Perfect moment No. 9,207...

...or whatever the count is..

5pm. Setting sun. An hour's break in between the matinee & evening shows. A tennis ball. An 8-mo. old lab with a love for playing fetch.... And a whole 18-hole golf course on winter hiatus.

Mud.
Sand.
Snow.
Puddles.
Frozen puddles.
Passing geese.
And grass, grass, grass....

Oh yeah....

Finally.....

OK - so, maybe I'm not the correspondent & photographer that y'all are, or maybe it's just been a busy week - though it's not like you people have oodles of time, but whatever the reason - HERE'S MY FIRST TAG POST! (Pictures and video to come later, when I have a chance to download some video from my camera...)

THE LAST WEEK

So, Tag fit into our little caravan very easily. His genial nature and charm having won over the entire population of the actor housing complex in St. Louis, where we were staying, he was afforded a few chances chance to visit with friends next door and partied late in the evening with us. Don't worry, he got no canapes or scraps, though he did get a chance to show off some of his training in exchange for some Natural Balance treats and the oohs and ahs of everyone around. When it was time to finally pack up and hit the road for East Lansing, he seemed a bit confused as to all the zipping & unzipping, folding & stuffing, carting & packing - but once we were all in the car, it just seemed like another car ride for him, albeit in a strangely loaded car. But his bed made for a good seat, and he got used to the seatbelt we use for Butley quite handliy (it's a chest harness that attaches with a swivel clip that hangs from a lead that runs across the top of the inside of the car.). Safety first, dontyouknow...

And during the ride, he quickly learned all the signs of a road trip - acceleration sounds mean Hunker Down & Go to Sleep, long, sustained engine sounds mean Stay Asleep, deceleration sounds mean Get Up, Time to Pee. And his service dog status allowed him to personally thank the man who sold us coffee or the lady who made our sandwiches.

Getting into East Lansing, it was cold, cold, cold. Like peeing ice-cubes kind of cold. He had no problem waiting for us in the hotel room while we unloaded our things. And even though the first night we had a room right below the lobby, and whose ceiling efficiently transferred the sound of every footfall and suitcase rolling across the floor, his only noise was the occasional grumble, as if to say, "Ugh - those schmucks upstairs..."

Before bunking down that evening, however, he did join us on a visit to Woody's Oasis, a popular college late night eatery. And no, he didn't have any of our falafurger (falafel hamburger), but the floor did seem to smell pretty durn good to him. But after a few times of calling his attention back to us, he calmed down & sat beside the table. Everyone was very good about respecting his vest & letting him work.

The next day was much better. We moved into another room (they gave us a one-bedroom suite, because of our hassle the night before) at the end of the hall. And we went on a long walk around the perimeter of the golf course of the University Club, attached to the hotel where we're staying. There was still a bunch of snow on the ground, and he stretched his ever-growing back legs by leaping up & down the hills, tumbling haunches over head through the soft snow. We threw the ball for him, and he chased & retrieved it over and over until he even he seemed tuckered, if only momentarily. And then we all went for lunch at the University Club in their dining room. And again, he was a perfect gentleman, sleeping underneath my chair the whole time.

Over the week, he's had opportunities to go wandering along the frozen corn fields, checking for moles along the golf course, running errands at Target and at the grocery store. And he's been very good inside. We did have one potty accident at Target (even though he'd gone right before we went inside), and a couple dribbles while playing tug one morning, but beyond that he's doing good and better every day. We're also learning to not let him drink his fill all at once but to take a few swallows & then some more a few minutes later.

He even visited us in the exercise room in the hotel. It was all a little strange to him, and the treadmill was particularly confusing and daunting, as he saw Angie running and not going anywhere at the same time. But we didn't push it & he left the place on good terms. I don't think he'll be doing any mileage on the treadmill any time soon, but he was good about laying quietly during situps & pushups (!). His form on the incline chest press might need a little work, natch.

And of course, as they put many of us in the company on the same hall, he enjoys visits in other people's rooms, and I imagine they'll soon be clamoring for sleepovers. In the meanwhile, we play fetch in the hotel hallway - which is perfectly quiet for him, as he runs so quietly that his first nickname, "The Dauphin" (because of his 'French' heritage and princely posing of front paws) has now morphed into "The Doe-Faun."

