4th Agility class

Hard to believe how quick Agility class is going.  Just 2 more!  Last night was extremely tough.  Even with an hour later start, it was way too hot and sunny.  I was dying!  Brutus was dying!  He still did great considering how how it was.  Near the end he wanted to give up, but pushed on.  He got 2 dips in the little creek thats nearby.  Seemed to really enjoy it.  We basically practiced everything from the other classes and also started the Teeter.  Surprisingly, he did great on this too.  Wasn't scared of it at all.  He was very happy to finish class, and was happy to get back to the car, and back home in the AC!

Brutus watching the ferret

Caught Brutus on tape watching my ferret, Fizzle. He does this every once and a while. He got a few sniffs and licks in. Even tried to touch her with his paw once, which was adorable! Thought maybe he liked her, but when I got her out he practically attacked me. I thinkl she looks too much like a toy to him!

Brutus at agility (8) 5.22.11

This is the first attempt of the Chute Tunnel. Right now the chute is mostly rolled back. Eventually it will be stretched out, and lay flat, not letting the dog see the other end. So far he went through with no problem. Not so sure about how he will do when it's laying flat on the ground. Can't wait until class on Sunday!

I've also decided to use/save all my profits of Spoiled Rotten! Homemade Dog Treats, for more classes for Brutus!

Tuesday's Walk

Brutus had his longest walk on Tuesday.  He (and me, lol) made it 4 miles.  He did great and seemed to enjoy it!  He was very well behaved and walked nicely.  He walked with 5 other people that he hadn't met before, and didn't have any attitude with them.  He's is still having temper issues with some strangers, but did very good on his walk.  Can't wait to recover so I can take him again!

Brutus at agility (7) 5.22.11

Very quick video of Brutus running the ramp. He loved this ramp. He was actually trying to run this ramp even when I wasn't asking him to. Can't wait till Sunday when they higher the ramp. Right now I think it's only at 3 feet. I'm curious to see if he will still be as willing when it's higher!

Weighed today

Decided to take Brutus down for a weigh in.  He weighed in at 104.8.  Just a little over a 1 pound gain.  I thought that he would have gained more, but I guess that last pounds he put on will be slow and steady,

Brutus at agility (6) 5.22.11

Brutus doing the "walk it." Awesome job for a big dog. The difference between last week, to this week was remarkable. This week he just went for it! Amost had to slow him down... Can't week till Sunday to see what he does this week.

Brutus at agility (5) 5.22.11

Brutus does a great job on the tunnels.  Now this time, the tunnel was stretched a little longer, and had a slight curve to it.  He was a little unsure the first time because he wasn't able to see out the other end.  Because he is big, he also tends to get caught up at the beginning of this tube.  Next time I have to remember to hold it still BEFORE he attempts to run through.  He still did great!

Brutus get a gift from Mommy

Went to Boyer's again today, on my daily search for Marrow Bones.  Some days they have them, som the don't.  Well lately I haven't been able to get any.  My stock pile was nearly gone.  Once again, nothing in the meat section.  Then I got smart!  I asked the guy in the meat department if he had any marrow bones in back.  He did!  And not only did he have them, but I was able to buy a 30 pound box of them and they gave me them for like $1.29 a pound!  So as you can see, the box of bones is AWESOME!!!!  He said I can stop in a week ahead of time, ANY time, and order a box.  Boy will this save me a lot of trips to the store.  And as you can also see...... Brutus helped himself to a bone!

Brutus barks at the rain

Just had a heavy rain storm and Brutus decided to watch and bark out the window at it. He's so cute!

Brutus at agility (4) 5.22.11

Brutus jumps through tire and runs through the short tunnel. Hard to believe that the first time he attempted this tunnel back in trick class, he wanted no part of it. I brought home a large box from work and practiced having him walk through that. He's a champ at the tunnels now!

Brutus at agility (3) 5.22.11

This is Brutus practicing the weave poles at his 3rd Agility class. Maybe one day he'll look like the dogs on tv zipping right through them. As of right now, I think I'm the one who needs practice with this one!

Brutus at agility(2) 5.22.11

Another view of the jumping hurdles.

Brutus at agility (1) 5.22.11

Had a wonderful time at Agility Class today.  My boy made me so proud !  I can not believe the improvement he had made in just 3 classes.  He seems to be really catching on to what he's suppose to be doing now, and  seems to enjoy it too.  I got a lot of great video clis to show off.  I'll be posting one or two every day, since I do have about 9 clips.  This video is the jumping hurdles.  As you see, he jumps every hurdle.  A big difference from his first class..... although he had no problem jumping, he occasionally tried to go around the jumps.  Now he does a straight shot down.  So, so, so, so proud of him!!!!!!  

Ice, Ice Baby

Who would have ever thought that Brutus would think a bag of ice was a toy!  Threw an old bag of ice out the basement door to make room in the freezer.  Wouldn't you know that Brutus would think it was a toy.  He was running up and down the stairs with it, then scratching at the door to come in the house with it.  I emptied the bag over the banister, and of course, then retrieved the biggest chunk that was left.  Caught this adorable picture as he was trying once again to get in the door, this time with the ice chunk!

Monday, NoseWork Practice

Brutus had fun and did great at NoseWork practice tonight.  He was relaxed and anxious to work.  He had some hard hides, and found them all.  His best finds were in the office area, which was a new search area, in an office drawer, and inbetween a bathroom door that was cracked open.  I'm so proud of my little boy!  Practices are finished until the second week of June.  Intermediate class will also begin around the same time. 

Sunday, 2nd Agility Class

Had a great Agility class on Sunday.  Brutus did great!  Had some nice video of him, but unfortunetly something went wrong when I tried to upload my video.  We reviewed last weeks tasks, which he did great at.  He's becoming an expert at tunnels!  Also began the weave poles, which he did better each attempt.  He went up and down the ramp (lower level) no problem.  Took a little effort on the elevated ramp/plank walk... which is about 12 inches wide, 3-4 feet off the ground.  Also sat like a champ on the Pause Table.  I love this agility!

Brutus attacks himself

More of Brutus's mirror issues. He now attacks himself after seeing his reflection in the oven door. Or maybe it was because I had a batch of Spoiled Rotten Homemade Dog Treats...Vegetarian ... baking in the oven. He can't wait for them to finish cooking!

Brutus....his Mirror Issues

Brutus is so tough he scares himself! Using this small mirror, I'm begining to desensitize Brutus to his reflection. He doesn't seem to get quite as worked up as with the full size mirror.

NoseWork Practice

This was NoseWork Practice in Turbotville. The day turned out to be ok.... at least this time it wasn't raining. The dogs each had time to do nine runs, plus three runs outdoors. Brutus did pretty good again. He did get a bit sidetracked on his one run..... checking out the whole space. Then he came across a huge mirror.... which I hadn't even noticed the last time we were there, nor did he! Of course he would find it this time..... He freaked out at himself again! Put the tough guy act on again. Nearly knocked the mirror of the wall. He was unleashed and I was having a hard time hooking him up. Obviously, the issue wasn't a one time think. Silke suggested that I get a small mirror and start desensitizing him to mirror, Again, it's all his raging testosterone.

He was able to do three runs outside, which is new to him. We've only did this once before. He was extremely quick at these three runs. All three runs were using open cardboard boxes, with access to the find.

We had a great time! Always fun to watch all the dogs work, and the slightly different approaches they take.

Brutus Has Issues...... With Himself!

 Well just found out the other day that Brutus has issues...... with himself!  Took him for a walk a few days ago.  He did great!  Walked extremely nice with the gentle leader on.  We didn't go really far, because it was kind of on the warm side, and he's not crazy about the heat.  Just 1 block from home, we stopped at a red light.  Brutus layed down, trying to push the gentle leader off his nose.  When the light turned, we proceeded across the street.  A guy sitting on the porch comment on how it was cute how we was laying down, pawing at his nose.  I explained that he was just trying to get the gentle leader off.  The guy asked me if Brutus was friendly.  I was just begining to give him the "he's sometimes unsure of strangers" speech, when Brutus put on his tough guy act.  Grrrr.... WOOF WOOF WOOF.....  Lunging forward..... the guy jumped back. I guess after the little show Brutus put on he figured he didn't need me to answer.  Then I realized that we were standing in front of a huge mirror.  He was posturing to himself.  I guess you really are scary if you can scare yourself!  I only wish I had video of that.  I'm even considering getting a large mirror to try it again!

Today we are off to Turbotville for NoseWork Practice.  Just had a down pour..... so hopefully we are finished with the rain for a few hours.  Last time we were up there it was miserable too.  It was cold, rainy and  windy .  We were all soaked from going in and out of the car.

Playing Fetch

Brutus has Issues

Ok, so I'm starting to realize that Brutus has issues..... with Motorcycles, Wagons, Bikes, Paper Towels, Shoes, Jackets, Pot Holders, Cats, Other Dogs, Tissues, News Papers, Blankets, Pillows, Kyler's school Tablet, Litter Boxes, Sweepers, Noah, Cable Tie Outs, Fences, Buckets, Rakes, Brooms, Water Hoses, Anything on a Counter, Garbage, Garbage Bags.......... shall I go on ??????

Brutus Digging again

More of Brutus digging! Seems to be a favorite past time. I just filled this hole in and he dug it out again. Think he wanted this hole to lay in and stay cool. Love his dirty face! Love the picture quality of my new FlipCam.

Second Fear Period

 This is some info Brutus's trainer sent me on his attitude towards some people.

Second Fear Period

6 to 14 months

In large breeds this period could extend longer since it is tied to sexual maturity. Incidents may occur more than once.   Incidents of teenage flakiness may recur J.

Corresponds with growth spurts. Therefore it may happen more than once as the puppy matures.

May suddenly be apprehensive about new things or shy or timid of new people or situations. Most of height growing is over, but pup will start to fill out over the coming year.

Puppy begins to mature sexually: male begins to lift leg, and female has first heat period anywhere from 6-12 months. Puppy coat being replaced by adult coat, starting down the spine.

This is a fear of new situations and are handled with the utmost patience. The dog is encouraged to work it out on his own. If your puppy appears apprehensive, avoid confrontation. Build confidence through training.

Avoid any potentially overwhelming circumstances you cannot personally oversee, such as shipping your pup in the cargo bay of an airplane.

(Compiled from article by Diamonds in the Ruff)

K-9 Refresher Class

Tonight was the K-9 Refresher class.  It went great.... no problems either.  Reviewed loose leash walking, plus learned some new practice techniques.  Also tethered the dogs, and taught them to stay relaxed while not paying attention to them.  Had other class members approach and treat dogs if they stayed in the relaxed position.  Come when called, on a long line..... I love this... because Brutus gets so excited when he's running back to me and looks so happy.  Of course I have to be careful he doesn't plow me over!

Silke said that she doesn't believe I have to muzzle Brutus.  That I, as the owner, have to be more forward in telling people not to approach Brutus at this time.  Tell them he doesm't care for strangers approaching him.

Kyler and I got some more of the fence finished today.  Tomorrow we will complete it. 

Began my fence extension to keep Brutus in!

This is the fence extension that me and Kyler put up yesterday.  We aren't quite finished yet......   need to visit Lowes today for more poles and wire ties.  I have the other side of the yard to finish, and the gate.  Hopefully this keeps him in!

Brutus jumps the fence

Ok.... so this is why I need a fence extension.  This is Brutus after he jumped into my neighbors yard.  He's done this 4 times since last night.  This morning he had me chasing him around the yard for 1 minutes until I caught him and dragged him back to his own yard.  Today, I threw a handful of bones in our yard.... and this is him jumping the fence back into his own yard.

Brutus squeaking ball

Brutus LOVES to run in Granny's yard.  He had a great time on this day..... playing all by himself with the ball.  He had a blast squeaking it.

Brutus giving Abby a Kiss

Brutus giving Abby a great big kiss!  Another great shot my brother took while we were in Ohio. 

Agility Class

Today was our first agility class.  It was actually pretty fun.  I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would... although I'm not really a runner.  Brutus had fun too.  He did great!  He did much better than I expected.  We practiced jumping.... which we have had a little experience with.  Also did the tire jump.... which is basically a hanging hoop they jump through.  We did 2 tunnels..... one was the hard plastic tunnel, which we did in trick class, and the other was a longer tunnel.  I was surprised how quickly and easily he went through the barrel.  I thought maybe he would need a bit more coaxing, since we haven't been practicing regularily.  I was shocked that he went through the long tunnel..... and easily!  Also walked on a long plank, that will eventually be elevated off of the ground.  Lastily, he had to jump on a platform stand, and sit/stay.  There were at least 2 people that were there that weren't actually crazy about my Rottweiler.  Brutus went towards the one lady's dog, and she actually screamed... and ran... like he was attacking her.  I was pretty proud of him considering everyone was expecting the worst from him..... and turns out some of the other dogs behavior was a bit snippy.  Then...... after class, the one helper came up to Brutus and was petting him, his face area, staring at him, and he got weird with her.  Gave her the stink eye, barked and lungged.  Hmmmmm.... starting to think he has some issues with the starting thing from certain people.  Think I'm going to have to stop letting strangers approach him in that manner.  Felt bad after the incident.... I guess everyone was thinking "I told you so." 

