Monte's Blog

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008-12-23T11:43:00.000-08:00

BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS 2009!

LOVE,

BIANCA, KRISTA AND MONTE

JACKSON & PATRICK ARE CASTOR & POLLUX PUPS OF WEEK!

2008-07-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

Monte's cousins, Jackson and Patrick named PETS OF THE WEEK by Castor & Pollux Pet Works® !

Hurrah for the boys!

JULY'S YAPPY HOUR

2008-07-19T20:50:00.000-07:00

July's Yappy Hour was an intimate affair attended by some cute pups! There were refreshments, picture taking, and new doggies to meet!

Monte had a great time specially with Daisy a new acquaintance. They ran around and chased each other all over Hollywood Paws. Monte loves and I mean loves going to Hollywood Paws not only to see the doggies, playing and frolicking but also to see his people pals like his trainers Joel and Byron as well as seeing his main man Gerrie. We also got to meet Gerrie's lovely wife and beautiful daughters.

Monte Gets Training #3

2008-07-13T19:36:00.000-07:00

Monte gets training on sit/stay, down/stay, come and distance (30 feet)! Trainer Joel is the best!

Siesta Time!

2008-07-08T12:47:00.000-07:00

Monte taking a nap!

CHILLIN' AFTER A LONG WEEKEND

2008-07-07T14:26:00.000-07:00

Monte survived the fireworks and now it's back to training and Chillin'!

YAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

2008-07-04T15:55:00.000-07:00

WISHING ALL OF YOU A HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY WEEKEND!

YAPPY HOUR @ Hollywood Paws

2008-06-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

Every third Saturday of the month the great folks at Hollywood Paws throw a delightful bash for doggies and their caregivers a.k.a. mommy and daddy called "YAPPY HOUR".

At the HP offices located in the Los Angeles Center Studios, pooches and humans alike came together from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to drink, eat and be merry!

There were contests to see who could stay the farthest away from their owner and not move until the command was given, and it was a very tight and close race.

The rest of the time was spent by both pooch and human alike getting to know each other, enjoying some refreshments, and showing off our precious treasures.

All the doggies got a goody bag to take home. Monte had a ball and can't wait till next time.

Monte Named Pet of the Week by Castor & Pollux Pet Works®

2008-06-15T19:36:00.001-07:00

Our Monte was was named PET OF THE WEEK by Castor & Pollux Pet Works® !

In addition to being featured on their web site, Monte received a Castor & Pollux canvas bag filled with great products - ORGANIX® ORGANIC DOG COOKIES, RED ROVER™ ROPE & TENNIS BALLS WITH KNOTS, GOOD BUDDY® NATURAL BEEF JERKY STICKS, W.A.L.K.™ LEASH, and OUT SPOT!™. And if that was not enough, we got a bunch of discount coupons to buy Monte's food. Monte is thrilled!

In our area Castor & Pollux Pet Works® are available @ PetCo!

MONTE HAS A NEW UNCLE!

2008-06-15T19:26:00.000-07:00

Monte has a new uncle. His named is Alopecia. "Al" for short. According to his mommy, Al is a very friendly, sweet boy.

MONTE'S AFTERNOON @ THE COMMONS

2008-06-14T18:13:00.000-07:00

Monte, Krista and I went to the Commons after the class today.

We walked around, picked up a book, "Don't Shoot The Dog", on dog training at Barnes & Noble, and add had a bite to eat while sitting in a beautiful outdoor court.

Monte as always had a wonderful time, and exploring new areas. We even put him inside a Doonie and Burke "all weather leather" bag ! He loved every minute of it!

MONTE'S 1st CLASS

2008-06-14T17:54:00.000-07:00

Monte had his first class today at Hollywood Paws.
His instructors were Byron and Clarissa. The first part was an overview of the methodology used at Hollywood Paws for successfully training happy, well behaved, productive doggies. That was followed by our first session -- hiting the mark.

