I was SO lucky to find a responsible caring Lowchen breeder who wanted me to have this pup. Raleigh's the most trainable dog I've ever had (Dogtime has them listed as moderate in trainability, but I think that's inaccurate.)
Between brushings, he bears a startling physical resemblance to some of the famous Muppet charaters - or to a white Rya rug, depending on his posture. Bathed and brushed, he LOOKS kinda frou-frou, but he's really a pretty tough little guy.
Raleigh loves learning tricks as well as obedience behaviors. He's now my prime assistant as we teach our puppy, basic and intermediate obedience classes.
Next year we'll be competing in Rally obedience together, and I think he'll be really fun to watch in the ring, because he has a lot of flamboyant animation and has so much fun showing off what he knows. I've never fallen in love with a dog as fast as I have with Raleigh.
Ladybug was wandering on our street last May, looking lost and worried. We brought her in and tried to track down her family, but no one ever claimed her. Many people have wanted to adopt her, but she's so charming we just can't let her go! Ladybug is likely to be my next therapy dog - she is a born schmoozer, even if she does feel like a brillo pad, thanks to the shar pei bristly hair coat.
We were Lucy's fourth home when we adopted her at 18 months old. She's taught me a whole lot about how to use treats to motivate a "stubborn" dog to learn. She also loves attention!
Lucy volunteered for 3 years as a visiting therapy dog at our local nursing home. It was a great way to show off her tricks and let her enjoy lots of petting and rewards.
Juniper is the world's happiest soul, and it's been a privilege to have his company all these years (even though he spent 8 of those years as the world's goofiest hyperactive labrador). Now that he's almost slowed down to a normal dog's speed, he has earned the title "best dog ever" - but even as a pup he was my best assistant in teaching other people how to train a dog using treats, patience and humour. And a halter collar!
This past year Juniper has been my partner in Rally Obedience, earning 4 titles and a whole bunch of ribbons, including 2 first place rosettes. He prances, dances and grins his way through the ring, charming the judge and everyone who watches. Nobody loves life more than Juner does, and nobody performs with more joy.
Raleigh at 7 months.
|
Raleigh at 4 months.
|
15 pounds of springloaded charm and guile
|
Never believe that bassets are stupid!
|
Juniper at 9 - finally grown up!
|
We teach dog training in Grand Rapids, MI. Visit www.teachyourpet.net if you would like to know more.
|
Raleigh, September 6, 2008
|
After a shave and bath, Raleigh looks great!
|
My little lion dog, September 08
|
DogTime members 
trailsingr's profile
