The New Guy

[Pat Muller]

Emmett has arrived-

...and believe me, we are talking MAJOR Doberman.

I took Annie over to Suzy's to be stripped and I picked up Emmett at
the same time. Scott had him on the table when we got there and had
bathed and was trimming him like a show dog. I stood next to the
table while Scott used the dremel to grind down E's nails. Like most
dogs, E does not like the grinding but believe me, he does tolerate.

( I think it was ) Devon came in to say "Good bye" to the boy. It
was obvious E liked her a lot and she, him. When E was done, Scott
gave him a little hug and couple of thumps on his side. I put a Q-
collar on him, attached a long line and helped him off the table.
Emmett immediately jumped up to say "Hi" and poked me in the eye with
his big nose. Scott smiled and said "How many Dobermans......"

I corrected him and said "All of them!" Emmett just stood there while
we talked. I told Scott that I had a veteran in mind and hopefully
after E is Re-educated he will have a great new home, living on a
small farm where he can continue what he learns here. Scott was happy
about that and wished the boy good luck. I left and took Emmett out
the door.

There was no hesitation, challenge or fear; instead, Emmett went out
as far as the lead allowed and began sniffing snow. After about 10
minutes, I decided that if he did not have to life his leg any worse
than that, he could wait. I had the pickup truck and I am sure Emmett
has not ridden much in a truck or without a crate. He jumped in but
did not know where to go. I tied a knot in the line and shut it in
the door.

I went around and got in the other side. The length of the line kept
Emmett from really getting in my face but because he is SOOOO big, I
don't mind telling you that while sitting in the driver's seat looking
up at a huge dog's face - that I really don't know - was a very
strange feeling. Emmett was fine, but I thought of all those nice
people who stop and pick up an abandoned dog. I always tell them that
it is really not a good idea and they must be VERY careful. I am more
convinced that is great advice.

Emmett sat upright for quite a while looking down at me. He did not
move nor did he even once, get silly or stupid. Instead he just sat
there. What a beautiful head he has! Emmett's ears are in a
beautiful LONG show cut and stand perfectly...even the tips. It's
funny, when you see a Doberman at a show, it is easy to believe there
is little grooming. I wish you could see the subtle grooming that is
necessary to give that finished look.

Emmett does not have one hair that sticks out for even a whisker for
that matter and believe me; it is one pretty picture and once the
shock of being looked down upon was over, all I could do was smile.
What a great dog this one is and I knew Emmett would be a perfect
addition to our program.

I know that Scott and Suzy could have easily placed Emmett IF they had
not cared about what happened to him. Emmett had not done anything
wrong, his job had simply been eliminated and he needed a new one.
They wanted Emmett to have a positive future and be valued and so did
I...and that's exactly why he is now with me.

We got home about 6pm. I walked him around on a long line and let him
piddle, then brought him into the office. It was pretty obvious that
he and Y-lee will probably not be friends. Emmett knows nothing about
not taking things out of a waste basket, nor does he respect personal
space BUT he was already getting much better about not jumping.

I took him down to the training building and fed the boy. Scott had
warned me that he LIKES his food. In fact the advice was to set it
down and stand back, the food will disappear. Scott was right, so
wetting, almost floating the food, is a must. With that deep chest,
bloat could be a big problem. I was glad that Emmett didn't growl, he
just gobbles his food very very fast.

Emmett was the demo dog yesterday in the veterans class. He did
amazingly well and he was very impressive. The class was very
memorable and believe me you will enjoy that little tale.

Well, I have to run back over and get little bald Annie. This was her
first stripping and I am sure she will be glad to see me. That mean
old Scott pulled off all her hair and no one has EVER treated her that
way!

Later

Pat

[Sara Peterka]

So sad for them. But how lucky for you and the vets.

Sara

[Pat Muller]

Hi

Well, Emmett has moved from the training building and is now in the
kennel. I left him in the training building because I wanted him to
connect with me and that has happened already.

In each class and private, I have had Emmett tied to the wall since
Tuesday. In the beginning all he wanted to do was bark, bark, bark.
Emmett was worried and did not mind letting everyone know. Besides
being tied in each class, I have also walked/worked Emmett in each
class. He is quickly learning that part of his job is to watch and
part of his job is to work. He likes the work.

Emmett has been here 4 days and he has gone from hyper vigilent to
bored. Now, instead of standing the entire time, he lies down and
watches for a while and will often nap. Once in a while he will still
bark if there is something going on that he questions but for the most
part, Emmett just relaxes and waits patiently.

Instead of barking being his biggest issue, marking is now the most
irritating focus. Emmett even marked me. In my mind, I know it is a
compliment but somehow reality is I do not approve.

Today I had a 2 year old Airedale come for a temperament assessment.
Now that we have dealt with her issues, Scarlett will stay and I will
be working on some training. In a couple of weeks, Scarlett will then
be going to a new home. Scarlett had a couple of BIG issues and
Emmett laid there and watched the entire lesson.

Now that we have addressed her baggage, Scarlett is a much happier
girl and even likes me. I introduced her to Emmett and the two
connected. Emmett must have sensed Scarlett's fear and Scarlett
recognized Emmett's strength. Neither worried or felt threatened by
the other; so when I finished the lesson with Scarlett, I put her in a
kennel. Then I put Emmett in the kennel nextdoor.

I fed the boy and when I left, both dogs were getting to know
eachother through the chainlink. They will be good for eachother
during the rehabilitation, transition and training process.

It is amazing that Emmett is becoming a useful dog already.

Later

Pat

[Janis Moore]

Good for Emmett, nice that the found him the right place to be and
Scarlett too.

Janis