While both Byron and Clarissa were there to demonstrate the proper techniques, Krista took center stage in following their lead.

Monte will be the returning for the workshops on Thursdays and Sundays in preparation for his next class which is scheduled for June 28.
In the mean time, we will be attending the"Yappi Hour" on the 21st to meet and mingle with other doggies and families.

Happy Birthday Krista!

2008-06-12T13:13:00.001-07:00

Today - Monte's person Krista is celebrating her birthday! So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY KRISTA!

Monte Takes A Meeting At Hollywood Paws!

2008-06-11T19:09:00.000-07:00

Monte took a meeting today with the folks at Hollywood Paws located in the Los Angeles Center Studios.

We had a three hour meeting with our new friend Gerri, a transplanted New Yorker of Cuban/Puerto Rican descent! He gave an overview of the various programs available, not only for work in television and movie productions, but also print ads.

The second phase of the meeting consisted of an evaluation of Monte's skills as well as our ability to reinforce their training between sessions. I know that Monte did a great job and I think that Krista and I were okay as well.

The last phase was the most fun for both Monte and ourselves. We were taken on a backlot tour of the Los Angeles Center Studios. Monte had a great time meeting cast and crew of current productions being filmed.

Monte's Visit with Martha at Marlinda Imperial Convalescent Home

2008-06-11T13:02:00.000-07:00

Today Monte, Krista and I visited Martha at her home in Pasadena California.

My mother suffers from Parkinson's disease and is wheelchair bound. Her caregivers are wonderful and take very good care of her.Her favorite is Violeta. "V" treats my mother as if she was her own mom and guess what, she also has a daughter named Krista! Spelled the same way!

Anyway Monte's visit with the people at the convalescent home was very successful as Monte just loves people and people love Monte. He frolicked and played with the house guests for a couple of hours in the open courtyard of the home. He had a good time they had a good time and they can't wait to see him next time!

Monte's Day at the SEPULVEDA BASIN OFF-LEASH DOG PARK

2008-06-05T15:59:00.000-07:00

Monte was a happy puppy today when he visited the SEPULVEDA BASIN OFF-LEASH DOG PARK for a couple hours of fun and frolic!

He made a new friend with a doggie named Sherman, a Jack Russell terrier that was rescued from the streets. Sherman's people were a cute young couple, he works at Trader Joe's in Reseda, and have had Sherman for the past couple of months.

As always Monte ran, froliced, sniffed dog's, greeted all the new doggies at the gate and all in all had great time for two hours!

Here is a photo show of Monte at the park today: Monte at the Park

Doggie Day Camp for Monte

2008-06-03T21:26:00.000-07:00

Today Monte went to Doggie Day Camp at PetSmart in Canoga Park. Both Krista and I had to be out all day and we like to take our puppy there so he can frolic, and play, and have fun with other cute doggies.

That PetSmart Doggie Day Camp is really cool and the minute that Monte gets out of the car he can't wait to get inside. This PetSmart is only a mile and a half from our home and it's very convenient for either Krista or I dropped the Monte boy for a day of play and extra special activities.

When Krista picked him up at 8 p.m. she was greeted with a happy doggie and an exemplary report on his behavior! We know our Monte boy always behaves (most of the time) but more importantly we know he gets along well with other dogs as well as other people.

NUTS FOR MUTTS

2008-06-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

Today was a huge day for Monte! It was his first Dog Show - NUTS FOR MUTTS. It was put on by great organization named "New Leash on Life". It was at Pierce College Stadium in Woodland Hills California.

This is like the Westminster dog show for mutts. The categories included best kisser, friendliest dog, cutest puppy, mystery breed and others. Monte was signed up for friendliest dog at 9:30 a.m. and then cutest puppy at 11:55 a.m. Monte was wonderful at his first ever show and he was selected as one of the ten finalists for both cutest puppy and friendliest dog.

