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| Jackson playing with Levi |
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| Jackson well rested and ready for more! |
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| Jackson with Bear, Levi and Keilan |
Friday, April 6, 2012
A Few Photos
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Weekend Back Home
Jackson had an event filled weekend and was an absolute star.
We traveled from Ottawa to Markham to Collingwood to Parry Sound to Hunstville and back to Ottawa! Jackson was a star in the car, and by the end was using roadside rest stops like a pro - at first I think he was too afraid to take a pee with all the strange noises!
Over the weekend Jackson met two cats, two kids, two dogs, and stayed in several different places which was a first, we realized - he has only ever slept at home with us since we got him!
He handled everything like a star. He held back from chasing down the cats (with some help from us!), he decided that despite loud noises and quick movements kids are not so bad, and he LOVED thinking he was a big dog like the 100+ pound dogs that belong to Andrew's Dad in Parry Sound. By the last day, they were traipsing around his property (large with forests, ponds and wetlands) like old pros, Jackson having the time of his life. Occasionally the big dogs would go for a run, which Jacks loved, until they turned towards him, when he would hide until they went by. He'd look around to make sure no one noticed, then run as fast as he could to catch up. He surprised us all with his tolerance for getting knocked around accidentally by the big boys, and his tenacity when it came to getting in there and playing!
The funniest part of the trip by far was when he got a little too brave drinking from a pond and fell head first right in. We all froze as he disappeared (black into black!) for a second, and then up he came, doggie paddling like crazy. Andrew's Dad grabbed his collar and hauled him out before we could truly determine how good his swimming skills were. He was a little shocked, but had a panting smile for us as we fussed over him like, hey guys, no big deal, happens every day! The next day he seemed unphased by the event, going back to drink again and running around the pond precariously. I wondered then if Jackson might not be the brightest little puppy, but he had enough caution to steer clear of the water! I don't think it will be long before he'll want to get back in though and give it another go. He was wading in and watching the big dogs swim longingly.
We met up with my mom and Niki on our way home in Huntsville, and they had a little romp despite Jackson having been absolutely exhausted from all the action on the way there. He seemed very pleased when we arrived back home to his turf and slept through the night for the first time without a pee break!!
He continues to be the best little pup we could ever have asked for.
We traveled from Ottawa to Markham to Collingwood to Parry Sound to Hunstville and back to Ottawa! Jackson was a star in the car, and by the end was using roadside rest stops like a pro - at first I think he was too afraid to take a pee with all the strange noises!
Over the weekend Jackson met two cats, two kids, two dogs, and stayed in several different places which was a first, we realized - he has only ever slept at home with us since we got him!
He handled everything like a star. He held back from chasing down the cats (with some help from us!), he decided that despite loud noises and quick movements kids are not so bad, and he LOVED thinking he was a big dog like the 100+ pound dogs that belong to Andrew's Dad in Parry Sound. By the last day, they were traipsing around his property (large with forests, ponds and wetlands) like old pros, Jackson having the time of his life. Occasionally the big dogs would go for a run, which Jacks loved, until they turned towards him, when he would hide until they went by. He'd look around to make sure no one noticed, then run as fast as he could to catch up. He surprised us all with his tolerance for getting knocked around accidentally by the big boys, and his tenacity when it came to getting in there and playing!
The funniest part of the trip by far was when he got a little too brave drinking from a pond and fell head first right in. We all froze as he disappeared (black into black!) for a second, and then up he came, doggie paddling like crazy. Andrew's Dad grabbed his collar and hauled him out before we could truly determine how good his swimming skills were. He was a little shocked, but had a panting smile for us as we fussed over him like, hey guys, no big deal, happens every day! The next day he seemed unphased by the event, going back to drink again and running around the pond precariously. I wondered then if Jackson might not be the brightest little puppy, but he had enough caution to steer clear of the water! I don't think it will be long before he'll want to get back in though and give it another go. He was wading in and watching the big dogs swim longingly.
We met up with my mom and Niki on our way home in Huntsville, and they had a little romp despite Jackson having been absolutely exhausted from all the action on the way there. He seemed very pleased when we arrived back home to his turf and slept through the night for the first time without a pee break!!
He continues to be the best little pup we could ever have asked for.
Monday, March 26, 2012
The Dogs have gone Crazy!
