Kong Genius: Leo

With Kaytu's separation anxiety I have been meaning to try to find a slightly more challenging crate toy for her. The classic Kong is a great toy for beginners. It's easy for the dog to spill out treats and lick out peanut butter and other gooey stuff from inside. Too easy for Kaytu now! Having an easy toy is great at first because a toy that is too challenging will lose the dog's interest and can even increase stress due to the frustration. I've mostly been giving Kaytu a bully stick stuck through the small hole of the Kong so she has to work at it a little to get it out. When I know she'll be alone for more than an hour I try to remember to put a smear of peanut butter in it too. Regardless, this is a super easy toy for her now.

I went to the local pet store to browse food-dispensing toys. There were a lot. All different shapes, textures, and sizes. It took me a good while to find one I thought was best for Kaytu. I chose one from the Kong Genius line, called the Leo which is apparently named after Leonardo da Vinci.

They also have one called the Mike (after Michelangelo of course), which can connect to the top of the Leo- and then another Leo and be put on the other side of the Mike too, and more Leos can fit into each other as well by putting the top neck part into the side or bottom holes.

Here's what drew me to the Leo.
1) It's not plastic. It's soft chewy Kong rubber which is bouncy and chewable. There are no hard or sharp edges that can hurt my dog- or my floors.
2) It's durable and should be very long lasting. It's not going to be easily chewed to pieces (by my dog) or shredded. It won't crumble, break, or tear.
3) It can hold both small and large treats. Kibble-sized treats and even smaller cut up treats can be put in, and it can also hold large biscuits, bully sticks, and other items. The smaller the treat, the easier it is to get out so I can make it easier at first then as she gets the idea of it I can use larger treats that are tougher to get out.
4) It can hold a lot. There are different sizes, but the medium size I got could easily hold more than a cup of kibble or treats and still have room for larger/longer treats.
5) It doesn't need a lot of room. Some interactive toys really require space for the dog to push it around, roll it, toss it, etc. but this one works well in the confines of a crate.
6) Decent cost. The medium size was $15.99 if I remember correctly.
7) It's expandable! As mentioned, you can connect it the Mike and/or more Leos to make it more challenging.

http://www.twobostons.com/products/canine_genius_leo_mini.htm#.UmTQERAlgmg

http://www.dogsgonegood.com/Food_Toys.html

Here's how I've been setting it up. Pretty easy for now. The first two times I gave it to her, I cut these treats up so each treat was in 4 pieces. Itty bitty so they'd fall out easily. Now she gest whole treats. I funnel them in through the top then "cap" it with the bully stick which I wedge in.

Kaytu's been loving it and it's definitely helping her keep busy while we're gone! The rope monkey fist at the corner is my "insurance" I've been using. I know when I get home that if it's not still in the corner that she's been digging and trying to get out. She never plays with it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18u6GP7TTMo

Shelter Journal 10/17/13

Last night I had a dream about Chiques where I woke up, went to the shelter, and she had been put down. These shy, scared dogs really tug at my heart. Today before starting with any dogs I asked about Linnie who I've had out a few times and has been at the shelter a long time. I wanted to know if there were any notes that gave an indication of why she might still be here. I was told she doesn't "show" well at the front of the kennel which is something I can work on. I also asked about Chiques to get more info. First thing was we agreed she needs a new name, but we don't know what yet. I got some info about her history. Her owner had to surrender her after they lost their house along with two older dogs. The owner requested the older ones be put to sleep because of their failing health and they'd recently stopped eating. Chiques lost her home, her owner, and her buddies all at once and was placed by herself in a kennel. No wonder she's so terrified! Chiques is a staff favorite, and one of the staff members has her out frequently to take walks in the back. We chatted some and I mentioned how hard it was for me to put her back in her kennel on Tuesday, and I wanted to look at her again today and would maybe call my husband to see if he'd be willing to foster her.

I got some treats then went to the front of Linnie's kennel. She did stand up on her back legs and jump a bit, which is not always good for potentials adopters to see as it makes her look huge, and the jumping makes people think she's very high energy. I waited for her to get down then gave her a treat. I told her to sit and she did, so I gave a couple more treats. I practiced walking by her kennel and giving her a treat at her nose level so she can learn to keep her feet down. After a few passes she was learning that sitting got her treats, whereas if she jumped I would stand still, and even turn my back if it was an enthusiastic jump or she kept bouncing. I also also popping treats into the mouths of her neighbors to reward them for their good behavior too.