Auntie Sarah and Patrick joined us for the preliminary round of cutest puppy at 11:55 a.m. Patrick was just wonderful and everybody thought he was just a beautiful cute little Chihuahua pup. Even though he could not compete since he is purebred and not a rescue he was the hit of the outside areas!

The first final round was for cutest puppy and Mr. Monte was named Second Place in the finals! By this time, it was already 1:30 p.m., Monte was pretty spent but we waited around for the finals of the friendliest dog and although he did not place he was given a special recognition by the MC comedian Debra Wilson who thought Monte was the bomb!

All in all it was an incredible day for all of us! Monte, Auntie Sarah, Patrick and I had a ball not only with the competitions but also visiting the booths of the many vendors that sponsor this great event! Our favorite vendor was Castor & Pollux Pet Works ! Monte loved the Organix dog cookies. They were peanut butter flavored and he enjoyed them tremendously! The ladies from Castor & Pollux Pet Works® loved Monte as well. And were very impressed with how he would sit for a treat! When we got home we fed Monte Organix canine formula made with chicken, brown rice, and flax. Monte loved it and today were going to go get some at Whole Foods Market.

"New Leash on Life" does a wonderful job and we're glad that we have become members.

Monte's in a Magazine

2008-05-25T23:03:00.000-07:00

Create Fake Magazine Covers with your own picture at MagMyPic.com

One of Monte's People

2008-05-25T23:01:00.000-07:00

Monte Saw His Sister Mattie!

2008-05-15T17:43:00.000-07:00

Monte went for his post op appointment and ran in to his birth sister Mattie! We walked in and her owner Jerry asked "did you adopt @ Beagles and Buddies?" Of course they were from the same litter!

Now you have to understand the Monte boy weighs 9.25 lbs. - Mattie weighs 22 POUNDS! They totally look alike and so it is funny to see size difference!

Puppy Park @ Sepulveda Basin

2008-05-14T17:28:00.000-07:00

Monte met cousins Jack and Patrick @ a great no leash park in the SFV @ the Sepulveda basin. The boys had a great time and I think the Monte boy was happy to see his cousins and his Auntie Sarah!

Monte of course made friends with all the doggies and the men! We met some cool doggies and spent 2 hours running, fetching, tug of waring, etc!

Hopefully we will go back on Friday.

Two Week SummaryI'

2008-05-11T16:48:00.000-07:00

Well, Monte is going home tomorrow. He has learned a lot and is doing really well. I'm just going to include a whole bunch of pictures in this post.

This one is Jackson and Monte playing tug. That bottle (a gift from Honnie!) Is Jack's absolute favourite toy. It took Jack a little bit to learn to share nicely, but in the end he go it.

The Second Picture - Monte actually got his head stuck int he dog slipper. I thought it was pretty funny. Sadly, my picture is slightly mis-timed. You get the idea.

Monte was TIRED and found himself prime sleeping location. The blanket was fresh out of the dryer and warm. To be honest, I'm pretty sure Monte moved the pillows to suit his needs - they are never like that.

Jack was jealous that Monte had the best sleeping spot... but let him be.

Jack and Monte patiently wait for their training turns. I usually work with one dog at a time, keeping the others in the pen. This way there aren't other puppies causing distractions or stealing well earned treats! (Patrick is a BAD treat stealer!)

The rest of the pictures are just the boys suntanning. I would like to point out that the dogs think the camera means "come" and will rarely stay put while taking photos. This sun photos involved me putting the dogs on the black mat, and giving them all a down and stay command. Obviously they all listened quite well.

The tricky part was getting them to all look at the camera. It was not easy.

SUCCESS!!

Monte's People are coming home Sunday!

2008-05-11T01:21:00.000-07:00

We can't wait to see him! Krista and Bianca are greatful for all the loving care that the Monte Boy got from Uncle Jared and Auntie Sarah while we were in Hawaii. They have cared for him, loved him, trained him, cleaned his poop disasters, took him for neutering -- THEY DID IT ALL! I know Monte will miss Jackson (Mr. Swanky PUP) and Patrick and he looks forward to doggie dates with his cousins in the near future!