This being his first weekend, the busiest part of our week & where we have both matinee and evening shows, I'm sure he's going to be all the more in need of some good exercise when we are home. I wish we could bring him to the theater, but at first we're just letting the company get used to him. And right now, I'm sharing a dressing room with all the ensemble men and the male band members, so there's the inevitable fur issue to respect for the wardrobe supervisor. Hopefully, at some point in the future, he'll be able to join us at work.


THE NAMING

As for the naming of the next protegé, that's quite an honor. Thanks! We'll start thinking about it. Looking forward to hearing the color & geneder particulars & seeing photos...


BUTLEY

As for Butley, it sounds like it's been quite a week. Too bad daycare didn't work out, but just having two playmates at home is two more than he normally has, and this experience will still be terrific for him. So he's not a playground regular. Whatev - no biggie. Angie and I had long ago forgone the notion, so it's certainly not like you've disappointed anyone. And yes, guaranteeing the safety of all parties involved is priority number one.

As for the food issues, if he's gonna have a big sister to show him the ropes, he couldn't have better siblings than Cadence & Roggen.

I also think we're all learning/adjusting to how best to accommodate the unusual circumstances of the swap and the relaying of experiences, recommendations, and training-by-e-mail & phone, so it's not surprising that it may take a little time to contextualize everything. But know this: even if we're all the way out in Toronto - we're still within driving range (especially if we meet somewhere in the middle), and if schedules and responsibilities simply become too much, WE CAN ALWAYS MAKE AN EARLY RE-SWAPPING. You guys have been incredibly generous, and we're glad to offer Tag the chance for this international adventure - it's very fun for us, and it's great to simply not have to worry about Butley while we're in Canada. But we're very practiced at the long distance overnight haul, and the last thing we want is for you to feel burdened with a commitment which just seems more than you can comfortably handle just now, especially to a couple of actors you only met a month & a half ago. So JUST KNOW - if it all gets too much, we can work it out...

In the meanwhile, it sounds like the more time Butley spends there with, the more you're also discovering the fun, clowning side to him. Sometimes, especially with his linebacker looks, his quiet moments can seem a bit aloof. But once he's home & happy, he's a big goofball. And when you get around to filming, I think you'll find he makes a great model for sunglasses, scarves, party hats, leis - whatever your best art director's eye can imagine. In fact, I don't know if you've seen this photo of him before or not, but it's a good example. It was taken for a calendar that the shelter we got him from put together.


Yes, his is a truly noble brow, and although sometimes his coloring may make him look like a canine commuter on the 12:18 from Long Island, suit, tie & spats included, have no fear. He always seems to respond to a good squeeze & a serious ear skritching.


SO

What I lack in regularity, I can hopefully make up for in volume. I'll try to be more frequent with postings, but sometimes it just doesn't happen. But it certainly doesn't mean we're not thinking about our boy or taking good care of yours. In fact, Tag asked me to let him end this posting, so here goes....:

hI MOma niKOl and POPpa eriK - thare being REeL gud to mE hear, and i kan RUN and rUN LOts an loTs. And dont Buleeve hiM - I haD two biG MaKs yestirday. YUM!!! Tod saId I coulD have BOOgeR kinG toomorrOw.. (Oh, yeah - WhaT was that I wAS suPPost tu Du wHEn he PPoints his finGr up? I shud chek my Nots...) Ennnyway... I'm haffING a GUD time, but I'LL bee glad t SEE yoU soon. doNt wirry bowt me. I'll haff all KInDs of storrees too tell You About! BIg LIcKs! - taGg

All Rattle, No Squeak!

All organic, all cotton, all the good stuff Natural Cozies.  

Lucky Butley!

When you least expect it...

... and when you aren't striving to be creative something just lands in your lap or in this case maybe under your head. Sure does look an awful lot like a contemporary designers rendition of Mr. Butley.

It was a warm welcome.

I spent the day doing what dogs do. I slept. Then he lit a tremendously roaring fire this evening and he pulled my bed up close and what was i to do? i curled up in it and laid down. Let me tell you it made me so warm that I had to get up and turn several times or i would have been over done on my right side. i grunted a couple times like a cute little pit bull that I am.

A parody.

Dog's Age - Sans One Day

Not that anybody's counting.