Then I went to get Chiques. She seemed to recognize me, not nearly so scared as before but definitely still very scared. In the yard she was doing well, walking maybe a little taller, not quite so skittish. Then a volunteer I know came into the yard next to us. Chiques really perked up! She hopped around, gave a play bow, was prancing along the fence. It was great to see. I called the husband to get a general idea of his thoughts. He needed more details, as did I, about the fostering process and what we'd need to do, what the shelter would pay for and cover, how we market the dog to get her adopted, and so on but was not against the idea of fostering her. I went to put Chiques back and bumped into a staff member on the way. We chatted, she gave me a lot of info, formed a general plan that I would go home to get Denali and Zebulon to do a dog test and cat test, and if things went well then I'd be taking her home with me. I put her away, called husband again to talk, told him the plan, and he was on board. On my way out I talked to another staff member and she was thrilled about me fostering this dog. At home I picked things up, shut all the doors, and rearranged the car so I could puta  crate in the back. Everything was ready.

I came back with both pets. I walked in empty handed so we could figure out where to do interacts. I went and got Zebulon and left him in the office with a staff member. He was instantly a big hit with everyone, they all love him and his chill personality! I went to get Denali to do an interact by the yards. I let the staff woman know that Denali's fur always goes up because she's excited, she'll sniff butts, then offer a play bow. That's exactly what she did. Chiques wasn't ready to play so Denali defaulted to sniffing around. She was very polite in giving Chiques space. Chiques followed her, sniffing her a couple times, and they did fine together. We headed to the office where Denali was thrilled to see her kitty that a staff woman was holding. Chiques didn't even seem to notice Zeb.

The staff woman was sitting down, still holding Zeb when Chiques finally took an interest. I had talked about making sure Chiques smelled his butt first but things happened too quickly for me to speak up. Chiques calmly approached, they sniffed noses, then Chiques nipped at his face. Zeb recoiled and hissed, but didn't even poof his tail or spray. He was fine. After that, Chiques was fixated on Zeb. She did calm down for a moment so I took Zeb and knelt down as I normally do, showing his butt to her, and she sniffed then did a little nip. That ended everything right then and there. My pets will always come first, as they should, and it would be stupid to risk the lives of my cats by bringing her into our home. I'll keep interacting with her at the shelter and I will do my best for her, and do anything I can to help her find a home.

Shelter Journal 10/15/13

Housebroken dogs first!

Violet [PF link], as last time, was a sweetheart and loved being petted. She goes under my legs and rubs around them the way a cat does then plops her butt down and leans into me.

Photo from SDDAC

Sally [PF link], very playful today. She enjoys dismembering toys and ripping the fuzz off tennis balls.

Captain [PF link] who I still don't feel much connection with. He's cute, silly, but I personally don't vibe well with him.

Photo from SDDAC

Shep [PF link] who was actually really, really great today! Didn't wander and sniff so much, and was actively asking for attention and petting. That's a huge improvement because when potential adopters are looking for a dog, they need the dog to show interest in them. A dog that is unresponsive, wandering, sniffing, not playing or wanting to be petted, is not a dog that makes a good impression.

Gator [PF link] was not good today, he was very jumpy and rude and I was having a difficult time redirecting him. I was getting frustrated with him which is not good for either of us so I didn't have him out too long. He was taking treats which was great.

The other housebroken dogs had been out. I saw a puppy and needed some fun and to unwind. Nala [no link] is about 8 months old and has been in the shelter for a month. She knows sit, I taught her to lay down pretty easily. She likes jumping up on the benches, and jumped on me a little but not too much. She has no leash walking skills and was all over the place while walking. Not pulling much, just spinning around and bouncing and going behind me and such.

Photo from SDDAC

Next was Belladonna [PF link] and her card said she hasn't been out in about 3 weeks. Poor girl! She was very, very excited to get out and was very stressed as well. Pulled hard on leash, and in the yard she was easily overstimulated by me petting her at first. After she had time to settle in and we got to know each other better she did much better. Turns out she loves to play fetch! She liked a little squeaky squirrel toy best. Dropped it easily on command and would sit before I threw it again. After running and playing she was able to relax and calm down.