Thursday

2008-05-08T18:13:00.000-07:00

Monte has some serious diarrhea today. I think it probably relates to all the food his stole from Jackson and Patrick yesterday (he gobbled up the entire bowl - twice - in like 1 minute flat -normally I lock them up when I feed them, but failed yesterday). The only upside to this is, he has managed NO accidents today, which is a first for him. I took him out to walk first thing this morning, still no outside washrooming. Tomorrow I think I'm going to take them all to the dog park.

Today's photos: Monte's Impressive Wingspan, Monte doing his best trick (sleeping), and Monte hogging the bed on Patrick!

Tuesday in Monte-Land

2008-05-06T22:52:00.000-07:00

Overall Monte had a really great day. I thought it was going to be trying when he started out by chewing my shoe - but that was his first and only bad act of the day.

He went on three walks today. He was very well behaved for all of them. He did not go to the washroom on any of them though. Maybe I'll start bringing a pee pad out with me so he knows he is supposed to go outside.

Today Monte learned stay. Not only did he learn it, but he has it pretty under control. He sits, I say stay, walk back about ten feet - he waits until I say OK and then he comes and gets his cookie. It is working really well. He does it in his cage and at the door coming in and leaving the complex. Maybe tomorrow I'll try it going in and out the apartment door.

Monte had a bath today. Somehow he got poo stuck in the pads on his feet so every where he walked he was leaving poo prints. I tried to just wipe it off, but he has some deep paw pads! So into the tub he went. As Krista said, he is really well behaved in the tub. He just stood there waited patiently for Jared to be done washing him. (I gave Jared the choice of washing the dog or cleaning poo prints... obviously he chose the former).

As I mentioned, he has been behaving better than Patrick today! Today Patrick spent the most time in the naughty chair. Now Monte is tired from his walking/bathing episodes and is curled up on my lap looking all shiny and smelling better than anyone else in the house.

The Daschund Mystery

2008-05-06T16:41:00.000-07:00

I forgot! When I was at the vet with Patrick on Monday, there was a long haired Daschund in the waiting room. It's face looked JUST like Monte's. They had the same colouring, but it was more the eyes. They were almost identical. I would totally believe he's half daschund based on seeing that dog. I wish I had my camera with me to take a picture.

Work...

2008-05-06T16:24:00.000-07:00

They make it hard to get stuff done!

Monte's Methods

2008-05-06T16:16:00.001-07:00

In horses, when a horse pees in the same spot in it's stall all the time it generally means they are content and neat and tidy. Monte always pees in the exact same spot in his box. I wonder if it means the same thing for dogs... or if it is just by chance? Either way, it's interesting and keep the rest of the litter a bit fresher.

Also, over night he is pooping multiple times in the box and not going outside of it when it is soiled. He's actually not done that at all since he's been here. (the first two nights I put a pee pad all around because he's on carpet so I didn't want it to get on the carpet) but he didn't use it.

He is also napping peacefully after his walk. I'm going to try again to take him out to pee. I suppose if I don't give him a chance to pee inside he'll have to go outside.

Monte's Big Walk

2008-05-06T15:49:00.000-07:00

We went on a walk and it was wonderful! At first he was very nervous. I've never seen a tail so far between a dog's legs. However, he quickly warmed up. Monte sat at every street crossing and curb we came to. I was especially impressed because there were a lot of distractions that would have made it easy for him to ignore me. He barely pulled at all. When he did pull I used the "Tree Method". Our trainer Jim uses the Tree Method to teach walking on a loose leash. Monte is still a little over stimulated to follow the cookie just like the video - so I use a squeak toy. The noise gets his attention and reminds him of fun stuff, and so he follows.

Loose Leash Walking Video - http://www.expertvillage.com/video/60953_canine-obedience-loose.htm

The only thing was he didn't go to the bathroom! I swear he had to go - but he wouldn't and we walked far! I am going to do some research on that today.

