someday I can learn to howl just as well.

I eventually climbed through the fence and tore my E-collar, so Mommy and Daddy brought me in and fixed my collar. Then they put me in my den. A nap sounds good.

Exploring.

2008-03-24T17:42:00.000-07:00

Today was different. Mommy wasn't happy when I relieved myself in the house, but she wasn't mean to me. Then later she disappeared saying something about "going to work", so I spent the day with my new daddy. He spent lots of time with me, taking me outside to play. We played with the tennis ball and followed the goats around.

Daddy made me spend a lot of time in the crate today and completely ignored me when I gave my best howls. He said it had something to do with last night because I wouldn't be quiet and go to sleep. They put my den in the kitchen at some point in the night, but I continued to howl. At four in the morning my mommy took me to bed with her and I let her sleep until eight am.

Back to today. When mommy came home from this work place she took me outside again and let me chase Storm, the goats and the cat. I had lots of fun! Not much of the "training" they refer to often happened today. Mostly just exploring. I'll be back! I promise! Just need a quick puppy nap. Bye!

Homecoming.

2008-03-23T16:08:00.000-07:00

It has been an exciting two days! First thing yesterday morning I left my mother and sister, sneaking through the fence, and ran down to the chicken houses at the bottom of the long hill. I had lots of fun hunting and sniffing around. I was running with the big dogs! Unfortunately my two legged mother came and found me, then she spent an excruciating hour picking ticks off of me. Ouch!

After this traumatizing event she sprayed me in smelly stuff that she said would kill the fleas. Then she used clippers to shorten my nails. Some of them bled, but I refused to cry. Afterward I ran around with all of the Yorkshire Terrier puppies.

Toward noon some people showed up who were very interested in me. The young female was very nice and comforted me while my nails stopped bleeding. They stood around and talked to my two legged mother for a while. Then they carried me up the hill to the house. The young female sat me down and let me pee, then she coaxed me out from under a truck and carried me into an SUV.

Then we went on a loooooong bouncy ride. Eventually we stopped. Within minutes the youngest male came back to the vehicle with a bag that smelled really good. I heard the word hamburgers a couple of time, but never gained the opportunity to taste some. When we stopped a second time we got out of the car. I was allowed to pee again, then was taken inside and put in a crate, which I now consider my personal den. They took the yummy smelling bag into another room and I took a nap.

Later they took me outside. It was cold and I was scared because I had never been anywhere before. It was a long evening. I eventually decided not to be scared and went out into the field and chased Storm, my Siberian Husky sister, and Sophie and Julie, my Boer goat sisters. It was a lot of fun.

That night was miserable. I was put in the crate and everyone went to sleep. I whined off and on all night, but it was only because I itched so horribly from all of the tick bites. My new two legged mommy took me outside about four times in the middle of the night and I peed each time. It was fun getting praised for peeing. Silly humans.

Today I played outside for a long time, then took a long nap in my den. This evening I played with Storm's toys and bones and chews.

I felt the urge to pee so I went into the hall by the front door. My mommy and daddy kept calling me back. They keep saying Jackal a lot. I think that must be what they call me. On the third attempt my mommy finally followed me.

When she saw me circling she opened the front door and I ran outside. I peed and got praised. She starting calling me back into the house but I ignored her and went around the corner to finish up some other more important business. Mommy was ecstatic about this for some reason. They get excited about the silliest things.

I've spent the rest of the evening in mommy's lap, conjuring up this blog. I will let you guys know how things go later on. See ya!