Jake

JAKE

January 26, 2010.... Just a quick update to let everyone know that I'm doing fine in my new foster home. I have a fur sister and brother that I love to play with and run around the yard with. I'm still trying to figure out the small hairy things they call cats. One of them is old and no fun. All she does is hiss and smack me. The other one loves to run from me and you know I like to chase her. So......probably cats are not a good thing. I'm not going to hurt them, but I sure can chase them. I love to ride in the car and will run out the door and stand by the car until you let me in. I'm a VERY big couch potato. I enjoy lounging around on the bed as well as the couch. My favorite spot to sleep is right beside my skin mom with my head on the pillow. Yes, I'm spoiled. I'd love to make someone a great new family member. So.......check me out!!!!

October 20, 2009... Jake's in a new foster home. The day he came to Grandma's House, it took almost four hours to coax him into the kitchen. Skittish doesn't even begin to describe how he was. When my husband came home, Jake barked & barked. The more he barked the further he backed up. Paul spent that first week ignoring the dog, never having eye contact with him.

Even after three weeks, Jake will walk up to Paul at times & just bark non-stop. I think it's the only way the dog knows to communicate ! Not really knowing what else to do, but needing to control the situation, I hollar NO, and tell him OUTSIDE, open the door and let him out for awhile. Sometimes I believe he barks for attention, but, a part of him is still scared to get close to Paul. We haven't figured out what he wants yet, but, we're working on it. Jake has to go with someone that is definitely the pack leader and that can teach him boundaries and make him tow the line. He's also very observant to what's happening outside, he gets anxious at noises and people in the street. When he's too attentive to that I make him come beside me and sit or lay down until he relaxes.

He does great with me, and, he loves the other three dogs in the house. He seems happiest when he's playing . He's got alot of puppy in him, he wants to chew all the time, so put up your shoes & slippers. And, he loves to wrestle with the other dogs, nipping at their legs and ears. He won't do well with kids, he's too strong, and until he learns not to rake a front paw down your arm or leg, it would be best not to put him in that environment.

If you've got the patience of a saint, are the leader of the pack, and like a challenge, you will love Jake. He'll be your best friend forever...

September 14, 2009... Jake was neutered last week and has recovered well. He seems to be housetrained as he has had no accidents in 2 weeks. Jake continues to get along well with all of the other dogs in the house, including a yorkie. We are still working on his fear of men. This will be an ongoing process for Jake but he has improved since coming into foster care. Jake is a loving boy. He is learning his commands while he waits for his forever home - he has learned sit and is working on down.

August 25, 2009... Jake has really improved tremendously in the past month. Every day he gets better and better. When I got him he was very fearful of men, he wouldn't come near my dad for 2 weeks. Now he's his best buddy!! I introduce him to new people every week and he is doing so much better!

He is becoming more well mannered, even though he is just a regular hard headed boxer!! Even with out being neutered, it's been a couple weeks since he's wet his diaper inside... we've been keeping it off of him for a few days and so far no accidents. He's also fully crate trained now. He's probobly one of the goofiest boxers I've had. He's mastered opening the back door when we put him outside. So if you dont lock the door when you put him out.. it only takes about 30 seconds and he's following you right back through the house without even thinking about it. Smart boy!!

August 11, 2009... Jake is starting to work with a trainer this week to work on his house manners. Its obvious he hasn't spent much time inside before. His personality grows more and more everyday. Jake will cuddle with you forever as long as your holding a good bone for him to chew on. We are working on house training.. we're about 80% there. Hopefully getting him neutered soon will help this alot! He has put on about 6-7 pounds and is becoming a really good eater. Still working on putting weight on him. He gets along great with all dogs, good with cats but very curious about them and can get a little rough at times. Really starting to fit in around the house. After Jake knows he can trust you and you aren't going to hurt him, he is an absolute sweet heart!

July 23, 2009... Jake is 1.5 years old. He can be a little shy around people but he is very sweet. He let his foster mom give him a bath his first day home without any trouble. He has made friends with all of the other dogs in his foster hom: a female boxer, a male collie and a male yorkie. He has also met the outdoor cat and seemed to do OK. Jake only weighs 42 lbs at present... so we'll need to fatten him up. He is HW positive and we will need to get this treated. More to come on Jake as we get to know him!