Brutus has fun in a mud hole today.

All that rain last night turned Brutus's digging hole into a mud hole.  Chained him outside, came back for him in  a few minutes, and this is what he looked like.  A muddy mess when he's going to be in the car for 5 hours for a trip to Ohio.  To make matters worse, I'm sick as a dog, and really didn't feel like hosing down a muddy dog right after I got a shower.  He really HATED the hose, and kept getting away from us and back into the mud.  Eventually we got him clean enough to make the car drive tomorrow.  Just having a hard time figuring out how to keep him out of the muddy mess for the rest of the night!

Brutus splashing in the pool

Pulled out the doggie pool today since it was so nice and warm! Think I may need a bigger one this year!

Brutus checking out the neighborhood

Brutus checking out the neighborhood.  He really enjoys standing up on his hind legs and looking out of the yard.  He's nearly as tall as me when he stands up.  Since he's a awesome jumper, you can see why this fence won't hold him back if he doesn't want to.  He's so spoiled, he'd be making a BIG, BIG mistake leaving here!  Hopefully next year I can invest in a new fence, or at least some sort of extension on height for my current one.

Is this not the cutest face ever??

Another great picture of Brutus enjoying the sunshine.  I just love when he tilts his head when I talk to him.  He is the cutest Rottie ever!

So tired after digging this big hole!

Got a few nice pictures od Brutus outdoors today.  Got lucky with this yawn.

Brutus digging a hole

Brutus is digging a hole to China! It's about 8 inches deep now. Soon time to fill it in and let him start over before he ends up digging up someones pet! Yuck!

Agility set up.... Brutus starts class in may

This is a partial view of the agility set up Brutus will be starting on May 8th.  It's called Flying High Agility Class.  The instructor is Marsha Vesnefskie.... she is the trainer he had for his first 2 obedience classes at Petsmart.  She is doing this class on her own, at her home in Paxinos.  Look forward to getting Brutus out there for some socialization and exercise!

A new food bowl for Brutus, isn't it cute?

Brutus & his Easter basket

   I  probably shouldn't have gave Brutus his Easter Basket until after he ate his food. He was only worried about the basket. He ate one bone, played with a few toys that we opened, and eventually decided to eat his food! Just like a little kid!

First Easter Basket

Brutus LOVED his first Easter Basket!  Already ate one bone.

Sixth nosework class (6)

A quick Easter Egg run, hidden behind a box. 

Sixth nosework class (5)

Another Easter Egg run..... he got a little side tracked during this one, stopped to play with the eggs a little, but found the hide, which was elevated this time.

Sixth nosework class (4)

This was his first run with the hide being in an Easter Egg.  He smashed one to pieces, but found the prize rather quickly.

Sixth nosework class (3)

This was our first "blind hide," where the handler does not know which box the hide is in.  The box is taped shut, and no access to the food in the container.  One run he found pretty quick, the other teo runs took a little more time, but he worked it out!

Sixth nosework class (2)

In this run, the hide was under the container.  There was no access to the food, it was in a sealed container.  He found this quickly.

Sixth nosework class (1)

In this run, the hide of blue cheese was in a small magnetic container, stuck to the side of that box.  I wasn't sure if he would find this, but he made me proud and found it rather quickly!

Sixth NoseWork Class

Today we attended our sixth Beginners Nosework Class.  Our final class of the course.  We've already signed up for the Intermediate class.  Brutus always has so much fun working at this class.  He's always worn out on the way home, and usually for a while after we get home.  Today we worked on some variations of things we already done.  Hide being  under objects, at heights and also in a magnetic container stuck on the side of a box.  We also did a blind hide.... where the handler doesnt know which box it's in, boxes taped shut.  We had a hide, which is appropriate for thie weekend, in Easter eggs!  Brutus had fun with these, thinking these were play toys.  Smashed one into pieces!  He did well with these runs.  Overall he did great today.  He had one or two runs , in the sealed boxex, that took a bit longer, but he did work it out.  We did a few runs outside for the first time.  Back to basics with these run..... open boxes.  These 3 runs he found quickly.  He was happy to see his doggie crush, Tess, and can't wait to video tape them together next time!  Next, I'm off with Brutus to check out an agilty class, an openhouse with his previous trainer.  Sure he would love to do this too!  Video's coming soon....