Success (somedays you take what you can get!)

1.  No supervision required for daycare :)  Butley played great for four hours, including fabulous interactions with two dogs that weighed less than 20 pounds (when weighed together);

2.  Crate game #1:  I win;

3.  Butley didn't mark a thing.  Not one little, itty, bitty thing.  Renee is VERY happy about that;

4.  Butley didn't mark outside either (granted, he wasn't given an opportunity, he was either going to eliminate in the very flat field or freeze to death.  He opted for life, no marking.)

Good Dog.

Click!

The New Morning Routine

Not much to it.

Great effort was expended in going outside, inside, watching Cadence and going back to bed.

Chances are good that Butley is still in bed.

Not wits-out da chic!

Thinkin' this was nearin' cruelty having to chase the sun around the dog bed in the back of that car. "Quite disrupting to my afternoon nap", just as I was havin' this thought is when the car came to a stop in front of this white washed house with a pretentously gody gothic window on the second level. 

They let me out. I pee'd. They took my picture. 

He kept sayin' that I didn't need the beee-atch in the picture because it twas too chilly to get it right. 

He waz so right, I'm too handsome to be spoilin' it wit a chic. Who needz-um anyways?

Our first stop

Seems like we have been driving all day and they never stop for anything. Looks to be that this is Mt Pleasant Iowa. Nuttin' special from what I can see. It's damn chilly and there is a new blanket-o-snow for the spoiling'.

We're on the road to Iowa!

American Gothic, here we come!

A Muse

Red

Here is Red Puppy, the very first time we met.

It was really, really hot in the loafing shed in August 2008 and it was time to select from seven puppies which one, exactly, might have the makings for a service dog. Purple?  Green? Orange?  Blue?  Red, again?  Maybe?  Ugh. Numbers, numbers, numbers, adding, calculating, how do you know?  Yellow?  

Red was the final decision.  We clipped some hair behind his right shoulder, determined to return in two weeks to start his care as a Paws & Effect service dog.  

Here is "Red" tonight, at his Bon Voyage Party. Tag (his full name is Partager, meaning "to share" in French), has definitely fulfilled his role. He will be sorely missed, but his training must continue in other hands, for now.

Service dogs are created.  They are encouraged, shaped, loved and molded until they are ready to place, permanently, in the care of somebody whose needs can be addressed by fostering the unique relationship.

Thank you so much for the contributions you are making, N.

No Longer An Agricultural Product

Tag has temporarily gained pet dog status and suffered through his first bath.  While it is clear he prefers his ablutions in a stock tank, he managed to survive and smells quite nicely of real pet dog shampoo.  He has retained his angel wings (although he may lose them as his adult coat comes in) and his halo still floats pretty high.   

The vet has given him a clean bill of health and a bordetella vaccination.  He weighs 44.2# and is anticipated to top off around 60#.  An easy keeper on two cups of very high quality food per day.  Tag has packed his bags and bed and is looking forward to hitting the road.

Creating a better, happier Butley.

You know the basics:  a hungry dog is a working dog.  This week, Butley should earn his food by looking you in the face.  Every single, solitary piece of kibble will require at least a quick glance at your face.  Hopefully, you have some idea as to where your clicker might be located and the exercise will roll out like this:

1.  Butley looks at your face;

2.  Click

3.  Kibble

Simple.

Why, you ask?  Because Butley needs to learn that, when in doubt, he should locate you.  He should turn his attention away from the stressful thing for just a microsecond and engage you, request your help.  

Next week, Butley will start interacting with other dogs at Canine Craze on a Monday when we have very, very few dogs.  That very first day, either Scott, Renee or I will spend our shift working exclusively with Butley.  We will intervene on his behalf if he becomes concerned, body blocking other dogs away from him, keeping him safe behind us.  Butley will get heavily rewarded with food if he looks to any of us to request help if things become too stressful. Butley needs to feel confident that he has resources, others who will step in immediately and reduce his discomfort.

The first step, however, begins with you.  He needs to learn that he can seek you out and get rewarded for doing so.   That behavior will transfer easily next week because you will have introduced it.

See you Friday, N.

One very tired service dog....

getting ready for his next adventure.