Photo from SDDAC

This girl has no name yet, she came in about 3 weeks ago. Gorgeous dog! The photo hardly looks like her, she is a beautiful sandy tan color with very soft features. I took that gross collar off and threw it away. It was falling apart, stinky, and certainly doesn't look charming on her. She was doing fine, having fun and playing and enjoying getting attention. I saw potential adopters come in the yard next to us so I leashed her when a staff member brought the dog in that they wanted to look at. I'm glad I thought ahead because these two didn't like each other and were trying to fence fight. This girl is in heat and the male is intact which could have been part of it, let alone the overall stress of kennel life.

Photo from SDDAC

Pittypat was next [no link] who has been at the shelter about a month. She was difficult to get out of her kennel, thank goodness she was wearing a collar I could grab because she almost managed to bolt out. On leash she was ridiculous. Spinning, pulling, twirling, darting around. I mostly ignored her at first to let her sniff around, potty, and check things out. Once she was ready I called her over. She wasn't very interested in toys and stayed focused on me. Over time she relaxed, got some good petting, and the walk back to her kennel was much better. She's a short little Staffy.

Photo from SDDAC

I noticed Chiques [PF link] when I had gotten the pretty no-name pittie out before Pittypat; the kennels go no-name -> Chiques -> Pittypat. I noticed her because she was terrified. Low body posture, head lowered, tail low, ears back, pupils dilated, pacing nervously while watching me. She was freaked out and stressed beyond belief. It wasn't difficult to get the leash on or lead her to the yard. She slunk along, very low to the ground, practically crawling. In the yard I took the leash off the completely ignored her and walked straight back and sat on a bench. She pottied, sniffed around a lot, and slowly came closer and closer to me. The instant my fingers touched the side of her neck she leaned into me. She climbed up on my lap, one front paw then the next so slowly and gently. I massaged her neck, ears, cheeks, shoulders, down her spine, her hips. With her still half in my lap I slowly scooted off the bench and lowered myself to sit on the ground so she could curl up and lay down if she wanted. She didn't leave my lap. She remained half over one leg for a minute, then went between my legs and faced away from me. I kept massaging her back and shoulders, and behind her ears. The entire time I was doing the "5 second rule of petting" to make sure she was comfortable with what I was doing. I automatically stop petting when she alerts, like when she's listening to the kenneled dogs bark. When she'd look away I'd start petting again. I must have sat on the ground for close to half an hour with her. She was relaxing so I thought I'd try to get her up and moving. I calmly stood up and sat on the other bench and happily called her over. She came slinking over and I pet her. Then I stood up and went back to the other bench and called her happily again. Back and forth and back and forth several times. Each time she was a little more confident. Moving more quickly, head just a little higher, legs not quite so bent and she was walking taller. It was hard for me to put her back in the kennel.

Panting hard, pupils dilated, brow furrowed, ears tense and
pulled up toward the top of her head

 

Even getting a drink she was very nervous. Paw raised,
weight held back, back legs tight, tail slightly tucked.

Photo from Petfinder

Photo from SDDAC

Shelter Journal 10/8/13

Great news! Kayla and Gracie both went to Canada!! They are safe in a rescue and will be with foster parents until they find a forever home. I have been pushing for Kayla and since I met Gracie I really pushed for her too. So glad they both went! The email notice I got said, "by the way Bonita [the city where the shelter is]…I love your girls…you know how to pick them!"

All the housebroken dogs had been out today! I got Sally [PF link] out first for a minute anyway to get photos so a flyer can be made for her. Isn't she adorable?! Definitely my favorite right now, I was pushing for her to go to Canada too but there are only so many spots- 5 spots to fill from 3 shelters. Kayla and Gracie were extremely lucky.

After Kayla was Captain [PF link] who is also housebroken and had been out, but I don't know him so thought I'd have him out for a moment too. He was ok on leash, I honestly don't remember too much about him because I had so many dogs out today!

Photo from SDDAC

Next was Bindy, her kennel card showed AUGUST 25th circled. Seriously?! I hope to God that her September sheet was lost or ruined (typically each month get stacked up for the same dog, sometimes they get wet from cleaning kennels) but I have no idea. Poor girl. She was very stressed and anxious but also very sweet and loved to be petted. She's quite overweight but that didn't slow her down! We played fetch and ran around, then I did some quiet, calm massaging and helped her relax.

Photo from SDDAC

The volunteer in the yard next to me mentioned a kennel with a mastiff in it that had poo all over the floor, so I put Bindy back to help him clean the kennel. I grabbed a few poo bags. He had to be leaving soon so I got the leash on the dog and he said he would clean out the kennel. This poor girl is so, so skinny. She has only been at the shelter a short time and doesn't have a name yet. I hope to post an update on her when she looks healthier! I was pleasantly surprised with how tolerant she was, she let me gently hose off her feet and legs to wipe dried poo off.