He did it!

Ok.... so Brutus passed his 101 Dog Trick class.  This is his Achievement Certificate.  He had a great time tonight, although it was a lot of effort keeping his attention.  Anything that he does at home easily, is 10 times harder with the distractions of other dogs.    These are the tricks he did :  Back up, Crawl, Doggie Push Ups, Down Jump through Hoop, Jump Over Bar, Kisses, Place, Shake Hands, Sit, Spin, Stay, Bow, Tunnel, Touch Target, Figure 8's, Head Down, Paws on Arm, and Ring Bell.  I'm VERY proud of him.  He also had some free play time at the end of class with Tess.....his  doggie crush.  They had such a fun time running and chasing each other! The excitement and happiness just pours out of him.  At one point, they were chasing each other around this wall, and Brutus was stopping and peeking through the holein it at her on the other side.  It was the cutest thing ever.  Next time, I will definatly video tape, don't know why I didn't think of it earlier!   So he also achieved his NTD, Novice Dog Trick, Title.  http://domorewithyourdog.com/pages/trickdogtitle.html  You can check this link to see what it's all about.  His trainer, Silke, is an Certified Dog Trick Trainer.  You can also see he name listed under the novice and intermediate titles with her dogs, Eddie & Ronya.  As soon as I send in the slip I'll receive my Title certificate, and Brutus and I will be listed on the web site too!  I'll surely be reposting when it's listed!

Last of 6 trick class

Well tonight is the last of my 6 trick classes.  Bruts will attempt to get his Novice Trick Dog (NTD) Title tonight.  He need to know 15 tricks under the easy category.  He knows 15 tricks, and does them well at home.... it's just getting him to preform them at class tonight!  He's often excitable while around other dogs.  We will attempt 15 of these 18 :  Back up, Come, Doggie Push ups, Down, Jump over a bar, Kisses, Place(circle to my left), Sit, Stay, Shake (both paws), Spin Circles, Bow, Touch Target, Paws on my Arm, Crawl, Head down, Walk through tunnel, Honk horn.  Wish us luck !

Mmmmm..... Your dog's mouth will water!

Mmmm, Mmmm, Mmmm, your dog's mouth will water, just like Brutus's..... waiting for a yummy Spoiled Rotten, Homemade Dog Treat. 

Thank you for the beautiful pictures.... taken by my niece....Isabel.

Only Me!

Ok, so it was a relatively quiet day at home with Brutus.  He likes to "go do laundry" with me.... which I started since he has been able to go up and down the basement stairs.  Mainly because I can't leave him unintended, secondly, because he's like my shadow in the house.  Well, his new game is to steal the laundry.... from the floor, the baskets, and even the dryer!  Cute, but annoying. 

Next, on to some doggie bone making.  Parmesan Twists, and Parmesan Pretzels.  I have to say these smelled good enough to eat.  Brutus supervised the session, had a few samples, and didn't even have to steal any today!

Then some quiet time in the yard.  NOT !  Well, it started that way.  I was bust cleaning up the yard and Brutus was taking in the fresh air on the back porch.  A lady came walking by with her Weim......  I looked at Brutus, he hadn't noticed him..... but I knew it was only a matter of moments.  RIGHT!  He notices him, flies down the stairs, as the lad stops to let her dog greet him.  Bad idea!  Well when Brutus hit the fence, and started ti bark, in his deep voice.... she was ready to leave.  I was frasntic, because I know he's capable of jumping the fence.  As he hit the fence, I grabbed his collar..... as she was walking away to get past us, Brutus kept running... with my fingers wrapped in his collar.  I hit the ground, and I swear he dragged me across the yard.  ONLY ME!!!!!!!  Wow!  This dog is a powerhouse!  Luckily, in all this, he didn't jump the fence.  Now  this doesn't top him jumping through the window, but is definatly a memorable moment in the life of me and Brutus.............

I know what you're making!

"I know what you're making mommy... and I really, really, want some...... pretty please!"

