Kenna

River is doing well. She is healthy and exuberant. We started training class at a place called K9 Turbo in Ferndale, Michigan. She has gone 3 times with my husband. I started a similar class with her (different day of the week) this past week. Each class is 6 weeks long and the first one ends September 15. We are working on manners and self control. I am not sure if you knew that she sucks her flank but I believe it is happening less often. I know it's a compulsive behavior but it seems like she uses it to calm herself (like a pacifier). The only difficulty we are having is cutting her nails. She is terrified! She runs a lot in the backyard but it is mostly grass so her nails don't get filed down that way. I think it is going to be a long process to desensitize her. We currently only take her for short walks because she is still learning not to pull on the leash but she literally spends hours running around the backyard. I am not sure if she actually likes the car or not but she likes to jump in because she wants to be with us. We are working on keeping her safely in the backseat. She loves sitting at the back door looking out but mostly she loves it when we are outside with her so she can safely patrol the goings on of the yard with her people close by. She has lots of toys and she likes to play with them. She especially loves balls but rarely gives them up for fetch! I have some food puzzles that she has mastered but she still seems to enjoy using. She likes to use her chew toys if we are holding them for her, she has us trained well LOL. I am guessing that you are familiar with a LikiMat and this seems to keep her attention better than a filled Kong as she doesnt seem to have the patience to work on the Kong. Her attention span is pretty short which I imagine will improve over time. She passed the "temperment" test at a local dog day care but we have only taken her twice. I think she is just anxious and pacing while there and there are A LOT of other dogs so it wasn't what I was hoping for her to get out of it. She has met most of my local human family and friends and she is very friendly with everyone! Mostly we just love her and are so happy to have her here as she brings wonderful companionship, laughter and joy.

Kenna

We are all settling in just fine and figuring out a routine. We have a nice fenced yard and her main interest is tracking squirrels. We got her a new ID tag with a squirrel on it. She sleeps in bed with my daughter every night but she is happy to cuddle with anyone! She does a little flank sucking, only when she relaxes but it is not hurting her so I am going to wait awhile to see if she will need treatment or not. We all enjoy her and her antics!

Katey

Thank you! We loved on her a little more than usual that day to make sure she knew just how much we love having her as part of our family. She’s doing fantastic. She’s really responding to her training, has come out of her shell, and has been showing more of her amazing personality. She’s definitely a mommas girl, which I’m super ok with!! 😊❤️

Kennedy - Maddie

Jazmine has become a welcomed bet of our family. We have continued to keep her crated at night and when we are away as she’s still nervous when we leave her. It took a week for her to go outside without us on the patio. She has begun walking on a leash with a gentle leader and is doing well with beginning to learn basic commands (sit, stay, come, off). She is eating well and as not had a mistake in the house since she arrived. The vet gave her a good review and suggested another 5 pounds which my husband has accepted as a treat challenge. She has met the neighbors and our babysitter and been good with everyone after she sizes them up of course. Obedience starts Monday the 30th and we hope to have her in the sprinkler by May 😂. Her only issue is the jumping, but that should be corrected after some obedience and settling in.

Keesha

Keesha is doing great! I can't believe I've had her for one year already. She's such a good dog. When I'm home, she's never more than 3 feet from me. I've also found that she's really good with children. Really pays attention to the smallest person in the room in a very caring way. I was laying next to her this morning and was thinking how lucky I am to have such a great dog and I cherish that every day. Thanks again for all you do for the Dobermans!