Friday, December 9, 2011

Old Fashion Stand Off

Whoever said Dogs are NOT like children, have never been around my two dogs. This is how it just went down:

Nubs is laying in front of the heater chewing on a nylabone and Peanut is walking around, bored as always. Across the room she spots Nubs chewing on the bone and thinks to herself "Man, I want that bone!". She bounds across the room and stands over Nubs and stares at him making Nubs uncomfortable.
Nubs: WOOF! MINE!
Peanut: I want that bone
Nubs: -grumbles and hides bone-
Peanut: Nope, still going to get it!
Nubs: WOOF! MINE!
Peanut then steals Nubs bone.

I step in and give Nubs his bone back and hand Peanut another bone. This pleases Nubs but not Peanut, so once I turn my back I hear a low growl/grumble again. I turn around and see Peanut standing over Nubs's head. Just standing there, challenging Nubs to a dual. Nubs stands up and stares Peanut down, and we are at an old fashion stand off. Who will blink first? Who will make the first move???

Nubs is the first with a soft "Go away" WOOF. Peanut responds by turning her head ever so slightly, her back gets stiff, ears go back and her back paws can't stay still from the excitement growing deep inside of her.

Now Nubs is getting serious! "WOOOF" he says, this time a bit louder and with more force, still holding his bone in his mouth. His body is stiff, ears forward, wrinkles are just taking over his face. He means business this time!

Peanut counter moves by taking the bone in her mouth. Nubs is getting really fed up with this, and lets out a low growl and takes a set back but is blocked by the table behind him which startles him enough to drop the bone from his mouth! Peanut WINS and does a victory play bow for her dance!

"WOOF! NOT FAIR" says Nubs "Woof WOOF WOOOOF" and he runs across the room. "MOOOOOOOOM!" He whimpers as he jumps in my lap. "PEANUT STOLE MY BONE" he grumbles.

"Well, go get it!" I tell him.

"Wait... Really? I can just go get it back?" Nubs tilts his head listening and analyzing my words. Then off in a flash in red lightening, Nubs is after Peanut who is still in a play bow, happily chewing on Nubs bone.

After a few mins of Peanut zooming around Nubs and Nubs standing in one spot waiting for the right time to move, I hear a SLAP followed by a "YIP". Nubs has knocked Peanut to the floor, taken the bone away from her and proudly marches up to me with his silly grin on his face.

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Normally I would not suggest allowing dogs to do this to each other but I know Nubs. I can read his backwards body lingo better then anyone. With Nubs you have to watch his mouth. A growl means nothing, but once I see that lip twitch then he's not playing. That dog is a Saint. I've seen Peanut do some horrible things to him over the past 6 months, and he doesn't even react to it. Peanut gets corrected much more now that her Puppy License has worn off but Nubs still takes a lot of Puppyness and I can't help but love him even more for that.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

And the Circle Starts Again...

It has been 11 months since Nubs had his ACL surgery. That knee never seemed right but over the past few months, his knee seemed to have gotten a lot stronger. This past month we started being completely normal again. Nubs started doing his flirt pole again and light spring pole work. Pretty much I was just allowing him to be his complete and normal self. I felt that by now with all the work we've done over the past 11 months he'd be fine returning to being a completely normal dog, doing some of the things he loves to do.

Well on Thursday 10/28 Peanut and Nubs were outside rough housing like normal when I noticed out the window that Nubs was limping again. He has done that for a while now where he over does things and his knee hurts him for a day or so then he's back to normal. By Sunday it was clear as day to me. Nubs re-tore his ACL

Tuesday it was confirmed by x-rays, the wire in his knee was completely tore and Nubs would be needing surgery again.

Surgery has been set for Nov. 16th 2011. Another 4 months of R&R at least and 4 months of me tearing my hair out keeping Peanut and Nubs apart. Got to LOVE it when Vet's mess up and it causes your dog much pain and suffering.

In other news...

I will be combining both of the dogs into one blog. I was going to start a new one for Peanut but with how hard it's been to just keep up with Nubs, adding another blog would be a nightmare. I'm so busy with 2 jobs, 2 classes a week with Peanut and then Search and Rescue work with Peanut and just the team, many days I couldn't even begin to tell you the day. I'll update very soon about Peanut's last SAR tracking and maybe I'll have a nice blog next week about Peanuts adventures with Nose working class on Thursday and Fridays SAR tracking.

Until then, wish me lots of luck! I need as much luck as I can get.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Combined Blogs?

Well since Nubs has become just a pet for a while, at least until I can find something he'd enjoy doing (obedience is out he finds it boring) I was thinking about starting a Blog for Peanut too keep up with her on her Search and Rescue training, and a combination of other training. Then the thought came up , why not just combined the two blogs into one?

Vote for what you think I should do!

Pros: More Updates!
Con: Won't be just about Nubs nor will most of the updates be just about Nubs.

What do you think?????

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Another Slllloooowwww Month

So I guess it's time to do a monthly update on Nubs. With Peanut being around, Nubs's knee is getting stronger and stronger. I think he'll forever have a stiff knee but it no longer seems to be painful to him at all. He'll never have a perfect sit for obedience, but we still might to rally with him for fun. We will see what spring brings us and go from there.

Not a bad looking boy
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Still one of his favorite things to do!
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It's ALL MINE!
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I see that flirt pole!
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HUGE AIR!
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Got to just LOVE him. He may now be a "couch potato" but he's still my heart dog!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

If It's Not One Leg, It's Another

Long time, no update.

This week I took Nubs and his new official sister Peanut out camping with my parents. Talk about a long few days. Nubs did great as always, Peanut was a bit of a spaz (Like puppies are). I love having a dog that can be off leash and never wonder off. Makes for a tad bit more enjoyable of a trip if you aren't spending ever 30 seconds untieing a dog from something they got wrapped around.

Sadly we ended up coming home a day early. Some how some way Nubs hurt his front paw meaning not only was he limping on the knee he had ACL surgery on (it never healed correctly :( ) but also on one of his front paws. Today it's better with not so much of a limp but if it's not one paw it's another. Nubs is falling apart at his young age of 4 1/2. Love my boy to death I really do but man I wish he had better genetics. This is why I honestly support only good, responsible, health testing breeders. If more people took the time to make sure they are only breeding genetically healthy dogs, Nubs wouldn't be in all this pain that he is in. So next time you look at your dog and think "man I'd love to breed my dog" remember there are genetic that you can't see that may cause issues in your dogs puppies. Just Spay or neuter your pets. Even Peanut will be spayed after her first heat.

Can you spot the puppy?

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Ahhhh a nice place to lay down!

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And the puppy again

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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Nubs the Puppy Sitter

So, if you know me or know me on Facebook, then you already know that I currently have a foster dog named Peanut. Peanut is a 4ish month old, female Pit Bull that was found wondering in a park very close to a busy street. She's a handful, but has come a long way since she came here with Nubs and myself.
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"Hey did you do that?"



Is she not just too adora-bull for her own good? Yeah She is something else that's for sure. Nubs is being a great foster brother though. He has taken the little brat... I mean sweet little puppy under his paw, and is teaching her the ropes. Like Nubs has taught her that to get Mom's attention the best way to do it is to grab her sock and rub, or when you don't get things your way make sure to bark, and other wonderful things like that. Overall though, Nubs has taught Peanut not to be so scared of everything. In two days thanks to Nubs, Peanut has gone from thinking everyone is out to get her to loving everyone around. That's pretty good since the first time she met me, she wanted to run away.
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Hey! Who are you calling a brat?



Feel free to check out Mr. Saint Nubs with his newest playmate Peanut.




Overall, I think they like each other. Nubs is a great dog and I'm thankful that he is here with me.
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Wednesday, June 15, 2011

The Things They NEVER Tell You When You Own A Pit Bull.

When your looking at the cute puppy/dog there are things people forget to tell you. They have just the cutest eyes, softest coat, even the greatest personality and all that is true. However, there are things that no one warns you about when you bring them home. Here is my list:

The Things They NEVER Tell You When You Own A Pit Bull
1. If you value your privacy, get over it.
2. Forget about ever going to the bathroom alone again. If you some how manage to slip in unnoticed, forget about any peace. The whining will make you open the door and let them in.
3. Forget about personal space. If it's not your lap, it's not good enough
4. BEWARE OF ZOOMIES! Zoomies are dangerous to humans. Sure it's all funny and cute until that Pit Bull is running toward you playing chicken. You will NOT win.
5. Never leave food unattended. It will not be there when you get back.
6. If you don't like slobber, then you'll have to get use to it.
7. If you don't like millions of doggy kisses, then you'll have to get use to it.
8. TAILS! OOOOWWWWWIIIIIEEEEEE! (ok not something I must worry about with Nubs, but I do have many friends with dogs with tails)
9. If they think it, it will happen or else something is going to break.
10. Think "Bull in China Shop" (yeah yeah I know Mythbusters busted that saying) but we are talking about Pit BULL in China Shop...
11. If there is a will, there is a way.
12. There is NO SUCH THING AS A STRANGER. Forget about having a guard dog. These guys think of everyone as long lost friends.
13. "FOOD FOOD FOOD FOOD FOOD PLAY PLAY FOOD KISSES BELLYRUB FOOOOOOOOD WALK!!!!!! FOOOD!!!!" The mind of a Pit Bull.

Feel free to add your own in the comment area.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

It's been a while (includes photos!!!!)

This is just for you Becky!

I know I've been slacking on updating. Nothing really has been out of the ordinary around here. Nubs has acting... well... good! Yeah I know shocking. The other day when we were heading to my parents house, I asked Nubs to heel off leash and he actually did. I mean it's things like that, which blow me away. Something I don't even think I have the same dog, like my dog has been replaced by aliens or something. I can picture it now, them taking my disobedient, fun loving, nut of a job, and replacing it with a dog that is somewhat obedient, crazy, nutty dog... or maybe my little boy is finally growing up. Whatever it is, I like it.

In between rain drops, tornadoes, killer heat with no electricity, and even being called out on my first Search and Rescue call (which Nubs is NOT apart of sadly. It's for a future puppy that I'm searching for), I got a few photos of Nubs to share.

Nubs decided to show off his Memorial day spirit, HAT STYLE!

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Friday, April 29, 2011

Week Two: A Good Night?

I fully expected to go into class last night with a wound up, crazy, a tad bit psychotic Nubs since we've had 4 days of constant rain and I was right. Walking into the Training hall Nubs was crazy. He was all over the place, jumping, acting a fool, jumping at people. He was acting like an out of control dog that had no manners and was never taught a bit of training in all his life. How bad was he?
-He knocked me into a mirror by jumping up on me
-He tried to be hover dog, and hover over to the dog walking next to use while in a heel
-He attacked and killed a hamburger.... A stuffed hamburger...

This was in the first 15mins of a 50 min class. I was about to leave, no use to having a distracting dog for everyone else when out of no where, it's like I had a new dog. I mean it was like a switch turned on and Nubs started acting like a trained dog. Stays were working as were recalls (we moved any extra humans away from the recall area since Nubs likes to visit a tad bit to much) and even heels (besides that annoying Hamburger that Nubs took a liking to). After class ended I had Nubs in a heel as everyone stood around and talked, and we weaved in and out of people and other dogs like it was nothing. It was amazing honestly. It was like the good old days where Nubs had great eye contact, watched my every move, and tried not to play with every dog possible. Amazing.

One thing I've found funny is the fact that Nubs can pick out other Pit Bulls a mile away. He'll zoom in on these dogs and try to get them to play. After class I stopped and spoke to this other Pit Bull owner (10month old black and white Pit Bull mix) and it was funny as heck as Nubs tried to get the puppy to play with him. Lots of Nubs play bows (which isn't what a normal dog would consider a play bow but a challenge instead. It resembles a dog's "LETS PLAY CHASE!" body language. It's a quick half bow, with a bounce and a forward run. I always look for that when I'm introducing him to other dogs because I know when he does that it's safe to let him go. They didn't get to play today, might have his friend Stacker over at some point, but it was nice to see he wanted to play. Even at 4 years of age, he's still a puppy at heart.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Back to the Basics!

Tonight started out first night of training since early last year. I went back to the basics, not quite beginners since Nubs doesn't NEED to relearn how to sit, we went with the next step up for a refresher class, and man has Nubs forgotten a lot.

Today we started by rushing around the house since I got off of work at 5:45pm and class is at 6:15pm. Nubs is a shadow so every time I turned around, there he was. At some point I took a step back and ended up tripping over him and landing on the couch. At that point he was banished to his crate until I was done getting ready and ready to head out.

We get to the training place, and Nubs is excited as heck to be there. He remembers the place and wanted nothing more to jump right out of the car and head in the door. Thankfully, I've NEVER allowed him to get out of the car without a command so he sits in my seat, whining, moaning and complaining about having to wait for me to get my stuff around. Finally he gets his release and SHOOTS out of the car like it's on fire. I being caught off guard for this lose my balance and land on my behind for the second time in 20mins. A lady with her Australian Shepherd was standing near by and was nice enough to say that we was really impressed with how Nubs listened to me so easily when I snapped my fingers and pointed to the back seat of the car. I'm guessing she missed the whole "fall on butt" thing because she though Nubs was the greatest.

Class was pretty uneventful... ok, well uneventful in the fact that Nubs didn't do anything that stupid. We had the normal "Nubs swallowed a Jumping Bean again" fun where Nubs will just jump around me or jump up on me until I lay him out on the floor for being so naughty.. ok would you believe I just grab his collar and tell him enough then? It's days like this I wonder if his registered UKC name should have been "DM's Dyson's Jumping Bean" call name Tigger, Dyson for the vacuum like effect he has in new environment and then the Jumping bean for the constant jumping.

I wish I could say Nubs being a Jumping Bean was the most excitement of the night, but it wasn't. Near the end of class we started doing recall which is something I FIRMLY believe that should be the one thing you work on constantly. Nubs recall resembles that of a race horse on the track. He'll sit and wait for you, and then come out of the chute at 100MPH and then skid to a stop at your feet, if your lucky enough. Sometimes he mis judges the lack of friction on the ground and overshoots his landing.

So anyways, the training is holding on to him and I call him, and he comes SPEEDING across the 20ft between us and skids to a sit perfectly. I go to pick up his leash but Nubs has other ideas. I should have known from that look in his eyes, something was up, but you know humans, were always a step behind. Nubs decides at that very moment, that the guy that is sitting off to the side of the training area needed to be included in the training and takes off running toward him. Before I get a word out, Nubs jumps up and lands in this guys lap, and starts slathering him is kisses. Finally I get my voice and a quick call send Nubs flying back toward me and Nubs lands in a PERFECT front. -slaps forehead-

That was the highlight for the night. We've got some MAJOR work a head of us IF we want to earn that CGC at the end of the class. It's possible, but it's going to take a LOT of work on my part and a lot of work before class of tiring Nubs out. All I can say is if this is how week one of class went, I'm scared to see the next 4 weeks....

Friday, March 18, 2011

Sorry for the lack of updates!

So honestly, I haven't been just ignoring the blog, I just haven't had anything to really say. Nubs has his good days and bad with the knee. It's a LOT stronger then it use to be, and it's gets stronger every day, but it's still not "right". Not sure what to do about it at this time, but we are still working on it.

Nubs now has his own Facebook page! Make sure to swing by and friend him if you haven't! http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002107518192

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

First Trip Since the Surgery!

So today I decided to take Nubs out on his first trip since the surgery to Petco and Tractor Supply Co. Nubs had a blast. Besides demanding food from a guy at TSC, he wasn't too badly behaved. We need to start basic's again. He's a little rusty.

But the good news is, even after all the excitement at TSC and Petco, Nubs STILL after we left Petco had the strength to stand on the leg that he had his CCL surgery on and mark! That was at least a 30 high energy, crazy store visit, and he still did it! I know it doesn't seem like a ton to most people, but that's huge. From a leg that 3 weeks ago had NO mussel in it at all to how it's doing now? It's great!

Even better news? NO LIMPING TONIGHT!!!! After all that no limping!!!!!

So I think it's safe to slowly start pulling weights again. I"m talking about 5lb weights around the house, nothing major, but something to get him using those legs even more. Things are looking up around here. My goal is to be able to have Nubs have his "Welcome Back" weight pull in June, maybe for the UKC Premier! We will see, but that's the goal!

Friday, February 18, 2011

A New Milestone!

It's been 8 weeks since Nubs had surgery to the day and today marks what I think is a HUGE milestone in his recovery.

Today Nubs stood on his leg that he has the CCL surgery done on and MARKED. Doesn't seem like much, but this is the first time he's done a FULL marking while standing on his bad leg without any weakness in it. Normally he only manages 5 seconds before that leg collapses, to day he got in a good 10 to 15 second mark before moving on. Not a sign of weakness at all.

He still doesn't have full range in that knee for bending, but the limping has really reduced over the past few weeks. I'm hoping that soon, we can start doing classes again. He's up to about 20mins of walk time without problem, but if I try to push it he'll return to limping.

Keep your fingers and paws crossed that he'll return to normal!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

And the Cutest Pit Bull is....

NUBS!

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Ok, nothing officially, but look at that face?!?!? How can you NOT like him???? It's photos I catch like this that make me really wonder how people can have such negative views of the breed. So many cities and states are trying to pass breed specific laws right now, and people don't realize, the photo above is what they are really banning, not what they like to think.

These dogs don't want to be mean, they don't want to wonder where their next meal is coming from. All they want is a warm bed, food in their bellies, people to love them, and something to do. That's all they ask for. Why do we, we humans, take this away from them? Why do we toss our "pets" to the curb for anything and everything? Like my neighbor up the road who kept her Shepherd Mutt after they moved in with her parents again. Instead of finding her a new home, they keep her chained to a tree 24/7, where she howls and barks 24/7. It's 7*F outside, and she is shivering in her little dog house, just crying and waiting for her owners to come out and give her a pat on the head. She LIVES for that short scratch on the head.

We are the problem, not the dogs. We treat our "pets" like garbage and they turn around and act like it.

Just remember, you get what you put into your dog. Take the extra time to give them some training and some love, and you'll get the best dog back.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Happy Birthday Nubs!

Even though Nubs is a rescue, I am lucky enough to actually know his real date of birth: Jan. 20th 2007, which makes him 4 YEARS OLD!!!

So Happy Birthday Nubby!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

The One Month Mark

Yesterday was the one moth mark since Nubs had his CCL Surgery and is doing far beyond what the Vets expectations for him was. Besides a few scares (4 days on limping then decided the day I took him to the vet he was fine and not a limp in sight), it's been pretty darn easy. Nubs is just so laid back about things that I've not had to worry about anything. I'm lucky, and I know it.

We are up to a 15min walk already about every other day without issue. The next day he's a bit tender which is why we are only pushing it every other day. Nubs seems to be enjoying himself being back to his walks again. He seems to always live for those walks and I can't say I blame him. I miss our walks as well. They were as fun for me as they were/are for him.

Another post coming up later this week.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Long Awaited Update - Day 21

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!! May this year bring more positive things then negative to all of my Pit Bull Pals across the world!

Nubs has healed really well. Strength is coming back to his hind leg slowly, but surely. We've started walking again a block at a time (about 5 to 7mins), and Nubs is LOVING it but has lost all sense of leash manners. Trying to slow this beast down is causing massive pains in my shoulders. I love Nubs and even out of shape he is STRONG! Now I remember why I got him into Weight Pulling in the first place. Better him pull a sled then me. I'm starting basics 101 with him again.

Updated photos:

Looking GOOD! Hair is even growing back.
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And here is a nice little candid photo of Nubs watching me over the back of our love seat...
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