 A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance |
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Rufus
Week 1 ║ Week 2 ║ Week 3 ║ Week 4 ║ Week 5 ║ Week 6 ║ Week 7
Week 8 ║ Week 9 ║ Week 10 ║ Week 11 ║ Week 12
Week 7
Rufus worked very hard on his impulse control, leash walking and appropriate
play this week. “He did much better than last week.” His handlers have been
keeping him preoccupied with toys and commands to keep this pup mentally
stimulated. Of course, treats and a lot of reinforcement in the form of
praise have also helped. One of his handlers says that “Rufus is very smart.
For instance, we were working on his “out” command. I’d hold a rope, and
he’d grab it. We played a little tug-of-war, and when I said out, he’d let
go. I treated him, then he would bring the rope back to me, and as soon as I
touched it, he’d drop it, sit and wait for a treat.” Rufus got a bath this
week, and his handlers report that he was more relaxed and trusting. This
kid really likes when his handlers brush his teeth, however. They are also
now able to brush out some of his fur if there is a good treat to be had!
The other night, one of his handlers was looking over at Rufus while he was
laying on the floor, and a little fly came around him. “He lifted his bear
paw up and slowly swatted at it. I just about lost it.” His handlers say
that they have faith in Rufus, and believe he will be a good friend to
someone. “Just now, I’m seeing he has a funny big bear-like personality…kinda
like the big goofy kid from high school.”
UPDATE - Rufus has returned to his friends at Diamond Dog Rescue to continue his training. Stay tuned for more updates.
For information on adopting Rufus, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Cocoa Chi Chi Justin Mason Molly Isis Shiloh Grant Tucker
Week
6
Rufus, like any young pup, has some issues with authority. He loves to
play and have things go his way so his homework for the next few weeks will
be to work on his focus and willingness to follow directions even when he
would rather be doing something else. Rufus is a superstar at his
obedience skills. He knows them all and when there are no distractions
around, he will do them all with amazing focus and accuracy. Now, onto
the next step of being able to listen while there are other dogs and people
around. Rufus is a nosy boy who is always interested in everything
going on around him.
Rufus needs a home in which there is a strong, dog savvy leader to keep him in check. He is a wonderful dog with lots of potential. You can tell by the adorable wagging of his tiny, little tail how much adores being around his human friends. It's enough to warm anyone's heart!
For information on adopting Rufus, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Cocoa Chi Chi Justin Mason Molly Isis Shiloh Grant Tucker
Week 5
Rufus learned a lot of new commands this week, while also polishing some of
the ones he already knows. He increased his ability to be in a
"sit-stay" and "down-stay" to 15 seconds which is quite an accomplishment
for a boy who always wants to be in the center of everything. He is so
smart that his handlers keep adding new commands ad tricks to his repertoire
almost daily. Rufus is very silly and loses focus easily so they are
working on building his focus and self-discipline. So far, Rufus is
pretty happy to comply. He loves to learn and has really taken to the
training. When he's not doing his schoolwork, Rufus loves to play football.
Maybe it was jut Super Bowl fever, but he really honed his skills in that
department this week. One of his handlers even says that Rufus catches
better than the other handler!!
For information on adopting Rufus, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Cocoa Chi Chi Justin Mason Molly Isis Shiloh Grant Tucker
Week 4
Rufus is making great strides and there's so much to share about his
progress. He is learning to take treats and engage in play with a
gentler attitude. He is also learning to accept attention and pets
with all four paws on the ground. Plus, his handlers have learned that
if friends scratch and pet him in certain spots, Rufus will lean into them
to let them know how much he's enjoying it.
His commands are getting better and he can even do some "advanced training." That is, he'll respond to commands from an inmate friend of his who shouts the commands to him from across the road. This is highly entertaining to everyone watching and gives Rufus some extra practice which is always good. Rufus is slowly learning that grooming is a safe and simple thing. He's still not fond of the idea and it's quite a process, but he's coming along. All in all, Rufus's handlers report that he is a very smart boy with a great personality. They are having a ball with him!