Jackson is having the time of his life this week, because his sister, or aunt perhaps? Is in town to visit. My mom has come to visit and help me out while Andrew is away and brought her just 1-year old Ridgeback, Niki.
While I've tried socializing Jackson a little bit with a few other dogs on leashes, I am also somewhat afraid that he will get snapped at or injured. He was, after all, the smallest of his litter and the one who ate last! Worse than physical injury would be emotional injury, as he is so innocent and just wants dogs to love him (or maybe the emotional injury would be more to me than to him!). My readings do say however that between 8-12 weeks puppies absorb the most from their experiences.
So I saw this as a great opportunity - since Niki is still a puppy despite her (extra large) size, they could play and Jackson could get in some great socialization.
Well, Niki arrived and the playing began - I thought she was going to bulldoze and steamroll little Jax into the ground and scare him silly. We kept trying to settle them down, and wondered if the next four days might have just gotten a LOT longer for us. We eventually found a compromise using our legs as barriers between couch and coffee tables, so that Niki had to crouch down and Jackson fit underneath us. That leveled the playing field a little. Well, they wrestled with mouths and teeth for what seemed like hours. But that was the segway into what has become a beautiful friendship, and more endless hours of wrestling, chasing, playing, and following.
The funniest part is while we were worried about protecting Jackson from Niki since she is bigger, he came right out of his shell right away and held his own. In fact, we've had to simmer him down a few times. When they play tug of war, he often wins the toy through his determination. And then when they play chasing games and he sometimes gets rolled in the dirt by accident, he gets up gamely and carries on the chase. He is still smart enough to duck under a chair if he hears her thundering up behind him.
So while I was worried before about him being too submissive or afraid, now I am wondering if he is getting too cocky! All in all though, I think this has been a fantastic experience for him with respect to figuring out boundaries and how to play. It also got us out to the dog park these past few days where Jackson has watched Niki wrestle with the big boys, and met several nice dogs that live nearby.
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While I've tried socializing Jackson a little bit with a few other dogs on leashes, I am also somewhat afraid that he will get snapped at or injured. He was, after all, the smallest of his litter and the one who ate last! Worse than physical injury would be emotional injury, as he is so innocent and just wants dogs to love him (or maybe the emotional injury would be more to me than to him!). My readings do say however that between 8-12 weeks puppies absorb the most from their experiences.
So I saw this as a great opportunity - since Niki is still a puppy despite her (extra large) size, they could play and Jackson could get in some great socialization.
Well, Niki arrived and the playing began - I thought she was going to bulldoze and steamroll little Jax into the ground and scare him silly. We kept trying to settle them down, and wondered if the next four days might have just gotten a LOT longer for us. We eventually found a compromise using our legs as barriers between couch and coffee tables, so that Niki had to crouch down and Jackson fit underneath us. That leveled the playing field a little. Well, they wrestled with mouths and teeth for what seemed like hours. But that was the segway into what has become a beautiful friendship, and more endless hours of wrestling, chasing, playing, and following.
The funniest part is while we were worried about protecting Jackson from Niki since she is bigger, he came right out of his shell right away and held his own. In fact, we've had to simmer him down a few times. When they play tug of war, he often wins the toy through his determination. And then when they play chasing games and he sometimes gets rolled in the dirt by accident, he gets up gamely and carries on the chase. He is still smart enough to duck under a chair if he hears her thundering up behind him.
So while I was worried before about him being too submissive or afraid, now I am wondering if he is getting too cocky! All in all though, I think this has been a fantastic experience for him with respect to figuring out boundaries and how to play. It also got us out to the dog park these past few days where Jackson has watched Niki wrestle with the big boys, and met several nice dogs that live nearby.
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Thursday, March 22, 2012
Separation Anxiety
I am sure that Jackson is presently having a lovely siesta in his fuzzy blanket in his crate, after having enjoyed a peanut butter kong, some hidden treats, a nylabone, and played with his favourite toys. As for me however, I am suffering from separation anxiety.
I am presently sitting in class trying hard to pay attention, but truly just wanting to run home and go and see my favourite little boy. After all, he generally doesn't have to stay alone at all. Usually, Andrew and I take turns with him, dropping him off with each other when the other is busy. This week however, his Dad has a work commitment afternoons and evenings, leaving me as the sole parent. And I have class on Thursdays.