Brutus, 5th nosework class

Today's Nosework class~ Held at Paws-itively Obedient Dog Training School

This is a picture of the beautiful facility , Paws-itively Obedient Dog Training School.  An awesome place to learn agility.  Numerous jumps, ramps, weave poles, tire jumps, tunnels..... this is just a shot of some jumps and the weave poles.  The day was great!  Brutus had a lot of fun again, and he did a great job.  He wore his belly band for the first time in public.... save me a lot of cleaning up, because there were a lot of poles he really wanted to lift his leg on!  He had good runs today, except for one when he decided to check out the facility, since it was his first time there.  We did more non-access to the food training, and hiding under objects, and heights.  Brutus had a great run with the hide being under a chair.  It's so fun to watch him WORK.... and see how happy he is doing it.  One more class left for beginners class.  Then practice sessions, once a week, until the intermediate class.

Spoiled Rotten Homemade Dog Treats......Taste Testers

My niece, Isabel, future star of the Spoiled Rotten Homemade Dog Treat Commercial, with her dogs Baily, Darby, and Glacier, taste testing the bones........ coming soon to a theater near you!

5th Nose Work Class today.

Well today will be our 5th Nose work Class.  Beginners class is winding down with only one more class after today.  Today's class will be held at Paws-itively Obedience Dog Training School.  It's located between McEwensville and Turbotville, so quite a hike for us today.  I've never been there before, so it should be an intresting drive.  Anyone who knows me, knows how much I like driving in unfamiliar places!  Here's the link, check it out:  http://www.pawsitivelyobedient.net/album1_002.htm  It should be a fun, tiring day for Brutus.  Have some new meat scents in his container today..... kielbasa, and garlic meatballs, along with the canned chicken he loves.  He will be wearing his belly band out in public for the first time today.... but only for his nosework runs.  I dont want him lifting his leg all over someones indoor facility, nor do I feel like cleaning up after him all day either!  He'll be gifting some new tuna bones to the other doggies in the class today... hope they like him as much as Brutus does.  Bailey and Darby, my brothers dogs, seemed to love the sampler bag of treats I sent out to Ohio to them.  I'll post the video later!

Brutus "waits" for breakfast

This is Brutus waiting for his breakfast.  Very hard task for him since he is such a food motivated dog.  I started teaching him "wait" entering and exiting the front door and eventually for his food.  He use to plow me over when I would try to walk his food into the other room.  He still gets excited and runs and jumps like a bunny when I walk to the other room, but now he waits patiently until I tell him "OK."

Dog Trick Class Update

Well, Brutus did ok at class again.  He's so unfocused when he's there.  He only has eyes for Silke, the trainer, when we are there.  I'm practically invisible!  Wew started new tricks.... heads down, ringing a bell, figure eights through our legs, honking a horn, and introduced a basin, for different tricks.  Heads down went well.  I'm sure at home in the quiet atmosphere he'll do even better.  Figure eights was challenging for me... 5'2'' tall having a rottweiler go under your legs is intresting to say the least.  Ringing the bell went well.  He's pretty good at touch targeting, so had no problem touching the bells. Eventually I would like to have him ring the bell to go outside.  I've worked on this trick before, but never really followed through with it.  Honking the bike horn was my favorite!  Off to buy one today to practice.  He caught on quick to the biting the horn, he is a very mouthy dog, so had no problem.  He actually got it to honk 3 times, so I was pretty excited.  The basin will be used for tricks like circling it, paws up on it, standing on it, putting things in it..... we'll see what happens there.  I'me pretty sure I can eventually teach him the "step up", been considering this trick for a while.  He also got some free play time with the sweet little doggie in his class..... Tess.  They has fun, he did well, and I think he may have a bit of a crush on her now! He'll be off to Petco with me today, so he should have a pretty good day in store for him.  Also making the tuna dog bones today... so yummy treats for him to taste test later!

101 Dog Trick Class

Tonight we are off to our Dog Trick Class.  Hopefully Brutus behaves!  He's really been throwing temper tantrums lately.

Brutus & the Hula Hoop

This is Brutus and the Hula Hoop.  Brutus is suppose to be jumping through the Hula Hoop.  Instead, he's destroying it!  I did get him to jump through once, walked through a few times, and plowed through twice.  Other than that....... just reshaping the hoop!

