 A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance
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Justin
Week 1 ║ Week 2 ║ Week 3 ║ Week 4 ║ Week 5 ║ Week 6 ║ Week 7
Week 8 ║ Week 9 ║ Week 10 ║ Week 11 ║ Week 12
Update - 8/29/10
Justin has been spending his days in a kennel while waiting for a foster
home to open up for him. But, he has had plenty of friends coming to
visit him and keep him company.
Special Day with Susie - Justin was so excited to have a
visitor, that he was literally like a Mexican jumping bean! So, the first
command we worked on was "off." After a couple of tries, he got it! We went
out in the yard for some fun in the beautiful weather. I took the gorilla
that Margie bought him along. Boy, does he LOVE his gorilla! We played fetch
with it and he just had a ball! Since my cat, Scooter, doesn't like to be
brushed, I decided to try to put his cat brush to good use and took it over
with me (I remembered Kim mentioning that at our training session). Justin
seemed like he was in heaven! He rolled over, and just basked in the feel of
the soft bristles against his fur. At one point, he was sitting, and I was
brushing his back. He smiled at me and gave me some sweet kisses. Justin
picked up another toy, and was chewing on it, so I decided to try reading to
him again. He wasn't as keen on the idea as last week, but he did very well!
Since it was so nice, playing was on his mind, and I don't mind being his
playmate. When it was time for me to go, I took Justin back to his space,
again gave him a kiss on his forehead, and told him I'd be back next week to
see him. He seemed to understand. Hopefully, we'll be able to find a place
for him soon. Until then, I'm looking forward to my weekly "play dates" with
Justin!
For information on adopting Justin, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Cody Duke Cocoa Chi Chi Georgie Dutch Ginger Kobi
Update - 8/23/10
Justin has been spending his days in a kennel while waiting for a foster
home to open up for him. But, he has had plenty of friends coming to
visit him and keep him company.
Special Day with Susie - Tara took me to his space, and he started jumping about a six inches to a foot off the ground when he knew he had a visitor. He took ME for a walk to the yard. As it turned out he needed to go potty. At first he had the attention span of a firefly. After a couple of minutes, we got our "groove on," and we played fetch. At one point, he sat when I asked him to and offered up both paws without me giving any command for him to do so. After that, when I asked him to sit, he laid down. It was getting humid, and I noticed that Justin really liked a shady spot in the yard. There were a couple of chairs in the space, so I took one of them over to his shady spot, picked up my trusty book, and started to read to him. He seemed to like it! I would pet his head or rub his body with my foot. He'd roll over every once and again or go and explore the yard, but he would come back when told for some more "story time." I stayed for about an hour, and was able to walk HIM back to his space. I gave him a kiss on his head, and told him that I'd see him again.
Field Trip with Margie - We started out by going over to the
park. I put him on the long lead and just let him sniff. After about 20
minutes he seemed to get rid of that over the top energy and he settled
down. We continued walking, practiced some sits, downs, stays and come.
Then we headed over to the dog park area since he had so much fun there last
week. There were 4 dogs and Justin was ready to play. He tried everything
to get them started - I've never seen so many play bows - but no one was
interested. They were just hanging out, so we practiced some of his
commands. Then I was trying to teach him to circle me and end up with a sit
on my left side. When he didn't know what I wanted him to do, he'd offer
his roll over - what a cutie. Some more dogs showed up and they did
want to play - so it was off to the races. A couple of times I saw Justin
glance over while he was playing and it was very cute because it was so
quick it was almost as though he didn't want me to know that he was checking
in. Then I decided it was time for Justin to experience PetSmart. We
walked up and down the aisles and Justin sniffed everything. A couple of
dogs came right up to him and he was very well behaved. I was picking up
various toys and squeaking them and told him that he could pick one out. He
didn't seem that interested until I picked up the gorilla and squeezed it.
His head whipped around and that was the one! We had to wait in line to pay
for it and again he was very calm. When we got back to the kennel, I walked
Justin to the back and he carried his gorilla in his mouth. I put him in
his kennel and when I told him I'd be back, the look he gave me was " I
can't believe you're leaving so soon". I just love this boy!
For information on adopting Justin, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Cody Duke Cocoa Chi Chi Georgie Dutch Ginger
Week 12
Justin headed back to foster care this week. He has come a long way in
his studies and now it's just a waiting game until he finds a home of his
own. Keep in mind...Justin is great with most dogs, is always eager to
learn, does beautifully in a structured environment with a set routine and
loves his people. If Justin sounds like the right pup for you, please
be in touch soon. He's a patient boy, but he's already been waiting
for so very long.
