Day 9 - What Jet has learned (by Jet)

There are lots of things I can do now. Although sometimes I'm too lazy, excited about other things or distracted by a passing pigeon to bother listening to my foster Mum and Dad.

 

There are loads of basic commands that they are trying to teach me, and I know these the best:

Sit
Paw
Lie Down
Wait - I'll sit and leave a treat or my food for a short time, but not too long please.
Leave it - I'll drop what's in my mouth but usually only if they offer me food or a toy in exchange. I'm not stupid.
Come - Sometimes they let me off the lead but I have to come back when they shout 'Come'. Otherwise they make me go back on the lead and that's hardy any fun.
Down - I get really excited when Mums been out for a bit or Dad gets home from work and I jump up to give them kisses. I'm trying really hard not to jump up but I love them and want to show them how much. I forget that I'm not supposed to.

I get really excited when they take me out. I'd probably do better with a harness because I don't think I'd be able to pull so much then. While we're on a collar and lead they make me stop and sit down every time I pull. Going anywhere takes ages when I'm being a pain but I love to sniff things and look at things.

When we're playing I sometimes nip hands and feet. I'm only playing and I don't do it hard but Mum says I won't be allowed to play with children until I stop it.

I'm a bit greedy and sometimes I think someone might steal my dinner so I eat it really fast. They thought it was because I'm hungry and tried to fill me up on apples and carrots but they've got no chance. I'm a meat eater thanks! I don't beg for Mums food while she eats. It never smells as good as when she opens those tins of cat food.

I have a cage to sleep in but I'm a bit scared of using it in the day to relax in case you lock me up. They feed me in the cage and it's really comfy but I really like being with people all the time so I don't want to risk getting shut in. Mum says I have to use it as a bed though and I should stop getting on her favourite chair. Every time I do it I get told off but it's so comfy and I can watch the chickens in the garden.

At first I'd only respond to being asked to do something in a really loud voice but now they can ask me in a quite voice and I do things. I actually prefer peace and quiet because I get over excited and do a wee if I get too excited. They don't like it when I pee on the carpet so I'm trying to be a good boy and calm down but there are so many exciting things away from those kennels. I really don't want to go back. I want someone to love me and take care of me and in return I will be really faithful and I promise to give you loads of kisses and play with you all the time.

Day 9 - What we've learned

Jet is now quite settled and seems to be enjoying himself now that he has a lot more freedom than his home at the kennels. He's starting to show his true personality and be a little more cheeky than he was when he first arrived.

We've learned that he needs a walk early in the day. An evening walk just means he's a terror all day, with far too much energy and enthusiasm.

We've learned that he's not aggressive with other dogs off the lead, unless they are too playful around me, jumping up etc.

 We've learned that he loves to play in water and will happily splash around and 'dig' in it for quite some time.

We've learned that he's an intelligent dog who needs stimulation and attention in order to keep calm.

We've learned that he nibbles his bedding if he doesn't have something to entertain him in his cage while left in the day. A Kong toy stuffed with wet food and frozen is the perfect distraction.

We've learned that he loves to run off and chew nail files but hates the smell of nail varnish and lemons. He likes to play with fluffy slippers and prefers it when you hold his hide bone for him to chew while he stands up! He loves tennis balls and will play fetch for hours. He's also capable of chewing  (and breaking) a ball while walking with it in his mouth.

We've learned that he doesn't like being left alone, and although he's fine with older children he'd settle better in a houshold without children, where someone is home most of the time.

We've learned that he'd love to be friends with the cat and the chickens, but they don't want to be friends with him yet. He knows he belongs at the bottom of the pecking order of all our existing pets.

Most of all we've learned that with love and care Jet will be a perfect dog. He's an adorable addition to our home and he's anxious to please. He thrives on being given commands and being praised for doing them and I suspect he'd be great at agility classes.