Not too much planned for today....

Not too much planned today for Brutus.  Hopefully less drama than the dive through the window yesterday.  We've done one practic session this morning, and a few more to come today.  Brutus will still not rollover for me anymore.  This ia a trick he's been doing for months, and has given up now.  I seriously think he can't get himself to roll.  I think those last 8 pounds did him in!  :)  He's relaxing with his Kong now....

What's this?

So Brutus is like " hey, what's this in the window? This doesn't look the same as it did before when I escaped!"

Fort Knox!!!!????

My house is starting to look like Fort Knox with all these gates up! Baby gates in the window...great idea Stephanie, thanks again. Hopefully it keeps him in the house.

Unbelievable!

Brutus just jumped through this window to get outside in the yard because a dog was walking by. Through the screen, and broke the frame! Guess I won't be opening the front windows this summer. It will be a hot summer or I'll be having a high electric bill running the AC.

Refresher Class

Brutus is off to an Obedience Refresher class tonight.  And boy does he need it!  So do I ! 

Tornado!

This is what happens when I don't give Brutus my full undivided attention. A tornado goes through the room! Boy, I wish I would have known in advance what a poor selection couch style I chose..... How can you be TOO mad at such a cute face!

Ashamed to say this....

Ok.... I am ashamed to say this... but I love the male belly wrap.  I', definatly going to buy more.  This help so much with his spriztin in the house... and if it keeps his from getting neutered for another year... I'm in!  Although you need extra for when they do spritiz in them.  Right now, he's diaperless..... it's in the wash!

So tired!

Well This is what Brutus looked like on his way home from NoseWork class.  Mentally and Physically exhausted!  I love it!  I usually get some quiet/ calming hours after we get home, and he's generally more relaxed the rest of the evening.  Class was fun once again.  And you can see by the photo that Brutus really enjoys it.  Today we started with the "hide" having boxes on top of one another, the "hide" not being accesible, (except to Brutus who just crunched the container to pop the lid off) and the "hide" being put on chairs, not on the floor.  First run he did well.  Found the hide, but wasn't able to eat what was inside.  Second run, had a harder time, and didn't find it.  Silke said it's possible that since he wasnt able to eat it the first time, that he wasn't caring if he found it.  Of course she said, not to worry about it.  The owner shouldnt get upset about it that this is suppose to be a fun class for the dogs!  Made it a little easier the next couple runs, letting him access to the "hide" and he did well.   Did an excellent job with the "hide" on the chairs.  Found them easily.  Be sure to check out the videos.  Next weeks class will be at Paws-itively Obedient Dog Training School in Watsontown. 

Fourth NoseWork Class

I'm a Big Boy Now!

I'm a big boy now!  Mama started the switch over to adult dog food.....Too bad for her that I won't actually mature until I'm over 2 years old!  That means she'll have to put up with my random temper tantrums for a couple years yet.... heheheheh.......

Male belly wrap

Not sure if it can get any more humiliating than this for a Rottweiler! Male wrap: directions: position the wrap so the microfiber pad covers your dog's masculinity. Sorry Brutus.... but I will not be able to help myself from cracking diaper jokes, but I promise not to take you outside while wearing it! This is strictly for indoor until you are over the UTI or marking, which ever it is that makes you want to spritz inside!

Trick Class

Well, Brutus did ok at Trick class.  He seemed to mostly worry about what the other dogs were doing.  The antiobiotics could be affecting him a bit.  He loves Silke, his trainer, and seems to listen to her better than me.  Weird, it's like they know they are the professionals, and want to impress them???  Can't figured it out!  I noticed that this same thing happened with his previous trainer.  He started jumping through a hoop, although he does tend to just plow through the hoop.  Guess today's goal will be to buy a hoop.  He has previously broke 2, with my  hoop jumping attempts.  We reviewed, shake.  Does this great with both paws.  He demonstrated his "Paws up."  This trick he learned in just minutes.... he absolutely LOVES jumping up, so think he actually enjoys this!  I'm going to get video of that posted today.  Also trying to prep him to have him sit/beg.  I've been trying to do this for months, but he can't seem to support himself to sit up on his butt. Take it / Drop it...... a real struggle for me... this will take some work.  Tomorrow is our 4th NoseWork class...... he loves this!