For information on adopting Justin, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Cody Duke Cocoa Chi Chi Georgie Dutch Ginger
Week 11
Justin's handler says that this pooch has "mellowed quite a bit this past
month." As a result, "more and more people on the block are coming up to him
to say 'hi' and pet him." Justin really likes the attention, which his
handler reports has a calming effect on him. Although he still likes to
chase cars, Justin's handler has gotten his attention while he's doing so,
"which is a start." Justin was "outstanding" while doing his touch, recall,
sit/stay and loose leash commands this week. "His overall behavior has
improved, and he is doing fine. I think that Justin is about ready for
parole to a big yard full of toys. He's a great dog...better yet, he's a
"Wonder Dog!"
For information on adopting Justin, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Cody Duke Cocoa Chi Chi Georgie Dutch Ginger
Week 9 & 10
His handler reports that "Justin the Wonder Dog" is making additional
strides during his journey at the prison. Although Justin is still quite
active, he has learned the drill. He now knows that when he hears the guards
say "yard" over the PA system that it's time to have some fun and training
outside. "He acts like a kid at recess." Justin is a very alert pup. Even if
he's sleeping, when his handler put on his shoes, he's up and ready to go
about his day. Justin has mastered his "roll over" command with just a
verbal nudge from his handler. He likes rolling over so much that he'll do
it without being told to do so! Justin still has a problem with chasing
after vehicles, but he knows that he's done wrong when he has done so
"because he comes to me with his head down as if to say, 'I'm sorry, but I
couldn't help myself.' He does well with those 4-wheeled things while on
leash...it's while off-leash that his exuberance for vehicles takes over.
Even though he's still learning a few things, Justin's handler says that
he's a very sweet and loving dog. "He has made some new friends, and enjoys
going door-to-door to say hello to his block mates." He even had a chance to
have some sleep-overs with a couple of the other handlers who he
particularly loves! "He is smarter than most people I know. I believe he
could be taught anything. Everything is fine. Justin is a wonderful "Wonder
Dog!"
Field Trip Alert - As told by Margie, HOPE Volunteer I
think that Justin's bad boy rep can officially be put to rest.
The boy was amazing yesterday! We started off by hiking on the Appalachian
Trail. I used the long lead on him and he thoroughly enjoyed himself. I
was hesitant to do that because I hadn't had him on a long lead and the
trail was pretty narrow, and I thought he might spend a lot of time off the
trail in the brush getting tangled in the lead. As it turned out, Justin
stayed on the trail, never too far in front of me nor too far behind. He
had a great time sniffing and investigating. He tried pouncing on a couple
of chipmunks and thankfully missed both. We practiced some sits and stays
and even with all the distractions, he responded quickly.
After the hike, we got some water and then continued on to Super Saturday at
South Middleton. There was a lot going on, so many people and new things.
I wondered if it was going to be too much for Mr Justin. But again he came
through like a trooper. At the HOPE tent, Justin met parolees Merrick and
Marty. He was great with both of them. After Marty left, he hung out with
Merrick under the tent for quite a while. Several people came by and Justin
met them very politely - there really wasn't any jumping. We weren't sure
how Justin would do with kids, so we were a little cautious. We had a few
kids calmly approach him with a slice of hot dog in an open hand. Justin
was fine and very gently accepted the treats. A mother and her son came
over to meet Justin, got down to his level and then both were showered with
kisses. There was a lot of movement going on, sometimes kids running by and
shouting and Justin was trying to watch everything. If I felt he was
paying too much attention to something or someone, I tried to redirect his
attention and a couple of times we took a break and went for a walk around
the field. This was Justin's first event and he did a super job. His
handlers would have been so proud of him!
For information on adopting Justin, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Cody Duke Cocoa Chi Chi Todd Dutch Casey
Field Trip Alert - As told by Margie, HOPE Volunteer
Justin and I went out for our first adventure today. I really didn't know
what to expect. I had heard stories about Justin, mostly about his lunging
at anything fast moving whether it be a person or an object as well as him
being hyperactive. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised. He rode really well in
the car and when we got to the park, I put a harness on him that I had
brought along. That worked well for Justin. We walked thru the park and on
the trails for quite a while - Justin was really enjoying sniffing
EVERYTHING. We ran across a few dogs. The first one he completely ignored
- too busy sniffing. The others he just wanted to play with. We practiced
some sits and downs along the walk, and even though he was so caught up with
all the smells, he took time out to respond to the commands. Toward the end
of our hike, I saw a jogger coming toward us on the trail. We moved off the
trail to let her pass. I saw Justin show some mild interest in her, so I
asked him to sit and kept his attention until she went by and then gave him
a treat. Good boy Justin! As we were getting back to the parking lot, a
car was leaving. We positioned ourselves so that the car had to pass in
front of us. Again, no lunging. Then as we were about to leave, I noticed
a guy on a riding mower, cutting the grass inside a fenced area. We went
over to the fence and waited for the mower to pass by us. Justin of course
saw the mower but showed no interest in it.
