Getting a schedule going

So the project of Cane-proofing the gates has been completed. New hinges so they swing inward should minimize the ability to push them open. Plus, extra latches have been added to the exterior side for double-sided protection from accidental freedom. He hasn’t been able to open them but the feeling is that nothing can be completely Cane-proofed.

The first attempt at a walk around the neighborhood was almost an epic adventure. It’s hard to tell how tight the collar should be because of all that fluffy hair so it was initially put on too loose. Once around the corner from the house, Cane saw two Schnauzers that he just had to go see. So he immediately turned away from the pull of the leash and began to back out of the collar. As the collar was coming over Cane’s ears and he was almost free, New Daddy had to jump on him to gain control. It must have looked quite comical to the Schnauzer owners, but they still grabbed the little pups and hustled inside.

Now it’s known that Huskies are bred to pull, but walking Cane for the first time is like trying to guide a flopping fish down the sidewalk. He needs a lot of exercise and this is not the way to do it.

Cane had to get his follow-up vaccines and the vet recommended a trainer who is experienced with Huskies. We will definitely check them out. It was noted that he was a little underweight at 52 pounds and the vet said 60 should be a good weight for him. Cane also had a hot spot on one of his front legs from unknown origin. A little ointment for the leg, a recommended diet and the number of a trainer were made the vet visit very worthwhile.

We called the trainer and an adult dog obedience class was starting in a few weeks. We immediately signed up. The trainer also runs a day camp and boarding facilities. Cane should benefit from a little socialization prior to the class, so he was dropped off for day camp experience. They reported that he plays well with other dogs and had a ton of energy (like we hadn’t noticed). In fact he played so well that he became the “play dog” for the day while other dogs would be rotated in and out of the play area. Normally the dogs tire after an hour or so of play and need a nap, but not Cane.

It actually seemed that he didn’t need any sleep for the first two weeks at the new home. There was so much to investigate and destroy. The humans wouldn’t be allowed to get any sleep either. If Cane’s not sleeping, no one is. Cane continues with the same program of wanting to go outside and lay down, only to come back in and pee in the house. Fortunately, someone from New Mommy’s work has a large dog crate we can borrow.

People can think whatever they want about crates but this one kept Cane from going back to the pound for a fourth time. Once he was lured in there with a little snack, he would sleep thru the night. No more having to deal with hourly wake-ups to clean up pee. This was also the only way he could be left alone without destroying the house. New Daddy only works 15 minutes from the house so Cane can get a lunch break for a short walk and potty time.

Now knowing that he wouldn’t try to start fights on every corner, it was a lot easier to have a waking plan. So Cane’s walking schedule goes like:
5:30am – 1.5 miles
11:30am - .25 mile
4:30-5pm – 1.25 – 1.75 miles
8:30-9pm – 1.5 miles
This seems to be just enough to get him to sleep at night. He can even be trusted out of the crate and loves to keep the human feet warm on the end of the bed. This came in especially handy during the record two week freezing period here in Florida.