Tomorrow we have a refresher obedience class in Bloomsburg.  Definatly need to discuss todays incident with his trainer and get some suggestions.  Maybe I need to muzzle him in some public situations.... so he doesnt get a record.

Also started my fence extension today.  Looks much better than I expected.  I would have finished, but didn't buy enough poles, and ran out of wire ties.  Will post some pictures tomorrow.  I think this will keep Brutus from jumping the fence.  It better !  He jumped twice today  while we were working on the fence on the neighbors side.  He was chained so it wasn't a big deal, but still not happy about it.  I'm sure he wouldn't have jumped if we hadn't been in the other yard, but it's still unsettling knowing he can, whenever he wants.  Guess we just started the fence extension in time! 

Back to the crate Downstairs

Set up a crate in my bedroom for Brutus.  Have been feeling guilty about having him sleep downstairs.  Thought I'd try the second crate in my room, since I have 2 extra large crates.  Well...... it lasted about 5 minutes.  He was barking and carrying on at the cats, who spend the evenings in my room.  He wouldn't relax.  Wouldn't lay down.  Wouldn't calm down.  Just seemed all out of sorts..... so back downstairs to his crate, where he seemed much happier.  I may give it another shot tonight, but doesn't look to promising.  He also began whining the last two evening at 3:30am.  Not sure whats going on there.  He usually sleeps all night, and snores all night!

Today is our first agiligy class at 5:00 pm.  Can't wait to see what happens with this!  Should be amusing!

My what a big nose you have!

Brutus eating ice cream

Let's just say ice cream was a big hit with Brutus.  He LOVED it!  He was so serious when he was eating it, like he was concentrating.  When he finished, he kept jumping up on me to try to get the empty cup.  Yeah for Pepe's Puppy Bowls!

Brutus Portrait by Sean Swatsky

Title came in the mail today!

Well, as you can see, Brutus's Novice Trick Dog Title arrived in the mail today!  Had the mistake changed on the web site from "breed not specified" to "Rottweiler".  Now, another achievement award to put with his collection!  Yes, his full AKC name is Brutus Jack.  His dads name is Arney Jack, so I game him his daddys last name.  Not very original, but I'm a normal, plain, boring kinda person I suppose!

Brutus at nosework practice

Brutus & Nathan playing soccer

Here's a short video of Brutus and Nathan playing soccer.  Or maybe it's Nathan trying to play soccer and Brutus bugging him!  Also wanted to post a short video of Bailey playing with the Buster Cube, but after reviewing the video, I noticed that Brutus was kind enough to walk into the shot, lift his leg, and pee on the rock.  Thanks Brutus!

Love this picture of Brutus

Brutus, 13 months old

Brutus & Bailey

Name listed on Dog Trick web site

Well, Brutus's Title is in the mail.  Our name is now listed on the web site http://domorewithyourdog.com/pages/trickdogtitle.html  We are listed at the bottom, novice tricks, under breed not specified.  This was clearly a mistake, because I know for sure I listed his breed.  I did contact them and hopefully they will correct this!

Nosework class was great.  Brutus did awesome.  Found everything tonight rather quickly. 

Everyone loves Brutus

This is a picture my neice Isabel made me.  She's quite talanted!  Had a great weekend at my brother's house in Cleveland.  For the most part, Brutus behaved.  He didn't pee on the floor at all, so that was a plus!  He had a great time with his doggie cousins, Glacier, Bailey, and Darby.  He had extra fun with Bailey, who he ran and chased with all weekend.  He will get another chance to play with him  in July when Bailey and Darby will be having a week long sleepover.  I'm sure he will have loads of fun!  Brutus was totally exhausted after this fun filled weekend.  He slept the whole ride home in the car, and was wiped out the remainder of the night when we got home.  Have picure and video to post, hopefully later tonight.  Tonight we are off to Nosework practice.  He's been on a week long break.  Sunday he begins his first Agility class.