More Monte

2008-05-06T11:20:00.000-07:00

I think Monte needs to go outside. Today I am taking him for a walk and I just don't care. He has started doing things he never did before (such as chewing my shoes, barking at people walking by) and I think it has more to do with him being bored and needing to burn off energy than being bad.

Things I'm not sure are related to that: Monte eats his poo. GROSS! Did you know that? He was flinging something around the floor and rolling on it and I was like "Monte what do you have?" (he eats cords too... so I have to stay on it) and he was rolling on poo. When I went to get it he ATE it. This has happened more than once. I try to keep all his poo picked up but evidently I am not quick enough. On the same note, he likes to poop on my shoes (and then chew the same shoes... maybe I sense a pattern). I know it's his poo because it is WAY bigger than the boys'.

As a result of his pooping on and chewing shoes fetish lately, he's been spending a bit more time in his pen. The good news of this is he is so much better about waiting to come out. The bad is, it contributes to his boredom. Walk for sure today.

He is eating much more of his own food than he was which is good. His sits are wonderful, he has stopped digging in the trash. They all get a long better now - until the boys run out of energy and Monte does not. Then he gets a stern talking to from them and settles down.

Short and Sweet

2008-05-03T22:17:00.000-07:00

Monte has been good according to Jared. I have been out of the house for the last three days.
After 1 week Monte now responds to his name, sits, is more respectful and mellow, whines a lot less when we leave or when he is caged and has reduced his jumping into inappropriate things dramatically. All around, he's much nicer to have in the apartment lately.

Hopefully pictures tomorrow. I am just too tired today.

Hump Day

2008-04-30T22:25:00.001-07:00

I'm not going to lie. Today started out rough. Monte cried like he was DYING when Jared left for work, so I got up and let him, Jack and Patrick out of their pens just so Monte could poop on the rug. Very frustrating. So I put him back in his pen for a bit and let him out and he did it again - but I caught him right when he started and put him in his litter and locked him in. I wasn't letting him out because I KNEW he had to go. He didn't go. For 2 hours he was in there, but seriously... there can't be multiple accidents a day on the carpet. Finally he went in his box so I let him out. He's been great since. No more accidents today. A big problem is when we leave he just wails. It seriously sounds like someone is killing him. I wouldn't be shocked if a neighbor complained. That all sounds harsh - but its the truth.

His behavior outside his cage today has been much much better! He is getting very good and reliable at "Off". He sits 99% of the time even when he is excited or distracted. He also lays down without me having to keep his bum down. He's been much more responsive to his name and being called. His neuter still seems fine and is not hindering him at all. I think I will probably take him out before the 2 weeks simply because he needs the exercise.

Tomorrow will be a good test for him. Jared and I both will be in and out most of the day if not just plain old gone.

Goals for tomorrow - continue to improve "get in your bed". He's starting to go in a bit more willingly for me. He pretty much knows it means we're leaving so it's not his favourite. Keep working on Sit and Down - Add Stay!

Pictures: Monte and Jack getting a tan and Patrick sleeping with Monte's Bone.

Random Monte

2008-04-29T18:52:00.000-07:00

Not too much to report today. He is home from his neuter and doing very well. We actually had a major break through with the door just now. He waited politely with the other dogs while I went to the garbage without trying to rush the door. YAY Monte. On to the pictures! The first picture is when he just got home. He needed a rest!

The next one is Monte showing us his toy choice of the day. Again it is orange, but smaller. He likes the squeaker as Krista heard on the phone.

For the grand finale, a VIDEO! Here is one of Monte's quick "training" sessions today. Showing him working on Sit and down. As you can see he has sit under control, and down is coming. 2 quick sessions like this a day is all it takes!

Monte's Big Day

2008-04-28T23:24:00.001-07:00

As you know, today is/was Monte's neuter day. We woke up bright and early to leave the house around 8am.