Raw bones..... My favorite!

Brutus is chillin' with his raw bone. He absolutely loves them! I can't believe it took me so long to catch on to the raw bone frenzy. They are much cheaper and much healthier than anything else.
All I have to do is run to the grocery store and he's set. Tonight is trick class..... I'm excited to see what we are doing with the old sock and rope!

Feeling better

Brutus is feeling much better today. No more sneezing! He was his normal wound up self! I guess those $197 antibiotics I got him work well. Didn't get much training in the last 3 days because he couldn't be bothered. Tomorrow will be a fresh start and I'm sure he will be attending his Trick class. We're suppose to take some favorite toys and chews, and old sock, and a piece of rope to tie on the sock. Not quite sure what we are doing, but maybe using the sock and rope to open doors??? Hmmmm.... Guess we'll find out tomorrow. I'll have to get a good training session in tomorrow before class. Brutus has also given up on rollover. He knew this trick since he was a couple months old, and has completely refused to do it the last 3 days. Think I need to talk this over with his trainer, Silke.

Brutus's Grandfather

A picture of Brutus's Grandfather. With any luck, one day he will fill out nicely, just like Pappy!  You can definitely see the family resemblance.

Vet results

Brutus had a thorough exam today. Overall, nothing too serious.  He weighed in at 103.3 pounds. With the help of the vet tech, I was able to get the urine sample. Luckily, she did the hard part! He did have a low grade temperature. Through the urinalysis , he determined that he has a UTI, possibly Prostatitis. Also has a slight upper respiratory infection. Treating him with Clavamox, 2 pills, twice a day, which will treat any of these things. The price of these antibiotics was totally outrageous! Also got microchipped today. The vet he seen today was not his normal vet, although he works with her. He absolutely loved Brutus and complemented him numerous times. Hopefully, this vet trip is the last for a while!

Off to the vet

 Driving to Danville for a vet appointment for Brutus at 1:30pm.  Still sounds conjested, sneezing, and runny nose.  Tried getting a urine sample, but no luck.  He's  too smart!  Everytime I put the cup under there he stops peeing!  Hopefully everything goes well.  Hoping to get him microchipped today too.

Under the weather

Well, I believe Brutus is coming down with something. I started to suspect something last night. He had no interest in training. Then I noticed the sneezing and a bit of a runny nose. When I called the vet, they were already closed. He's sounding congested and pawing at his nose. He has been peeing a lot lately and I've been wondering what was going on. Maybe a urinary tract infection and cold. I can't relax until I get the vet today and know I have an appointment. Had a hard time sleeping last night with the worry.

Beautiful day out today! Brutus was more than happy to hang out on the back porch in the fresh air. Did some dog training at home and hope to post video of his new "paws up" trick he learned.

Brutus playing with his new treat filled toy

Brutus at 1 year old.

ROTTWEILER PROPERTY LAWS

ROTTWEILER PROPERTY LAWS

1.  If I like it, it's mine.
2.  If it's in my mouth, it's mine.
3.  If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.
4.  If I can take it from you, it's mine.
5.  If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours.
6.  If it just looks like mine, it's mine.
7.  If I saw it first, it's mine.
8.  If it's edible, it's mine.
9.  If you have something and put it's down, it's mine.
10. If I chew something up, all the pieces are mine.
11. If I get tired of it, it's yours.
12. If I want it back, it's mine.

Brutus at nosework class

Today Brutus attended his third beginners NoseWork class.  This class was held at the gym of the Bloomsburg Elementary school.  This space was a lot bigger than his previous two classes.  We have also added additional hiding places, other than just cardboard boxes.  This class also has the "hide" zipped in a cloth bag, with only 1 piece of food outside the bag.  It's amazing how Brutus so quickly goes into work mode when unleashed.  You can see his excitement in his prance when first released from leash.  Class completely wore him out.  He slept like a baby for more than an hour when we came home!