We've spent tons of time on crate training, he has lots of toys, and is in familiar surroundings, but I am still finding myself wishing I could see his little nose twitch as he absorbs his favourite smells and sounds in the back yard. I wonder if our Dogs for Dummies addresses parental separation anxiety?
I am presently sitting in class trying hard to pay attention, but truly just wanting to run home and go and see my favourite little boy. After all, he generally doesn't have to stay alone at all. Usually, Andrew and I take turns with him, dropping him off with each other when the other is busy. This week however, his Dad has a work commitment afternoons and evenings, leaving me as the sole parent. And I have class on Thursdays.
We've spent tons of time on crate training, he has lots of toys, and is in familiar surroundings, but I am still finding myself wishing I could see his little nose twitch as he absorbs his favourite smells and sounds in the back yard. I wonder if our Dogs for Dummies addresses parental separation anxiety?
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Summer Day in March
Sitting outside on this unseasonably warm day (high of 26/31 with humidity in March?!), working on a paper and watching Jackson experience the backyard. He is such a super pup. He entertains himself, and loves just sitting, listening, and watching to things going on. I love that he is a watcher, and not always a doer - he's curious, but not a crazy puppy. He seems to have inherited one boxer ear, and one lab ear, so one sits above the other when he perks them up. It looks like he is tilting his head. We've also noticed that he has a wee boxer underbite!
Recent progress - several "sits" yesterday without any pressure on his bum or hind legs! Teaching him to wait before coming through the door, which he has taken to quickly today since his favourite thing to do when he doesn't know what you want is to plop his little bum down to sit and look at you. And just now, putting my oatmeal dish down on the ground (since I'm in a lawn chair), and telling him to leave it alone, which he did quite willingly.
Andrew and I are reading "Dog Training for Dummies" which is very comprehensive, and has given us the above ideas for how to introduce little training sessions into the day even when we are busy. After all, he gets fed, goes in and out, and the humans eat multiple times each day even when things get hectic! As the book says, it only takes a few minutes, some repetition, and consistency. Next on the list: the "come" command, which he doesn't fully understand yet. He thinks it is an optional thing ;) We've read up on the exercises we need to do and we'll be working on it!
Recent progress - several "sits" yesterday without any pressure on his bum or hind legs! Teaching him to wait before coming through the door, which he has taken to quickly today since his favourite thing to do when he doesn't know what you want is to plop his little bum down to sit and look at you. And just now, putting my oatmeal dish down on the ground (since I'm in a lawn chair), and telling him to leave it alone, which he did quite willingly.
Andrew and I are reading "Dog Training for Dummies" which is very comprehensive, and has given us the above ideas for how to introduce little training sessions into the day even when we are busy. After all, he gets fed, goes in and out, and the humans eat multiple times each day even when things get hectic! As the book says, it only takes a few minutes, some repetition, and consistency. Next on the list: the "come" command, which he doesn't fully understand yet. He thinks it is an optional thing ;) We've read up on the exercises we need to do and we'll be working on it!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
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Friday, March 16, 2012
Choosing a Dog Food
Well I am an over-researcher when it comes to things that matter to me. So before we brought Jackson home, I wanted to make sure we knew what we wanted to feed him. There are just so many options.
As it happens, there is a great little pet food co-op right near the University of Ottawa, at the corner of Friel and Wilbrod. I popped my head in one day and found that they carry all of the top rated dog foods for less than you pay at other retailers. The one I read incredible things about was Orijen, which they had. However, it still costs $72.50 for a 13.5kg bag of puppy food. A little steep. There are several that are a little cheaper than that, such as Acana and others, but I wanted to look into a step down in the cost department.
I read a lot on many of the brands you buy in the grocery store, and how generally it was best to stay away from those. Except, many wrote, the Costco brand Kirkland. While a 7kg bag of Orijen puppy food was $41.00, a 9kg bag of Kirkland puppy food was $14.99. There is a difference in these dog foods of course, but blogs, rating sites, and dog food users rated Kirkland as being by far the best dog food if you didn't want to take the leap into the heavy hitters and it is very affordable. The first five ingredients have lots of meat, and there is no corn or wheat. They only complaint by some is that it has beet pulp in it, which is something I feed my horses, a filler starch. But if it doesn't bother your dog, it seems from my reading, then it isn't a problem.
So, until I start to make the big bucks, we have started Jackson on the Kirkland food, switching him over slowly from what he came with from his foster. He seems to like it so far, although I feel that its possible he'd eat just about anything when he's hungry!
As it happens, there is a great little pet food co-op right near the University of Ottawa, at the corner of Friel and Wilbrod. I popped my head in one day and found that they carry all of the top rated dog foods for less than you pay at other retailers. The one I read incredible things about was Orijen, which they had. However, it still costs $72.50 for a 13.5kg bag of puppy food. A little steep. There are several that are a little cheaper than that, such as Acana and others, but I wanted to look into a step down in the cost department.
I read a lot on many of the brands you buy in the grocery store, and how generally it was best to stay away from those. Except, many wrote, the Costco brand Kirkland. While a 7kg bag of Orijen puppy food was $41.00, a 9kg bag of Kirkland puppy food was $14.99. There is a difference in these dog foods of course, but blogs, rating sites, and dog food users rated Kirkland as being by far the best dog food if you didn't want to take the leap into the heavy hitters and it is very affordable. The first five ingredients have lots of meat, and there is no corn or wheat. They only complaint by some is that it has beet pulp in it, which is something I feed my horses, a filler starch. But if it doesn't bother your dog, it seems from my reading, then it isn't a problem.
So, until I start to make the big bucks, we have started Jackson on the Kirkland food, switching him over slowly from what he came with from his foster. He seems to like it so far, although I feel that its possible he'd eat just about anything when he's hungry!
Getting Jackson
Last Sunday we finally got to bring Jackson home.
It all started many months ago when my boyfriend and I decided it was finally realistic to get a dog. His terms: he wanted his first dog to be a puppy. My terms: I wanted to rescue. So, that was when we started talking about all the details, and began the hunt.
Our first venture was looking through Middle Mutts, an incredible organization which organizes transports for dogs and cats out of high kill facilities in the US. Our friend Amanda Knowles helped coordinate, since she runs Bayshore Rescue. However, the available puppies got scooped up (thank goodness) before they could get all the way up here.
So, I emailed some local rescues asking if they could notify us if they had any large breed puppies. We got responses from Friendly Giants Dog Rescue (FGDR) and BARK. FGDR had received a call about a litter of pups that were going to be SHOT if someone didn't come to get them. They weren't on their site yet, but we were sent some photos, of which one stood out from the moment we saw him. His name was Mac, his father was a Boxer, and his mother was a Lab. He was born on December 30th, 2011 they think.
We proceeded with a long screening process, reference checks, applications, questions about the stability of our relationship, and finally got to the home visit last weekend. By then I had scoured the puppy training section of Chapters and we had collected some items for our new addition. Sunday morning, despite my graduation formal being the night before, we were bright eyed and ready to go get Mac, who was now going to be named Jackson (Jax). You know, after that lovable but tough biker who is the lead role in Sons of Anarchy? We drove out and brought him home.
It all started many months ago when my boyfriend and I decided it was finally realistic to get a dog. His terms: he wanted his first dog to be a puppy. My terms: I wanted to rescue. So, that was when we started talking about all the details, and began the hunt.
Our first venture was looking through Middle Mutts, an incredible organization which organizes transports for dogs and cats out of high kill facilities in the US. Our friend Amanda Knowles helped coordinate, since she runs Bayshore Rescue. However, the available puppies got scooped up (thank goodness) before they could get all the way up here.
So, I emailed some local rescues asking if they could notify us if they had any large breed puppies. We got responses from Friendly Giants Dog Rescue (FGDR) and BARK. FGDR had received a call about a litter of pups that were going to be SHOT if someone didn't come to get them. They weren't on their site yet, but we were sent some photos, of which one stood out from the moment we saw him. His name was Mac, his father was a Boxer, and his mother was a Lab. He was born on December 30th, 2011 they think.
We proceeded with a long screening process, reference checks, applications, questions about the stability of our relationship, and finally got to the home visit last weekend. By then I had scoured the puppy training section of Chapters and we had collected some items for our new addition. Sunday morning, despite my graduation formal being the night before, we were bright eyed and ready to go get Mac, who was now going to be named Jackson (Jax). You know, after that lovable but tough biker who is the lead role in Sons of Anarchy? We drove out and brought him home.
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