Monte was super good all morning and in the car. He really is a good car dog. My only concern was he hadn't gone to the washroom at all. Here is me walking him trying to make him pee!

Monte was OBVIOUSLY hungry. He was climbing all over the giant dog food bags - he must have smelled the deliciousness. All the people were like "He's SO cute... oh so cute" and playing with him and talking about his wonderful personality. Almost every single person asked me his breed. 2 people asked if he was miniature pinscher. The vet tech (pictured - he looks grumpy but he wasn't) thought he had some terrier in him because of his furries on his face.

He weighed in at 8lbs 1oz. The vet thought he looked younger than he is - but had to concede she was being given correct information when it was revealed that she delivered him.

I'll pick him up tomorrow around 10am.

The Tale of Two Montes

2008-04-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

Monte has been here for a little over 24 hours now - and there are certainly TWO Montes. There is sweet, affectionate, loving Monte (I call this one Mellow Monte) and there is Bossy, Closed Ears, Digging in the Garbage, Whining for attention, jumping up Monte (this is Monster Monte). The boys (Jackson and Patrick) are very tolerant of Mellow Monte, but have a short temper with Monster Monte. Here they are sleeping together last night before bed time.

We learned last night that he certainly IS part beagle. Beagles make a very distinctive noise, and he was making it - last night at 1:30am after everyone had been asleep for 2 hours. I woke up and cleaned his poo and he calmed down and went back to bed. We have been working hard with him while he is in his room because he is just bolting out when we start to open the door. It's dangerous he could get hurt or someone else - so we're patiently getting to him to sit nicely with the door open before he can come out. (Rewarded with lots of treats of course!) Same thing with people leaving out the door. He tries to bolt out the door (which is especially dangerous here because he'll fall off the walkway to the floor below!) So, again we are making him sit patiently and wait while people leave.

First thing this morning we woke up and Monte is the epitome of a morning person! So I loaded him and Jack up and we headed to the dog park (I forgot my camera - bad Auntie!) Monte had a great time with all the dogs and was very good. It was really hot though, so we didn't last too long. The day went well, Vince came over to visit and Monte liked him. He sat right on his foot. Vince said that while it made him hot, he was too cute to move.

After dinner Monte was BAD! He kept trying to get into the garbage and actually knocked it over at one point. What a stinker! I took his Monster Monte energy and tried to wear him out playing tug with him. He loves all the boys toys and tries to lay on as many as possible while he plays with his toy of choice. Patrick had had quite enough of this and decided to steal back the orange doggie. Monte - tripling Patrick's weight was not going to let go easily. So they played a MAJOR game of tug - eventually Monte won. Jack saw that Patrick was obviously out-matched and decided to join in the next round. Two chihuahuas against vs Heinz-57 dog. It was a good battle, but they all gave up when I got up and walked away! You can see he loves the orange doggie most. He almost always has it near him or with him. I put it in his cage while we're out to keep him company.

Today Monte worked on looking and paying attention when his name is called, sit, down, no bite and "off". He has sit pretty well (as long as you have a cookie or lots of praise!) and "off isn't too shabby either. He got new litter today and a new harness!

Tomorrow he has his vet appointment, so he can't have anymore food or water for the evening. He's laying down beside me as I type this being Mellow Monte for the moment. He sends his love!

Monte's Blog

2008-04-26T21:09:00.000-07:00

Monte is a puppy we are dog-sitting while his people are in Hawaii. I figured this would be a good easy way to keep them up to date with how and what he's doing each day.

Today was our first day with Monte. He has a lot more energy than our two pups, and he wanted to keep playing with them longer than they did. So, after they gave him the "LEAVE US ALONE" treatment he began to play with all their toys. He likes their snowy bear, stuffed bone and orange tube toy the best.

He went for a walk today and was very good. He has mastered sit and is starting lay down. He's been listening well and is now enjoying a nap on the end of the couch!