I then went to get Forrest but he had been out on the 1st, 4th, and 6th, and the dogs around him hadn't been out in weeks. I picked Violet [PF link] without even seeing her because she hadn't been out in about 2 weeks. She was laying up against the door and I didn't peek in, so had no idea what she looked like until she stood up when she heard me unlocking her kennel. She has a lot of personality! She seems to be housebroken. She understandably had a bit of built up energy. Always on the move. Really fun dog.

Next to Violet is Dilon [PF link]. He knew sit, down, and shake, but started coughing and hacking so I put him back and turned in a medical form to have him looked at. Kennel cough is still going around. I wish I'd been able to have him out longer to take some good photos because he is so handsome! I love his face markings, a light cream color to compliment his tan.

Photo from SDDAC

Next was Shiva [no link] who also hadn't been out in a long time. She ran around, zoomies and zoomies and zoomies! She liked to be petted too.

Photo from SDDAC

Then was Kenny [PF link] who I had out several weeks ago at the request of another volunteer but he was sick. He's grown so much! I'm in love with his ears; they're fantastic! He knows sit, and I worked on teaching him to lay down. He's playful, sweet, funny, and will make someone a very lucky owner to have him.

Last of the day was Nina [PF link]. She at first had zoomies, running around all crazy with the joy of freedom and outlet to relieve some stress. She'd jump up on the bench next to me, wiggling behind me to my other side before jumping off again. Once she'd gotten the crazies out she would lean against me for petting, and melted in my hands.She's a *gorgeous* sand color and her eyes are beautiful.

Shelter Journal 10/1/13

Good news! Kayla was selected to go to Canada and Django has been adopted!!

First today was Shep [PF link]. Gator had already been out. I spent a good 30 minutes with Shep. Previously he's been very detached. It's hard to connect with him. He just walks around the yard, sniffing and peeing. Doesn't respond to kissy sounds, whistles, clapping, even excitement. Just ignores me and does whatever he wants. I did mat work, clicking and treating with praise when he stepped on the towel I laid by my feet. I was also clicking for eye contact and giving lots of praise and petting for that. The last 10 minutes he was pretty focused on me. I'd love to see this guy get adopted soon.

Photo from SDDAC

Next I got Sally [PF link] who has quickly become a favorite of mine. She is so incredibly sweet, has silly bursts of energy where she plays with toys (though she does try to dismember them), she knows sit and down, seems housebroken which is good because I abused the system and put her on the HB list without being sure so she could get out more, but she did potty today.

Photo from SDDAC

Next I went to get a husky (listed as a malamute mix but she's definitely a husky). She was laying down facing away from me. She didn't move when I started unlocking her kennel. I said, "Hey puppy" and made a kissy sound. No response. I looked closely... whew, she was breathing at least! I clapped my hands, and she still didn't move. Maybe she's deaf? I cracked the door open, still no movement from her, and tossed treats by her face. She was a little startled, sniffed and ate them then saw me. I lead her out and into a yard. She immediately started sneezing and blowing snot everywhere and her eyes were really gunky. I put her back right away and put in a medical form. She seemed very nice, she was awesome on leash, just sick today.

Photo from SDDAC

Then I got Forrest [PF link], who I'd seen other volunteers get out. Forrest was constantly jumping, wiggling out of his skin, lunging all over on leash, always frantic. He was excited at first, panting hard, spatulated tongue, pupils dilated, but in about 15 minutes he was like this:

Uh huh. Soooo hyper, can't you tell? ;)

Photo from SDDAC

A couple women were noticing as I put Forrest away and asked me about Maisy [PF link], a dog 2 kennels down. I explained I was not qualified to let them interact directly but I could get her out and they could watch her in the yard. I made it very clear that I couldn't allow them to touch her. They said that would be great. They actually held up their end and didn't even try to touch her. One woman said her husband would *love* Maisy and she took a few photos. She was looking ready to take Maisy but knew she had to have her husband meet her first. Fingers crossed for Maisy!

Photo from SDDAC

Last of the day was Harpo, a boxer [PF link]. Despite the gray on his face he is still very much an active boxer! Pouncing around, smacking toys with his paws, he was a lot of fun!

Photo from SDDAC