Search Results for Loki
Loki and Erica
~Modified Training/Staying Positive
Loki and I are making the best of things during these unusual times. Modified training moves forward, and this summer Loki got to try out the ATV’S. Apparently it’s not so different from the snowmobile– a couple of treats, and we were off! The goggles (RexSpecs) are not his favorite, but they were helpful in the dust.
One of the biggest things we worked on this summer was obedience. I’ve learned a lot in my time with Loki, and we’re getting close to where we want to be, which is strong off-leash reliability. One of the most important things we have to do is a remote down, which we use as an emergency stop. I use a voice command and a hand signal that he can see at a distance, and no matter what he is doing he must immediately drop into a down. We really struggled with this until I figured out to use his ball as motivation, and we made it into a game with fetch as his reward. I’ve learned for Loki that his obedience training needs a balance of games, while also firmly enforcing the commands when needed.
We had a nice little adventure this summer on a backpacking trip. Loki has his own pack so that he can carry his bulky (but light) sleeping bag and pad. The best part is that he can now carry out his own poop bags!
Happy early Thanksgiving 🙂
Erica + Loki
Breeder Comment
As you might remember, Loki is involved with Search and Rescue; therefore, absolute obedience is a must. While he is in training, nothing could be more accurate than Erica is also growing and learning how to get compliance. Their journey together is different than the average pet person–but every experience is fraught with potential issues. It is nothing short of amazing to see what they have achieved together. We know it has required a lot of dedication and hard work. Erica, thank you for what you and for remembering us with the update.
Loki and I
~Training While We Wait for Snow
The snow has been slow to come in our neck of the woods this year, and Loki and I are waiting quite impatiently. This is a shot from when we were training for lift evacuation in October– we had about as much snow then as we do now…
Breeder Comment
Dear Erica–no one can get enough of Loki–we welcome the great photos, news, or anything you can share. The two of you are doing amazing things.
For you readers who would like to read about (or review) previous blogs featuring Loki and Erica–here you go:
Loki and Erica
~Summer Snow on Mt. Hood
Thought I’d share some of our fun so far this summer.
A few weeks ago we did some training on Mt. Hood— you have to work a little harder to find snow in the summer!
This is Loki peering into the cave at the subject he just found— he had to dig in to get his toy!
Yesterday (on the 4th of July) we had a chance to participate in our American Hero’s parade. It was by far the largest group of people we’ve been around— Loki just wanted to say “hi” to everyone along the route… not our best loose-leash heel haha.
After Hood, I decided to start training Loki to wear Rex Specs for super bright conditions… the first step is to introduce him to the frames without the lenses… I think he is less than impressed. But he gets lots of treats when he has them on!
Hope you and Cliff are doing well 🙂
-Erica (With Loki –Search and Rescue Training)
Breeder Comment
We are always amazed at your success–you are doing an excellent job with Loki. We loved the share from your work on Mt. Hood as well as the American Heroes Parade. The both of you make us proud.
It seems the Rex Specs probably seem like a punishment (Haha), but they are an excellent idea. Let us know how it comes along. I think it is like everything else you are doing with Loki–keep after it, and you will master it. He will learn to accept the goggles. I am positive. Anyhow you can tell Loki he is not the first OwyheeStar to don these goggles–click here.
Hello From OwyheeStar
~Cliff, Shela, and the Weimaraners
November 28, 2020
Farmers, for the most part, have put their operations to bed; of course, if they have livestock, there is that. We had some snow arrive Wednesday morning–it seemed almost to speak of Christmas. Many who had been holding out, jumped onboard getting decorations up.
We had contact with many people through social medial who, like us–stayed home from the family Thanksgiving. Our kids already planned Christmas without us–a sad COVID reality. We feel as if we could take part; however, the underlying health risks are not worth it for us.
AT OWYHEESTAR
This week it more of the same and other things like a bath and ear cleaning. We (Christina and Gran) are not so popular.
This Week On the Blog…
If you have a story that you will let me share–I need at least three sentences and a decent photo. I prefer to receive it via email. (FYI–we only use stories that feature the OwyheeStar Weimaraner). We are always in need of OwyheeStar stories to share. It helps when I get an email even if you send photos via another mode.
Sunday— Nov. 22 — Face Make Me Happy
Monday–- Nov. 23 — First Snow
Tuesday – Nov. 24 — Loki and Erica
Wednesday — Nov. 25 —Indiana (part one)
Thursday –- Nov. 26 — Thanksgiving
Friday — Nov. 27 — Indiana (part two)
On a very personal note
On the horizon, we have some resident deer. Last evening the group became more brazen and bedded down in the alfalfa field near the sanctuary. The biggest concern is the train tracks–the Union Pacific’s mainline, but they stayed on our property, as you see.
