Training for Therapy

Twinkie in the bag

I am going to physical therapy 3 days a week and decided since I am there I may as well take the pups and get them used to the environment.  They are a big hit.  The trainers love them and so do the clients!!  First I brought one pup with me in the green bag.  I set the green bag on someone's lap and they would pet the pup.

Whizbee fast asleep

That worked okay, but I have decided not to use the green bag after speaking with Jo Mcginnis.  She is a volunteer therapy dog evaluator.  She advised me and I have changed my course of training.  I now carry the pup in and place them on the lap, or hold them when they are being petted.

Now I always ask permission before placing a pup on someones lap.  I also hold the collar of the pup so I have control of the head.

close up of Whizbee

Whizbee went today and he fell asleep next to the client.  They both seemed to enjoy the company.  I chatted my head off!  Most have remarked how calm they are for chihuahuas and well behaved!!  I am hoping Twinkie and Whizbee will be ready for testing when they turn one.

I asked permission of the clients to share their photos before posting to this blog

Ice cubes

We were in the garden and I decided to dump out the ice cubes.  Boy did they like playing with them.  Especially Twinkie who jumped around like a frolicking lamb!  It was fun to watch Twinkie and Whizbee chase each other for them. A nice treat on a hot day.

Whizbee's first dog show

I need to work more with stacking him

We were off to Lakeland for the chihuahua specialty.  It was lovely and warm.  Of course, in the hanger we were baking hot.  Travel was okay, but rather long.  I would have enjoyed sleeping over and skip all the driving.

He actually let the judge look in his mouth!!!!

Whizbee was looking adorable and got lots of compliments.  Twinkie also.  I got some help taping Twinkie's ears so they stand up.  They like to flop a bit.  Some other breeders told me Twinkie has a lovely head.

I do not like my ears taped!

First we entered in the puppy sweepstakes.  Whizbee one first in his group, 6-9 months.  Then we went against the winners of the other groups.  A very nice puppy won.

I stand okay for the judge.  Will continue to work on this.

Secondly, we entered the normal show.  We were again entered in the 6-9 month group and won first place in that category.  We went against all the other group winners and the same dog won.

This is the dog that won! He stands so nicely but he is older and his owner is a pro at handling!

Professional Photography by http://kellyrichardsonphotography.com

Kelly Richardson has taken more beautiful photos of our babies!  Whizbee and Twinkie are visiting with Kelly and she is taking lots and lots of photos.  This is a small sample of her work.  They look so cute!!!  They will stay a little bit longer so Kelly can get some Easter, St. Patty day and spring photos.

Kelly told me today that they are so well behaved.  No whining or barking.  Zeke, her white dog, loves them and even slept the night in the kitchen to be near them.  He normally sleeps in a human bed!!  That says a lot when he was willing to give up his comfort to be near them.

Whizbee will be in the show ring very soon.  He is nearly 6 months old and will be entered in the puppy sweepstakes and the puppy class!!!  We are going to have fun, but hope he wins something too.

Here is Kelly's web address if you would like her to take photos of your pets.  She also photographs humans!!!

Preparing for show

Last night Mattie and I went to the fairgrounds to practice showing Whizbee.  He did very well.  Much better then expected.  He walked well and stacked pretty well.  We need to work on him showing his teeth!!! He doesn't like that much.

Mattie also got a feel for what it is like showing a dog.  The instructor gave her lots of pointers.  I was quite the proud mum of my 4 legged and 2 legged children!!

Twinkie also came for the atmosphere and to be held by folks.  She was quite the hit !!  She did quite well with all the new smells and noises.

Twinkie nearly 3 months old

Whizbee nearly 6 months.  Back feet are off. Head too a little

Here are some pix of stacking I took of them today with help from my dear friend Ana. 

Twinkie

We have a new little girl here at our homestead.  She is 2 months old and very cute.  Her sire is a long coat blue and her dam in a short coat cream.  She is having a ball with Whizbee.  She is adjusting well.  Chica is even being nice to her!!! We got her from Chanawana Chihuahuas based here in Orlando.  Jackie has some very nice dogs.  We are hoping to show her when she gets older.