It's Snowing!

Frito absolutely loves the snow and although the stuff falling from the sky today is more like slush, Frito loves it anyway.


My what big paws you have Frito!


You cannot help but love this dog:

Early Socialization - Part 2

I had another opportunity to go to the Canine Development Center in Patterson, NY, and spend time in the early socialization room with a litter of puppies. This time we worked with the "B" litter that was born on January 9, 2010 to Genevieve and Yuri (Frito's daddy!) - Buttons, Blondie, Baxter, Bert, Brandy, Bonita, Barbara, Brent, Boise, and Ballad. Here are some of my favorite shots:


After our time in the early socialization room, Julia, Elizabeth, and I headed over to the training school in Yorktown Heights for the graduation ceremony. Two dogs raised in NYC graduated with their new partners - Warner, raised by Michael Lee, and Ivory, raised by Krissy Bordas.

Ivory and her new partner, Alexis Rivas:


Warner and his new partner (I cannot remember his name - he's the one in the green shirt and white hair):

Epic Play Date

On Saturday, February 13, 2010, we gathered several of the NYC region's puppy raisers and their dogs for a play date in Harlem. I am absolutely obsessed with Allison's private, outdoor space and the dogs seem to love it too. Allison keeps telling people that they are welcome over anytime, especially in the summer when it is much more enjoyable hanging outside - she may regret that in the future as I could easily see myself spending a great deal of time there with Frito. :)

Here is a group of shot of all in attendance:


The cookies I made for the humans to enjoy:


Fabri, Frito and Nancy play tug-of-war:


The appearance of a Kong Wubba excited all the dogs, who ran after and cornered Evelina, who had the toy.


Everyone, Sit!


Some of the dogs teaching John the proper way to play tug:


As always, play dates make for very tired puppies - Frito and Oleta curled up in the backseat of the car on the ride back.

Snowmageddon

The term "snowmageddon" is one that the news channels and newspapers in NYC are calling the snow storm that has hit NYC today. I really do not like the term much but it seems fitting. By early this morning, a few inches of snow had already fallen.


I took Frito to Battery Park so that she could play off-leash in the snow. She LOVES the snow and ran around for an hour straight playing with some dogs friends.


Around mid-day I took Frito outside in the snow again so she could play with Oleta, another GEB pup being started by Julia. We went to the dog park where they had fun playing together and with Gucci, a six-month old Bernese Mountain dog, and a golden retriever whose name I do not know. Again, fun was had by all.

Early Socialization

This past weekend I had the opportunity to go to the Canine Development Center and learn what is all involved in the early socialization program of the GEB pups. Elizabeth, the volunteer regional coordinator for the NYC region, typically goes up to the CDC every Saturday and brought myself and Julia with her. The early socializers take one litter of pups at a time into a special room that is cleaned with bleach prior to the play (pups this young are susceptible to all kinds of germs) and is outfitted with all sorts of things to climb on, play with, and listen to. Once in the room with the pups, you encourage the dogs to play and explore in order to build their confidence. You wear crazy costumes, listen to random noises, and start teaching them to sit, down, and stay.

The litter we worked with was the "A" litter born on January 5, 2010 - Abbie, Ale, Abu, Alvy, Amigo, Ambi, Ariel, Arlo, Alma, Arnie, and Alise. They were adorable and I had to work hard to not steal every one of them.

The pups arrived via puppy bus:


Time to play!


Julia trying to teach the pups to sit, down, and stand. It is challenging at this age but it is quite amazing when the pups do the commands.


I know we were there to socialize the pups, but all I wanted to do was pick them up and cuddle!


The runt of the litter, Alvy, was such a sweetheart who kept getting picked on by his bigger siblings. He got some much needed special attention.


What blog post is complete without a picture of Frito. She came along for the ride and hung out in the office for the NYC Regional Manager. On the way back to the city, Frito rode in the back of the car and I do not think she was too happy about it.


Overall, it was a great experience and I hope I get the opportunity to do it again in the future!

Puppy Play!

Over the past few weeks, Frito has had several play dates with other dogs in the NYC Puppy Raising Region. I love having these play dates because it is with dogs that I know so I do not have to worry about aggressive dogs or dogs that just do not play well. It is also nice being able to chat with the other raisers, as we do not often get that chance during class, especially if your dog is in a different class.

The first play date we had was on the Upper West Side and consisted of Frito, Breezy, and Persia.


The next play date took place at a dog park in Battery Park and again was attended by Frito, Breezy, and Persia. We also had Oleta, a little black lab being started by Julia, and Hadley, a GEB pup who was released at 8 weeks old. It was super cold outside but the dogs hardly noticed.


The third play date was up in Harlem at fellow raiser, Allison's home. Allison is raising Jessie, who I believe is approximately 4 months olds. Allison also fosters a brood, Nancy, and has a released GEB dog, Lucky. The great thing about Allison's home is that she has a huge, private outdoor space where the dogs can play. Frito had tons of fun!