All the little details (or most of them, anyway)

Tag has always had other dogs or children to play with, so I suspect he might require a little bit more attention the first few days.  Generally, Tag will rest his head on your knee or, if you're sleeping, nuzzle your hand to wake you up if he decides it is time for interaction.  If you respond to either of these maneuvers, plan on actually getting up and playing for a few minutes or finding a toy that will divert his follies.  Don't ever hesitate to just put him in his crate.  It is your world and he will need to adjust to a new schedule and rhythm without imposing on either of you.

I suspect some of Tag's new experiences will include swimming (maybe in the ocean!)  He enjoys the water and loved playing in a baby pool when he was younger.  No doubt, a few rounds of fetch on the beach should do the trick.

Tag has a few toys that he prefers and we'll make sure that you have them.  He really enjoys playing fetch, seems satisfied to chew bones and will play tugs for a short time.  Tag tends to stick to using his toys only, although he's been known to sneak in a few socks here and there.  We have not had any problems with his chewing anything he shouldn't chew.   You will have a great time playing with the Nina Ottoson toys that Tag has never had a chance to use.  Each toy encourages the dog to develop the underlying  skills necessary for service work.  Tag will learn to use his front teeth to pick small things up, use his paws to manipulate an object to another position and his nose to move things from side to side.  Each toy delivers a treat when the dog has correctly performed the task.  

Tag eats twice a day and has developed the ability to inhale food.   Quite literally.  I think he actually got a piece in his lung once.  To prevent this from happening again, please feed him from the large bowl provided, or use the Canine Genius toys (which he absolutely loves, but can be a bit hard to load with food when you aren't completely conscious.)  We were lucky to receive donated food from Happy Trails and you'll be loaded down with the likes of 100 pounds of Merrick's Campfire Trout before leaving St. Louis.  Most dogs only dream of eating that well.

We hope you're enjoying St. Louis!

Thank you for including Tag in your travels!

On behalf of Paws & Effect's Board of Directors, please accept our sincere appreciation for your willingness to further Tag's training and experiences as you travel. We hope you enjoy having Tag in your care; the time, patience and effort you invest will significantly impact somebody's life.

Tag has some very unique skills and the following information will help you recognize when he is using those skills instead of playing around.

1. Step backwards: it is important that he step backwards exactly three steps to be rewarded. Anything less or more is inaccurate. Tag learned this skill when he was nine weeks old and is quite adept; he will at times see if he can get away with either two or four steps. On these occasions, you may turn away from him for two or three seconds.

2. Place paw on a location: for now, that location is a blue dot from the game Twister. He very deliberately places his paw on the dot and looks up for a reward. Because his growth plates have not closed, I would prefer he continue to perform this task purposefully, without too much exuberance. Should he become too excited, either stop the training session or use a treat that is not as valuable.

3. Hold an item in his mouth: his willingness to hold an item is improving daily. He will accept an item that you hand to him, but may not always hold it for two or three seconds. If he takes an item from you and immediately lets it drop, use the same item and hold it while he tugs it from your hands. If he tugs hard (demonstrating that his mouth is firmly on the object) you may reward him. He will increasingly understand that you desire to have him hold an object over longer periods of time.

For now, none of these behaviors is on cue. During any given training session, Tag will "scroll" through a series of behaviors, sometimes in random order and sometimes, nearly scripted. When this happens, select one behavior from the above list and reinforce that behavior only. He will develop a rhythm in which he delivers the behavior, you will click and treat, and he will immediately deliver the behavior. When this happens, you will be ready to put the behavior on cue, which we can discuss in another post.

Tag has some very basic behaviors that include:

1. Sit

2. Down

3. Spin

4. Pressure On

5. Pressure Off

6. Go to place

7. Free

8. Load

9. Wait

10. Controlled Treat

11. Crate (door open)

12. Eliminate on concrete

13. Lean

14. Chin

15. Recall

16. Hand target

17. Tunnel

18. Frame

19. Jump (no more than 6")

(I'm sure there are a few more and I will make sure I modify this list over the course of the week.)

Almost all of his cues are hand signals. The only exceptions are his name and releaser. It is important that you continue to use the hand cues he has associated with a skill instead of adding a verbal cue. For the most part, your training sessions should be silent (except for the clicking sound.)

Thank you both, again, for helping Tag achieve service dog status, N.