For information on adopting Rufus, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Cocoa Chi Chi Mack Justin Mason Molly Isis Shiloh Oliver Grant Tucker
Week 3
Rufus concentrated on his patience skills this week. "This included everyday
situations such as waiting to walk through doors and gates, walking
everywhere with a loose leash and/or heel position. He is getting much
better with his attention span since he's been here." In addition to
learning about life everyday, Rufus is already doing well learning his other
commands. "He sits pretty, touches and goes down on commands pretty quickly.
I've been working on his sit/stays out in the dog run. I have him sit on one
end, and tell him to wait for 15-20 seconds. When I release him, he comes
flying right up to me and sits for his reward." Rufus continues to like
meeting new people. Although he already has his favorites on the block, he's
not shy about meeting strangers. Rufus surprised one of his handlers this
week. They were out back in the dog run when Rufus heard an ambulance siren.
"He looked attentively straight upwards, pushed his ears back, and let out a
15-second howl. He sounded like a wolf! It was hilarious, yet interesting to
hear." Rufus is starting to show his handlers his puppy side. "Rufus is very
playful, and loves to play tug-of-war. He is surprisingly gentle playing
this." When, he gets a little "nippy" as if to say "hey, come and get me,"
his handlers redirect his attention with some basic commands to end the
improper play. Rufus is also showing his cellies a lot of affection. "He
puts his head on my chest if I'm lying on my bed. When I wake up, he comes
to me and rests his head on my knee." What a long way you've come in three
weeks, Rufus! We're proud of you little, boy!
For information on adopting Rufus, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Cocoa Chi Chi Mack Justin Mason Molly Isis Shiloh Oliver
Week 2
Both of Rufus' handlers report that after week two, they've learned he's a
high-energy pup with a shortage of patience. They have been using the sit,
stay, down, shake, wait and bow commands (and cheese) to side-track him, and
give him a chance to calm down. As a result, Rufus is "getting used to the
setting here and becoming more comfortable." In fact, Rufus is getting his
potty routine down, and has begun to eat normally. "I think he'll be fine.
He really likes people, and meets new people every day."
For information on adopting Rufus, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Cocoa Chi Chi Mack Justin Shelby Molly Isis Shiloh Oliver
Week 1
Rufus' handlers got to ring in 2011 with their new pup! They're still in the
"honeymoon" stage of the training, so both they and Rufus are getting to
learn about one another. "Rufus is an intelligent dog and is very playful.
We are working on gaining his friendship and trust by keeping everything
positive. One thing I noticed about Rufus is to take things slowly. He is a
good dog, and is learning what is acceptable and what is not." After just a
short time, this pup will do his sit, stay, down and shake commands, and
he's walking well on his leash! He's not too keen on being groomed at this
point, but we know that, too, will come! Rufus' handlers are introducing him
to his future pack mates. "Rufus gets excited when he sees the other dogs,
but he's not aggressive towards them." In fact, this pup "bunny hops" when
he sees the other dogs barking. "He can jump very high!" Rufus got some time
in the doggie yard this week, grabbed a football, tossed it around for a few
minutes, then ran with wild abandon. "He is very fast! We are looking
forward to working with Rufus!"
For information on adopting Rufus, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Cocoa Chi Chi Mack Justin Shelby Molly Isis Shiloh Oliver
UPDATE - 12/31/10
Rufus is starting the new year off right with classes at the big house. His handlers
are already having a good time getting to know their new canine cellie!
Rufus is a young pup who
needs some basic manners and socialization. Rufus
is a one and a half year old Rottweiler mix and is available for
adoption through
Diamond Dog
Rescue.
For information on adopting Rufus, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Cocoa Chi Chi Mack Justin Shelby Molly Tia Isis Shiloh Oliver
Hounds of Prison Education
A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance