BLIZZARD UPDATE:
Blizzard's family have been holding out hope that an outstanding medical issue would be resolved but unfortunately - it has not and the diagnosis was just made more severe. They feel they have no other choice but to offer Blizzard the opportunity to grow up in another home and to this end asked me to take him into foster.
Being a big, deaf, goofy adolescent could have posed a real issue getting him a placement but a client and friend who already has a deaf Pit Bull we are working with in Therapy dog training has taken him in.
We did an initial meet and greet and the two get on like they are best friends. They adapted their play styles to each other and it wasn't long before Zoomies ensued.
I took him down to Petco today to give him a bath and do the handover to his new foster family. We will keep you updated with how he goes!
We have a few Board & Trains with us over the holidays and while we are quite busy ourselves - there is always time to have a little doggie fun.
Sophie and Ellie are enjoying a bit of yard time soaking in the sun and later this week we headed down to the creek at sunset to relax on the pier with a few of our furry friends.
Have a happy holiday season, however you celebrate - be safe and we'll see you in the new year!
Name: Blizzard
Breed: American Pit Bull Terrier
Sex: Male
Age: 8 months
Duration: 4 week Board & Train
Reason for B&T: General obedience work / social skills
Background: Blizzard and his littermates were being sold on the side of the road at 4 weeks old when his family took him in. I met him that day and shared some concerns not only for his premature age, but also for his health. He appeared to have limited to no hearing and his ear canals were swollen shut still. I advised his family to seek a vet opinion ASAP.
As it turns out he is deaf - but that hasn't stopped him, or them. It has made working with him much harder for them however, so as he is bigger, stronger and very clever at avoiding situations he doesn't want to participate in...they have asked for my help.
What we are working on during his stay:
OWNERS REQUESTS:
* Basic Obedience - Sit, Down, Stay, Leave It - hand signal
* Jumping - jumps on people and furniture
* LLW- does not walk well on leash AT ALL
* Door Manners - stop bolting through open doors
* Anxiety - mild separation anxiety
I have worked with deaf and blind dogs before and love the challenge! Let's see what we can teach this big boy!