We enjoy watching the deer, the birds of prey, and even Cliff’s Homing Pigeons when they fly by. Other critters wander by from time to time, such as a stealthy fox.
Cliff got the parts to repair the 1995 Jeep Cherokee that we bought for Christina to drive–the problem is the heater doesn’t work. But we bought a new heater core for it–and hopefully, that will fix the issue.
As we mentioned above–our Thanksgiving was a stay-at-home two-person one. Something we would have never imagined but felt was for the best. I had a medical procedure the day before, but I nevertheless could get us a reasonably decent meal–I would not call it my best. (Haha) We came home feeling positive, but we await the official report.
It is the last Saturday of November 2020–a couple of days, and we move on with December. We are all doing everything possible to create joy and the season’s magic. Cliff and I sincerely hope you are well, happy, and feeling much-loved.
CW
~A Weim and His Boy
Hello! Our OwyheeStar Blue Boy is maturing–We loved the post featuring Loki from the same parents (Dixie X Boone).
Also, I have not forgotten our previous discussion about one day getting s long hair Veim. They are unique and pretty. Please keep me in mind.
Breeder Comment
Hello, again. We are happy to learn that CW is doing well. We look forward to working with you once again, when you are ready for your first Longhair.
Avalanche Dog
~Loki and Erica
Boy did we have a busy winter! Things have finally slowed down enough to email you with an update. Loki had a fantastic ski season– we worked really hard training for avalanche rescue. Though we weren’t quite ready to test for certification at the end of the season, we were very close– and I’m happy with that for an 18 month old Weimaraner 🙂 we will work hard and hopefully be ready to test near the beginning of the next ski season. I will be happy to feel a little more solid on the obedience side– we’re working towards full compliance off the leash, and we’re getting close, but there are just so many interesting distractions sometimes!
Maybe in my next update I’ll send you some footage of our obedience work. Right now, we’re debating how to spend our summer months– I would like to cross-train him on another discipline so we have something to keep us busy during the summer. The key is to find something that won’t confuse the work we do with avalanche rescue. Some avalanche dogs do water work in the summer months, so that’s one option we’re considering. In the meantime, I’m enjoying looking through our pictures from this winter. It was hard to pick just a few… so I sent quite a few… you may have to pick and choose 😉
Here’s a day in the life of an avalanche dog:
First thing in the morning, it’s important to check all your ropes and boundaries. Loki wants to be sure no one gets lost.
Safe travel skills are important! Here, Loki is practicing with one of the other patrollers, in case one of them ever needs to handle him.
Here, Loki rides with me on the chairlift. This is the main reason for the load-rated harness he wears while working.
(to be continued…) –Erica
Breeder Comment
We are very happy to receive this update from you and Loki–and especially proud of the two of you. Thanks for all this hard work, you are doing great!
Loki
More about our Adventure
~ Part Three
Ups and Downs
We had some trouble early on with puppy biting. When I tried to correct Loki he would get angry, which worried me. I’ve since used your advice, Shela—a good screech stops him in his tracks! Since then, I’ve screeched and redirected him to something he’s allowed to chew on, and I haven’t had many issues this past week. I’m keeping Cliff’s trick in reserve in case we have more serious difficulties in the future, but for now, we’re on a good, positive track. Though Loki did well with the crate the first couple of weeks, he’s become more vocal this past week and I’ve temporarily revoked his office privileges (his crate is now in an area where his complaints won’t bother anyone). I imagine his increasing energy levels have something to do with it, so I’m making sure he gets more exercise, and he still gets some nice breaks from his crate throughout the day. I’m hoping this is just a phase, and that he learns that fussing won’t get him out of his crate (I’m also doing work to make sure that his crate is a positive place for him—he just objects to not being the center of attention, I think!).
The Vet
We had a nice visit with the vet for Loki’s 9-week shot. She was impressed with the detailed portfolio you sent and is supportive of the vaccine protocol. She is also happy that I’m feeding the Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Chow with the NuVet supplement. Good news—one of Loki’s testes has descended, and the other was in a good position, so I think we’re going to be just fine on that account. She is also an advocate of neutering closer to the 6-month mark rather than to wait longer.
In Summary
Loki and I are getting along quite nicely. He’s already my little adventure buddy, and he’s always up for snuggle time at the end of the day. I love this little guy—he is so intelligent and energetic. Though I wrote a fair amount about training, to Loki it’s all fun and games, and I intend to keep it that way. Thank you for all your help in selecting Loki. We’ll be sure to keep you updated!
Click Here for Part One
Click Here for Part Two
Breeder Comment
Thanks, Erica, for providing so much information about your process and Loki. The photos were outstanding, too! We look forward to hearing from you in the future. Keep up the great work.
Loki
The Basics
~Part Two– Off to a Grand Beginning
- Learning
Now that Loki’s had a solid start on the basics (potty and crate training), we’re adding some simple commands. He’s beginning to learn the house rules that my roommate’s dog is expected to follow—sitting and waiting before charging out the door, not jumping up on furniture and being respectful at mealtimes. For the last few days Loki has had to work for his food—he is now responding to “sit,” “down”, “wait”, and “ok!”. When he’s doing well I add something new, and if he’s having a more difficult time I go back and do something easy. I’ve noticed that he’s been more positive and respectful since I began this new meal routine. It also slows down his eating! More importantly, he is learning to settle and look to me– we began with that before I added any verbal commands.
- Training
Loki doesn’t know it yet, but there are some big plans for him. Right now he’s focused on being a puppy, but I’m learning and preparing for training a search and rescue canine. Loki’s formal training will begin once he’s passed the CGC test. For now, we are working on socialization and doing as many new things as possible (that are safe for him at this age, of course). He voluntarily walked for most of a two-hour hike in the snow, had a blast playing with his toy and riding an elevator up and down, and observed the other dogs during an HRD (Human Remains Detection) training. His best-behaved days are the ones where we’ve done something new and exciting, so I’m doing my best to keep him busy!
Breeder Comment—Watch for Part Three. Coming Soon!
Loki
The Trip Home
~Part One–Our Beginning
It’s been an eventful few weeks; however, Loki and I had a fairly uneventful trip back home. We stopped by Walla Walla on the way to see my family, who fell in love with Loki—I wasn’t sure they were going to let us leave!
Settling In
There were a few housebreaking accidents the first week… but I’ve learned pretty quickly. So has Loki. He goes to work with me every day and has the office under his spell. He is curious and friendly with strangers, and though he is quiet in new situations, he comes out of his shell once he’s had a chance to take it all in.
Breeder Comment
We are so happy to hear from Erica. She sent us a lengthy update which we will break into three parts. We appreciate her detailed explanation of the experience thus far. There is more at stake with Loki–as he is hopefully going to become a part of the Search and Rescue (SAR) team with Erica. This pup is her first to train for SAR, so there is a lot to consider. Nothing but the best combined with attention to every detail– at the same time she keeps calm and collected. This approach will get the desired result.
Finally, let’s all remember raising your first pup is a growth experience. Well–raising the Weimaraner is always a growth experience. They require you to dig deep and to get ahead of the stuff that comes with as well as to avoid being reactive. (OMG) Well, anyone who has been down this path knows that there are surprises. Some are welcome and others not so much. More than anything, the Weimaraner needs to bond and develop the desire to want to please you. Of course, that doesn’t mean they do not have to obey and achieve specific necessary skills. There are those who became so enamored with their intelligent and engaging pup that in the excitement they forgot this is a journey for the Weimaraner and their human. Respect is a two-way street. We cannot wait to see what Loki and Erica achieve together. It is not a race with a time limit. It is a journey to see what they (Erica and Loki) can accomplish as partners.
Training Update
Loki
~even though it looks like I’m just holding Loki, he is actually roped in!!!
Just wanted to give you a quick update on Loki’s eventful week! A week ago we got to rappel together for the first time– we train on ski patrol to evacuate the lift, should it ever be necessary, and we wanted to be sure that Loki could also be safely evacuated. For those who might be concerned, Loki and I were both wearing fully load-rated harnesses designed for such activities (that’s why his patrol uniform vest is load rated!). He did really well– he was a little reluctant to leave the security of the chair (a good thing, really), but as soon as I lifted him off, he relaxed, and we were lowered to the ground– no big deal! It’s fun to see training and socialization pay off.
Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
Speaking of such, Loki passed the CGC this weekend! His only difficulty was staying calm while being petted, but he made it and passed the rest of the test with flying colors. For others interested in taking the CGC, I’d highly recommend taking a class focused on the CGC. It really helped us fine-tune and figure out what we needed to work on.Best wishes, Erica
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