After the park, we stopped to see Kelly and Justin got some much needed
water, lots of pets and a photo session during which he showed off his very
perfect down, stay. Then we had to get going. I had promised one more stop
before returning to the prison - Brewster's. The two of us went up to the
window and yes, Justin did put his two front paws up on the counter. His
handlers and the trainers probably wouldn't have approved, but I think he
just wanted to make sure I got his order right. We sat in the grass and
Justin happily licked away as I held the cup for him. This was probably a
new experience for him and he was really enjoying it. I offered him the
biscuit that comes on top of the ice cream, and at first I didn't think he
wanted it at all. But once he was done with his ice cream, he very gently
took it from my hand and ate it.
Justin and I had a great time today. I was really impressed and very proud
of him - told him we'd do it again soon.
For information on adopting Justin, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Hercules Duke Cocoa Chi Chi Todd Dutch Casey
Week 8
"Justin the Wonder Dog" continued to make small but noticeable improvements
this week! He's becoming more attentive to his commands and less
concentrated on his surroundings. The handlers have been working with Justin
to stay focused in crowded areas. His main handler reports that "I work with
him while people go about their day all around him. Justin now does well at
ignoring distractions." This pup also got to enjoy some R&R in one of our
other handler's cells during the lazy days of summer while his main handler
was at work, and all was well. "Justin is a big baby and loves to be petted.
He still needs some more work, but we should have the 'Wonder Dog' ready to
go to his forever home soon." Paws crossed, Justin!
*Justin has been given the green light by the training staff to go on some field trips starting this week to help him further master his good manners and new skills. Stay tuned...
For information on adopting Justin, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Hercules Duke Cocoa Chi Chi Todd Dutch Casey
Week 7
"Justin the Wonder Dog" made some progress this week, even though he and his
handler were hampered with the outdoor training because of the heat wave.
After a few minutes in the yard, Justin just wanted to lay in some shade for
some rest. While indoors, they continued to work on Justin's nicely meeting
strangers. This pup has been doing much better at greeting people, except
for the random runner this week. When he got about five feet away from
Justin, he reacted, but his handler was able to get him calm in about ten
seconds. "I released him, and have had no further problems since then."
Guess what Justin's homework will be for next week? Justin loves it when his
handler speaks to him softly. "He can go from being active to sleepy time
just by calm, slow, soft talking. Everything else is fine here. We had most
of the dogs outside together one day, and they had a party...no problems. I
just love working with the 'Wonder Dog.' Everyday is a new experience with
him."
For information on adopting Justin, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Hercules Duke Cocoa Chi Chi Todd Dutch Casey
Week 6
As we said last week, Justin's main handler really appreciates the help that
he's getting from all of the handlers, but there is one in particular who
has stepped up to the plate. "I noticed that after Justin is in his crate
for three hours he shows some frustration. So I took him out of his crate
after three hours and let him lay on the floor of my cell. He laid there
without making a sound. I've left him for an hour at a time, and no
barking." This handler reports that Justin is a very energetic dog who loves
to play with most of his pack mates! "To sum it up, he's a loveable and good
dog."
His main handler reports that Justin showed a lot of improvement with his
impulse control. Since he's always surrounded by a lot of people on the
block, he has mellowed, and will walk through a "crowd" without a care.
Justin also continued to work on his patience skills. This pup has learned
that he has to wait for everything...his food, his handler opening his
crate, treats and toys. "I have found that just a few exercises to relax him
goes a long way towards keeping him calm." Justin also learned that a slight
tug on his leash means no-pulling. Good boy! This pup loves his time in the
doggie yard! He runs and plays like a big puppy. Justin doesn't always
listen when he's excited and sees a car go by, but his handler (and the one
who is helping with the crate issue) are working with him to focus when this
happens. One thing that Justin loves to do is snuggle up to his main handler
and watch TV. In fact, he showed a comical side of himself this week. "He
props his head up on me and when commercials come on, he lets out a big
sigh. Sometimes I get up during commericals and he doesn't like me to move
so he has associated the commercials with me moving. I know why he sighs,
but it looks like he doesn't like commercials to the other guys on the
block. It is funny." His handler says that everything is fine with the
"Wonder Dog." He is an energetic, playful dog. When he is calm, he is so
sweet and adorable. All is well in Doggy Land."
For information on adopting Justin, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Hercules Duke Cocoa Chi Chi Todd Dutch Casey
Week 5
"Justin the Wonder Dog" has been experiencing new and exciting things. "He
likes new and exciting things!" First off, Justin has been working on his
socialization skills. Justin has been visiting all of the other handlers in
their spaces for a few hours every day. "It is working wonders with his
excitement issue. It seems the more new things we show Justin, the calmer he
gets around people and dogs walking by him." Second lesson..."He has tons of
energy and will chase cars while off-leash. Next week's mission for his
handler is "cars are our friends, Justin." This pup tends to lunge at times,
and that also subsided this week. His handler isn't sure yet if it's the
fact that he's learning the drill, or the fact that the guys on the block
are learning to adapt their behavior around him, but either way, "someone is
learning." As an added note, Justin and Dutch have become fast friends!
Justin's handler appreciates how all of our handlers are pitching in to help
with his (and the other dogs') care. It's a team effort, and the HOPE
program truly thanks each and every one of our handlers who work to finding
our dogs their forever homes.
For information on adopting Justin, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Hercules Cocoa Chi Chi Todd Dutch Casey
Week 4
Justin continues to make positive progress in his training! He rarely pulls
while on-leash, and his tendency to jump and mouth has decreased as well.
Although he still needs some work in those areas, his handler is proud of
the steps he's made towards finding a forever family. Justin is very smart.
Although he still has moments of "paws" when someone approaches him quickly,
Justin's handler is working to reassure him that strangers are okay and that
he's safe around them. "Calm, calm, calm is the key with Justin." All of the
handlers in the program have been working with this pup to socialize him
with his block mates. One block mate that Justin particularly likes is
Casey! "They learn from each other. All is fine."
For information on adopting Justin, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Hercules Cocoa Chi Chi Todd Dutch Casey
Week 3
Justin's
handler reports that week three has been fun-filled and that Justin is
making noticeable improvements in the program! Justin is learning to
realize that when he is on his best behavior, he will be treated. This pup
is very intelligent and knows when he does wrong. Justin will give his
handler a look as if to say "I'm sorry, but I couldn't help it." His
handler is going to work with him to make those looks fade away. Justin is
a fun dog and he and his handler love their time in the doggie yard! "He
has so much energy. He just runs and fetches anything I throw. He loves to
be petted and to play tug. Soccer balls and basketballs keep him busy for
hours! He really is a fun dog. I love him!" Justin's handler thinks that
this sweet pup will be ready for parole in just a few weeks. You're doing
great, Justin!
For information on adopting Justin, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Hercules Cocoa Chi Chi Todd Lucie
Week 2
Week two with
"Justin the Wonder Dog" has been exciting and educational for both the pup
and his handler. Justin's handler has learned a new thing or two about his
new charge and he has a plan to correct his behaviors. Justin gets upset by
sudden movements and uncomfortable when someone stares at him...wouldn't
you? Once he's given a treat and allowed to meet the person who startled
him, "he is fine." It's all about excitement with Justin." His handler has
been concentrating on having Justin meet as many new people and new things
at the prison as possible. "Calm is the key" when training this pup. As
for his commands, "he knows them and is very smart." Justin is learning to
"play nice" with the other dogs. For now, his handler is keeping his play
activities on a one-on-one basis to limit Justin's excitement level. Miss
Chi Chi is his favorite in the pack! "They are great together!" Justin also
got to play with a frisbee in the yard this week and he loved playing catch
with it! Although his handler would like to see Justin calm down a little,
we know that he's still adjusting to his new environment and still just a
kid. We also know that he's in good hands with his main handler and all of
our handlers who have been working with Justin to help him find the path to
his forever home. Keep up the good work, Justin!
For information on adopting Justin, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Hercules Cocoa Chi Chi Todd Lucie
Week 1
His handler reports that "Justin the Wonder Dog" is an energetic bundle of
fun who loves to get attention and lots and lots of exercise. Justin has
been getting both from his new friend! This week, his handler concentrated
on helping Justin get used to his life in the big house, and working with
him to learn some new skills. Our newcomer needs to learn how to focus,
especially when there is something more interesting around and he also needs
to learn some patience. "When he wants something, he wants it now."
So, Justin worked on his "watch me, "with me," and "settle" commands this
week. This pup is full of energy! He loves to play and is always ready to
run, jump and play his favorite game of fetch. "You throw something, and he
will go and get it." His handler says that "Justin is a beautiful dog with
lots of fur...lots and lots of fur. He needs a quick brushing daily to keep
it under control, but it doesn't take much time and Justin loves the
attention. He is a fun and playful dog." We're rooting for you, Justin!
For information on adopting Justin, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Hercules Cocoa Chi Chi Todd Lucie
UPDATE - 5/16/10
Justin is headed to the big house this week. He has been working on
the beginning portion of his training while he's been waiting at the kennel
and we've already seen wonderful things from this boy. He was
initially adopted by a local baseball team to be their mascot, but returned
for not performing well enough. Their loss as far as we're concerned!
Justin is incredibly smart, eager to please, sweet and affectionate and cute
as a button. We're in love already and know that you will be too! Justin
is a young collie mix and is available for
adoption through
Furry Friends
Network.
For information on adopting Justin, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Hercules Cocoa Chi Chi Todd Lucie
Hounds of Prison Education
A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance